In constructing stories we are allowing people to take what they like from them. This is no different to what Jesus did. Jesus often spoke in parables (an earthly story with a spiritual truth) that allowed the people who was his audience to take meaning from something they already knew and apply it to their lives. By presenting stories we are allowing people to formulate their own response based on their life. Hence we are able to connect more fully with our congregations. Jesus' parables were often multi tiered and allowed people with differing understandings of faith to take as much as their were able to from the given story.
In an example from Jesus' teaching of the Parable of the Tenants Matthew 21:33-46, The Pharisees get quite a different picture from the general population who have been living under the rule of the Pharisees. The general population see hope of a new kingdom whereas the Pharisees see a challenge to their authority and subsequently wish to have Jesus arrested. Same story - differnt meaning.
In an example from Jesus' teaching of the Parable of the Tenants Matthew 21:33-46, The Pharisees get quite a different picture from the general population who have been living under the rule of the Pharisees. The general population see hope of a new kingdom whereas the Pharisees see a challenge to their authority and subsequently wish to have Jesus arrested. Same story - differnt meaning.
I agree with you Andrew. Stories are about meaning and the construction of stories creates opportunities for people to take more meaning to life. What fascinates me still is the parable story of Jesus you referred to in Mathew 21:33-46 allowed people of different generations, contexts, and situations to continue to draw meaning based on their lives. While the story of the Kingdom of God can be misinterpreted it also cannot run out of meaning. Same story – different meaning and endless meaning.
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