How storytelling shaped humanity - opinion - 25 May 2009 - New Scientist

For all of us interested in hermeneutics, this could be the new kid on the block of theories. New Scientist reports here: Review: How storytelling shaped humanity - opinion - 25 May 2009 - New Scientist: "Art, Boyd says, is a form of play. It is an interesting idea. In recent years, biologists who study play have come to see it as an adaptation allowing intelligent animals to hone mental and physical skills in non-threatening environments. This fits perfectly with Boyd's assertion that fiction fosters cognition, cooperation and creativity. Where the idea falls short is in its failure to recognise that play is primarily interactive, whereas storytelling is more of a spectator sport."
Now, I'm not sure whose perspective that last sentence represents but I think I disagree with it. Not completely but enough to be very dubious: the thing is that lots of good storytelling is actually interactive and not just about spectating. And indeed, the social setting of much storytelling is interactive even if the story is 'spactated' for a time: the conversation in which the story is 'performed' is often a co-operative affair and stories are swapped and commented upon.

That said, the approach seems potentially useful: "the process of creating a story may be expensive in terms of time and energy but is intrinsically rewarding because it appeals to our brain's love affair with pattern. It also reshapes the mind, promotes a creative approach to problem solving and increases the storyteller's social status. The audience, meanwhile, pay a price in their time, but in return acquire a deeper insight into society and the minds of other individuals."
Now think about that in relation to the biblical narratives. Does it work? Well, the pattern thing does: part of the point is that the biblical narratives are helping to highlight patterns of God's relating to humans and this can have the effect of enabling us the hearers/readers to approach our lives (problems included) differently, with the creativity of God. The greater insight in the audience is also into the ways of God. So much so familiar. This seems to be pretty much noting particularly salient points which are not really about evolutionary perspective but things that are consonant with it; as such they do us the favour of helping us to pay attention to some fairly practical matters relating to basic drives and social conditions.

Oh, I missed out about the story-teller's status: celebrity culture; say no more. ... ?