Throughout history, religion has played a vital role in shaping who we are as individuals. It has given us a sense of purpose, providing a roadmap to live a happy life. Today, we are among people with various beliefs and ideologies. Each religion is unique in its ritualistic practices, what they represent and symbolize, etc. But one thing among these religions that remains common is how they use the power of storytelling to convey their message to people of all backgrounds.
The art of storytelling isn't used for sheer entertainment but to help change lives and help humans gain a deeper understanding of morality, faith, and their own selves.
But why is storytelling and religion so intricately tied?
For that, we must dive deep into how we, as humans, resonate with storytelling.
Something about a "story" always seems to captivate us. It is a journey that can be experienced from the comfort of our couch; we get to step into the shoes of people, practitioners, and witnesses who have gathered wisdom for their livelihoods. It's a collaborative trip, allowing shared experiences to become a part of you.
Storytelling acts as vessels carrying enlightening yet complex messages in religion, making them easier to understand and reflect upon.
If we look at the Bible, we can see Jesus Christ talking to His followers through parables. Each anecdote He shared contained vital knowledge on how Christians must live. The Holy Quran, in Islam, narrates numerous stories of various Prophets (AS) along with other nations, allowing people to improve their practice methods. In Hinduism, practitioners were enamored with stories of epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Each sacred text was a piece of anthology that elucidated principles.
In each text, theological concepts were deconstructed into relatable tales.
Moreover, storytelling in religion also cultivated a sense of community and identity. There was a shared sense of purpose, origin, and destiny. In Christianity, we see the story of Adam and Eve, elucidating the concept of original sin. Similarly, Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey, too, underscores the importance of revelation. These stories became the foundation on which believers constructed their faith.
Storytelling helps stimulate imagination, giving the Divine access to your heart. Each theological narrative in religion evokes a particular emotion. From the story of Moses parting the Red Sea to Buddha's journey toward enlightenment, there's a takeaway from each story.
Among the various art forms humans have spent years developing, perhaps storytelling does justice to the larger-than-life parables, meanings, and messages that continue to shape how humans perceive reality.
If you wish to verse yourself with mediums and works of literature that have changed the world with the knowledge and wisdom they contain, delve into Chiaretto Calò's masterfully researched book, The Library of Humanity. The book includes 300+ texts, from ancient to modern-day works of art.
The Library of Humanity is now available on Amazon.
