Abstract
In ancient mythologies a rainbow represented a weapon used by gods in battle. The bows would be hung in the sky as symbols of victory (Plaut, 2005). References to YHWH's bow in the Hebrew Bible retains elements of this mythology, but the bow is used metaphorically for both destructive power against Israel and/or her enemies and YHWH's intention for renewed creation and peace. The paramount symbol of indigenous spirituality, the rainbow serpent, similarly is a metaphor that combines both life and destructive power. In both cases there is an intimate connection to the natural world. This paper explores the potential power of this symbol for our time.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Ecological aspects of war |
| Subtitle of host publication | Engagements with biblical texts |
| Editors | Anne Elvey, Keith Dyer, Deborah Guess |
| Place of Publication | London, UK |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Professional |
| Chapter | 2 |
| Pages | 9-23 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Edition | 1st |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780567676405 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780567676399 |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |