The New Exodus: A Narrative Paradigm for Understanding Soul Care

Abstract

A consensus exists among biblical scholars that the original Exodus event became paradigmatic for Israel's later self-identity. Isaiah, among other Old Testament writers, made extensive use of Exodus language re-framed for his context. In the New Testament, Jesus is the New Joshua who breaks the chains of slavery once and for all. St. Paul makes it quite clear that this is nothing less than a New Exodus. However, this narrative may be faithfully appropriated in a contemporary context, and with particular relevance to soul care. With rising interest in narrative theology, as well as narrative approaches to psychotherapy, it is worth considering whether a kind of master narrative—The New Exodus—might provide conceptual space in which theologians and psychologists can explore the enduring question of how people change.