The Greatest Stories Ever Told

[This Baron of Mora]

So, what do you consider to be the greatest stories of the "greatest stories ever told," those of The Bible?

Though the New Testament stories are welcome please don't forget about the Old Testament esp. since these are less well known, but are still full of God's glory.

[Kessie]

The entire life story of David is one of my personal favorites. So many victories and defeats, and a hero I can really get behind.

[Bethany J.]

I've always loved the stories of Daniel and his friends. The entire book of Daniel fascinates me.

[fluke]

Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones.
Hosea and Gomer.

[Resha Caner]

Hmm. Well, the Bible as a whole is the greatest story ever told ... or maybe that's what you were referring to in your OP.

I like Jonah, but I wouldn't call it the "greatest story." So, what elements of a great story are you looking for?

[kelkoura]

How about Christ's parables? That Man could tell a story!

[This Baron of Mora]

Resha Caner: Any elements that make them glorious

Mine (in no particular order) from the Old Testament:
1. Gideon (the Judge).
2. Judges is general
3. Samuel (concerning David and Saul etc.)
4. Kings (despite moral downfall I think we can all see I really like history)
5. The allegory of Persia, Rome, and Greece etc. in Daniel
6. The conquest of the Promised Land by Joshua

[Resha Caner]

Dec 19, 2012 21:58:10 GMT -5 This Baron of Mora said:

1. Gideon (the Judge)

So why do you put Gideon at #1?

[This Baron of Mora]

As stated above I put them in no particular order, more like in the order as they came to mind. I find Gideon's victory where they break the jars and blow the trumpets causing the Midianites to turn on each other in panic by grace of God to be one of the best.

[Resha Caner]

OK. I guess for me part of what makes a story epic is when it becomes the touchstone for a sacred idea. For example, a basic desire of a parent is being able to pass on key wisdom that will establish their children in the world. I can still remember a passage from A Year in the Maine Woods where the author realized that the information he had to pass on was not what his son needed. My heart broke with his when I read that.

But that is a close, intimate moment. The second thing that makes it epic is that it's something expansive - something that affects the fabric of a society rather than the relationship of two people. The story of Jonah has that element. It shows how the fate of an entire city can rise and fall on the ability of its king to lead. It was the king who heard Jonah's preaching and called the city to repentance. Yet Jonah ends in bitterness. It shows how small and petty people can be in the face of God's amazing grace.

The third aspect then, is the cathartic nature of the outcome. The story needs to rise to a climactic moment that produces a release of emotion - an overwhelming relief. If I pull all three of those things together, the story of Joseph might be the greatest story of the OT.

[Kessie]

Or the sacrifice of Isaac. I still can't read that without getting choked up.

[Resha Caner]

Dec 21, 2012 11:15:01 GMT -5 Kessie said:

Or the sacrifice of Isaac. I still can't read that without getting choked up.

Yeah ... it just so happens I've been involved in a rather acerbic discussion about that in another forum. It's digressed quite far from the original question to include Jephthah and a whole host of other theological topics. People have some very strong opinions when it comes to the sacrifice of Isaac.

[myrthman]

I'm fond of Jonah, Noah, Esther, and the Exodus as the stories they are.

I also like (and teach) the idea that God's story, as a whole, is still unfolding, despite Scripture being closed. I introduce plot mapping to private school literature students by doing a simple map of the Bible. The kids always get excited when we talk about what event would be the climax and then again when I show them where we are, between Acts and Revelation. It's been a favorite lesson of mine for years.

[Resha Caner]

Dec 21, 2012 13:32:53 GMT -5 myrthman said:

I also like (and teach) the idea that God's story, as a whole, is still unfolding, despite Scripture being closed.

Hmm. That's an interesting phrase. It would make more sense to me to say Scripture is complete - the idea being that there is no need to add "new" theology, but God can still inspire people ... even inspire them to write.

[myrthman]

That's what I meant. Wrong c-word.

Also, what I call "The Seeker Trilogy" is amazing. Check out Luke 15 and note the common elements in all three parables.