Narrative theology
Narrative theology was a late 20th century theological development which supported the idea that the Church's use of the Bible should focus on a narrative presentation of the faith, rather than on the development of a systematic theology. The Christian faith is thus also to be interpreted by the Christian community, and not by outside scholars or explorers.^[ [citation\ needed](Theopedia:Writing_guide#Reference_your_work)]^ Narrative theology is typically done by those known as post-liberals.
Beginning as a reaction to theological liberalism, important narrative thinkers included George Lindbeck, Hans Frei, Stanley Hauerwas, and William Willimon. While the movement still exists in the 21st century, much of its thrust was absorbed by other movements, such as the so-called emerging church movement, and elements of traditional evangelicalism. ^[ [citation\ needed](Theopedia:Writing_guide#Reference_your_work)]^
Resources
- Faith and Narrative by K. Yandell, ed. (Oxford, 2001)
- The Art of Biblical Narrative by Robert Alter (1981). ISBN 046500427X.
- Theology and Narrative: A Critical Introduction by Michael Goldberg (1982). ISBN 1563380102.
- A Community of Character by Stanley Hauerwas (1981). ISBN 0268007357.
- Why Narrative? Readings in Narrative Theology, edited by Stanley Hauerwas & L. Gregory Jones (1989). ISBN 1579100651.