Literature

All scripture is God-breathed

2 Timothy 3:16

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In order for a the world to have meaning, it must be presented in a particular way. The events of Eden need to be framed in a story in order to describe what truly took place. If one were to simply say "man was removed from paradise," while that would be true, it is not the entire truth. The same is true if Genesis 1 was reduced to the phrase "God made everything," - for the order of events, the details of God's actions, of manifesting and forming the creation- these all bring the truth into greater clarity for us. In this way the written word in literature can function as a distillation of truth that pries more deeply into reality than experience alone.

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The writings the saints in scripture are unique in that they can express reality as it is, both seen and unseen. They choose words and phrases with intention, weaving together details and patterns that exist in the world to depict them in such a way to reveal their God given significance. Consider the details of Creation: the creation is described in three portions- the heavens, the waters (sky and sea), and the land. The Temple is defined in this same way, divided into three - the outer court, inner court and holy of holies. The language used for each description links the two together, creation is made sacred- Eden a temple; Adam a priest. 

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The approach to the Scriptures and the writings of saints must be with the idea that they are attempting to frame reality in a certain way- a true way that goes beyond mere experience. C.S. Lewis calls Christianity "the true myth"- a reality that is more true when it is spoken of than seen, resounding deeply into the human soul with recognition. The saints are those who have opened windows into the truth of the world, that all men might glimpse God in the mirrors of creation.

(Part 5 of 14 of Mimetic Reality series)