One of the key questions that any teacher of the Bible faces is how to help modern students, steeped in a scientific world-view understand the the Bible, as well as apply it to their world or find it relevant for them in some way. This article addresses that by drawing upon the popularity of the literary works of persons like Lewis and Tolkien. I found this quote particularly interesting and summarizes what this article is saying:
I was fortunate to choose in my teaching observation to be part of a class here at GMU that is a living demonstration of the very approach this article advocates. I found that the students were deeply interested in and knowledgeable about these popular works of literature – and were a little surprised and perhaps even delighted to see the connection with the biblical story. For, after all, the Bible is basically a story with many different subplots and literary genres – many of which are very similar to what Tolkien, for example, shares in the Lord of the Rings series – like the whole battle of good vs. evil, of the mythic, suffering heroes, etc.
I was pleased to read this because it is something that I, too, have long believed and tried to practice. In fact, I have developed a whole confirmation course for young teens based on Tolkien’s books. I call it, “All We Have to Decide.” I have found it a very rich source for being able to introduce the Bible and even basic Christian teachings in a ways that not only interests them but helps them “get it.”
What I would really like to do right now is re-read this article and do more reflection on how I might do this in teaching a college course on anything related to religion or the Bible. I think it is a fruitful approach.
Here’s the abstract and link if you are interested in more reading:
Abstract:
The dissimilarity that exists between the historical and cultural situation of North American college students and the world described by the biblical authors poses a problem for theological and religious education. While the biblical authors tell fantastic stories of miracle and magic, the scientific and technological paradigm prevalent in western culture emphasizes the gathering of objective facts in the name of efficiency and pragmatism. Theological education tends to respond to this situation by embracing either a program of historical criticism or a form of Biblicism, both of which reinforce an objectivist approach to education. What is needed in theological education is an approach that “re-mythologizes” the Bible, enabling students to hear the theological message of the text addressed to their cultural and historical situation. One way this approach can be encouraged is through the teaching of the biblical text in conversation with the contemporary stories found in popular culture.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.mutex.gmu.edu/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9647.2009.00546.x/full
