I was going to ask this in music.stackexchange, but decided to ask here, as I think the subject is inspired Judaism and Christianity. If there's a more appropriate site, please let me know and I can ask there. The question is related to this one - https://musicfans.stackexchange.com/questions/12481/what-is-the-word-used-in-this-line-of-this-song-for-which-ive-typed-up-these-ly . Would the lyrics in the linked song above be inspired by any particular religion and what do the metaphors mean? I think it is either or both of Judaism and Christianity, and maybe Islam, but I am not sure. The author is Mary S. Applegate, whom I assume to be the same Applegate as the author of "The Power of Love ". On Applegate's Wikipedia page's Associated acts section, I don't find any religion-based artists, if it is the same writer. In particular, what could the name of the artist mean? Who or what is Gabriel? What is the perfect circle of infinity that Gabriel shows? What is the sacred kingdom? What are the forbidden skies? I showed this to a Jewish friend, who mentioned that sin is disturbance of harmony. I'm curious to know more.

As with reference to the verse Matthew 5:13 > 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Why did Jesus refer to people as salt? Why it is so important as many more valuables are available in this world?

We see Jesus telling at Matthew 5:13 (NRSVCE): "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot." My question is: what exactly is the significance which Jesus is attributing to the earth with reference to salt . Does he mean that the earth is the source of salt ; or does he mean that salt is really valuable - both as a taste-maker and as a preservative-- for mankind which dwells on the earth? What do the teachings of Catholic say about the interpretation of the metaphor or "salt of the earth?"

We see at Hebrews 4:12: > Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. We also see at Psalms 149:6: > Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand My question is: did the writer of Hebrews have in mind the Psalms while using the metaphor of double-edged sword for the Word of God ? What do the teachings of Catholic Church speak about the possible origin of the metaphor used in Hebrews ?

Following my viewing of this superb discussion between the previous Archbishop of Canterbury and Richard Dawkins: [Dialogue with Richard Dawkins, Rowan Williams and Anthony Kenny (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bow4nnh1Wv0) . . . I understood that Archbishop Rowan Williams interpreted the Genesis creation account not perhaps as literal but to be understood as a theme: God created everything and created man in His image. What is an overview of Christian approaches to the Bible that utilize a non-literal method of interpreting the various texts of the Bible? Here are two examples of what I might mean by "non-literal interpretation" in particular stories in the Bible: - Noah's ark: not perhaps to be read as a literal historical account, but rather as a story in which God offers salvation to all those who will "come aboard the ship of faith" - Samson and Delilah: Samson's power was "cut off" through the temptation of a woman

According to those that believe hell will be "eternal conscious torment" or "eternal separation", if the flames and worms are not literal, then why is it necessary that the word "eternal" be a literal duration? In other words, why must "eternal" be a *quantity* rather than a *quality*?

It is known that many Catholics believe that Adam and Eve is a story better left to the metaphorical imagination, rather than literal interpretation (though other denominations may feel differently). Going off of this belief, wouldn't that imply that since it is just a metaphor, and not literal, that it never really happened, and if it never really happened, then there is no REAL original sin? If it is a metaphor and there is no original sin, then why did Jesus come to earth? Why did he have to repent us of this non-existent sin?