Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Graduated with a PhD in Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Qom Branch, Qom, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Qom University of Religions and Sects, Qom, Iran.
Abstract
Abstract
The articulation of the divisions of image, model, concept, and theory is essential to understanding McFague's theological method. McFague introduces image, model, concept, and theory as stages in the process of creating language about God. The specific model image proposed serves as a means of theological interpretation that forms a number of generalized images in relation to the word and the model of God. Furthermore, the entire system of images, models, and concepts can be related to each other and to other models, and the system can be applied to a wider range of topics at the level of theory. Although McFague uses this process more generally, leaving aside the specific form of language interpretation about God and applying the approach to other areas, he provides little specific reference to this process. The four categories, especially image and model, are expanded, and the terms image, model, concept, and theory are substituted, indicating specific roles and functions in accordance with his methodological scheme. They are more like roles in a play that may be played by a number of different actors. This article examines each of the basic divisions and how McFague employs them in his theology and in relation to understanding metaphorical theology and the Christian tradition, to identify their purpose and application from McFague's perspective, not only considering his purposes as the nature of each but also showing how he expresses them as they should be related.
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