This document discusses the use of metaphor, particularly the metaphor of "Light", in Quaker faith and language. It provides several examples of metaphors used by early Friends, such as "Light/Hold in the Light", "Lamb's War", and "Ocean of Light/Darkness". It notes that while some meanings have shifted over time, "Light" remains a resonant metaphor in the 21st century. The document encourages finding new metaphors, including from other languages and cultures, to capture personal experience and add to the worldwide Quaker vocabulary.

1. “We have to build
the spiritual world
out of symbols taken from
our own personality,
as we build the scientific world
out of the symbols
of the mathematician –
therefore establishing
a personal relationship”
Arthur Eddington 1929

2. “Personal language
is the best way we have
to express
an inexpressible relation”
Janet Scott 1980

3. DiscussionTime
Metaphor inYour Life

4. Part B
A Look at Light
What Friends Have to Say

5. Early Friends
had to create
a new
language to
help express
their
discoveries,
particularly in
counterpoint
to the
prevailing
ideas.
Gathered Meeting
Seasoning
Light/Hold in the Light
Lamb’sWar
Ocean of Light/Darkness
Threshing

6. Some meanings have shifted over
time, but “light” is still very
resonant in 21st century

7. George Fox began using Light as a metaphor
for Christ and Christ’s love
“Stand still in the Light”
– to see one’s transgressions as well as the way to God
Light as illumination for discovery/guidance
Light as presence – support, consolation and healing
Light as experienced by different people – discovery in diversity

8. DiscussionTime
What Does Light Mean toYou?

9. Part C –
Time for
Cuban/Spanish
metaphors?

10. Metaphors are often language
and culture based

11. Some translate better than others
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12. New metaphors to capture your
own experience, and add to the
worldwide Quaker vocabulary?

13. “threshing” for the 21st century?

14. DiscussionTime
and Report Back to Plenary