The Old Times

Digital Narratives

Weekly Task:

Step 1: Choose a Core Theme or Topic

• Identify a subject you’re passionate about or find relevant to your audience.
• Consider ethical storytelling – avoid harmful stereotypes and misinformation.
• Possible themes:
• Personal journey (e.g., overcoming a challenge, transformation).
• A social issue (e.g., sustainability, mental health, misinformation).
• Behind-the-scenes storytelling (e.g., a creative process, brand story).
• Experimental storytelling (e.g., interactive narratives, alternate realities).

Task: In your blog Write down three possible themes and briefly describe why they interest you.

1. Unclobbering Faith (Social Issue & Personal Journey) This theme explores the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and Christianity, specifically focusing on deconstructing the “clobber passages” – verses historically used to marginalise queer people. Drawing on the work of Rev. Brandan Robertson and the 1946 documentary project, this narrative would challenge the traditional interpretations of texts like Leviticus 18 and Romans 1, arguing they address exploitation rather than loving relationships. This interests me as a continuation of my “Out in the Light” and Joseph projects from last semester, moving from personal visibility to active theological reclamation and “building our own table”.

2. The Architecture of Misinformation (Social Issue) Drawing on the module’s focus on “fake news,” “deepfakes,” and information ethics, this theme would investigate how digital platforms accelerate the spread of disinformation. I am interested in how false narratives, whether political conspiracies or religious mistranslations, shift culture over time. This theme allows for an exploration of the “ethical implications” of content creation and the responsibility of the creator to verify truth.

3. The “Anarchic” Commute (Experimental Storytelling) Inspired by the weekly task to film a journey to ARU, this theme would transform a mundane daily commute into a surreal, non-linear narrative. By using “short-form” video techniques common on TikTok, I would aim to turn a passive travel experience into “active participation” for the viewer. This interests me as a low-stakes way to experiment with visual effects and “disrupt” the viewer’s expectation of a standard vlog.

Step 2: Research & Find Inspiration

• Study existing digital narratives in your chosen format (blog, podcast, video, etc.).
• Identify what works well:
• ◦ How do they hook the audience?
• ◦ How do they structure the story?
• ◦ What emotions do they evoke?
• Look at how different platforms shape storytelling techniques (e.g., Instagram Reels
• vs. YouTube documentaries).

Task: Find two digital storytelling examples that inspire you and break down their narrative and storytelling structure.

I am going to focus my project on option 1:

Unclobbering Faith (Social Issue & Personal Journey) This theme explores the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and Christianity, specifically focusing on deconstructing the “clobber passages” – verses historically used to marginalise queer people. Drawing on the work of Rev. Brandan Robertson and the 1946 documentary project, this narrative would challenge the traditional interpretations of texts like Leviticus 18 and Romans 1, arguing they address exploitation rather than loving relationships. This interests me as a continuation of my “Out in the Light” and Joseph projects from last semester, moving from personal visibility to active theological reclamation and “building our own table”.

On that basis, here are two examples of digital storytelling that inspire me:

1. Brandan Robertson’s TEDx Talk: “Gay and Christian, No Contradiction”

• Hook: Robertson hooks the audience immediately with a high-stakes personal anecdote – a knock on his dorm door at the conservative Moody Bible Institute where a peer confesses, “I’m gay,” prompting Robertson’s own admission, “Me too”.
• Structure: He uses a Hero’s Journey structure. He starts in the “ordinary world” of non-affirming theology, experiences a “call to adventure” (the dorm confession), crosses the threshold into investigation (studying the history of the word “homosexual” appearing in 1946), and returns with the “elixir” (a theology of inclusion).
• Emotions: He evokes vulnerability through personal risk and intellectual relief by providing historical evidence that resolves the tension.

2. 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture (Documentary/Campaign)

• Hook: This narrative utilizes a Mystery/Discovery hook: “What if the word ‘homosexual’ was never meant to be in the Bible?”. This instantly disrupts the viewer’s worldview.
• Structure: It functions as an Investigative Thriller, following researchers into archives (Yale University) to uncover the “smoking gun” (the RSV translation committee notes). It interlaces this “cold case” intellectual narrative with emotional “testimony” from those harmed by the text.
• Emotions: It evokes shock at the recency of the translation error and vindication for those marginalized by it.

Step 3: Define Your Audience & Platform

• Who is your ideal audience? Consider age, interests, and engagement habits.
• Which platform best suits your story? (e.g., TikTok for fast-paced, visually engaging
• content, YouTube for longer narratives, blogs for detailed analysis).
• Consider accessibility – subtitles, visual storytelling, inclusive language.

Task: Define your target audience and platform choice, explaining why it fits your idea

Target Audience: The “Spiritual Exile” & The Seeker

• Retro Fit: Although I have given some thought to the audience which I have outlined below, I am generally more engaged with the topic and how I would like to produce something which shares my view of it than looking first at the audience. I have to say that my antennae aren’t great – or perhaps my taste is unusual – but those things I generally think might grow an audience, or go viral, normally do not. I’m fine with that.
• Demographics: Primarily Gen Z and Millennials (ages 18–40). This demographic correlates with the rise of the “ex-vangelical” movement and is statistically more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ while retaining an interest in spirituality or social justice.
• Interests: They are interested in deconstruction, social justice, and reconciliation of identity. They are likely familiar with the pain of the “clobber passages” but may lack the theological tools to refute them. They are looking for content that validates their existence and offers a “gospel of inclusion” rather than condemnation.
• Engagement Habits: This audience engages with “edutainment” – content that educates while entertaining. They often scroll for validation and community, seeking “micro-learning” moments that challenge their worldview or offer relief from religious trauma.

Platform Choice: TikTok

Why TikTok?

1. Established Niche: Brandan Robertson, a key influence for this project, is known as the “TikTok Pastor” and has garnered over 400,000 followers by spreading a message of inclusion on this specific platform. This proves that there is a hungry audience for progressive theology in short-form video.

2. Format Fit: TikTok creates an environment for “disruptive” storytelling. The “Unclobbering Faith” narrative relies on a “myth-busting” structure (e.g., “Did you know the word ‘homosexual’ wasn’t in the Bible until 1946?”). This “hook-and-reveal” style is native to TikTok and perfect for dismantling the six “clobber passages” in 60-second bursts.

3. Visual Storytelling: The platform’s tools (Green Screen, text overlays) allow you to visually display the Bible verses and “cross them out” or re-translate them on screen, making the theological argument accessible and visually engaging.

Accessibility & Inclusion Strategy

• Subtitles/Captions: Essential not just for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, but for the “sound-off” scroll habit common on TikTok. Every spoken word must be captioned.

• Inclusive Language: Following the guidance of organizations like ReconcilingWorks, the content will use identity-first language where appropriate and respect the full SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression) spectrum. This includes using correct pronouns and avoiding “microaggressions” such as implying that being cisgender is the “norm”.

• Content Warnings: Given the focus on “clobber passages,” which have caused significant harm, videos will include Trigger Warnings (TW) for religious trauma or homophobia in the captions to ensure ethical storytelling and duty of care