Parables are a powerful literary device and teaching tool. By examining the content and form of these parables, we may identify principles of how the Lord works with individuals in addition to the doctrine revealed and the actions required. This article focuses on the seven parables in the Doctrine and Covenants, with a particular emphasis on the three original to the text. How did Christ’s latter-day audience differ from that of his day, and how do parables help the Lord communicate with his people? While his presentation of parables in the Doctrine and Covenants differs markedly-at times he references them briefly, and at times he offers an extended explanation-each instance reveals the Lord using parables to expand the Saints’ understanding and to call them to action. This change invokes questions about the audience and the function of parables in the Doctrine and Covenants. Centuries later, Christ again employed parables in the Doctrine and Covenants however, the camouflage aspect of these parables is absent. Some are straightforward and require little explanation, while others are indefinite and have been copiously analyzed and debated. It was not his purpose to cast pearls before swine.” The function of parables differs widely within the New Testament. McConkie wrote, “When opposition to his message became bitter and intense, the master Teacher chose to present many of the truths of salvation in parables in order to hide his doctrine from those not prepared to receive it. Expanding on the sentiments Christ expressed in chapter 4 of the Gospel of Mark, Elder Bruce R. Yet at times, Christ also used parables to conceal his message. By teaching in parables, Christ ignited his listeners’ imaginations and made many difficult ideas comprehensible. Amy Easton-Flake received her PhD in English from Brandeis University and was teaching literature and writing courses at Brandeis and Framingham State when this book was published.įigurative language and images communicate in ways that rational arguments cannot.
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