Views of our Fundamental Human Nature

Metaphor is a way of seeing. Are we among those who pass along the way--clapping and hissing and pointing the finger of blame and shame? Perspectives or “windows” on the person “opened” or “created” varies by certain theological commitments of pastors active in ministry, and the pastoral counselor. Windows (or perspectives, and limitations) are among the important metaphors in this essay. Metaphor is the key term. Views of our fundamental human nature are described by way of metaphor. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and if one cannot step into the same flow of water twice, because it changes and we change, then it can mean many different things. Beauty, as metaphor, is emotional and transient and cannot be objectively measured. What is beauty to one person may not be to another. A subjective use of metaphor is intended. Therefore, I shall argue that beauty is in the eye and emotions and experiences of the beholder. This essay makes use of metaphor as a way to talk about beauty, emotions, change, the natural environment, and our fundamental human nature. Pictures or selected photos are employed. Metaphor (and paying attention to small detail are) important parts of gathering information in pastoral care. Certain questions are raised about our fundamental human nature. Pastors, active in ministry, ought to be interested in the many metaphors used to describe change in human emotions and relations, behavior and nature.