Storytelling is the most powerful form of human communication. And it has the ability to shape the way we think about God and ourselves. Unfortunately, this power can be used to do harm. And so in this episode of Pro Church Tools, we’ll examine three prominent narratives persisting within the Christian faith that - while perhaps are rooted in good intentions - are doing more harm than good.
***VISIT THE FULL POST HERE: https://prochurchtools.com/harmful-christian-narratives-we-need-to-stop-telling/
What's In This Session?
- Example #1: Perkins Wand (0:35)
- Example #2: Henry Beecher in WWll (1:58)
- The placebo effect (3:35)
- The Goal: Love God, love others, make disciples (6:20)
How we talk about God shapes the way people view God and themselves (8:28) - Harmful Narrative #1: “Morality Police” (8:40)
- Agape love - selfless, unconditional, sacrificial, promoting the goodwill of all humanity - the same love that God has for each of us (11:35)
- "Morality police" narrative teaches people that God is a drill sergeant - he demands compliance, deference, and capitulation (14:16)
- “Morality police” narrative teaches Christians that discipleship is conformity (14:26)
- Harmful Narrative #2: “Where will you spend eternity?" (16:14)
- Fear is an incredibly powerful motivator (16:20)
- Fear can elicit three responses: fight, flight, submission (16:22)
- “Where will you spend eternity” narrative turns Jesus into a bank robber (16:54)
- “Where will you spend eternity” narrative teaches Christians to neglect their time on Earth (17:20)
- Harmful Narrative #3: “Corruption and Depravity" (21:10)
- Depression study in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology (22:08)
- Could you ever imagine Jesus using fear to motivate people? (23:25)
- “Corruption and depravity” narrative turns Jesus into an ashamed parent (26:35)
- “Corruption and depravity” narrative teaches Christians to despise themselves (26:58)
- The opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s fear - each of these narratives are motivated by fear (28:14)
Show Notes & Resources Mentioned:
