Symbols - Academic Engagement

Description or definition

Symbols activate, represent and promotes values in two ways. In the first representation of a symbol Deming refers to the U.S. flag as, “stands for liberty, signifies patriotism” Deming, 2005:16), however it may also evoke strong sentiments and emotions to how people relate to the symbol itself. An example of this how Christians relate to the crucifix; Protestants display a crucifix without Jesus adorned on to it in their places of worship and Roman Catholics adorn the crucifix with Jesus crucified. The emotional sentiment attached to the symbol of the crucifix with its visual representations displayed and can work to promote and represent emotional values people ascribe to.

b) Use by the Selected Author

In the later part of chapter 2 and chapter 3, Deming deconstructs religious symbols association with how adherents interpret them and attempts to attach logical reasoning. Deming looks at physical symbols created into structures such as a Mayan Temple, and attire such as a Jewish shawl and the logical reasons the adherents attach to their symbolism and religious purposes. Deming also works to analyze the symbols roles in rituals as well where he notes one such example in chapter 3 that, “ cleansing rituals often indicate that adherents envision a ultimate reality to be “pure” in some manner” (Deming 2005:21). Deming’s look in attempting to “understand the of profane” (Deming: 2005:21), for adherents to navigate their way to an ultimate reality is fashioned by their interpretation and definitions that are never fully answered. But Deming’s resolve appears to accept the religious symbols attached to one’s broader understanding in constructing religious practices, symbolic values to become a scaffolding point for one’s emotional attachment, and personal fulfillment.

c) Further reflections

Deming takes quite a pragmatic approach to religious symbols, “ultimate realities”, and where logical values are associated with one’s emotional attachment. Yet in considering his practical approach to religious practices and symbols, his sentiments appear to be detached from personal interpretations and persuasive directions for the emotional fulfilment for religious adherents. Deming notes that adherents have emotional attachments but does not tie religious identity of adherents to their drive of their personal fulfilment to any one specific purpose. Ritualistic practices consider the symbols and physical structures as Deming notes but also underscores that “participation in the rationale” (Deming, 2005: 18) of the religion, which is important for the full understanding of its purposes in meeting the goals that reach an ultimate reality as prescribed by the religious adherent. Deming’s approach leads with a logical or rational understanding and hangs up the emotional sense of knowing for religious adherents in the corner. Religion in my interpretation has elements of a emotional act that one can not escape while interpreting the rational that is associated with its practice or symbols.

Sources used

Deming, Will. Rethinking Religion: A Concise Introduction. Oxford Press. 2005. New York.