Skip to content

Christianity Quote by Terry Eagleton

“The resurrection for Christians is not just a metaphor. It is real enough, but not in the sense that you could have taken a photograph of it had you been lurking around Jesus's tomb armed with a Kodak. Meanings and values are also real, but you cannot photograph them either. They are real in the…” quote by Terry Eagleton
Download Open image
““The resurrection for Christians is not just a metaphor. It is real enough, but not in the sense that you could have taken a photograph of it had you been lurking around Jesus's tomb armed with a Kodak. Meanings and values are also real, but you cannot photograph them either. They are real in the same sense that a poem is real.””

Terry Eagleton

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Realness of Metaphor, Terry Eagleton, 2008

Metaphorical truths, like resurrection, are tangible in meaning though not physically capturable, similar to poetry.

In simple terms: Ideas are real even if unseen.

Key Takeaway

Value intangible truths as real.

Themes

metaphor truth philosophy

Mood

introspective analytical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • religious belief
  • art criticism
  • education
  • personal reflection
  • therapy

Key Concepts

ontology epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can unseen truths guide actions?
  • How do we validate non‑physical realities?
A Different Perspective

Some may argue that intangible concepts lack practical impact.

3.9 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Terry Eagleton

Explore all 215 Terry Eagleton quotes

More Christianity quotes

Browse all 14,385 Christianity quotes