Rebus: Where Words and Images Meet: Theology - Symbolism

 Traveling far enough in any direction leads to an ocean. This simple fact led ancient peoples in all places to wonder if water is ultimate reality. Standing at the ocean’s edge still evokes for moderns multiplex feelings of primordial boundlessness, origins, awe, and profound peace all at the same time. Then it seems we intuitively know that water is more than just one more thing in the world.

1. What is the thesis of the essay? Has the essay satisfactorily proven it? Why or why not?

2. How does the essay distinguish between a “sign” and “symbol”? Use one example of water as a religious symbol in the essay and explain how it is a “symbol” instead of a “sign” according to this distinction?

3. Identify at least one assumption of the author. Do you agree or disagree with this assumption? Why or why not?

4. Compare and contrast how water functions in the creation stories of at least two different religious traditions?

5. What function for people does water serve when it is used as a religious symbol? What need is it meeting or what question is it answering? Can you think of a way water symbolism could possibly function in a similar way for people today who are not adherents of any of the religious traditions discussed in the essay?

6. How have the other four traditional “elements” (i.e., fire, air, earth, etc.) functioned as a religious symbols?

Abrams, Paula. The Water Page. http://www.africanwater.org/religion.htm

Protas, Allison. Dictionary of Symbolism.
http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/F/fourelem.html

Witcombe, Chris and Sang Hwang. H20 - The Mystery, Art, and Science of Water. Sweet Briar College.
http://witcombe.sbc.edu/water/religion.html