Religion and Parables

What is a parable?

• A parable is a short, simple story 
• Used in religion
• They can express a truth or teach a lesson
• Biblical parables and Zen parables are important to their religion

Biblical parables come from Christianity.

Basic Christianity Beliefs

• There is only one god
• Jesus Christ is the son of God
• God functions as a trinity (God, Jesus, and the Saints)

Biblical Parables

• Convey truths about God and his kingdom
• Pertain to the way of life God has set for us
• Usually long and use old English
• Tell an exact story

Zen parables are derived from Buddhism

Basic buddhist beliefs

• Buddhists believe in reincarnation (White)
• Reincarnation is "rebirth of a soul"
• Buddhists also believe in attaining of Nirvana (White)
• Nirvana is the freedom from suffering (White)
• Buddhism is more a way of life or 'philosophy'

Zen parables

• Shorter than biblical parables
• Modern english; easy to understand
• Left for interpretation by reader
• No right or wrong interpretation
• Help  to understand simple meaning of life