Forms of narrative religious pedagogy

The following list of forms of narrative religious pedagogy comes from the work of Frank Rogers, which is summarized well in his book Finding God in the Graffiti (page references in parentheses following the quotes).

religious literacy

“religious communities profess that some stories are intrinsically transformative” (35)
“the content of religious faith is narratively constituted” (36)
“religious communities are themselves narratively constituted” (37)

personal identity

“personal identity is narratively constructed” (56)
“religious and cultural narratives transform meaning within identity-bestowing self-stories” (59)
“the essence of Christian faith is living one’s self-story within the interpretive landscape of the Christian narrative world” (60)

contemplative encounter

“sacred stories and myths have the power to mediate an encounter with the numinous” (82)
“narrative knowing is existential” (84)
“imagination is the medium through which the soul is accessed and engaged” (87)

critical reflection

“cultural narratives are a means of enculturation” (106)
“cultural and religious narratives often enculturate in oppressive and destructive ways” (109)
“critical reflection itself is a means of personal empowerment and human agency” (111)

creative vitality

“artistic activity connects us with the sacred spirit of life” (130)
“artistic activity is intrinsically restorative” (133)
“artistic activity heals the soul” (136)

societal empowerment

“Christian faith involves participation in the story of God’s social project” (165)
“educational settings are narratively constructed” (167)
“involvement in narrative activity is intrinsically transforming” (168)