Modern parables are moralistic tales set in contemporary times, presented in various forms such as literature, speeches, films, and radio dramas. They teach a simple moral and can be direct retellings or newly developed stories. Modernizing parables is useful for religious leaders to connect with their congregation. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is an example of a modern parable that warns against challenging God’s abilities. The story has spawned a new kind of parable, the scientific parable, which warns of potential problems with new technology.
A modern parable is a moralistic tale with a modern setting. Contemporary parables come in the form of written literature, such as poems and stories, and as speeches or sermons. Modern stories can also be presented as films and radio dramas. They can be modernized versions of older stories or they can be entirely new tales. Modern parables can be found in many cultures and religions around the world, from Jesus’ parables to ancient Chinese folktales.
Parables are stories designed to teach listeners, readers, or viewers a single, simple moral. The characters tend to be human only, although they may appear to be normal animals. All stories with gods or mythical/speaking animals are fairy tales. It is important to note that the point the modern parable is trying to make is not opaque, and that by the end of the story, everyone understands what it was trying to say.
There are two main types of modern parabola. The first type is a direct retelling of an ancient parable, but in a more modern setting. The second type is a newly developed story that may start with an old moral, but create a whole new story out of it.
A popular Christian parable that is often reshaped into a modern parable is that of the Good Samaritan. The tale is well known; features a Samaritan helping a wounded traveler, though a priest and a Levite do not. The parable worked for an ancient audience because those hearers or readers knew of the animosity between Jews and Samaritans. A modern retelling of the tale might have, for example, a man from a rival gang helping an injured gangster, while his own gang left him for dead.
Modernizing a parable is an important tool for priests and other religious leaders. They can be used in pulpit sermons, ceremonies, or in religious writings. Under such circumstances, ministers try to understand the background of the congregation to make the story fit for them. Many Christian filmmakers and churches have produced modernized versions of Jesus’ parables as independent films and DVDs.
A fully created modern parable begins with the moral point. The creator then enriches a story with well-rounded characters and a modern setting or context. Creating a new parable is similar to creating an anecdote or joke. The difference between a parable and a joke is that the parable has a moral ending rather than a punchline; however, the moral ending requires just as much timing and impact as a good punchline.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a good example of a modern parable. The central moral is that humanity should not challenge the works and abilities of God. Dr. Frankenstein does exactly that by creating the monster of him. This parable refers to stories such as those of Prometheus, who set mankind on fire, and Icarus, who grew wings, but flew too close to the sun. It also has a similar theme to the Tower of Babel but is told in a whole new way.
Frankenstein’s monster has since spawned a new kind of parable: the scientific parable. As new scientific innovations are introduced to the world, new parables are created about the potential problems of such technology. Examples of this include The Fly and Splice, but it can be argued that the moral point often becomes secondary to the storytelling and entertainment in such films.
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