Back in October 30th, 2009 I shared a bit about Diabolic and Symbolic.
I am not sure where I read this but the author shared a bit about the word "parable". Here is a link to a basic etymology of the word parable.
As you can see from this etymology, parable literally means "a throwing beside," (from para- "alongside" + bole)
So we have "symbol" meaning 'that which is thrown together' and "diabolical' meaning 'that which is thrown across/through' and "parable" meaning 'that which is thrown alongside'.
What I find interesting here is that Jesus taught primarily through parables. It is my understanding that theology that Jesus was also one who lived a deeply symbolic life (throwing things together such as bread/body and wine/blood). As one who lived symbolically he taught in a way that was parabolic, that is he would throw things along side one another (such as our enemy is also our neighbor whom we are called to love not hate).
It is remarkable to me, and I am not really sure why to be honest, that there seems to be a connection here between the symbolic, diabolic and parabolic.
Perhaps the way to live a symbolic life, a life that brings things together, is first being willing to throw things along side one another and live parabolically.
But then again, I suppose one could throw things along side one another and still end up living a diabolic life, or a life that throws things apart. Perhaps parables are neither 'good' or 'bad' but a way in which leads us to a certain life. I don't know, as you can see I am not really formed on these thoughts just yet.
So I ask you, what do you think about these connections? Do you see any connection between symbolic, diabolic and parabolic? Does this connect with Jesus as you see it? What about our individual lives? What about life within a community?