Fact, Theory, or Metaphor

Here are some claims that most of us have heard. Tell me if it is a fact, a theory, or a metaphor. Wait! If I go any further with this, we are going to run into a real issue if we’re not all operating from the same standard of meaning. Ok, let me define fact, theory and metaphor according to dictionary.com:

Fact: noun; 1. Something that actually exists; reality; truth; 2. Something known to exist or to have happened; 3. a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true; 4. something said to be true or supposed to have happened

Theory: noun; 1. a coherent group of tested general propositions, commonly regarded as correct, that can be used as principles of explanation and prediction for a class of phenomena; 2. a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural and subject to experimentation, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact; 3. a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles; 4. contemplation or speculation; 5. guess or conjecture

Metaphor: noun; 1. a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance; 2. something used, or regarded as being used, to represent something else; emblem; symbol

Now we can split hairs all day on how best to use these terms but for this exercise let’s say that a fact is real, it happened, and it has witnesses to attest to its validity of occurring. A theory is a hunch that still needs to be confirmed to become a fact; it is a proposal of a viewpoint in an attempt to become a fact. A metaphor is a style of language used to show a relation between two or more diverse objects. If you have difficulties with these three definitions I have supplied, then you are than welcome to reference the fuller ones previously mentioned.

Since we have useable definitions, let’s begin. Tell me if the following is a fact, a theory, or a metaphor.

A. God is Love.
B. God cannot be around sin.
C. God is angry, wrathful and vengeful.
D. Jesus died in exchange for our sins.
E. Jesus died so that we can go to heaven.
F. The blood of Jesus washed away our sins.
G. Believers are the temple of God.
H. No sins are forgiven without the spilling of blood.
I. The wages of sin is death.
J. All mankind is saved by grace.
K. The kingdom of God has come to earth.
L. The apocalypse is the end of the world.
M. A person must be saved before they can call on God.

I understand that some of these might have multiple answers or be very difficult to fit a definition to it. The purpose is to get you to think rather than agree with what we always been told. This is where the truth you know will make you free. We need to create a dialog not a wall of separation. I know I do not have all the answers but I’m looking. If it’s good news, it has to be good for all, or its good for nothing.

If you’re willing to explore these further, then great. If you’re not, then great. Either way is right for you. My path is to find truth. You’re welcome to tag along if you want. Simple rule though. We don’t have to agree on everything to travel this road together. Your theory has just as much weight as mine and they both may be right or wrong. We celebrate truth.