Faithful Perspectives
Metaphorical Conceptualization of Inner Peace in Islamic and Christian Literature: A Comparative Analysis View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Lorena Bort Mir, Susan Ghaffaryan
Inner peace is something that we all seek to a greater or lesser extent. We assume that investigating how the world's different religions conceptualize inner peace will help us on our way to well-being. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the metaphorical conceptualization of inner peace in Islamic and Christian literature. Our study employs a cognitive approach to explore the nuanced representations and underlying conceptualizations of inner peace within these two major world religions. The research delves into the metaphorical structures, linguistic expressions, and symbolic representations used to convey the concept of inner peace in Islamic and Christian religious texts. Through a content analysis of metaphorical language, the study identifies commonalities and divergences in the conceptualization of inner peace, shedding light on these metaphors' cultural, theological, and philosophical implications. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the underlying cognitive structures and cultural implications within Islamic and Christian teachings by elucidating the metaphorical frameworks employed in articulating inner peace. The comparative analysis offers insights into how these religions conceptualize and articulate the pursuit of inner peace, providing a basis for dialogue, mutual understanding, and fostering peaceful coexistence in a multicultural world.
Ἅγιος Λόγος, Divine Word: Philosophic Identity Construction in Late Second Temple Judaism View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Lauren Mayes
Jewish identity in antiquity is a deeply embedded reality whose lived experience weaves between modern scholarly boundaries of Biblical and Classical studies. In order to replicate that interconnectivity, I investigate Jewish identity here as first century Jews themselves presented it in Rome to gentile audiences. By utilizing the historical-critical and comparative methods, I place the works of Josephus, Paul, and Philo of Alexandria in conversation with each other and with Rome. Paul and Philo are treated as dynamic philosophical thinkers while Josephus provides a more ‘secular’ background against which to triangulate their thought. The result is an understanding of Jewish identity construction and legitimation in the first century that is inherently self-aware and philosophical, especially when presented to Roman gentile audiences.
