Writer and peace builder Gareth Higgins joins Brian McLaren to discuss the power of storytelling in shaping a more just and loving world. They explore themes of power, oppression, friendship, and gratitude, introducing the concept of the seventh story as a path towards reconciliation and community building.
Become conscious of the stories we tell for personal and cultural well-being.
Love as a narrative can lead to shared power, equity, and healing in communities.
Deep dives
Unveiling the Origin of Stories
Stories have been a fundamental tool used by a group of people to interpret their lives. Initially, narratives ranged from tales about their origins to guidelines for happiness and security. These stories evolved when one individual discovered a shiny object, proclaiming that ownership entitled him to rule over others to ensure his happiness. Despite attempts at different narratives like revolution or isolation, each led to oppression or stagnation.
The Interconnected Stories of Domination and Revolution
The concept of dominating others for personal happiness led to an oppressive ruling system, exemplified by historical empires or even within familial and work environments. The revolution narrative emerged as an opposing force, advocating for overthrowing oppressive rulers. However, this cycle of domination and revolution failed to bring sustained peace, often resulting in a shift of power rather than equitable community.
Purification, Isolation, and Accumulation Narratives
The purification story sought peace through exclusion, blaming societal issues on specific groups to maintain purity. Conversely, the isolation narrative promoted withdrawing from a troubled world into utopian seclusion. Additionally, the accumulation narrative focused on material wealth and power accumulation as the pathway to personal security, all these stories stemmed from legitimate human needs but were distorted in their execution.
Victimization and The Emergence of Love as Protagonist
The victimization narrative entrenched suffering as a core identity, weaponizing personal pain to maintain dominance or helplessness within societal dynamics. Amidst these stories, a new narrative emerged, recognizing love as the protagonist. This seventh story transcends individual narratives, advocating for shared power, community equity, and a collective journey towards healing and reconciliation. By acknowledging interconnectedness and mutual care, the narrative of love offers a transformative path beyond competitive suffering.
“Becoming conscious of the stories we’re telling can be lifesaving to individuals and entire cultures.”—Gareth Higgins
How do you recount life’s biggest triumphs and failures? What about your deepest loves and biggest betrayals? In this season, we'll be exploring the power of storytelling to help create a more just and loving world.
This season, Brian McLaren dives into conversation with the co-host for this season, Gareth Higgins. Gareth is a writer and speaker who works in peace building and violence reduction in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Together, Brian and Gareth invite you to explore the story patterns that can lead us towards — and away from — a more equitable and loving future.
Resources:
The transcript for this episode can be found here.
To explore the seven stories in more depth, visit the website here. You'll find details about the children's book, essays for adults, and more.
Connect with us:
Have a question you'd like Brian or Gareth to answer about the seven stories? Email us: podcasts@cac.org or leave us voicemail. Questions for this season will only be accepted until November 22nd, 2023.
This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at https://cac.org/support-cac/podcasts/ Thank you!
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