Comments on: Narrative Theology

By: Nick Carter

Nick Carter — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:36:22 +0000

Here’s what I fail to understand about Narrative Theology? When did the narrative approach move from being a method of explaining theology (like Jesus used it) and into a sound method of defining and defending doctrine? As I read the Gospels, I see narrative as a way to relate to people who do not yet have faith in Christ. As I read the epistles, I see systematics as a way to edify believers in Christ. I have no problem with narrative as a method, but for some churches, it’s replaced doctrinal statements.

By: Pistol Pete

Pistol Pete — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:13:07 +0000

I’ve come to view narrative theology in a broader sense than story telling. It is telling the Gospel story in the way a particular text tells it. So, if I’m preaching on the parables, I should look for images in daily life to illustrate God’s kingdom. If I’m preaching on Paul’s advice to Timothy, however, I should adopt more of a “counseling” tone. I don’t always pull this off well, but I try to match the genre of my sermon with the genre of the text.

By: Shawn Anthony

Shawn Anthony — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:09:48 +0000

@Pistol Pete: I’ll look for your submission!

@Rich: No! I never read that book, but it seems, from your description of it, to be trekking in the same direction as Hauerwas and Co. Niebuhr, for example, in the first chapter is really zeroing in on one big question re: narrative: “How can revelation mean both history and God?” I’m not sure that Bruner’s emphasized “proposition and story” is that far removed from Niebuhr’s larger thought concerning revelation. It’s a great read!

At any rate, this narrative approach is beyond interesting and necessary, especially in this postmodern culture of ours. Jesus used narrative, as Pete says, to articulate the Gospel; so should we, but we should at least know what we are talking about and all of the implications when we cite narrative as our theological approach of choice.

Great stuff, fellows.

By: Rich Kirkpatrick

Rich Kirkpatrick — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:22:36 +0000

Have you read the book The Divine Drama by Kurt Bruner? We need to emphasize both the “proposition and the story” of the gospel, according to Bruner. I really liked his little book on that–he writes the gospel in the form of a play then describes what he did in the last half of the book.

By: Pistol Pete

Pistol Pete — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:42:07 +0000

Thank you for your response and for the referral to “The Daily Scribe”. I submitted my blog (hopefully the right way).

By: Shawn Anthony

Shawn Anthony — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:16:19 +0000

Pistol Pete – Thanks for the comment. I’d love to hear more about your own understandings of Narrative Theology. It sounds as if you have much to offer this conversation! So, feel free to jump in at any time!

You are right: Jesus epitomized the narrative approach like no other. He’s the model.

Today was my very first visit to your blog. Great work! It’s now in my feed reader. You should consider joining us over at The Daily Scribe. Give it some thought and apply!

By: Pistol Pete

Pistol Pete — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:10:54 +0000

I did an independent study in “Narrative Theology” in seminary and have since tried to adopt some of its principles into sermon preparation. There is no doubt that stories can often best convey Gospel truth. Jesus certainly knew this and made the most of it.