Parable classification chart

MJ. Smith

One annoyance I have with Logos is its tendency to choose a single option that stresses one particular aspect and present it without mention of the alternative. For example, I would like to see multiple ways of classifying the parables. Some of the options (from Perplexity):

Jülicher's Classification

Adolf Jülicher, a German Protestant theologian, proposed one of the earliest and most influential classification systems for parables in the late 19th century:

1. Similitudes: Simple comparisons between two things
2. Parables Proper: Extended metaphors or stories
3. Example Stories: Illustrations of moral behavior

C.H. Dodd's Classification

C.H. Dodd, a British New Testament scholar, categorized parables based on their eschatological themes:

1. Parables of the Crisis
2. Parables of Growth
3. Parables of Grace
4. Parables of Human Response

Joachim Jeremias' Classification

Joachim Jeremias, a German Lutheran theologian, proposed a classification based on the parables' themes and purposes:

1. Parables of God's Mercy
2. Parables of the Great Assurance
3. Parables of Crisis
4. Parables of Conduct
5. Parables of Judgment

Robert Funk's Classification

Robert Funk, an American biblical scholar, categorized parables based on their narrative structure:

1. Simple Metaphors
2. Similitudes
3. Parabolic Actions
4. Example Stories
5. Narrative Parables

Norman Perrin's Classification

Norman Perrin, a British-American biblical scholar, proposed a classification based on the parables' rhetorical function:

1. Parables that Seek to Inform
2. Parables that Seek to Convince
3. Parables that Seek to Shock

John Dominic Crossan's Classification

John Dominic Crossan, an Irish-American New Testament scholar, classified parables based on their plot structure:

1. Advent Parables
2. Reversal Parables
3. Action Parables
4. Figurative Parables

Klyne Snodgrass' Classification

Klyne Snodgrass, an American New Testament scholar, proposed a more detailed classification system:

1. Aphoristic Sayings
2. Similitudes
3. Interrogative Parables
4. Double Indirect Parables
5. Juridical Parables
6. Single Indirect Parables
7. Multiple Indirect Parables
8. Example Parables

Jewish Classifications

Rabbinic Classification
In Jewish tradition, parables (mashalim) are classified based on their structure and purpose:

1. Simple Mashal: A brief comparison
2. Expanded Mashal: A more detailed story with a moral lesson
3. Allegorical Mashal: A story with hidden meanings
4. Exemplary Mashal: A story illustrating proper behavior

Midrashic Classification
The Midrash, a method of biblical exegesis, categorizes parables based on their interpretive function:

1. Parables of Clarification
2. Parables of Argumentation
3. Parables of Consolation
4. Parables of Rebuke

Historical Classifications

Early Christian Classification
Early Christian writers, such as Origen and Augustine, classified parables based on their perceived spiritual meanings:

1. Moral Parables
2. Allegorical Parables
3. Anagogical Parables (relating to the afterlife or spiritual realm)

Medieval Classification
Medieval Christian scholars often categorized parables according to the four senses of scripture:

1. Literal Parables
2. Allegorical Parables
3. Moral Parables
4. Anagogical Parables

Modern Scholarly Approaches

Form-Critical Classification
Some scholars use form criticism to categorize parables:

1. Narrative Parables
2. Wisdom Parables
3. Prophetic Parables
4. Apocalyptic Parables

Sociological Classification
Based on the social context and audience of the parables:

1. Peasant Parables
2. Merchant Parables
3. Elite Parables
4. Subversive Parables

Linguistic Classification
Focusing on the linguistic features of parables:

1. Metaphorical Parables
2. Simile Parables
3. Analogical Parables
4. Hyperbolic Parables

Thematic Classification
Categorizing parables based on their primary themes:

1. Kingdom Parables
2. Judgment Parables
3. Discipleship Parables
4. Forgiveness Parables

Narrative-Critical Approach
Some scholars classify parables based on their narrative structure:

1. Simple Plot Parables
2. Complex Plot Parables
3. Episodic Parables
4. Climactic Parables

Structural-Linguistic Approaches

Madeleine Boucher's Classification
Madeleine Boucher, a biblical scholar, proposed a classification based on linguistic structure:

1. Similitude
2. Parable Proper
3. Exemplary Story
4. Allegory

Mary Ann Tolbert's Classification
Tolbert focused on the narrative structure of parables:

1. Closed-Ended Parables
2. Open-Ended Parables
3. Truncated Parables

Rhetorical and Literary Approaches

Bernard Brandon Scott's Classification
Scott categorized parables based on their rhetorical strategy:

1. Parables of Conflict and Resolution
2. Parables of Growth
3. Parables of Tragic Error
4. Parables of Repentance and Forgiveness

William Herzog's Socio-Economic Classification
Herzog analyzed parables through a socio-economic lens:

1. Parables of Elite Interests
2. Parables of Village Life
3. Parables of Economic Exploitation
4. Parables of Resistance

Cognitive and Psychological Approaches

Ruben Zimmermann's Frame Theory Classification
Zimmermann applied cognitive frame theory to categorize parables:

1. Everyday Life Frames
2. Social Interaction Frames
3. Economic Frames
4. Religious Frames

Daniel Patte's Structural Exegesis
Patte used structural semiotics to classify parables:

1. Parables of Transformation
2. Parables of Opposition
3. Parables of Mediation

Intertextual and Comparative Approaches

Amy-Jill Levine's Jewish Context Classification
Levine examines parables in their Jewish context:

1. Torah-Based Parables
2. Prophetic Parables
3. Wisdom Parables
4. Apocalyptic Parables

John Dominic Crossan's Later Classification
Crossan later proposed a classification based on intertextual relationships:

1. Parables of Riddle
2. Parables of Example
3. Parables of Challenge
4. Parables of Subversion