I think theological debate hurts less when cute little stuffed bunnies do it.
The original context of this bunny debate seems to a comment on the “religious logic” of creationism, but is applicable also to other matters of theological disagreement where the familiarity and safety of an “authoritative tradition” collides with thoughtful and needed exploration that challenges that authority. (Just pick your favorite area of controversy.)
And, no, I’m not saying tradition is always wrong and exploration is always right. Sheesh. I’m saying that, well, gosh….if I have to explain, you’re the bunny in the dress and you wouldn’t get it any way.
With that, I give you…..the bunnies.
Thumper, in the back yard.
No analogy is perfect, and one important nuance I would try to work in if I were making a cute little bunny thing is that the problem isn’t the box but how one interprets the box, since the box itself is actually open to a myriad of interpretations that highly skilled bunnies have been thinking about for over 2 millennia. But still. Bunnies. Plus Thumper appreciates my commitment to inclusiveness.
[I posted 2 early version of this post in 2013, here and here. I feel shame and sadness that it has taken me almost 4 years before posting it again. Because bunnies. They’re so cute.]