The formation (and transformation) of narratives starts with theology, no matter what we believe about God and faith.
Theology forms beliefs. Beliefs shape values. Values define culture. Doctrines and beliefs lead to convictions. Convictions and values develop norms. Norms and culture build a narrative.
The norms and values of a culture become the narrative, formed by how we understand God, people and the world. So to understand a narrative, we must understand its underlying theology. This also means that we can transform a damaging narrative by challenging bad theology.
The figure is not exhaustive, of course.
