The Importance of Stories...

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables~ Matthew 13:34 NLT

I love to read, but I’m a bit snobbish about how I read what I read. When it comes to books, I’m partial to the real deal. A Kindle or tablet will do in a pinch, but they just don’t provide the same experience as an actual book.

I love the weight of a book in my hands, the texture of the pages as I turn them, the musty aroma of yellowing pages, the sturdiness of the binding as I hold it. Little else in life can beat the simple yet profound sense of satisfaction I get as I slowly turn the pages and approach the end of a really good book.

I become emotionally attached to the books I read and find it nearly intolerable to part with a good one. It feels wrong to let them go—almost as if I’m abandoning an old friend. Because of my weird attachment issues to books I have a lot of them lying around my house. This leads to some really stimulating conversations with first-time visitors. Occasionally I have one that goes something like this…

Visitor: I see that you like to read. What are some of your favorite books?

Me: Hmm… There are so many, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I guess I’d have to say almost anything by Francine Rivers, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, The Body by Chuck Colson, Making Peace by Jim Van Yperen, Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, commentaries by William Barclay, Frankenstein by Mary Shelly...  

Visitor: I’ve never heard of some of those titles… Are they fiction books? (The word fiction is murmured in the same hushed tone one might say the word pornography)  

Me: Yes, some of them are fiction.

Visitor: (Proudly and piously) I never read fiction.

I don’t say much at this point in the conversation, but I do end up thinking that this poor soul must live a gloomy and colorless existence. 

Shunning fiction has become a badge of honor in some circles. Many view reading stories as a self-indulgent and intellectually dubious use of reading time. Those who shun fiction believe the acquisition of knowledge is the only legitimate reason to read anything.

I beg to differ with my story-snubbing friends. A well-told tale has the power to help us define what it means to be truly human, dream beyond our little corner of the world, and expand our sense of purpose in this world. Good stories enable us to appreciate and embrace other people, stimulate us to become better versions of ourselves and demonstrate with razor-sharp effectiveness the dangers of evil and sin.

 God clearly and succinctly commands men and women to avoid adultery and covetousness in Deuteronomy twenty. However, it’s the sordid tale of David’s dalliance with Bathsheba and the resulting consequences that drive the wisdom of the commandment home.

One of the principal explanations as to why fiction has gotten such a bad rap in recent years is because there is so much poorly written fiction (including some Christian fiction). Bad fiction is any story with a weak plot or that appeals to our sinful nature and baser instincts. Bad fiction offers empty amusement, titillates without teaching, and oversimplifies complex issues. A good fictional story causes us think, inspires us to action, and changes the way we look at the world. 

Many Christians confuse a good story with a clean story. If it doesn’t have a sex scene or any gratuitous violence it must be good. A good story does more than avoid sinful plotlines. It has a redemptive thread running through it. A good story opens the mind and makes people think.

 One of the better, more redemptive books, I have read in recent years was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It is not a Christian novel by any means, but the characters are rich and complex and the writer does a fantastic job of showcasing the best and worst of the human race. The cleverly told story demonstrates the beauty of selflessness, communicates the power of written words, clarifies the ugliness of unrestrained power and inspires the reader to desire a better and nobler existence in this world.   

  

I am fully convinced that God loves a really good story. Nearly half of the Old Testament and much of the New (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts) are told in narrative form. God understands that humanity connects at much deeper, more personal level with stories than with commands and instructions.

If you are one who proudly shuns the reading of fiction I want to challenge you to find a really good book and read it. It might just teach you something new, deepen your understanding of the world and inspire you dream big dreams.