jesusrules777 wrote:darin,
According to Websters Dictionary here is the definition of "simplicity" which is the word I used.
- the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded. I'm not sure where you found your definition?
This doesn't seem to be worth discussion but that's a dependent definition -- you have to go to the definition of "simple" -- it's got a wide semantic range, so you have to look at context. I meant it was "amateurish" or "unsophisticated" but didn't want to be rude.
Definition of SIMPLE
1- free from guile - innocent
2 a - free from vanity - modest b - free from ostentation or display <a simple outfit>
3- of humble origin or modest position <a simple farmer>
4 a - lacking in knowledge or expertise <a simple amateur of the arts> b (1) - stupid (2) - mentally retarded c - not socially or culturally sophisticated - naive; also - credulous
5 a - sheer, unmixed <simple honesty> b - free of secondary complications <a simple vitamin deficiency> c (1) - having only one main clause and no subordinate clauses <a simple sentence> (2) of a subject or predicate - having no modifiers, complements, or objects d - constituting a basic element - fundamental e - not made up of many like units <a simple eye>
6- free from elaboration or figuration <simple harmony>
7 a (1) - not subdivided into branches or leaflets <a simple stem> <a simple leaf> (2) - consisting of a single carpel (3) - developing from a single ovary <a simple fruit> b - controlled by a single gene <simple inherited characters>
8- not limited or restricted - unconditional <a simple obligation>
9- readily understood or performed <simple directions> <the adjustment was simple to make>
10 of a statistical hypothesis - specifying exact values for one or more statistical parameters — compare composite 3
jesusrules777 wrote:In terms of the parables, you are partially correct as there were multiple reasons for Jesus choosing to use Parables. In Luke, 11, you will see that Jesus also used parables which completely offended the Pharisees as he used illustrations such as "people walking all over hidden graves in a field." His illustrations were extremely clear when describing the Pharisees need to "clean the outside of the cup and ignore the inside." He explained that the way for them to be clean on the inside was to give to the needy from their greed and wickedness.
As I stated in my posting, Jesus also taught in parables so his "sheep" would understand him, not his enemies. Luke 11-53,54 talks about how the Pharisees were so offended by Jesus teachings, they "tried to trap him into saying something they could use against him." Legalistic Christians are still attempting to trap Jesus as He speaks and teaches through humble followers.
I don't see how Luke 11 changes this -- Jesus used parables to communicate things in a veiled and obtuse (ahem, parabolic) way so that only those who were spiritual could discern them and that others would miss the point. Even Luke 11 shows how the Pharisees missed the point. More importantly, He was asked why He did it and He told us. That settles it. Jesus did use non-parabolic figurative examples which were quite useful to understanding. That's different from His use of parables.
More important, though -- you didn't tell me what you thought of the doctrine of "Divine Simplicity" in light of your stated preference that simplicity in complex matters is preferred.
