This series is an attempt to show how there may be more to the story than we think. It's meant to challenge the thinking that we might have it all figured out. Its meant to challenge you to not just be content with the typical way you might have heard the story and to ask is there more to it. It's meant to challenge you to look a little deeper or a little broader and notice what you  might see and how these narratives are actually reflections of us. 

Based on John 7:1-9

More info on Honor Shame Culture:

https://walkingcloser.podbean.com/e/episode-93-challenging-perspectives-part-3/

Further reading on the cultural and social context of the Bible.

"Cultural Tools for Interpreting the Good News" John J. Pilch

"Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes" E. Randolph Richards & Brandon J. O'Brien

"Honor, Patronage, Kindship, & Purity" David A deSilva

"The Social Sciences and New Testament Interpretation" Richard Rohrbaugh 

"Modeling Early Christianity" Philip F. Esler "The New Testament World" Bruce J. Malina

How Abraham responds to the situation with his nephew Lot is a good reflection of what it looks like to bring shalom, to bring peace.

Based on Matt 18:21-35

Abraham and Sarah are reflections of the process we all go through as we live by faith.

The Story of Abraham and Sarah reflect what it looks like to have faith and to live by faith. 

The Tower of Babel is a narrative that reflects the struggles we may have within us between virtue and ego. If also reflects ultimately what happens when we are driven by ego and self-centeredness. 

The story of Ham and his brothers is a story about us. It reflects the choices we make and the consequences, but it also reflects some of the elements of true freedom, self-discipline and self-control. 

Based on Genesis 9:20-27

The story of Lamech and Noah, can be a story that reflects the worst in humanity, what we are capable of, how far we are capable of going, how dark and how chaotic society is capable of becoming. It is also a story that reflects the reality of God’s pursuit and the results of that pursuit. It reflects the reality that no matter how dark it may seem, there is still hope, because darkness cannot overcome light.

The narrative concerning Cain reflect us as individuals and as a society and what can happen when our ego gets the best of us. 

Based on Genesis 4:2-16