Literal vs Symbolic Thinking Learning to recognize the

Literal vs. Symbolic Thinking Learning to recognize the Sacred

�Communication through symbols is based on the human ability to think symbolically. �Modern Western thinkers struggle to think symbolically. �Example of Pig story �When we see things only at a literal level, we endanger our ability to recognize the deeper meanings they can convey to us. We endanger our ability to recognize the sacred Learning to think Symbolically

�Literal Thinking involves considering something only at face value—just being concerned with the facts. �Often the attitude reduces all of life to just the observable, measurable things (fundamentalism—religion, science, politics). �This type of thinking closes the door to the possibility of there being a deeper significance beyond the literal. Literal Thinking

�Literal thinking is important and often necessary. �Example of airplane pilot �At the same time there is a necessity and importance to thinking symbolically. �It is actually naturally and human to think symbolically (romantic thinking). �Symbolic thinking helps us see the specialness of all things. �It is a skill necessary for celebrating sacraments. Importance of Literal Thinking and Symbolic Thinking

�Jesus taught with signs and symbols �In fact, it is impossible to understand Jesus teaching unless you think symbolically �Parables of the Prodigal son, or the farmer and the seeds. �Jesus spends much of his time helping people to thinking symbolically and to stop thinking only literally. � Examples of John 3 and John 4 Jesus and Symbolic Thinking