The Role of Storytelling in Teaching Religious Concepts

Today, man who is trapped in modernity has developed a new approach to spirituality, morality, religion and religious values and realized that it is impossible for him to move towards sublimity without referring to religious teachings and concepts. The general view about religion is that it is the principle of guidance, through which man significance and identity are realized and it is a prescription for his felicity, so appropriate methods and mechanisms should be developed for teaching its dynamic and permanent concepts and providing individuals with religious education and inner commitment. Storytelling is one of the best, most interesting and influential mechanisms for teaching religious concepts. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the present paper aims at investigating the role and significance of storytelling in teaching religious concepts and the conformity degree of the educational principles governing the story with religious concepts and recognizing the concepts which can be taught through storytelling. Furthermore, the principles governing the story and their conformity with the principles governing the process of teaching religious concepts are examined. Finally, the teachings and concepts which can be best taught through storytelling are reanalyzed and identified in the light of Quranic verses and traditions and by citing some Quranic examples. Definitely, storytelling can be the most effective means of teaching religious and Quranic teachings, a suggestion which is worth considering by parents, instructors, teachers, professors and pundits.