Most religions live from a narrative that shapes their
Most religions live from a narrative that shapes their relationship with the divine other, God or the gods, and with the human other, the stranger.
Hear the sacred words of Timothy Radcliffe, who proclaims: “Most religions live from a narrative that shapes their relationship with the divine other, God or the gods, and with the human other, the stranger.” These words are as ancient as the fires that once lit the first altars, for they speak of the stories that bind mortals to heaven and to one another. Without these narratives, the hearts of humankind would wander in darkness, for it is through story that we find our place in the vast and mysterious order of existence.
From the dawn of ages, people have lifted their voices to the unseen realms, crafting myths of creation, tales of sacrifice, and songs of redemption. These narratives are more than mere words — they are bridges between the mortal and the eternal. Through them, men and women come to know the divine other, whether called God or many gods, and to understand the will and presence of powers beyond themselves. In this sacred exchange, the invisible becomes visible, and the distant becomes near.
Yet Radcliffe’s wisdom does not end with heaven. He reminds us that these same narratives also shape our bond with the human other, the stranger who walks among us. For as one’s heart is drawn toward the divine, it must also open toward fellow beings. The story of faith is never only a vertical ascent toward the skies; it is also a horizontal journey outward, weaving a web of kinship that spans across tribes, nations, and tongues.
Thus, let future generations remember: to live within a religion is to live inside a great story, one that guides both worship and compassion. When these stories are told with love, they lead to harmony and understanding. But when they are twisted by fear, they become chains of division. Therefore, guard the narrative, honor the stranger, and seek always the balance between reverence for the divine other and mercy for the human other. In this way, the sacred story shall continue to give life to the world.
MDMan Dii
This quote challenges me to think about the role of religious narratives in our understanding of others. If the story of our relationship with God and strangers is central to many religions, does it also create a ‘us vs. them’ mentality? How can we use these sacred narratives to promote empathy and compassion, not just for people within our faith but for all people, regardless of their backgrounds?
NLUyen Nhi Luu
Radcliffe’s point about narratives shaping how we view both the divine and the stranger is very powerful. I think religions often use these stories to create shared meaning within communities, but how does this affect the way we view people from different beliefs or backgrounds? Are there ways these religious stories can evolve to help promote more acceptance and unity in today’s world, where globalization is challenging traditional boundaries?
NVNek Viet
Timothy Radcliffe’s words remind me of the power of storytelling in religion. The way narratives define how we view the divine and others can impact how we treat people outside of our faith. But do these narratives always lead to understanding, or can they create fear or prejudice towards outsiders? How can we use religious stories to bridge divides rather than deepen them?
DHNguyen Duy Hung
I find this quote thought-provoking, especially the part about how religions shape their relationship with the divine and the stranger. It makes me think—do all religions have similar narratives that bind believers together, or do they vary greatly depending on cultural and historical context? How can these stories evolve to be more inclusive and reflect modern values of compassion and understanding for the ‘other’?
VHThao Uyen va Hoa
This quote makes me reflect on how the stories religions tell are so central to their teachings. By defining our relationship with the divine and the stranger, these narratives seem to shape the moral compass of entire communities. But does focusing so much on these narratives create divisions, or do they help foster a sense of belonging? How do these stories impact our everyday interactions with those we consider ‘the other’?