Edward on Tolkein's Sub-Creation and Gen Z's Sub-Exemplars / The Gen Z Role Models Project / Season 1, Episode 6

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In this episode of The Vibe Shift, Edward continues reading from the foundational essay that shaped the theoretical framework of the Gen Z Role Models Project. Written early in the analysis phase, the essay brings theological reflection into dialogue with qualitative research methods—especially story completion and reflexive thematic analysis.

This episode explores the theological claim that humans are not just storytellers but also story-hearers—created in the image of a God who reveals himself through story. Drawing on Christian theology and the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, Edward reflects on what it means to be a “sub-creator” and introduces the idea of “sub-exemplars”—those who, in narrative form, stand in for or reflect the example of Christ.

This episode explores:

• Why humans tell and receive stories as part of being made in God's image
• Christ as the exemplar not just of morality, but of creation itself
• How Gen Z stories reveal narrative patterns of struggle and redemptive hope

If you’re curious about how theology, narrative, and research design come together in our project, this episode opens up the heart of our interpretive approach.

This is The Vibe Shift. And the conversation keeps unfolding.

Visit us at oxfordexemplars.org.

Music: 'Find Yours Dreams' by Art Flower. CC0 1.0 Universal License.

Copyright: The Vibe Shift, 2025.