Storytelling is something of a lost art in need of rediscovery. I suspect many of us grew up in a world of imagination and possibility, hearing tales of dragons and castles, of porridge-eating maidens and wolves disguised as grandmothers. Far from being childish flights into fantasy land, these tales intend to teach us the subtleties of truth: how to unmask greed, fight patiently for justice, and beware of deceit.

Common wisdom tells us that we are the stories that we tell ourselves. In the face of a (very modern) tendency to preference ‘hard facts’ about life, stories immerse us in the deeper irreducible paradoxes of life, and give us a language and a landscape for exploring who we are and what we’re here for. It is no surprise, then, that Jesus frequently told stories – along with many of the world’s most poignant and pointed religious teachers. The stories he told do not collapse into an easy take-home maxim or instruction. They invite us in, to make sense of ourselves within the story’s possibilities and compromises, in the hope that we can more readily and sensitively traverse the possibilities and pressures of our own lives.

This term the University Church’s Book Club is giving space and attention to tale-telling, as we explore some of the little stories in ‘The Orthodox Heretic: And Other Impossible Tales’ by Peter Rollins. The book is collection of very short parables, based on those of Christian, Jewish and Buddhist origins, rewritten to address faith and doubt in a postmodern age, and to prompt reflection. Each week, we’ll take two stories and see where conversation takes us. This Tuesday 15 January, join us in the Mitre 6-7pm with a pint, as we talk about ‘Jesus and the Five Thousand (A First-Century Translation)’ and ‘Finding Faith’. For the free audio download, visit peterrollins.com/orthodox-heretic-landing-page.

God of all our complexities,
teach us in everything to tread the paths that lead to peace,
nurture in us the simplicity of wisdom,
and breathe into us your Spirit of strength,
that in all things we may honour our neighbour,
and may glorify you, who live and reign,
now and for ever. Amen.

James Crockford

Assistant Priest

Preacher: The Revd Andrew Lightbown

12.00 Holy Baptism - Chancel

15.30 Contemplative Eucharist with Healing Ministries - Chancel