One of the remarkable qualities of the story is that it creates space. We can dwell in a story, walk around, find our own place. The story confronts but does not oppress; the story inspires but does not manipulate. The story invites us to an encounter, a dialog, a mutual sharing. A story that guides is a story that opens a door and offers us space in which to search and boundaries to help us find what we seek, but it does not tell us what to do or how to do it. The story brings us into touch with the vision and so guides us. Wiesel writes, 'God made man because he loves stories.' (Nouwen, The Living Reminder, pp. 65-66).

Both Tolkien and Lewis admired God as the Master Storyteller, who communicated truth through historical narrative. Interestingly, Tolkien was drawn to story because of his love for scripture; Lewis was drawn to scripture because of his love for story.

Even as contemporary readers become engaged in Tolkien's "Middle Earth" and Lewis' "Narnia," dedicated readers of the New Testament become engaged in the narratives, characters and correspondence of the Bible and discover--and, further, develop a passion for--truth and love, justice and mercy.


What would it take for you to embrace scripture as story, as narrative?

How might it reshape your relationship to scripture?

What would it look like--how would it show up in your life--if you regarded yourself as a participant in, not merely as a reader of, the divine narrative of reconciliation?

Teachers, what are your thoughts around the following, unattributed, quotation? "If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."