Formation through Narrative

Presented by Dr. Tim Green

Faculty Development Lunch and Learn – March 24, 2005, “Storytelling as an Instructional Tool”

 

 

Ø      Biblical storytelling stands directly opposed to propositional thinking.

o       It is difficulty when storytelling is seen only as entertainment.

Ø      Storytelling captures the imagination of the listener.

o       The challenge here is when storytelling is seen as an end it itself.

Ø      Story intentionally presents the listeners with “gaps”

o       This requires the listener to ask questions to fill in the gaps.  Questioning must take place in order for the story to have impact and application for the listener.

o       Propositions do not require a response from the listener.

o       The Bible leaves a lot of gaps.  Suggestion: perhaps the Bible was written in this way to maximize engagement with the listener.

 

Ø      Story is communally shaped – even individual stories emerge out of a shared experience of community.  This, in turn, continues to shape the community.

 

Ø      The Bible is a story and not propositions. The Bible should not be used as a “footnote” to anything.  The integration of faith and learning can be biblical and not ever quote from the Bible.  Looking for footnotes turns the Bible into proposition rather than story.