Metaphors and the Church

Metaphoricity is central to language and understanding.

Interpreting scripture and understanding theology is impossible without paying close attention to the networks of meaning that are conveyed by biblical metaphors.

That is why Rob Hewell's critique of Southern Baptist Convention President Johnny Hunt's choice of a metaphor for the church is of more than passing significance.

In a recent interview, Hunt said "the church is king." Here's are excerpts from Hewell's critique:

Hunt was obviously seeking to clarify what he perceives to be an issue related to accountability, but it's curious that the convention president would use a non-biblical analogy for the church in order to make his point.

The apostle Paul compared the church to a body. While all parts are necessary, even the most seemingly insignificant, the parts are necessarily directed by the head. He concluded that Christ is the head of the church. While the mantle of authority does, indeed, rest appropriately on confident shoulders, the mantle is of little value minus the crown on the head of the sovereign. In yet another analogy, Paul wrote that the church is a bride, and that Christ himself is the bridegroom. No doubt the bride receives honor, yet that honor is bound up in her relationship to the groom. . . .

Christ, not the church, should be king in Baptist life. So referring to the church as king, even to make a point about the church-denomination relationship, aggravates the problem rather than mitigates it. Using a descriptor for the church that is reserved for the church's Supreme Ruler does not serve the church well.

Well said, Brother Hewell.