Parables and Human Memory

8 October, 2023

If you've ever delved into the New Testament or perused the pages of the Gospels recounting Christ's interactions with the masses, you'll quickly discern a fascinating pattern.

Jesus had a penchant for speaking in parables or stories. It's as if every profound nugget of wisdom lay concealed within the folds of an anecdote, waiting to be unearthed, akin to secrets about the very fabric of the universe hidden in plain sight.

To illustrate this, let's turn to a recent favorite of mine, The Chosen. In this captivating show, you can witness firsthand how Jesus employs the art of storytelling to convey timeless truths:

Watch this powerful example from The Chosen

The Use of Parables holds a special significance in the teachings of Jesus:

"Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: 'I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.'" - Matthew 13:34-35 (NIV)

Here, Jesus' use of parables aligns with a divine purpose. He employs them to disclose profound spiritual insights to his disciples, all while acknowledging that not everyone will grasp the depth of his teachings. Parables are, in essence, stories or analogies that utilize familiar elements to illuminate profound spiritual truths, compelling listeners to introspect and engage with the message being conveyed.

Now, here's where the narrative takes an intriguing twist—a connection to the world of science, specifically the realm of neuroscience:

The idea that memories can be fortified through storytelling suggests that the power of parables extends beyond the confines of religion. It hints at a fascinating intersection between the ancient art of storytelling and the modern scientific study of memory formation and retention.

In essence, the profound impact of storytelling is employed by Jesus, in conveying timeless truths. It showcases how this age-old technique remains relevant today, potentially offering insights into the intricacies of memory and cognition. So, whether you're drawn to the spiritual wisdom of parables or the scientific exploration of memory, the allure of storytelling endures as a timeless and universal phenomenon. Christ knew our human brains can compute information better in stories, hence he chose parables to share the Truth in a manner our human brains can understand.