Metaphors for God: The Characteristics of Metaphor and the Use of Metaphor in Contemporary Women's Preaching
Abstract
In academic writing, feminist theologians use various techniques for referring to God. For example, Rosemary R. Ruether uses the term "God/ess" and Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza "G*d," but both of these written variations are problematic in verbal prayers, liturgies and sermons. In 1987, Sallie McFague explored metaphor as an appropriate method for speaking about God. This article explores seven characteristics of metaphor based on the work of Sallie McFague, Sandra Schneiders and Ruth Duck. This article then briefly details the results and implications of a survey of women's sermons, read in light of the seven characteristics of metaphor.For articles: All articles published in Homiletic are the exclusive property of the Journal. All copyright rights to the article shall be owned by and be in the name of the Academy of Homiletics. The Academy of Homiletics in turn grants all authors the right to reprint their articles in any format that they choose, without the payment of royalties, subject to giving proper credit to the original publication with Homiletic. The Academy of Homiletics also permits articles to be copied for non-profit educational use provided proper credit is given to Homiletic. Authors may self-archive their articles in an institutional repository or other online location, provided proper credit is given to Homiletic.
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