Bible Readings
1 Kings 19: 5-13
Acts 9:2-18
Reading these two chapters was to me, a little bit like eating your vegetables before the main course, or doing your chores before doing the thing you really want to do. I know that it's important information, but the meat of this book is really the 10 disciplines that are outlined in chapters 5-15. Having said that, I note again that the discussion again and quite spontaneously turned to issues like hospitality, spirituality and discernment.
One of the most interesting points that arose from the group was the correlation between this book and Borg on the issue of constant conversion. Evangelical (capital E) faith tends to revolve around the dramatic conversion. But as Presbyterians, our orientation is different. For one thing, we believe in infant baptism -- of becoming part of God's family from the beginning -- and of course we are "Reformed - yet always Reforming." Further, this image applies not to each of us individually but to our lives as a Church, which is to say, in community (another important theme of this book). The image of constant conversion, of doing our best to be right with God on an ongoing basis, is a powerful image that has been part of our life at Beaches for many, many years and one that should serve us well as we move into the future.
Just as an aside, I believe that there is some value in dramatic conversion stories, especially as evidenced through people in 12-steps programs as an example. But there are also drawbacks to this as a one-size fits all kind of thing. The main drawback is that it is individual rather than communal, but our interest needs to be to the community as a whole (both as a congregation and as an agent of social justice). It also tends to be more emotional than intellectual (which is a both a strength but also a weakness). Finally, it is not helpful as we raise the next generation We don't want to have our kids fall out of grace to find it dramatically again, we want to surround them with grace from the time they are born and make them agents of God from the beginning (when they are baptized).
The group (perhaps because of our small numbers and the people who comprise it) very much see their journey nurtured within a congregational setting. Hence the importance of caring for each other and of spiritual practices as part of our life together. It is hoped that we can hold onto these things as we continue our journey together.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
First week
Our study group met for the first time to discuss Christianity for the Rest of Us, Introduction and Chapters 1 and 2 on Wednesday April 23 in the Sanctuary at Beaches Presbyterian Church. A lively discussion ensued.
Bible Readings
Psalm 43
I Corinthians 12:4-11
Highlights from discussion
The group felt that this book was very much in the spirit of our previous study on Marcus Borg. This should not be surprising in that Diana Butler-Bass and Borg share not just a publisher, or similar interests, but have actually worked together on projects and Borg will be quoted in this book.
The main goal of the group are to continue to study trends in modern Christianity and be affirmed in things that we believe and are shared by others, including progressive Christians in other communities. Another goal is to look at how Beaches Presbyterian Church can be a place that keeps alive God's work in a progressive Christian community and to share this vision with others as they may come to us.
In discussing this book, several things arose spontaneously that the book will deal with in subsquent chapters. These included hospitality -- and how that is practiced in our community and others -- spirtuality and discernment, and worship.
One of the images Butler Bass uses in this book is that of pilgrimage. The group discussed her notion of "spiritual nomads." One comment was to be a nomad is to be unsettled, to have not found a spiritual home. This is of course different from the image of pilgrimage, which is to be deliberate in one's journey and more important for our context to travel in the company of others.
Bible Readings
Psalm 43
I Corinthians 12:4-11
Highlights from discussion
The group felt that this book was very much in the spirit of our previous study on Marcus Borg. This should not be surprising in that Diana Butler-Bass and Borg share not just a publisher, or similar interests, but have actually worked together on projects and Borg will be quoted in this book.
The main goal of the group are to continue to study trends in modern Christianity and be affirmed in things that we believe and are shared by others, including progressive Christians in other communities. Another goal is to look at how Beaches Presbyterian Church can be a place that keeps alive God's work in a progressive Christian community and to share this vision with others as they may come to us.
In discussing this book, several things arose spontaneously that the book will deal with in subsquent chapters. These included hospitality -- and how that is practiced in our community and others -- spirtuality and discernment, and worship.
One of the images Butler Bass uses in this book is that of pilgrimage. The group discussed her notion of "spiritual nomads." One comment was to be a nomad is to be unsettled, to have not found a spiritual home. This is of course different from the image of pilgrimage, which is to be deliberate in one's journey and more important for our context to travel in the company of others.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)