Seeing and Showing the Unseen

In this remarkable book, Adam Szumorek proposes that conceptual metaphor theory can be used to good effect in preaching. He convincingly argues that the understanding of the word of God invites reliance on conceptual metaphors, since the process of God's revelation unfolds through embodied (metaphorical) images, a major focus of attention by cognitive linguists. But in a clear-headed way, he also points out that cognitive linguistics cannot and should not be viewed as the only and ultimate tool of biblical hermeneutics. Zoltán Kövecses, PhD Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary The perennial challenge facing preachers is how to communicate what Scripture says in such a way as to allow listeners to enter the world of the text and come away with not just more information, but with their view of the world transformed and their lives shaped by the gospel. Adam Szumorek addresses this by making use of conceptual metaphor theory (CMT) within cognitive linguistics. He not only connects CMT with key issues in hermeneutics but goes on to show how, in practice, this can be used to open up Scripture in powerful and effective ways. Ian Paul, PhD Adjunct Professor, Fuller Theological Seminary, California, USA Associate Minister, St. Nicholas Church, Nottingham, UK Dr. Szumorek provides a thoughtful and helpful roadmap for us to more holistically communicate God's word to God's world. He does this by helping us better understand how we conceptualize ideas in order to understand biblical metaphors and communicate them in ways that speak more effectively to the minds, emotions, and imaginations of ourselves and others. His book is well researched, insightful, and practical. Get your copy soon! Tony Twist, PhD President & Chief Executive Officer, TCM International Institute The question of how to understand the rich variety of imagery in the Bible and communicate it in meaningful ways today is a vital one for Christian preachers and teachers. In this book, Adam Szumorek draws on his expertise in the field of cognitive linguistics and his experience as a preacher and teacher of preaching to offer a carefully grounded theoretical basis for this process, leading to detailed practical suggestions. Stephen Wright, PhD Formerly Vice Principal and Academic Director, Spurgeon's College, UK