Because: The Power of Storytelling in Overcoming Division and Creating Belonging
In this "Because" episode of “To Be and Do,” the focus turns to a reflection on the difference between “shibboleth” and story—a conversation rooted in language, belonging, and the deeper meaning behind words. The episode opens with a reflection on the biblical term “shibboleth,” highlighting how, in the Book of Judges, it was used as a password to distinguish insiders from outsiders by the mere sound of a word. This serves as a springboard for considering how language can be used to divide or unite, particularly within the church and the broader society 00:02.
The conversation focused on the way repeated catchphrases, or “shibboleths,” can become empty platitudes, especially when used without genuine understanding or connection. The discussion explored the sadness in hearing jargon and code words dominate dialogue within the nation and church settings, prompting the question: Do these words make any real difference 01:13?
One concept discussed was the contrasting power of “story.” Through personal anecdote, the episode shares admiration for great storytellers who weave together the narrative of scripture and everyday life. The example of a friend, a Lutheran pastor known for his storytelling, illustrates how stories make teachings come alive and resonate on a deeper, more personal level 02:05. Story, as described, asks listeners to inhabit another narrative, to see life from a different angle—mirroring how Jesus himself taught in parables, offering lessons that sit alongside real life and prompt reflection 02:42.
A key theme that emerged was the longing for meaningful narrative in places of worship, rather than repetitive code words. The episode invites listeners to seek the “deeper, more profound” encouragement that comes from narrative rather than from knowing and repeating the right insider language 03:15.
Several points were raised, including the suggestion to read scripture for its stories and align those narratives with personal experience. The conversation closed with a prayerful hope that listeners not settle for surface-level code words but instead know and share the deeper stories about inclusive love, care, and hope for the world 03:53.
Takeaway Points
- “Shibboleth” illustrates how language can serve as a barrier or a gateway to belonging.
- Empty repetition of code words and platitudes can diminish meaningful connection in communities.
- Storytelling holds transformative power, inviting empathy and deeper understanding.
- Scripture and daily life gain depth when explored through narrative rather than rote phrases.
- True spiritual community begins with engaging the deeper stories of love and care, not just reciting accepted language.
Phil Amerson [00:00:02]:
Hello, this is Philip Amerson for the Belonging Exchange and another episode, another because moment of reflection. I want to think with you a bit about the difference between shibboleth and story. A lot of what I hear going on in the nation and in the church falls into the category of shibboleth, a big word. I used to think it only meant, oh, lots of words, words up on top of words that have no meaning. Shibboleth. Shibboleth. Actually, it has a deeper meaning in the book of Judges, you see that shibboleth really was a way to have a password, a passcode. And those who were in God's army in the struggle with password, ask the stranger, the newcomer, to pronounce the word shibboleth.
Phil Amerson [00:00:58]:
And they could tell by the accent whether they were a part of the Israeli Israel community or whether they were the stranger. And that would be the way they could be admitted or excluded. Shibboleth. I hear a lot going on in our nation, in our press, but most sadly in the church that just shibboleth on top of shibboleth, on top of shibboleth, platitude on top of platitude, on top of platitude and wonder, is it going to make any difference? And then I remember the power of story. My dear, dear friend, Walter Wangerin Jr. I met in Evansville, Indiana. He was a Lutheran pastor in a small, predominantly African American church. And in those years I was pastoring a small United Methodist, predominantly African American church.
Phil Amerson [00:01:52]:
I used to get up on Sunday morning and pray, oh God, help me, preach the second best sermon in Evansville, Indiana, because I knew Walter Wangerin would preach the best. Why? Because he was a great storyteller and he knew how to take the story of the scripture and the story of modern life and bring them together. I have a friend, Tim Sorens, who reminded me of the way many people talk about the power of story. He said story is a time and a place when you ask people to inhabit another narrative, to think differently. Hearing a story, something laid alongside everyday life. That's what Jesus did in the parables. Parable really means to take some teaching, some story and put it alongside what we know in everyday life. The power of story is so important.
Phil Amerson [00:02:59]:
And I confess that I go to church hungry to hear story. And I come away a lot of shibboleth, a lot of passwords. We all should know the meaning too. But I don't feel the deeper, the more profound, the more encouraging power of story, of narrative. So read the scriptures for story and then align that story with the stories you know. Today I pray that you will be people who not only know the code words, can not only say, I won't, I won't use them right now. But you know the words I mean. But know the deeper story about how God loves all and cares for all and wants the best for our world.
Phil Amerson [00:04:03]:
