It must be quote day. This one from an author who seems to speak for me almost as often as not:
“As human beings, we cannot check the power of a story to determine the lives of those who participate in a particular, defining narrative. What we can do, however, is return repeatedly to our story. We can rehearse it in the words spoken in our communities. We can illustrate it in the giving of the bread which is Christ’s self-given body and the wine which is his self-given blood. We can symbolize it in the cross. And we can beckon one another into it by creating communities defined by self-giving acts of love.” – J. R. Daniel Kirk, Jesus Have I Loved, But Paul…? (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, forthcoming [2011, Lord willin' and the creek don't rise])
“Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise”? Love it. I just read that in my mind in my mother’s Nebraska twang, which she still has slightly, even after 30 years in SoCal.
With your interest in narrative theology, I keep meaning to ask you if you are familiar with/ have read Donald Miller’s latest book, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.” If you’re not familiar I’ll summarize it, if you are, skip the next paragraph
It doesn’t have so much to do with the elements of story in the bible as much as it has to do with the power of story and why its elements resonate with us so much (a main character who takes risks, inciting incidents, the way action unfolds, conflict, etc). He uses these elements as an argument for why so many people have unfulfilling lives–you’re not taking risks and living by the elements of story–and uses that to argue that these element resonate with us because they were created by God as he unfolds the story of creation and Jesus’ self-giving story in the bible, and that living one’s life to coincide with his story is the best way to live.
He makes a point that I particularly liked about how most people see their conversion as the climax of their life’s story and everything after is supposed to be gravy, the “falling action” of life. But really, the climax will actually be at the eschaton (well, not in so many words, this is popular theology after all
) and one’s conversion means your story is just getting started.
Anyway, I was wondering if you had any thoughts on such a discussion? I know that Miller’s book has impacted quite a lot of people.
Cynthia, I haven’t read Miller’s book. I like a good bit of your representation. I’m not sure that I’d put so much into the category of “risk taking,” but if that means willingness to die (literally and figuratively) in faith that God gives life to the dead, then I’m all for it!
Re. conversion: it seems to me that conversion as the highlight is an analogous problem to thinking that wedding is the highlight and end of the relationship story. The trick is figuring out how to hold the beginning in Christ, our own conversion, our life in Christ now and our eternal life in Christ. Note to self: you should probably read the book.
“but if that means willingness to die (literally and figuratively) in faith that God gives life to the dead, then I’m all for it!”
That is very much what he is getting at (if not in so many words, because he’s not an academic or a pastor), but he backs the argument up even further: much of American culture lulls you into wanting a life of security and comfort. But then you get to the end and realize that your dreams are gone and the most exciting thing the main character of your story (you) has done is buy a Volvo. He uses a lot of personal stories that are essentially how life in Jesus allowed himself and others to die to their desire for comfort and self-centered living and live a better story. And that better story involved taking chances that they wouldn’t have normally taken (talking to the girl, starting the ministry, planting the church, etc).
It’s a pretty quick read…I think you’d like it. It could be what you go to when taking a break from whatever dense theological tome you happen to be plowing through at the time
I don’t quite grasp your first sentence. I stumble over the verb “check.” What do you mean here? Do you mean something like “examine”–like “check it out”?
Kyle, I’m dreadfully sorry to make you stumble. Praying that you’re not “one of the least of these” or else I’m totally hosed.
I’m using it in the sense of stop, restrain, cause a reduction: http://is.gd/8tk86 .
I stumbled over “check” also, Daniel, though I’m pretty sure I’m one of the goats. How about “constrain” or “limit”? (Not that you need an editor–the prose is quite beautiful and moving!)
I look forward to this book!
Dang it. Now I’ve got to answer to the testimony of two or three witnesses…
Great quote. Looking foward to your new work!
I just want to say-Whole cultures are repeating their stories…and it is hauntingly powerful. Their stories are causing me to think that maybe I’m getting certain other stories wrong.
Perhaps, their beckoning and self-giving embrace of love which is the vein, no, the main artery of their story that is causing me to wonder if we, in the West, truly can’t grasp the conversion of spirit and love. Some cultures express as their repeated story a deep-rooted genuine, self-giving hospitality which echoes the drama of engagement with Christ.