The Symbol of Symbolism

Symbolism is the systematic or creative use of arbitrary symbols as abstracted representations of concepts or objects and the distinct relationships in between, as they define both context and the narrower definition of terms. In a narrow context, "symbolism" is the applied use of any iconic representations which carry particular conventional meanings.

That's the definition of symbolism as defined by Wikipedia. We, as a society, create these symbols that are then used as representations of concepts. Symbols carry heavy meanings, most definitely.

Symbolism is why the Middle East conflict exists. Symbolism is why it's naughty to flash the middle finger. Symbolism is how countries identify themselves. Sometimes, symbolism is how we define ourselves.

If symbols are defined by society and culture... why can't symbols change and evolve? Afterall, it's our own system that puts limits and boundaries on things. I think this is very important when talking about the Bible. We all know symbolism is a very key factor in religion. Churches and denominations practice their faith based on symbolism. In a conversation with Todd, I've explored the definition of good and evil. If God is the God of Grace, Mercy, Love, and Understanding for all people... how can evil exist? Evil is a made up institution. We use "evil" to tell kids what NOT to do. We tell them to be good. I guess automatically if there is good, there has to be an opposite. Is there something to be said for dichotomy? Wikipedia says dichotomy is any splitting of a whole into exactly two non-overlapping parts. Is this world symmetrical? If not this, then that? If not A, then B?

I buy into symbolism. On June 3rd, Sarah and I held a very symbolic ceremony to unite in marriage. That's very important. I love symbolism. It's everywhere -- like the movies, on our ring fingers, hanging in our homes. I just think that symbolism has such a powerful grip on everything we do. I wish that symbolism could help stop wars as much as it starts them. Sometimes conflict goes back farther than any of us on the planet can know because we weren't born at the time it started.

Finally, Wikipedia says "symbols are not the creations of mind, but rather are distinct capacities within the mind to hold a distinct piece of information. In the mind, the symbol can find free association with any number of other symbols, can be organized in any number of ways, and can hold the connected meanings between symbols as symbols in themselves." So you see, in our own minds, we can make symbols mean whatever we want. We can make one thing mean a lot of things.