Analogy

~ parable, illustration, metaphor

~ a simple story used to illustrate a point or a moral or spiritual lesson. Because no analogy can describe all the details of a complex topic, as a rule they focus only on one or two particular points.

What does elephant look like?

It’s the same as when three blind men are brought to an elephant. One touches the trunk, the second his leg, and the last one the tail. When they try to describe the elephant, their experience is vastly different. The first one talks about snake-like animal. The second mentions rugged columns. And the third one insists on a swinging rope. Each one is trying to describe one side of the whole story.

Metaphors are like those blind men, they are not trying to explain everything. They focus on one part of the whole.

Why to use illustrations?

When we encounter new ideas, our brain goes into reptile mode. It’s either fascinated by the idea and falls for it hook, line, and sinker or it rejects the new info without scrutiny.

Illustrations simplify complex ideas and make them more relatable. We are more likely to accept things we understand. Good metaphors give us the clarity. They create the “Aha!” moment.

As with most things, there are six factors affecting our ability to understandSix things affect our ability to learn When we encounter brand new ideas, our brain goes into reptile mode—it is either fascinated by the idea and falls for it hook,… Discover more… something. Analogies are addressing the first factor—familiarity.

Familiarity with the concept

Comparing things to something we know well, takes away the friction of learning something new. Instead of trying to understand the topic, we can focus on the principle behind the metaphor.

When to use analogy?

Anytime you want people to have a clear understanding of the point you are trying to make. Breaking complex topic down into several relatable pieces or illustrating different sides of a problem with relevant analogies enables people to grasp the gist of what you are trying to say.

How to use metaphors?

The best illustrations invoke an image of everyday objects or a common situation that is relatable to the listeners/readers. By creating a visual representation they will see the topic in a new light.

Metaphors in the Bible

There are hundreds of illustrations used to explain complex truths in simple terms. In the Old Testament the analogies were used by prophets, kings, songwriters, and teachers. In the New Testament, Jesus and his apostles used parables and metaphors even more.

Parables told by Jesus

Jesus was a master storyteller. He used parables often to describe the invisible God, Spiritual realm—Heaven—or to explain life principles.