The term “orality” refers to the reliance on spoken word for communication. Many cultures are oral cultures. People pass down cultural traditions, history, and religion through spoken word, not putting anything into writing. Oral cultures rely heavily on remembering information since nothing is written down. They prefer familiar things and focus on putting important information into easily-remembered forms. Stories are one of these ways.
Family Activity:
Teaching Time: 15 minutes
Materials: Bible
We encourage you, the parent, to memorize and tell the story in Luke 5:1-11 or use a Bible app to listen to the story with your children. Have the kids tell the story back to you. You can either have each child repeat the entire story or have them work together to retell the story. Ask the following questions:
- Which part of the story did you like best?
- Which part of the story made you uncomfortable or bothered you?
- Do you have some questions about the story?
- What does this story teach us about God?
- According to the story, how are we supposed to act?
Discuss:
- If you weren’t able to read, how would you learn what God’s Word says?
- Read Romans 10:17. Why is it important for people in oral cultures to hear God’s Word?
Pray:
Pray that people in oral cultures would hear God’s Word.
