This episode of the podcast looks at the issue of biblical illiteracy, examining the historical context that surrounds it, particularly in the United States.

While contemporary discussions often frame this as a modern crisis, this research challenges that notion by exploring evidence that reveals a much older phenomenon.

This investigation uncovers an alarming trend that predates the anxieties seen in recent years, prompting us to reconsider when concerns about biblical knowledge truly began.

Hi. I'm Jason Norris. I wrote this back during my seminary days in the early 2010s. Later, I published these as articles on my blog. And most recently, I added these articles to NotebookLM and generated an audio discussion between two vocal AI hosts.

As a podcaster and voiceover guy, I was skeptical about AI voices. They also sometimes mispronounce some names. However, all that aside, this is pretty good. This audio episode stayed true to what I wrote, but it presented it in a fresh, new way that surprised me.

So whether you choose to read the articles or listen to this presentation, I hope the message enriches your understanding of the biblical illiteracy issue.

So what did you do with your 2020?

After enduring the loss of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, lamenting the lack of social contact, and saying goodbye to a few good friends, I decided to look back.

Ever since I was a kid, I kept a journal. I reread what I wrote three decades ago. I reread what I wrote during Y2K. I reread what happened in the early oughts of this millennium—the history of this news website. Most people don’t know what happened then.

I wrote in journals because I never wanted to forget what happened. I know if I just trust my brain to remember it, I will forget.

So I have kept a journal since I was a kid. I keep them now. And this summer of social distancing gave me the time to reflect.

It also made me think that it was now time to tell those stories.

I was there.

I saw those things.

I heard those things.

It was mysterious.

At times I was scared.

I didn’t know if I would make it.

But somehow I got through it.

Now we are in 2020. And I absolutely know what is coming. I know what is next. So now it’s time to write. Not about what happens next but about what happened then. That is what is most important.

You have to know what happened before you can understand what is coming next.

And hey, NaNoWriMo is in November. I can’t think of a better story to tell than this one.

I’m Colin Brock. Welcome to the Mistleton Chronicles.

Please note: Colin Brock, Mistleton, and the Mistleton Chronicle are all part of a fictional story of epic proportions.

I do now.

Welcome to Stories I Tell. I'm Jason Norris.

https://jasonnorris.com/212-the-story-of-how-a-number-changed-my-life/

Alice put her backpack in too. “Honeymoons are not supposed to be boring.”

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I'm Jason Norris.

Welcome to Stories I Tell from JasonNorris.com.

Inside, she and ten other kids sat quietly as their teacher displayed a map of the solar system.

“Who can name the planet closest to the Sun?”

Welcome to Astronomy Class, a flash fiction story from Stories I Tell from JasonNorris.com

Stories I Tell by Jason E. Norris

More at https://jasonnorris.com/2020/

On the nonfiction side, I usually stick with ideas about:

• education; instructional design; on-the-go learning
• communication; local podcasting
• faith

But I have a creative side that longs to tell stories.

Fictional stories!

I have lots of ideas for stories. But. An “idea” is not a story. So I’ve decided to try something.

I’m going to create stories and share them—with you.

I’m pushing the ideas out of my imagination and straight into your mind.

Some stories are science fiction. Some feel more down to earth.

To start with, it’s just you and me. Imagine we’re sitting around a campfire sharing stories. Yeah. That’s it.

Occasionally, I might sprinkle in some music to enhance the story. Perhaps a few sound effects. But the main point is for me—to tell you—stories.

If you like them, let me know and I’ll keep telling. And if you’re a kindhearted soul, maybe you can offer feedback to help me become a better storyteller.

The Gap

There is that frustrating gap. You’ve heard about this, right? There’s a gap between what we think we know, what we can imagine in our hearts and minds—and then what we’re actually able to accomplish, especially when we’re just starting.

I’m trying to jump that gap! So I’m going to share these imperfect stories with you. And the more I work at it, the better I'll get. Especially with your feedback.

Storytelling

In return, I will share what I’m learning about storytelling. Telling stories is not just a gift that some people are born with and others are not. It’s a craft. It requires skill. Anyone can study the principles of storytelling and become better storytellers.

That’s what I’m doing. I’m exploring the idea of storytelling. And if you’d like to write and create stories, maybe we can learn something and jump that gap together.

I'm glad you're here

Whether you simply want to listen to stories or learn something about storytelling, thanks for taking time to listen and read.

Join me for the Stories I Tell at JasonNorris.com.