Then compare several of these truths to those found in a favorite children's book of your own, or one you love reading to your own children. Look for similarities, for common truths, even though the stories are written for different ages. In ancient Greece, Aristotle wrote that after experiencing a good theatrical drama an audience will leave with a feeling of catharsis, a purging of the mind and emotions. We know this as the laughter, tears, tension, relief we feel as we go through an experience with an actor. Talk about a cathartic experience you may have felt from a recent movie or television program.
Some films are simply enjoyable adventure stories.
Others certainly are compelling dramas that draw us into their truth as they unfold. The Gospels as story Jesus used the story as effectively as contemporary authors to preach his Gospel message. His stories took the form of parables, rich in Hebrew culture and history. The cleansing strength of mercy and forgiveness moves us to this day. Or the parable of the prodigal son.