Melanie Cave interviews Martin Shaw, exploring the profound role of storytelling, myth, and wilderness in our spiritual growth. We explore the importanceof stories in church life, personal initiation, and cultural identity, unpacking how stories shape our understanding of God, community, and ourselves, and advocating for a more untidy, questioning approach to faith and spirituality.

Keywords

storytelling, myth, spirituality, Christian faith, wilderness, initiation, church, cultural identity, sacred stories, religious experience

Key topics

The role of storytelling and myth in spiritual life

The importance of wilderness for initiation and transformation

The relationship between myth, culture, and identity

Sound Bites

"We live in a symbolic world surrounded by metaphors."

"Bible stories are profoundly mysterious and layered."

"May rocks be rolled away and new life rise this Easter."

Chapters

00:00 The Roots of Storytelling

03:32 The Meaning of Myth

06:09 Myth and National Identity

09:13 The Power of Nuanced Stories

11:54 Storytelling in the Church

15:00 The Role of Wilderness in Initiation

24:26 Embracing the Dichotomy of Spirituality

26:32 The Balance of Wildness and Community

29:31 Navigating Prophetic and Pastoral Tensions

32:52 The Interplay of Mystery and Understanding

35:48 The Power of Storytelling Across Generations

42:30 Diversity in Storytelling and Spirituality

45:40 Reflections on Personal Myths and Prayer

Show Notes

Liturgies of the Wild by Martin Shaw https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/477131/liturgies-of-the-wild-by-shaw-martin/9781846048913

Roots for Churches www.rootsforchurches.com