The Christian grand narrative familiar to most people in Western Christianity is a story of Fall and Redemption. Organized around Augustine’s 4th century doctrine of “original sin,” the Fall/Redemption grand narrative begins with the concept that humankind and all of creation exist in a pervasive state of corruption from which only God in Christ can deliver them. 

There is, however, an earlier Christian grand narrative that emerged from ancient Jewish and Christian traditions prior to the 4th century. This grand narrative tells the story of Creation/Restoration. It focuses on the concept of divine guidance and creaturely response in creating life that enacts God’s vision to restore shalom/peace among all aspects of creation.

Therefore, Western Christianity features two grand narratives. One highlights sin and the need for redemption. The other highlights God’s earthly aim for the restoration of shalom. The narrative Christians choose to live by determines how they approach life theologically, spiritually, and faithfully in the moment-by-moment interactions of each and every day. 

After giving a brief introduction to each of the narratives, Dr. Gayle Hansen Browne will address the following topics:

• Why the Story Christians Tell Makes a Difference
• The Roots and Evolution of the Creation/Restoration Narrative
• The Roots and Evolution of the Fall/Redemption Narrative
• A Comparison of Perspectives On Major Christian Themes
  • Creation
  • Sin
  • Judgment
  • Salvation
• Why the Story Christians Tell Makes a Difference