Narrative theology in religious education

Abstract

The Biblical stories and parables are of a great importance in the Christian life and with Narrative Theology people are able to understand these stories and their message. The Bible is one whole unit presenting God’s story in the form of a narrative, which teaches the human person about the relationship between God himself and his people. The parables have been preserved, taught, and interpreted in the teachings of the church because they are considered as Christological. The parables of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan are prime examples in this dissertation. Narrative theology, also known as, ‘post-liberal’ theology, was developed in late twentieth century. The evangelists gathered all Jesus’ teachings and adapted them according to their audience and communities including themes such as love and forgiveness. These teaching themes lead people to God by helping them examine, reflect and evaluate their life. Narrative theology is a teaching aid in the praxis of education toward teachers and students who have the interest, energy and talent to explore the particular ways in which the Christian community life is enriched. The key to storytelling is in the preparation of the educator: to follow the steps to shape the story to meet its intention. Biographies are another important teaching aid in the narrative and they are considered as theological because narrative theology moves beyond the canonical, which is the inclusion of the believer’s personal life within the context of the Christian community. Biographies help the faithful to form and strengthen their character and convictions in a unique way. The educator is a kind of time-traveller who uses the power of the story to transport his or her listeners through time and enables them to learn and experience what it means to be part of the larger human family.