SHARING IN PARABOLIC STORY TELLING
We live in a society that often finds it easier to speak past each other than to converse with each other. The Presbyterian Writers Guild believes that there is a better way to engage in the dialogue that is so essential for the health of our society
You are invited to share in the fruits of a Progressive Feast in Parabolic Story sponsored by the Presbyterian Writers Guild. Fifteen writers from all across the country accepted the invitation to participate in an online challenge to write a short story (4,000 words) that would challenge readers to reflect deeply on issues that confront our church and society.
INSPIRED BY SCRIPTURE
This is a form of fiction drawn directly from the Bible. Recall that the Bible takes on the whole issue of nationalism, bigotry, and religious narrowness in around 1,500 words in the book of Jonah. Ruth and Esther are other examples of short stories that examine complex issues. Most significantly, recall Jesus use of parables. In less than 320 words, Jesus engaged his listeners in probing our response to violence, bigotry, and hypocrisy in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In approximately 200 words, Jesus probed the destructive impact of materialism in the parable of the Rich Fool. In just over 100 words, Jesus painted a picture of the effort God will go to in recovering those who have lost their way in this world. (Luke 12:3-7.)
We invited fifteen writers from all across the United States to choose from one of six themes:
How the church:
- Responds to racial or sexual diversity,
- Can be a peacemaker in a violence prone society,
- Discerns God’s call for a particular church.
- Supports pastoral integrity in a guilt laden society,
- Chooses loyalty to Christ when tempted to split the church,
- Understands the possible tension between being called and being hired.
Over a period of eight months, the participants participated in seven phases of collaboration. Participants began by describing the central theme of their story, then the setting, character development, title and outline, the opening scene, and the rough draft. As they completed each phase, their work was redistributed to other participants for feedback. The seventh phase produced the series of fifteen stories shared in this book.
A PROGRESSIVE FEAST IN pARABOLIC STORY
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YOU CAN BE A HEALER
Our hope is that these stories will provide you with opportunities that will contribute to the health of the church.
First, we hope that you will be led to reflect deeply on the issues addressed and allow the Spirit to inspire you to new understandings.
Second, we would encourage you to invite either a church school class or some friends to read and discuss these stories together as part of deepening your journey of faith.
Third, we would encourage you to choose an issue you care about and, following a similar process, develop your own parabolic story that encourages dialogue.
Your stories can be shared in church newsletters, informal coffee gatherings, or sent in for possible publication in church magazines. You might even want to join the Presbyterian Writers Guild www.presbterianwritersguild.org and explore how we might encourage such efforts across the church.
We invite you to write a review on Amazon. Even short comments make a difference.
We thank you for sharing in our story telling adventure.
We encourage you to pray for the church, the clergy, and the members who seek to bring the reconciling message of Christ to a too often hurting world.
