It could be said that the Bible has endured because it is filled with a great many puzzling, frightening, and engaging stories. As a people, we just can't put the book down. Perhaps, in our western culture, a false sense of familiarity has robbed us of this desire. The fact still remains though, it's a page turner. Why? Because we crave stories. Not just Jack and Jill went up the hill kind of stories. We want to be conflicted, compelled, challenged, and ultimately changed by the tales we take in, even if it's just the stirrings of change. we are fond of saying "that movie/book/TV Show/Play made me think" if we liked it. Indeed. Thinking. Always a dangerous proposition for those who wish not to change.
Jesus knew this. In His day and in our time as well, some people complain Jesus is being to ambiguous when he answers a question or conveys a teaching with a story/parable. He's being indirect and too open to interpretation they say. Perhaps. Why doesn't He just get to the point and talk straight, tell it like it is? I would argue there is not a more effective and incisive method of teaching than story telling. It requires participation on the part of the listener. It sets the listener up to ask more questions, to dig deeper. It can move the conversation from our heads to our gut, where we feel deeply and we understand deeper still. Example: I can tell you that murder is wrong, and you would agree(hopefully!), from your head. But if I told you a story about an abusive boyfriend who shot and killed his lover and her 2yr old child in cold blood, you would understand in your gut, that it is wrong.
So stories are compelling. I'm working on writing because I want to be able to share my life, my stories, with friends and family in such a way that they understand me. Story-telling is an art, whether it's fact or fiction. As with any art, one learns by studying the work of others. So what are some of my favorite stories? Funny I should ask! I have one all prepared.
LOST the television show is, in my mind, a true masterpiece. Here is one of my favorite stories from that shows third season, episode 18, which is titled "Catch 22". The video is 18 minutes long, but well worth the watch. What are some of your favorite stories?
LOST is a great example of story-telling (and one of my favorite shows!). I've never been really good at it. A few years ago someone asked me what I did for a living and I answered "I'm a grunt in a warehouse" (at the time I was "stockboy / warehouse counter sales") and left it at that; probably trying unsuccessfully to be funny. Conversation over. Opportunity for sharing a bit of my story averted, replaced with a short dismal repetition of my work-related frustration. I could sense a disappointment with my answer in the hearer... which later caused me to rethink how I converse, how I share the story of me.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to Jesus and the Bible, it is a clear communication of the larger story/narrative (as well as all the little ones) that most connects with me (as you put it, felt in the gut)...more than the most sound systematic theology. Even on the most basic level. I mean, the Four Spiritual Laws are OK and all, but it doesn't really do justice to the story of the Bible.
I think my coffee is done brewing. Maybe I'll think more clearly after I take a sip.
Peace!
-Ben
Interesting post sir.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I would say is that the bible isn't merely a book of stories. The main reason it's survived is because it's the truth I'm not saying you don't believe it's the word of God, just clarifying things. Plenty of literature tells great stories, the Odyssey for example, but they are merely stories. To your point the Bible certainly does contain exemplary story telling. I Recommend the story of Joseph it truly is amazing. The depth of what happens to everyone is incredible. The emotions Joseph must have went through are amazing. Imagine being sent into slavery by your own brothers. Then put in prison for not sleeping with a woman. Then interpreting dreams and rising to power. Then the long process of reuniting with your family. The torment his brothers went through. It may have been the most difficult for his father. Lets also not forget what happened to that Chief Baker.
I'll leave it at that for now.
P.S. If overweight middle-aged policemen are chasing you I don't recommend trying to climb up a white picket fence at an arbitrary point.
Thanks for your comment Ben! I really relate to your story. How many times has my need to be funny interrupted a chance to really be for somebody else? Thanks for your comments bro.
ReplyDeleteI prefer my Joseph story starring Sir Ben Kingsley as Pharaoh.
ReplyDeleteDo the job!
i like when you talk about sharing you stories and life with people. you are freakin awesome!
ReplyDelete-wife