Ricoeur's legacy …

I ENJOYED revisiting Paul Ricoeur's legacy in "The joy of yes" (Aug. 23) Unfortunately, near the end of his article Kevin J. Vanhoozer critiques Ricoeur's understanding of Easter and, presumably, resurrection. He writes: "Ricoeur the philosopher can muster only a lisp rather than an exultant cry (He is risen!)."

How can Vanhoozer critique Ricoeur when Vanhoozer has credited him with a "recovery [of metaphor and narrative] that is potentially as important as the Reformers' recovery of the original languages of the Bible"?

Vanhoozer seems to be suggesting one of two things, both of which miss the core of Ricoeur. Perhaps Vanhoozer is suggesting that metaphor and narrative are inferior ways of communicating in comparison with verifiable recorded truths and the "certainty" of the resurrection. Or perhaps he is suggesting that Jesus, who "conquered death by serving others," does not speak of the mystery and power of the resurrection.

In either case I believe Vanhoozer is mistaken. Metaphor and narrative are both the repository of truth and the birthing place for truth in its myriad forms. For this confessing Christian, there is a deeper and richer truth in the mystery of metaphor and narrative than a search for a "certain and vertical resurrection." What can be more exciting and revealing about the resurrection than "conquering death by serving others," which is exponentially powerful and links us eternally to those before us and those we will never meet?

Leslie Ritter-Jenkins

La Grange Park, Ill.

COPYRIGHT 2005 The Christian Century Foundation
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning