Applying Abstract Theological Concepts with Concrete Stories
Theological concepts, though abstract, are frequently communicated and clarified through concrete narratives and illustrations in Christian thought. This method is evident throughout the New Testament, where abstract ideas are grounded in relatable stories or historical examples.
The Apostle Paul, for instance, often employs illustrations to explain complex theological truths. In Romans 7:2-3, he uses the analogy of marriage and death to explain the believer's relationship to the law. This passage is not an allegory where every detail holds a theological meaning, but rather an illustration designed to convey two specific points: that death releases a person from legal obligations, and that freedom from one relationship allows for a new one [4]. Paul then applies this illustration to the believer's freedom from the law through Christ's death, enabling a new relationship with Him [4]. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 3:12, Paul describes different types of teaching as building materials—gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—to illustrate the varying quality and durability of doctrines built upon the foundation of Christ [3]. These materials represent the intrinsic worth, purity, and substantiality of sound doctrine, contrasting with less valuable teachings [3].
The book of Hebrews provides an extended example of abstract theological concepts being illuminated through a series of historical narratives. Hebrews 11, often called the "faith hall of fame," defines faith and then immediately illustrates its nature and effects through the lives of numerous Old Testament figures [1]. The author begins with a definition of faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1) and then proceeds to demonstrate this faith through the actions of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and others [1]. These stories show faith in action, such as Abraham's obedience in leaving his homeland and his willingness to offer Isaac, or Moses's choice to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the pleasures of Egypt [1]. These narratives serve to make the abstract concept of faith tangible and exemplary for the readers.
The communication style of early Christian leaders also emphasized clarity over elaborate rhetoric. Paul states that his preaching was "not with enticing words of man's wisdom" but rather focused on the message of Christ crucified [5]. This approach prioritizes the substance of the message, often conveyed through understandable examples, over sophisticated philosophical arguments [5]. The Holy Spirit is understood to teach and enable believers to speak "spiritual things" by "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" [2]. This can involve interpreting Old Testament scriptures in light of the Gospel or illustrating Gospel mysteries through Old Testament types [2].
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus, later the Apostle Paul, serves as a powerful concrete story illustrating a profound theological shift. His dramatic transformation from persecutor to preacher, and his subsequent willingness to suffer for the very doctrine he once opposed, is presented as compelling evidence for the truth of Christianity [6]. This personal narrative demonstrates the transformative power of divine intervention and the radical reorientation of life that can result from encountering Christ [6].
These examples demonstrate a consistent pattern in Christian thought: abstract theological concepts are frequently made accessible and impactful through concrete stories, historical accounts, and relatable illustrations, ensuring that profound truths are not merely intellectual exercises but are understood in their practical and transformative dimensions.
Sources
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 11 (introduction): A definition of faith, Heb 11:1, Heb 11:2. What are its immediate objects, Heb 11:3. What are its effects, instanced in Abel, Heb 11:4. In Enoch, Heb 11:5, Heb 11:6. In Noah, Heb 11:7. In Abraham, Heb 11:8-10. In Sara, Heb 11:11. In their righteous posterity, Heb 11:12-16 In Abraham's offering of his son Isaac, Heb 11:17-19. In Isaac, Heb 11:20. In Jacob, Heb 11:21. In Joseph, Heb 11:22. In Moses, Heb 11:23-28. In the Israelites in the wilderness, Heb 11:29. In the fall of Jericho, Heb 11:30. In Rahab, Heb 11:31. In several of the judges, and in David,”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:12: Now if any man build upon this foundation,.... The different materials laid by one and the same man, on this foundation, or the different doctrines advanced upon it, are some of them comparable to gold, silver, precious stones; for their intrinsic worth and value; for the purity and sincerity of them; for their weight, importance, solidity, and substantiality; for their durableness; for the great esteem they are had in by those, who know the worth of them; and for the great usefulness they are of unto them, being rich in themselves, and enriching to them; and”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 7:2: 7:2-3 These verses are not an allegory, in which every element of the story has a theological counterpart. Paul simply cites an illustration to make two basic points: Death can release a person from obligation to the law, and freedom from one relationship can allow a person to establish a new one. Paul applies the illustration in 7:4.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 2:4: And my speech, and my preaching,.... As he determined, so he acted. As the subject matter of his ministry was not any of the liberal arts and sciences, or the philosophy and dry morality of the Gentiles, but salvation by a crucified Christ; so his style, his diction, his language used in preaching, was not with enticing words of man's wisdom; with technical words, words of art, contrived by human wisdom to captivate the affections; and with bare probable arguments only, a show of reason to persuade the mind to an assent, when nothing solid and substantial is a”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 9:16: How great things he must suffer - Instead of proceeding as a persecutor, and inflicting sufferings on others, I will show him how many things he himself must suffer for preaching that very doctrine which he has been hitherto employed in persecuting. Strange change indeed! And with great show of reason, as with incontrovertible strength of argument, has a noble writer, Lord Lyttleton, adduced the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, and his subsequent conduct, as an irrefragable proof of the truth of Christianity. Some think that the words, I will show him, etc., refer to a v”