Against LSM's Allegorizing

[TLFisher]

Originally Posted by Ohio

What I am against is the use of allegories in order to manipulate and lord it over the flock of God. For LSM to hold meetings in Toronto concerning "replastering the house of lepers," qualifies to me as manipulation of the worst sort.

That's one example. Another is rebuilding the wall in book of Nehemiah.

One excerpt from Nigel's writing that has helped me is the distinction between allegory and typology.

"Typology vs. Allegory: Thirdly, we distinguish types from allegories. The Dictionary for Theological Interpretation states, Typology is not to be confused with allegory…The actual history of the biblical story is unimportant for [allegory]. But in typology interpreting history is essential…The original historical event is the ‘type’ and the later corresponding event is the ‘antitype’ that parallels, perhaps fulfills and sometimes even transcends the type.” It also says, “The difference between typology and allegory is that the former [typology] attaches additional meaning to the text that is accepted as having a valid meaning in the ‘literal’ sense, whereas the latter [allegory] ignores the literal sense and may deny its usefulness altogether.” Dr. G. Lampe says, “Allegory differs radically from…typology which rests upon…actual historical fulfillment. The reason…is simply that allegory takes no account of history.” Note that, [1] typology is distinct from allegory. [2] To reject allegorizing need not imply rejecting typology. Our present focus is allegorical interpretation."