I don't disagree that a metaphor can represent a real person, place, or thing. The problem, in this particular case, is that such a person can not be established beyond the parameters of the text of the Bible itself, and the excluded middle must apply, therefore, the text either indicates a real person, or a fictitious one.
At least, that's the way I see it....
the text either indicates a real person, or a fictitious one.
I agree with hosepipe on this one. There are countless examples in the Bible of a parable applying simultaneously to real persons in a real time and place that are also very applicable to us here and now, via metaphor. Song of Solomon, which I happened to read this morning, is a fine example. I believe the Songs were written for a real love affair and marriage, yet who could deny their applicability to our loves/marriages both in male-female relations here and now as well as in metaphor to our relationship with God Almighty. The story of the rich man (gone to hell) and Lazarus (comforted at Abraham's bosom) is another example wherein Jesus was most likely describing real persons and events whose lives serve as examples/metaphors for every single one of us. The Exodus of Israel from Egypt is a perfect metaphor for our exodus from slavery to sin and death into the Promised Land of Freedom in Christ (the Passover Lamb, another example), yet that escape was a very real event in time as well as a very poignant metaphor for all of time and for all men.
Either/or rules of logic do not and do not have to apply to the Bible or to God. For instance, by your exclusive rule of logic God must either be One or three, yet I am convinced He is both One God and three members ('persons'), in Trinity.
You mean beyond your(and others) observation of the bibles text..
What if I see some things spoken of in the bible deeper than you do?..
or even not deeper but differently than you..
What I see of the bibles message(s) NOW is quite different than what I saw when I was first "born again".. My vision GREW.. Hey, it could happen.. NO, it DOES happen..