A metaphor is an implicit comparison. I can find many implicit comparisons within the study of religion. Conceptual blending can be a metaphor but they remain two different things. I really like one of Augustine’s quotes on book 4. “But the speaker who is awash with the kind of eloquence that is not wise is particularly dangerous because audiences actually enjoy listening to such a person on matters of no value to them, and reckon that somebody who is heard to speak eloquently must also be speaking the truth” (Augustine 104).
So soooo true! I couldn't agree with Augustine more and for this reason the idea of religion can be a little frightening: The idea of conceptual blending in terms of religion can be a way to manipulate others to believe the orators personal beliefs. This is where the skepticism comes in.
I think there is some conceptual blending within this quote. First input: The truth is something or a statement that is factual. Second input: Somebody who speaks eloquently is someone who speaks “beautifully” or forcefully. So if we blend these two concepts we get that someone who speaks eloquently is telling the truth. Example: If a woman who is not so religious attended a religious convention (her friend dragged her there) to hear Augustine speak, she may walk in with some doubts. Even though the woman may not have agreed with the orator before she heard him speak, she is now interested in Christian Teachings. It is because he spoke with such a deep desire and passion to enlighten that the woman is now intrigued and believes that what Augustine is saying is true. Would this be a valid example of conceptual blending? hmmm
Side note: I really understood Conceptual Blending when reading the basketball example on page 279 of Facccounier’s work.
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