Narrative Lectionary

So what's the idea behind the Narrative lectionary? How's it different from the Regular Common Lectionary?

The answer is that it seeks to tease out of the Bible the main story line.

The Alaskans- an ABC TV show from the 50"s

Here in Alaska, one of the first topics of conversation you have with someone is to answer the question: "Where are you from and how long have you been here?" Everyone is from somewhere else (even the "Indigenous" people) and the story of how you and your family/people got here is an important part of your identity. Those of us who were born here think we are special and of course we are :-). Either way it is a special blessing to be an Alaskan - right?

The Bible is the story of a particular people- the children of Abraham. The Hebrew scriptures tell the story of the Jews- "the chosen people" - and their special relationship with Yahweh.

Jews have existed as a people longer than any other people group in the Middle east and the West. They have contributed significant ideas that have shaped Western civilization. 

Monotheism is probably the most significant. But another is that history has a beginning and is headed towards some sort of conclusion. This is in contrast to the cyclical sense of most other religious traditions and cultures- the cycles of birth and death, the seasons, the wheel always turning which we may never get off of. So while the present may have significant problems...

We take these ideas for granted but the are "the gift of the Jews" (see Thomas Cahill's book).

So one God created the heavens and the earth, and through covenants with a chosen people, seeks to bless all nations and bring about a "kingdom of peace."

The Narrative lectionary chooses stories from the Hebrew scriptures and then the Christian New Testament to trace this covenant relationship of the children of Abraham. These are the stories that shaped and formed the Jewish people. They are the stories that Christians embraced as a continuing revelation.

So we can ask ourselves: Is this our story? Where do we find ourselves here?
Who are the children of Abraham?

Is God being true to the covenants he made? (Some people think not).

Are they still valid for us today? 

If so, where are they leading- when and how will they be fulfilled? What will that look like? Will I be a part of it?

However these questions are answered  the stories we hear are deeply embedded in who we are as Westerners and Christians. They are part of the answer to the question: "Where did you come from?" 

They also may be a vision for our future- that is, if we have one...