Reading the Bible in a Progressive Community
We were mistaken, we have one more class, which is great, since we cancelled last Sunday’s class to hear Rep. David Price present to the Not Just One Way class. So, please look back at the assignment for last week. If you cannot locate it, just focus on reading Chapter 6 in Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time by Marcus Borg.
We hope to see you!
Charles and Michael
Topics for discussion
*Have we lost the meaning of the larger “story” of the Bible and Jesus by over-emphasizing theology and historical analysis?
*What are some of the “macro-stories” of the Old Testament Bible? (The Exodus from Egypt; the destruction of the temple and exile to Babylon in 587 B.C. and return to Israel in 539 B.C. after the Persian conquest; the Priestly purity system embodied in the institution of the temple, priesthood, & sacrifice.)
*What are the “macro stories” of the New Testament? (Jesus birth, His message – ‘believe in me’ or ‘a message of compassion – Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection)
Borg
Chapter 6: Images of Jesus and Images of the Christian Life
Bible
The Exodus Story
Exodus 1-40
The Babylonia Exile Story
Jeremiah 24:1-12
Priesthood and sacrifice (examples)
1 Kings 6:5 23
Leviticus 4:15:13
The Easter Story
Mark 14-16
Luke 22-24
On Sunday we will take a detour away from the Pre-Easter Jesus to Post-Easter attempts to define Jesus’ relationship to the Father, the Wisdom of God, and the Spirit. Here are some of the things we will discuss:
Here are some things worth reading:
Have a wonderful Saturday. I’ll look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
In spite of the change back to Daylight Savings Time, we had a hardy attendance yesterday, but we did miss some of our ‘regulars’ and look forward to having you back with us. Diana and I loved having our long-time friend, Evelyn Gerdes, make a very early drive from Charlotte to attend the class.
Anne Winfield gave a thoughtfully, well-crafted opening prayer which set the tone for the opening discussion of conventional wisdoms we have heard most of our lives, like “A penny saved is a penny earned” – “the early bird catches the worm” – “early to bed and early to rise, makes us healthy, wealthy and wise” – and many more.
Michael guided the discussion from these conventional wisdoms to the aphorisms and parables of Jesus – with a focus on the Prodigal Son. New insights were gained about the loyal son who stayed home and his concerns for fairness for his loyalty.
Karen Van Manen then gave a moving reading of Robert Frost’s poem: The Road Not Taken which stimulated some terrific all-class sharing of critical life choices which have made all the difference.
Next Sunday we will be discussing Chapter 5 – Jesus, the Wisdom of God:Sophia Become Flesh.
*What are some of the ‘conventional wisdom’ sayings that we grew up hearing and how have they been useful in guiding our lives?
*Why are Buddha, Lao-tzu, and Jesus spoken of by Borg as teachers of “subversive wisdom?”
*What understandings and beliefs about God and Jesus can we/have we discerned from Jesus’ aphorisms and parables?
“What has been our road less traveled?
Borg:
Chapter 4: Jesus and Wisdom
Bible:
Aphorisms other than those listed by Borg
Judging – Luke 6:36-37
Attending – Matt.10:42
Misfortune – Luke 13: 4-5
Charity – Luke 6:27-32
Prudence-Mattt. 6:17-18
Being #1 – Matt 10:30
Parables
Why parables? – Matt. 10:13-17
Hidden Treasure – Matt.13:44
The Lost Sheep – Matt. 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7
The Prodigal Son – Luke 15:3-7
The Good Shepherd – John 10:1-14
Supplemental Reading:
Robert Frost: The Road Not Taken
The 46 parables of Jesus: http://www.swapmeet
I really enjoyed our time together this morning. Your insightful comments and discussion made it a very engaging time. I hope you found the partner discussions meaningful.
Here is a link to the LA Times series that I mentioned, and from which the pictures at the end of class came.
Product of Mexico, LA Times
Just below the video you will find a row of tabs. Each tab takes you to a different article in the series.