"The task of the preacher is to exhibit a particular narrative script of the Bible and to show how and in what ways life will be reimagined, redescribed, and relived if this narrative is embraced. It is this context that we understand the social construction of reality as a process of 'switching worlds.' Nobody can switch worlds unless an alternative world is made richly available with great artistry, care, and boldness." Walter Brueggemann in Preaching as Reimagination
To learn of the idea of living in two worlds, two realities, two narratives for the first time is strikingly shocking. There's the world of corruption, decay, and chaos. Then there's the world of the righteous (made righteous in Christ) who are a new creation made to live in a new reality on earth where reality is understood in and through Gods original plan for mankind. This is why Christians seem strange to non Christians. We live differently on purpose because we want to. There's a moment when new Christians or seekers must step from one reality to the next. Some choose to do this by diving in and others are more comfortable by tip toeing into the water. The entire process is extremely revealing and requires constant vulnerability for the new Christian because they are undergoing an entire cultural shift and must endure the transition of worldview. New Christians struggle with feeling fake, weird, different, or suffer social or relational loss. They need support, which is another topic. The point here is that conversion is intense, complex, and beautiful. Portraying the concept of two worlds, realities, or narratives can be beneficial in helping people understand the conversion process. Seeing from this perspective is a challenge, and this is why preaching is crucial. Preaching has the ability to assist the conversion process by making the alternate world available and attractive through great artistry, care, and boldness.
