Scripture 'story' power

Published: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009 12:19 a.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

Primary children sing, "Scripture power keeps me safe from sin. / Scripture power is the power to win. / Scripture power! Ev'ryday I need / The power that I get each time I read." The song reminds us what prophets and apostles across the ages have impressed upon members of the church: Know and study the scriptures.

One especially effective way to learn gospel principles is to study the stories we find in the scriptures. Storytelling always has been a productive and powerful way to disseminate moral and cultural values to a society. Scripture stories teach and reinforce theological truths. While doctrinal discourses and pithy maxims offer great insight into gospel doctrine, stories are particularly effective because:

1. They are easily remembered.

2. They offer doctrine in a palatable form.

3. Their often compelling storylines induce readers or listeners to finish the narrative.

4. As aspects of our lives relate to a story they establish for us an instinctive personal connection to the tale.

Read the full column on MormonTimes.com

Recent comments

Nobody has to "spin" the Old Testament to see a wonderful book full...

Re: it's true | Jan. 5, 2009 at 8:46 a.m.

There is no way one can "spin" the Old Testament as anything but as...

it's true | Jan. 4, 2009 at 5:10 p.m.

I challenge you to find any historic stories or stories of man and...

RE: Sunday AM | Jan. 4, 2009 at 11:52 a.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

Beck is extremely smart, he is selling books and is very popular on TV. All...

@Mick, the Federal Govt is run by corporations through contributions and...

RSL will play for MLS Cup tonight

Lets bond together and hope for a REAL celebration SUnday night, can hardly...

I was on the playground too and some teachers came out and called us all to...

Hall breaks BYU record with win

B.Y.U. has been a consistent a top 25 ranked winner under Max Hall. Hall has...

4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years

Did Timp win four in a row or 4 in 4 years?

Glenn Beck to enter politics?

You have a lot of growing up to do, It seems like you have not cxperienced...

The proposed ethics law puts roughly the same burden on a legislator that a...

Hall ACTUALLY broke the all timme wins record vs WYO last week. I guess...

Sounds to me like Kraig Powell may be a candidate for resignation. So long,...

Advertisements