using animals as symbols.

[BlackPanther]

is it wrong to use an animal in your mind as a symbol...for example an animal that you find strong...as a symbol of a fighter or something. a symbolic thing of something strong to represent fighting satan and temptation for example? is this wrong? i'm not saying worship it. just use it often.

 

[LuxPerpetua]

I'm confused. Can you be more specific? I'm not really sure what you're asking.

 

[BlackPanther]

i don't really know how to explain it...

 

[Sharky]

i think you're talking about some idolatory thing. I kinda know what you mean.

I wouldn't know unfortunately. I'd say just don't worship it.

 

[BlackPanther]

i don't mean worship. hmm. i'm not sure how to word it.

 

[Sharky]

You mean to use it in your mind as symbolism for fighting temptation? EG if you're tempted with lust you imagine yourself as a giant lion crushing that form of lust?

If that's it i don't see anything wrong.

 

[BlackPanther]

You mean to use it in your mind as symbolism for fighting temptation? EG if you're tempted with lust you imagine yourself as a giant lion crushing that form of lust?

If that's it i don't see anything wrong.

yes. something like that!

 

[ChrisB]

I don't see anything terribly wrong with the approach you suggest. The Bible uses animal imagery eg

Revelation 10
3and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke.


Psalm 55
6 I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest-

Isaiah 53
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

If you're using animal imagery/symbolism in this way I think it's fine - just be careful it doesn't stray into animal worship

 

[Sharky]

I personally take things a little more violently than your approach .

Everytime my lust comes up, i imagine myself with a giant sword slicing that lustful object in half. Naturally you have blood but i won't go into details of that .

 

[BlackPanther]

yes, good ideas. and i agree. its easy to accidentally be sucked into animal worship.