The parable is a powerful means of conveying truth and insight. As a tool for teaching, it draws the reader’s attention to contradictions and inconsistencies in cherished belief systems and pet theories. As a story, it causes the reader to see how actions that might otherwise appear to be perfectly reasonable are actually illogical.
Parable as a literary form and teaching format conveys insights, but is rightfully outside of science’s wheel house.
Even so, a person whose primary focus is science can appreciate the profound truths gained through a parable. So the following story, posted within a science and religion dialog, invites us to distinguish between the literal truth of science and the metaphorical truth told through a mythical character.
God’s Wisdom Knocks, the Parable
The 2013 Catholic Conclave closed its doors to begin their election of the new Pope. As the doors closed, the faithful around the world prayed for God’s Wisdom in selecting the next pope.
Having heard the prayers, God’s Wisdom, Sophia…
…Cried out in the street;
In Saint Peter’s Square she raised her voice.
At the busiest cobble-stoned street corner she cried out;
At the entrance the gates of Vatican City she spoke:
How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge? (a. Adopted from Proverbs 1: 20-21.)
She swept past the guards into Saint Peter’s Basilica, and wandered the halls until she found the entrance the Sistine Chapel. There she knocked, and the Conclave’s doorman swung open the door.
The Doors to the Conclave
From her came forth the words:
My Wisdom is a treasure unto men that never fails: which you Cardinals could use to become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts that come from learning. (b, Adopted from The Book of Wisdom or The Wisdom of Solomon)
From inside the 115 scarlet-robed Cardinals stared in shock at the woman standing outside the Chapel. In unison, 115 voices bellowed:
No women allowed!”
The doorman slammed the doors shut.
“I love you,” replied God’s Wisdom.
But her voice was drowned out by the banging of the doors.
The next day, 115 men selected the next Pope—but the voice of God’s Wisdom was not heard.
(a) Adopted from Proverbs 1: 20-21. See http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%201:20-21&version=NRSV
(b) Adopted from The Book of Wisdom or The Wisdom of Solomon. See http://ebible.org/kjv/Wisdom.htm and The Catholic Encyclopedia (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15666a.htm)
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