In the Way of the Story: Reading Biblical Narrative
Ebook
You'll be doing all the work. You'll be picking apart plots, analyzing characters, exploring the setting of biblical narratives, and engaging with narrative levels and reader response theory. And you'll be doing all the work. This is a book about you, the reader. Drawing on narrative theory, this book places readers in the way of the story, reading biblical narrative through fresh eyes. Using entertaining explanations of literary theory, it liberates readers to read their own chosen Bible stories with a fresh understanding of how narratives work. Practical activities will inspire the reader to develop their own understanding of stories and, in doing so, this book tackles hallowed and authoritarian interpretations that can sometimes get in the way of the story. This is a book of clear explanation and practical application.
“Drawing as much on popular film and fiction as on academic
literary theory, Thomas invites the reader to see more in, and so
get more out of, the narratives of the Bible. In the Way of the
Story is chock-full of practical exercises and worked examples,
applied primarily to the Gospel of Mark, making it a rich resource
for Bible readers, preachers, and teachers.”
—Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield
“Huw is one of the best storytellers that I know. In this
book, he uses some wonderfully creative approaches to explore
various Bible stories, providing rich theological insights as well
as practical ideas for how to get others to fall in love with these
life-giving stories.”
—Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester
“Thomas brilliantly drives home the point that story is not the
icing on the cake when it comes to faith; it is the cake.
Illuminated by wittily referenced insights from contemporary books,
films, and TV shows, In the Way of the Story opens up an
adventure in the world of biblical storytelling—which made me smile
as well as think!”
—David Tomlinson, writer, broadcaster, and Anglican priest
“As a student of the Bible, Thomas has absorbed an impressive array
of narrative critical theory. As an educator of children and
adults, laity and ministers, he shares this knowledge not to teach
what the Bible means but to enable you to explore how
stories—biblical and otherwise—can mean. And as a priest, he truly
welcomes a diversity of theological views. In the Way of the
Story is a triple treat—and a rewarding challenge.”
—Elizabeth Struthers Malbon, author of Mark’s Jesus
“At last, a book about the Bible that offers a framework with which
to explore its stories and their purpose for yourself. Rather than
trying to convince you of the meaning of the Bible’s narratives,
In the Way of the Story—based on the best contemporary
literary scholarship—opens up for every reader the exciting world
of personal biblical research and discovery.”
—Steve Chalke, Founder and Leader, Oasis Global
- Title: In the Way of the Story: Reading Biblical Narrative
- Author: Huw Thomas
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2021
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666713299, 1666713295
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666713299
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-22T14:32:00Z
Huw Thomas is a teacher, speaker, and writer. He is Diocesan
Director of Education for the Anglican Diocese of Sheffield. He has
written for Church Times, The Guardian, and The
Times Education Supplement. He is also the author of numerous
books on education and literary theory, including Reading and
Responding to Fiction and Understanding Texts.