The Power (and Danger) of Stories
Stories are Potent
This is one of my all-time go-to quotations.
“For me, reason is the natural organ of truth; but imagination is the organ of meaning.”
C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Stories are meaning-making machines. We can’t really understand bare truth without stories—without our imaginations engaged.
Does that mean every kind of story is good, or that every exercise of the imagination is positive? No.
Stories are not neutral.
What we consume, especially repeatedly over time, has a powerful impact on us. If we’re feasting on a steady diet of horror, sacrilege, and unbelief, that will certainly go deep—into our souls.
Stories are potent.
That doesn’t mean we need to reduce our storytelling to mere utilitarian (useful) vehicles to share truth.
Just because the information in a propagandistic/moralistic story is correct doesn’t mean it’s a good story. You wrote, “Jesus died on the cross and rose again” on the cake, but the cake tasted like cement. True statement, but a bad meal.
Let’s stop tolerating crummy meals in our kids’ soul food: stories.
While we’re at that, we absolutely do need to feed our kids imagination with what is true, noble, and good.
If you are looking for resources to help on your journey, here are some recommendations:
- Wolfbane Books
- Read-Aloud Revival
- Redeemed Reader
- Jordan Raynor’s picture books
- Narnia Books
- 100 Cupboards Series
- Farmer Giles of Ham & Smith of Wootten Major
- Tumbleweed Thompson Books
- Wingfeather Saga Books
- Bandersnatch Books
- Catechesis Books
- Plumfield Moms
- Story Warren
In a recent interview with Jordan Raynor (Mere Christians), I talked about how we can see our ordinary vocations, like storytelling, as participating in the ultimate Mended Wood. Give it a listen. I think it will encourage you!
Wherever you are, be there. Whatever you do (for God’s glory and the good of your neighbor), do it!
I’m convinced we need your gifts. God give you joy!
Sam
P.S. Starting tomorrow, June 11, Team Burger Shed eBook is only 99 cents on Kindle! This hilarious story makes a great gift for Dad, especially with Father’s Day just around the corner. Ends June 15.
