Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Scripture Space: Interpreting Narratives - the Parables
Tonight we explored the power of the parable of the lost son, seeing it as a form of metaphorical learning through experience. We looked at how Jesus uses a particular story telling device that creates dissonance through turning its meaning and values up side down. It enables people to challenge their own world view and experience shocklingly new insights.
We looked at the power of the 'lost Son' in the story, and how it can challenge us today. We see at the end people loose their distance from the story, and instead become part of the story. So that when the father speaks at the end, it is with the power of God, and he is speaking directly to the listening crowd.
So parables can become a very powerful way for us to experience God, this through a challenge to our world view rather than learning facts about God. Please see the attachment below for more.
Lastly we explored how Jesus is in many ways, a metaphor himself in his life - how he is the true metaphor for God - who is strangely ellusive, shocking and brings new meaning.
Narrative.doc
We looked at the power of the 'lost Son' in the story, and how it can challenge us today. We see at the end people loose their distance from the story, and instead become part of the story. So that when the father speaks at the end, it is with the power of God, and he is speaking directly to the listening crowd.
So parables can become a very powerful way for us to experience God, this through a challenge to our world view rather than learning facts about God. Please see the attachment below for more.
Lastly we explored how Jesus is in many ways, a metaphor himself in his life - how he is the true metaphor for God - who is strangely ellusive, shocking and brings new meaning.
Narrative.doc
