“Flesh of Word” by Cortney L. Haley
A Storytelling Commentary on John 1:10-18
Thomas E. Boomershine, PhD
The prologue to the Gospel of John is spoken by John as the storyteller. It may have been a hymn, so he may have sung it. Whether it was sung or chanted or told in a more prosaic tone, it’s an expression of great joy and wonder. So the introduction to the Gospel is this hymn of joy, praise, and thanksgiving at the wonder of the Logos.
The hymn is directly addressed to the listeners. It is not a theological proclamation. It is rather a description in poetic terms of what’s going to follow later in the story. It’s John’s version of a birth story and it answers the question, “When did Jesus become the Son of God?”
The answer in Mark is that this happens at Jesus’ baptism. In Matthew and Luke it occurs at his conception. In John Jesus becomes the son of God at the very beginning of creation. Jesus has always been the Son of God. The Logos has been eternally present as an integral part of God in all of creation….
This Year in Baltimore
Performance Criticism at SBL
Every year in late November ten thousand biblical, theological and religious scholars from around the world gather to report on their work, network, and learn what is new and exciting in their fields. The event, held in Baltimore last month, brings together two professional organizations: the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) and the American Academy of Religion (AAR).
One of the new and exciting happenings in the field of biblical scholarship is Performance Criticism. This year a pre-event day was dedicated to Performance Criticism pedagogy and networking. The session was fully subscribed with fifty participants. GoTell President Tom Boomershine led the first of three interactive presentations designed to introduce the use of performance criticism methodology in seminary and university courses. He demonstrated the basic process of teaching a biblical story to students using the story of Paul in jail (Acts 16) as a model.
Academy for Biblical Storytelling
GoTell Hosts Masters Retreat
This month GoTell hosts the 3-day final retreat of The Academy for Biblical Storytelling (ABS) Masters candidates. The packed schedule for the four candidates includes 90-minute storytelling concerts with accompanying digital elements, presentation of educational and marketing resources, and demonstration of coaching expertise. GoTell provides food, housing, “coachees” and moral support. It is always a pleasure and a privilege to host this event.
ABS offers in-depth work to become a Certified and Master Certified Biblical Storyteller. These two certifications programs are each offered every other year, under the leadership of Dr. Tracy Radosevic. ABS is sponsored by the Network of Biblical Storytellers. The Master-Level year is available to those invited from within the ABS Certified Biblical Storyteller community.
