Narrative Criticism
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Regent University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
255
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by pjones1030
An Assessment of Narrative Criticism
Paula Jones
BIBL 255: The Gospels
November 3, 2023
The book "Four Gospels, One Jesus" by Mark Strauss introduces narrative criticism as a method for studying the Gospels. Narrative criticism examines the Gospel narratives as stories with literary and theological dimensions. Narrative criticism seeks to understand the Gospel texts
as coherent narratives with a specific purpose rather than as isolated sayings or events. It aims to decipher the story's meaning, structure, and theological intentions of the author. Narrative criticism holds that the Gospels are not only historical records but also theological documents with a distinct point of view. It recognizes that the Gospel writers shaped their narratives to convey specific messages to their audiences. Narrative criticism analyzes a text using literary and
narrative tools such as plot structure, characterization, narrative point of view, and thematic elements. It examines literary techniques such as foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism to reveal the author's theological and rhetorical intentions. The method is based on a close examination of the content and structure of the Gospel narratives. To gain a better understanding of the text's intended meaning, it may also consider the cultural and historical context in which the Gospels were written.
Narrative criticism, as defined by Mark Strauss' book, is a method of approaching the Gospels as
narratives with specific literary and theological goals. It aims to decipher the texts' deeper meanings by analyzing their storytelling techniques and the author's intended message. Although narrative criticism is an effective critical method, it does have its weaknesses.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help