The Habit

Daniel Schwabauer on The God of Story

Apr 28, 2025
Daniel Schwabauer, a fiction and nonfiction writer and English teacher, dives into the transformative power of storytelling in this rich discussion. He explores the contrast between ideals of power and principle in narratives, revealing how scripture can deepen our understanding of faith. Schwabauer highlights defamiliarization as a tool to refresh our perspectives and illustrates the beauty in being present through relatable anecdotes. He emphasizes embracing open interpretation in biblical texts, encouraging listeners to challenge conventional narratives and cultivate their unique voices.
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INSIGHT

Defamiliarization Makes The World Feel New

  • Daniel Schwabauer cites Shklovsky: art makes the stone stony again to break our habits.
  • Stories jolt expectation and force us to see familiar things anew.
ANECDOTE

Walks Reveal What We Ignore

  • Daniel Schwabauer recounts walking his dogs and often missing wildlife because his mind wanders.
  • He notes dogs stay present and notice details humans routinely overlook.
ANECDOTE

Nathan's Second Confrontation Matters

  • Daniel Schwabauer highlights Nathan's lesser-known line, "name the boy Jedidiah," as narratively intentional.
  • He connects Solomon's name and downfall to choosing human peace over God's love.
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