Storytelling & Language
Humans are blessed with an evolutionary advantage; we can transmit deep concepts and complex information to one another. Lessons learned over generations are passed down.
Creeds & Beliefs
There are few statements we make in our lives that have more significance than our public scripted statements about our beliefs. These indicate the core of our values and are central to our identity.
Sharing these commitments builds trust and communion among members of the group. Hesitating to be forthcoming, people might wonder why. It’s a real clarifying moment.
Prayers & Meditations
Each faith provides scripts to help its members in their spiritual practice. The formats, language – even the intentions – vary across religions. Once memorized, these stay with people throughout their lives, serving as an easy connecting point with their values structure and with other members.
The telling and retelling of stories is at the heart of most faiths. Myths, allegories and parables teach us about creation and provide inspiration for living our best lives. These stories give us our heroes. And they provide an endless source of lessons, ready to be conjured up with the situation demands. Now, go forth and be a good Samaritan.
For those faiths that meet weekly or routinely, these stories are often set into annual calendars, ensuring they don’t fade from circulation. They serve as the syllabus of key learnings.
Most religious groups have writings that represent their core tenets. The books, and sometimes words that come from the books, are treated with reverence. “The Word” is a tangible, earthly representation of the divine and is treated with careful ceremony.
Words have enormous power. Reading them, touching them and repeating them with others draw us together. In the beginning was the word ….