Amber at Breathless Noon has posted a series of well written childhood memories delving into the escapades that lead up to her brother and her being baptized. Let me not say more about them, lest I spoil their hilarious nature.

The Egypt Game: A Childhood Memory

Speaking in Tongues: Part 2 of a childhood memoir

I'd like to put a theory to test. I think it is a new one - and if it is, will hopefully be able to write a book on it. If it isn't a new one, I'd like someone to tell me so and point me to the folk who have posited it before I could. Let me begin with some initial formulations:

It is generally accepted that, through the ages, most religious leaders have used stories and parables as primary teaching techniques. Jesus comes to mind (well, because he's the leader I know best). He very rarely answered a question directly, but rather answered in parable or story, as an example.

There have been folk who have wondered why religious leaders have chosen to communicate in such a manner. Some of the reasoning I've heard goes along these lines:  read more »