(Old Testament Society of South Africa, 2003) Joubert, Lisel
This article explores the transformative power of narrative. In recent times scholars have explored the potential of narrative theology, including use of narrative in counselling, preaching and the formation of theological identity. In this article I do not focus on the narratives in the Hebrew Bible but the bulk of Jewish literature that drew its inspiration from Biblical stories. The wisdom character of narrative and its rhetorical function of transforming communities will be explored. In evaluating the role of the narrative aggada for today, I will plot how it was received and valued throughout the centuries by the church, especially the early Church Fathers. The main question concerns the possibility of using the narrative aggada in a positive way in the rhetoric of a Christian community?