How to Read the Bible: Narrative Plot

How to Read the Bible: Plot
Ninety percent or more of the Bible is in narrative form. So why don’t we spend more time learning how to read, interpret, and apply stories to our lives?
Why are stories so powerful? And why do we instinctively understand narratives?
In this video I explain how plot functions, some of its very unique features, how to analyze a plot line, how to construct a narrative plot diagram, and finally, how can you personally use all of this in your personal life or ministry.
Once again we look at Mark 2:1-12 as our case study.
So lets dive in to narratives and begin this study on how to read biblical stories.

Book Giveaway!
Living Parables: Today’s Versions by Mark G. Boyer and Corbin S. Cole (Wipf and Stock, 2020).

Rules:
Must be a subscriber.
Must have a U.S. mailing address.
You need to write a comment under this or the next video - I will pick the one I think is the most unique and interesting.
I will announce the winner in 2 weeks from Sunday, Feb. 7th, 2021.

Books on Narratives & Biblical Interpretation:
Robert Alter, The Art of Biblical Narrative, (N.P.: Harper Collins, 1981)
One of the most influential works on this topic - examines narrative forms in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Tremper Longman III, Literary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation, vol. 3 of Foundations of Contemporary Interpretation (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987), 63-118.
Very clear introduction to the different literary styles contained in the Bible - clear and easily understood.

Gerkin, Charles V. The Living Human Document: Re-Visioning Pastoral Counseling in a Hermeneutical Mode. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1984.

Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014, 4th ed.)
Examines all the different literary styles contained in the Bible and suggestions on how to read them. Great introduction to the various forms of biblical literature.

My Books:
Reading the Bible with Giants: How 2000 Years of Biblical Interpretation Can Shed New Light on Old Texts. Second Edition, Cascade Books, 2015
Print or eBook versions

Reading the Bible with Giants on Apple Books
An interactive versions with images, video and other features not available in print versions - highly recommended if you have an iPad or Mac. Free sample chapter also.

The philosophical basis behind reading the Bible in conversation with our tradition:
Reception Theory and Biblical Hermeneutics, Pickwick Publications, 2009.

Friends:
Edge of Faith: Art & Culture Through a Christian Lens magazine

Fuller Theological Seminary

St. George’s Anglican Church

Bible Software used in the videos ~ Accordance Bible Software:

Mark 2:1-12 was from the ESV translation.
Music:

[jamescastle]

Hey Dave - you did a wonderful job describing a Narrative Plot Diagram! Loved the “WWJD?”figure inserted in the dialog portion at the top of your narrative diagram. What a creative way to include contemporary Christian lingo! This was one of my favorite classes that you taught at Fuller.

[JamesW]

A man who has dog companions understands love.

[metorrence]

We are ordering “The Art of Biblical Narrative” at this time since we are studying Genesis. The plot of Genesis reads like an award-winning soap opera!
I will have to try the diagram method for my next BSF lesson Genesis Chapter 28. I may have to watch the last two videos again. Thank you for teaching us!