Jesus Cropped from the Picture

Jesus Cropped from the Picture

More Than Cultural Rationalism For the first centuries of the Church, the Story had a strong narrative emphasis. However, with the wholesale acceptance of Rationalism, appreciation for the narrative quality of Scripture diminished. A renewed commitment to its Sacred Roots can liberate churches from their cultural limitations by re-discovering a narrative view of the Scriptures. Every epic story and fairy tale is simply a shadow of the big Story of Christ and his Kingdom . Every culture has its mythology because it represents the larger cosmic Story. This is why Ecclesiastes says God “has put eternity into man’s heart” (Eccles. 3.11). Such larger-than-life stories have the same elements: love, danger, heroism, romance, sacrifice, good versus evil, unlikely heroes, insurmountable odds, a fellowship, hope from beyond that pulls people through at the end. These stories follow the same story line: things were good, then something awful happened; now a great battle must take place to put things right, and a hero must come at the last minute to save the day. 119 This pattern is also present in every movie that touches people profoundly: Aslan is on the move to rescue Narnia. Dorothy must find a way home. Luke Skywalker must help Obi-Wan Kenobi defeat the Empire. Gepetto must be found at sea. The town must rally to George Bailey’s aid. The kids have to find a way to get ET home. Mr. Smith is compelled to filibuster in Washington. Rick must let Elsa go to escape the Nazis. The Fellowship of the Ring must destroy the ring of power. Atticus Finch must represent the falsely accused.

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