Literary symbols and religious belief
Keywords:
Symbolism in literature, Symbolism, Christian, Swedish literature, Swedish poetry, Implicit religionAbstract
Characteristic of the modern situation is the lack of any distinction between the languages of belief and non-belief. Thus, over a wide area, a believer on the one hand may use symbols which are in no way recognisable as specifically Christian, and may do so even when he wishes to portray experiences of a profoundly religious character; as reader, he can also recognise such experiences in the symbolism of the non-believer. A non-believer, on the other hand, may use Christian symbols without enabling us to attribute to him any conversion to faith. How then is one to describe the difference between believing and expressing a belief one does not share? The essential difference should be seen as resting in the attitude towards the truth of the symbol or statement of belief. In addition, at least as far as the Christian faith is concerned, there is also a moral obligation which is a consequence of faith. Furthermore, there is the sense of communion with those who embrace the same faith.How to Cite
Linnér, S. (1979). Literary symbols and religious belief. Scripta Instituti Donneriani Aboensis, 10, 117–125. https://doi.org/10.30674/scripta.67123
Copyright (c) 1979 Sven Linnér
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