Redneck_still_Reforming
Puritan Board Freshman
Hello,
I have a question about how we approach non-literate oral cultures in evangelism. I have found a resource called Scriptures in Use which teaches oral storytelling as a means to spread the Gospel. This is from the homepage:
Is this a proper view of the parables? Why would people repeat stories they dont understand (Isa. 6:9-10, Matt. 13)? It was not until Christ explained it to His apostles and they wrote it down that we can truly understand the parables. And even then, unless we use the exact parable, down to the letter, we aren't teaching what Christ said as we are paraphrasing and uninspired.
Another question I have is, is storytelling a proper means of evangelism? I believe, as the Word and Confession teach, that it is the Scriptures alone (empowered by the Spirit) that teach the means of salvation. That is limited to the actual Words of Scripture, not well-put paraphrases or mostly accurate telling. Unless we memorize the exact words, I am of the opinion that whatever is being said, while it may be correct and useful, is uninspired and subject to fault. Sure, we can be edified and challeneged by preaching and exposition, but we can't be convicted by human words alone. If it is not THE Word we are teaching, are we doing evangelism in a way the Bible ordains? Is storytelling therefore oustide the ordinary means of grace?
I understand that non-literate cultures must be approached differently then a culture with a written langauge. But shouldnt we then find a way to help them codify langauge so they can posses the written Word? Or at least have them memorize an exact translation in their oral langauge?
I would appreciate any wisdom someone might have. I do not want to discount any method of evangelism without a firm scriptural reason.
I have a question about how we approach non-literate oral cultures in evangelism. I have found a resource called Scriptures in Use which teaches oral storytelling as a means to spread the Gospel. This is from the homepage:
Jesus told stories and parables. He pulled spiritual truth from everyday life. A verbally communicated story is more effective and has a way to connect with oral learners in profound ways. Jesus’ stories were commonly memorized and retold by the people who heard them. The stories were object lessons from everyday life. Jesus asked questions about the stories that helped the oral learner discover the truth. Jesus often repeated important themes; frequent repetitions are needed for oral learners to remember the story.
Is this a proper view of the parables? Why would people repeat stories they dont understand (Isa. 6:9-10, Matt. 13)? It was not until Christ explained it to His apostles and they wrote it down that we can truly understand the parables. And even then, unless we use the exact parable, down to the letter, we aren't teaching what Christ said as we are paraphrasing and uninspired.
Another question I have is, is storytelling a proper means of evangelism? I believe, as the Word and Confession teach, that it is the Scriptures alone (empowered by the Spirit) that teach the means of salvation. That is limited to the actual Words of Scripture, not well-put paraphrases or mostly accurate telling. Unless we memorize the exact words, I am of the opinion that whatever is being said, while it may be correct and useful, is uninspired and subject to fault. Sure, we can be edified and challeneged by preaching and exposition, but we can't be convicted by human words alone. If it is not THE Word we are teaching, are we doing evangelism in a way the Bible ordains? Is storytelling therefore oustide the ordinary means of grace?
I understand that non-literate cultures must be approached differently then a culture with a written langauge. But shouldnt we then find a way to help them codify langauge so they can posses the written Word? Or at least have them memorize an exact translation in their oral langauge?
I would appreciate any wisdom someone might have. I do not want to discount any method of evangelism without a firm scriptural reason.