Pádraig Ó Tuama: narrative theology
Reflections
“Narrative theology is my favourite branch of the theological tree. In part this is because I am convinced that narratives are the best tool we have for capturing meaning, describing purpose and expressing identity. I support the view of American scholar Jack Niles who writes that we should have been called Homo narrans, the ‘story-telling primate’,” says The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt
I used to need to know
the end of every story
but these days I only
need the start to get me going.
God is the crack
where the story begins.
We are the crack
where the story gets interesting.
We are the choice of
where to begin –
the person going out?
the stranger coming in?
God is the fracture,
and the ache in your voice,
God is the story
flavoured with choice.
God is the pillar of salt
full of pity
accusing God
for the sulphurous city.
God is the woman who bleeds
and who touches.
We are the story
of courage or blushes.
God is the story
of whatever works.
God is the twist at the end
and the quirks.
We are the start,
and we’re at the centre,
we are the characters,
narrators, inventors.
God is the bit
that we can’t explain –
maybe the healing
maybe the pain.
We are the bit
that God can’t explain –
maybe the harmony
maybe the strain.
God is the plot,
and we are the writers,
the story of winners
and the story of fighters,
the story of love,
and the story of rupture,
the story of stories,
the story without structure.
Pádraig Ó Tuama, In the Shelter: Finding a Home in the World
In my Easter homily I spoke about how the Easter story speaks to our life-experience and how we are called to use life-experience to make the story live for the next generation.
Narrative theology is my favourite branch of the theological tree. In part this is because I am convinced that narratives are the best tool we have for capturing meaning, describing purpose and expressing identity. I support the view of American scholar Jack Niles who writes that we should have been called Homo narrans, the “story-telling primate”.
In Narrative Theology #2, Irish poet, theologian and podcaster Pádraig Ó Tuama illustrates how we use narratives to express the things outlined in the above poem. He shows us how stories help us understand God and our relationship with the divine, while allowing space for us to encounter mystery.
I am really looking forward to spending an afternoon and evening with Pàdraig on 11 May 2023. We are offering the only Brisbane-based events in his upcoming Australian tour. You are warmly innovated to join us.
Editor’s note: Speaking in Tongues: Exploring Language, Poetry, & Scripture, 3-4.30pm on 11 May 2023, Darnell Room (St John’s Cathedral). Tickets cost $42. Book online.
On The Way podcast: Live with Pàdraig O Tuama, 7-8.30pm on 11 May 2023, St John’s Cathedral. Tickets cost $11. Book online.
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