Allegory
The term Allegory is chosen to describe the relationship between religious scripture or mythology and the natural universe because it implies the intent on the part of the author to describe one thing (the universe and human morality) by telling a story a story about another thing (god).
It is more generally inclusive than Metaphor, so this wiki will not typically distinguish between them to avoid redundant links. Symbol, analogy, and myth also redirect here. See language for more.
"Wordsworth wrote "I wandered lonely as a cloud" but clouds don't have legs. How was he able to get away with that kind of stuff?" -Philomena Cunk
Interpreting scripture as allegory is the alternative to literalism. It is also the most important first step towards developing a belief system based on science and rationality. As such, scripture, literalism and allegory are heavily referenced throughout this wiki.
While the idea that we should do this is a theological tradition that is older than Thomas Aquinas [1], for many Christians this is a deconstruction they have not yet undertaken. Theories of cognitive development explain the psychological reasons for this.
The First Step Towards Truth
The belief systems we adopt when we are young tend towards the literal. There are many cognitive development theories outlined on the necessary prerequisites page that provide a scientific framework for why this is. At a certain level of education and reading comprehension, the literal interpretation of scripture is the easiest way for the mind to to comprehend the universe, develop a system of ethics, and a sense of meaning in life.
Recognizing that language, scripture, and religion are all rooted in symbolism and allegory, and that no text can be read except through the personal and cultural lens of the reader, frees you from the cognitive dissonance of supernatural contradiction. Now you can start looking for evidence of the reality behind the metaphor instead of trying to prove the literal existence of symbols. This is a far more interesting, complex, and intellectually rewarding exercise.
The Fractal Tree of Knowledge shows the series of logical conclusions that this leads to.
Mapping Metaphors
See metaphor mapping for examples of how allegories from scripture can be reinterpreted within a pantheist context to make them compatible with science.
Allegory Videos