The Pedagogy of Biblical Fiction: Where Research And Creativity Collide

Partly inspired by the recent popularity of fan fiction, fictional short stories based on the Bible can be set as assessment tasks in theological education. A number of different story types can be utilised: recontextualisation (‘missing scenes’), refocalisation (‘alternative perspective’), genre emulation, and (possibly) expansion (‘prequels and sequels’). The creative process involved in coming up with a fictional viewpoint actually encourages the student to function at the higher levels of Bloom’s cognitive domain, particularly synthesis. In contrast with traditional theological essays, Bloom’s affective domain will also be involved. From personal experience the results of research conducted using this method are long remembered and have a definite impact on the writer. These are, of course, the hallmarks of deep learning. Some assessment considerations will also be discussed.