The sheep don't pay the shepherd, the owner of the sheep does
Very interesting post from Eric Carpenter, A Pilgrim's Progress: Sheep Don't Pay the Shepherd. Shepherds care for the sheep but they get their provision from the owner of the sheep. What do you think?
i don't hate the argument, but it's a bit simplistic. one could say the same about the poor or the widows or the orphans.
this is one of the reasons we need to be careful about extending metaphorical language beyond its intent...
it might be better to suggest that the "Owner of the sheep" might provide through the resources he's given the flock.
of course, there is still a warning for "elders" here that if they do receive their livelihood from the flock, they should steward it well and be content to live below the means of many...
2 comments:
i don't hate the argument, but it's a bit simplistic. one could say the same about the poor or the widows or the orphans.
this is one of the reasons we need to be careful about extending metaphorical language beyond its intent...
it might be better to suggest that the "Owner of the sheep" might provide through the resources he's given the flock.
of course, there is still a warning for "elders" here that if they do receive their livelihood from the flock, they should steward it well and be content to live below the means of many...
Arthur,
When the sheep pay the shepherd, they, instead of the owner, hold the shepherd responsible to them, rather than the shepherd's owner.
Post a Comment