Biblical stories are very word-heavy. Because Rap focuses so self-consciously on wordplay, it easily lends itself to experimentation, explication, and interpretation.The genre makes the Bible feel more relevant, more colorful, and ultimately, more real-to-the-touch. Furthermore, much like the Bible, Rap tends to shine brightest when it touches on controversial subject matter. Because biblical stories explore the complexities of the human condition, human relationships, and God, Rap offers itself up as a dynamic tool with which to probe and prod our presuppositions from a variety of different angles.To this end, it is important to note that the Bible is not one voice, but a a compilation of voices. It is a polyphony of characters in motion.Throughout the Bible we encounter people who love, hate, compromise, fight, save, escape, rebel, and submit. While we receive some first-hand perspectives, the texts are often sparse and details are often missing.Thanks to the unique toolkit that is Rap music, we are forced into the interior dimensions of character and positioned knee-deep in the waters of internal-conflict. Rap allows us to take on the “voice” of the biblical character in question and to create inner monologues rife with the conflict and ambivalence that they themselves were no doubt subject to. Rap helps students to delve deeply into the thick of the inner lives of biblical characters and to uncover untold layers to their persona.
Why is rap a good pedagogical tool?
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