Story has always been an integral part of the world’s entertainment. All forms of art are at least capable of relating the progressive series of events that defines this concept, whether performance, music or portrait. Even artistic productions supposedly without direct intention nonetheless imply the story of their inspiration. We are enamored with these things insofar as we can relate to them, even when we choose to avoid engaging with their deeper meaning.
Yet engaged or not, we are always likely to intuit some degree of the story from whatever media we consume. Simply by obtaining your attention, the artist is given an opportunity to share something of themself with you. If we assume this can be received without full awareness, then we acknowledge a risk in story to unknowingly deceive, even as it can effectively teach. Consider some artistic experience you have recently had, and question whether there was anything you took from it, as an impression or insight.
Jesus was known to use parables throughout His ministry. These stories were characterized by parallel metaphors, where the characters or circumstances within represented real-life equivalents. Because their lessons were so often straightforward, there was little question of their intent towards those to whom they were directed. We ought not expect other storytellers to always be so clear; in the best case, man is fallible and capable of error, while in the worst case, man is sinful and prone to deception.
Lest I be misunderstood, I must clarify that I am a great lover of stories. I have learned much by them, and am intrigued with the study of them as a science. Possibly the greatest tragedy relating to them is the unwillingness of an audience to appropriately engage with it. Here I’ve outlined my reasoning toward the danger one is in by approaching media as an amusement; hopefully in future I will address its merits as entertainment.
Colossians 2:8 – See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and no according to Christ.
Be discerning! TTT