Thought of the Day on Storytelling

Let's take a look at two totally different periods in time and two very different, but not so different cultures. First, two thousand years ago and the ancient world. Specifically, lets look at ancient Palestine with it's Greek influence and Roman dominance. At this time there was no electricity, or of course, Television or high-tech cinema with all of it's visual special effects. They had live theater with some sets, props, costumes and man-made sound effects. They also had excellent oral storytellers.

In this environment, Jesus, as well as his followers who would further his message worked with what people were used to. Therefore, they stood and told stories and parables. Often they would use a particular prop, such as when Jesus personally washed the feet of the disciples or when he referred to the valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), which was just south of Jerusalem; a place with a history of human sacrifice and currently used to burn refuse. He also used confrontation as a teaching opportunity, such as the near stoning of the adulterous woman or the moment when the disciples tried to keep the children away from Him.

During his own ministry, the Apostle Paul, used Greek Philosophy or sporting events to help make his point. In Acts 19 we read of how he used the backdrop of the massive temple of Artemis (a goddess the people worshiped in Ephesus). It was here that he said that " gods made with hands are no gods at all." The people feared that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom "all of Asia and the world worshiped would be dethroned from her magnificence."

The settings, the props and the colorful illustrations as examples are endless as we continue to look at the way the people of of the first century communicated and taught. Today, our culture is very similar, but the "bar" has been raised. This is why quality Christian Theater is so important. With great musical theater, amazing images thrown at us daily through Hollywood and television, we must take all of this into consideration when presenting the Christian world view and the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the use of drama today or other high tech forms of communication we must remember how far Jesus actually went to make his point and learn from the master of presentation... the master of teaching truth to a culture that doesn't care.

Please visit our website at www.lightsup.org. If you are gearing up for Christmas and want a Christmas Musical to perform, consider The Richest Man in the Valley. Or next Easter, present the new musical by Brent Grosvenor, The Passion of the King (the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ).