Matters of the Heart: Orality, Story and Cultural Transformation - The Critical Role of Storytelling in Affecting Worldview

Cultures are dynamic and are always in flux. What happens, however; when cultural changes are not good - when there is evidence of an eroding values system ? Can a particular culture's worldview intentionally and substantially change ? It is unarguable that one's worldview, culture, and values are entrenched and that to influence the alteration of these is difficult. However, affecting one's worldview, culture, and values to the point of change is not impossible. There are certain catalysts affecting cultural change that can be harnessed for the propagation of the gospel, with special attention given to the role of oral tradition and the impact it has on cultural transformation. What this article proposes is that worldviews, cultures, and values can indeed be changed, resulting in not only the transformation of an individual's life, but an entire culture as well. Storytelling in particular is a catalyst that can bring about substantial changes in worldview, culture, and values.