Can symbols be ‘promoted’ or ‘demoted’?: Symbols as religious phenomena
Author(s)
Jaco BeyersKeywords
The BibleBS1-2970
Philosophy. Psychology. Religion
B
DOAJ:The Bible
DOAJ:Religion
DOAJ:Philosophy and Religion
Practical Theology
BV1-5099
Full record
Show full item recordAbstract
Religious symbols are part of our world, relating to another world. In order to understand the process by which symbols grow and develop, the particular context of a symbol is important. In this article a particular theory as to what symbols are, is presented. Religion presupposes the existence of two worlds: this-worldly (profane) and the other-worldly (sacred). The means of communication and reference between these two worlds are symbols. Two examples are investigated so as to indicate how symbols can over time either be demoted or promoted. In the case of the Asherah and asherah as related in the Old Testament a demotion of a symbol is illustrated. The growth of ancient Egyptian religion is an example of a possible promotion of symbols. The conditions under which these processes can occur are investigated.Date
2013-03-01Type
ArticleIdentifier
oai:doaj.org/article:3de3632f78164d6f971360e6c1dfa66b0259-9422
2072-8050
https://doaj.org/article/3de3632f78164d6f971360e6c1dfa66b