Feasting on the Story: The Sacrament of Holy Communion Through the Lens of the Narrative Paradigm

Abstract

This study aims to show a theological application of the narrative paradigm and its effectiveness in interpreting the Bible’s narrative context. The narrative paradigm is a proposal from communication scholar Walter Fisher that suggests that all human communication can be understood as stories. In his book, he creates a model of narrative interpretation called narrative rationality, which shows how well stories “hang together” and “ring true.” This study applies the narrative paradigm to Matthew 26:17–30, testing the account’s narrative rationality. The author concludes that the narrative paradigm can effectively serve the pastor, teacher, or layperson in the teaching and preaching about the sacrament of Holy Communion because it keeps it in its narrative context. The study also encourages others to use the narrative paradigm, not only with the narrative of the Last Supper but with the entire story of salvation found in the Bible.