Jim Faulconer answered a good question over at Times and Seasons. What is narrative theology? He links to a paper by Maarten Wisse called, "Narrative Theology and the Dogmatic Use of the Bible." To quote Jim, "Narrative theology focuses on narrative as theology. Hans Frie was one of the initiators of the movement. See his The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative. There is presently a huge literature on the topic. The basic insight/claim is that theology should focus on the narrative expression of faith (usually but not necessarily expressions in scripture) rather than on developing a metaphysical system that is often assumed to be the structure underlying scriptural and other narratives of faith."
While I do think that narrative is an important aspect of what is taught in the scriptures as theology, I do think it somewhat dangerous to neglect the other aspects of theology which are also taught in the scriptures. Still the Book of Mormon is an excellent example wherein the narrative is dominant through the text. The lessons we learn, such as the cycle of prosperity, pride, and fall, are found in the narrative. Even the numerous Isaiah quotations, especially in 2 Nephi, are oriented around a repeating historic narrative which is a type for the last days. But at the same time, there are numerous doctrines taught as well. For instance as important as is the narrative of Christ's appearance to the Nephites, so too are his many commandments, prophecies and statements of doctrine. I'm not sure, for instance, the Beatitudes ought be considered narrative, even if their important is found in us making them part of the process of our lives and therefore a part of our own personal narrative.
But one could easily say that all theology proper has a narrative aspect, even if not in its normal presentation.
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Blogged by Clark Goble