Peter, I don't have any problem with speaking poetically, or metaphorically...
but I just want to point out a few things that might be causing confusion.
5 points then pizza.
1. When debating or studying doctrinal issues, we want to strive for as much clarity as possible, so we can all understand each other.
2. The clarity required, on scriptural issues, can get very technical, and can often hinge on all kinds of tiny semantics, like just the particular way a word is used "here" differently than over "there."
3. So in doctrinal study, or doctrinal debate, it's always necessary to stick as closely to scriptural text as possible, and be as clear and careful as possible with the biblical words... since it's the exact words of scripture which we need to study.
4. So, although it's perfectly fine to use poetic language and metaphor when encouraging and uplifting the brethren AFTER we've done our study... it's very confusing to everyone if we use metaphorical language DURING a study or DURING a debate.
5. I'm not making a case that anything you posted above is bad; I'm just pointing out that sometimes we say perfectly nice things at an unusual time or place, and it comes out confusing.
I do it all the time.
It happens.
So what's my point? It's all about pizza.
Sometime, here on CC, there are huge arguments over nothing but misunderstandings.
Someone will make a statement that can be seen different ways; these kinds of statements are like a
pizza that's half pepperoni and half anchovy. And before you know it, two people are looking at the same
pizza, arguing over whether or not it's a pepperoni pizza!
This kind of
"pizza" argument happens every day.
It usually starts when the OP posts something that's unclear.
Sometimes it starts from a unclear comment.
However it starts, the
"pizza" argument always starts when someone with good intentions makes the TINY mistake of just saying something that's a bit unclear, or doesn't fit the context of "study" and "debate."
Whenever I see these pizza things happen, I try to point them out.
My hope is we can get in the habit of going the extra mile, and trying to be EXTRA PRECISE when we're doing study or debate.
Half the time we're all just fighting over pizza.
: )