The Destruction and Purification of Fire - Essay Example

? The Destruction and Purification of Fire Introduction The definition of various symbols and ideologies that are a part of religion create a different understanding and association with various ideologies. The symbolism is not only identified by the main aspects of religious theology. There is also an extension into the symbolic meaning behind various topics. A specific identity which is associated with religious symbolism and belief is that of purification, evil and good through both creation and destruction. When looking at media items, there is a direct correlation with the symbolism of religion and the association with items to identify the symbolism that is a part of it (Cooper, 1987, 66). A current symbolism and identity associated with evil is with the ideology of fire and destruction which is a part of the association with the symbol. The fire that is seen in the media directly correlates to the ideas of fire and the symbols which this holds for various traditions. Symbol of Fire The symbol which is associated with religious symbolism is fire. According to Cooper, fire is identified as a powerful force because of the destructive force which tears apart and causes loss for those in society and may also lead to purification or enlightenment. From one perspective, it is known to generate or create life, specifically when looking at it from the perspective of the sun. The sun is able to give energy and strength to those who are in society while creating an alternative understanding of enlightenment, spiritual forces and transcendence when in a given situation. One is able to reach a sense of illumination when working with fire and the ability to have this symbol as a main component. The burning of fire is furthered with the understanding that it can purify and give life to those in a given situation. However, fire is also known as a destructive force and relates to evil which can take away or create a bar to those ignorant and not enlightened. In various traditions, fire has come to mean a concept which burns away ignorance and leads toward the truth of the spirit (Cooper, 1987, 66). How the Symbol Functions The concept of fire that is in the media is depicted as one which is a destructive force and can’t be replaced. The symbol is first seen with the fire that is caused to a barn or other region. A report that reflects this is of a fire which has destroyed a barn, leaving irreplaceable damage from a building that was used to store hay and farm equipment. The association is one which is first defined by the damage in money that is incorporated into the building then followed by information about a fire which occurred years earlier. In the same building, the fire killed 70 cows and caused even more severe damage to the barn and the area in which it was created. In this report, there is also an association with a thunderstorm that the owner was listening to when finding the fire, specifically which links together to the fire and the situation of what was occurring (Record, 2010). The association with fire and the symbolism which is created is first based around the idea of damage that is irreplaceable and which will cost thousands of dollars in repair. The wording and the connotation behind this is one which leads to the barn being damaged and not being reversed. The symbolism is one which then equates to the purification of the building by causing the loss and not allowing it to be saved. This is combined with the damage and irreplaceable loss that is noted from 2006, specifically which has the same connotation of being purified from the spot. The recreation of the same fire indicates that there is a deeper meaning to the fire burning the barn and the irreplaceable damage, specifically which identifies a sense of irreplaceable loss to the barn. The concept of purification and loss is furthered with the idea of the thunderstorm corresponding with the fire, both which are identified as a sense of purification and clearing of the area which the fire occurred. The concept of purification is only one of two definitions which may be associated with this. The concept of evil as fire is also one which may be depicted from this story. The horrific aspect of fire is one which is also identified, specifically which combines the red and black of evil and creates a sense of fear (Cooper, 1987, 66). The act of destruction, sacrifice and the need to rid of the old are directly associated with this. This is one which has to occur for creation to begin again. The destruction is a part of the story with the destruction of the building which continues, even though it is recreated again. The sacrifice of the barn then becomes associated with the idea of fire and how the loss is one which can’t be repaired and which has a sense of sacrifice because there is no reversal or outcome. The fire then becomes a symbol of creation and destruction that is a part of evil forces or which may be used for reconstruction of a given area (Cooper, 1987, 62). Conclusion The concept of fire is one which is depicted in a variety of religions in relation to the purification and enlightenment process as well as a part of destruction. When looking at the symbolism and definition of fire and the meaning that occurs across traditions, one is able to depict the various meanings that are associated with a given concept. The religious connotations combine with the media influences which continue to associate the fire and the idea of purification. In the media instance, the fire shows damage that is irreplaceable and works as a sacrifice through the destruction. The symbolism is furthered by the idea of purification of the area which was burned, specifically which continues to happen. The fire is then furthered with the idea of creation and destruction which continues in the area that is burned. The fire becomes important for the purification, destruction and the loss that is created for a sense of enlightenment. References Cooper, JC, Neiman. 1987. An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Traditional Symbols. (New York: Thames and Hudson.” Record Staff. 2010. Wilmot Fire Destroys Barn. The Record http://www.therecord.com/news/article/296940--wilmot-fire-destroys-barn. (accessed October 7, 2011). Read More