conversations with the bible
october to november 2007
From the November 2007 Newsletter:
This course is an introduction to an interactive method of Bible study and is based on a course designed by Stephen Washburn. "Conversations with the Bible" provides an opportunity to explore Hebrew and Christian scriptures from a liberal religious perspective. Participants will read selected texts and explore biblical scripture through discussion, dialogue, guided meditation, small-group work, and creative exercises. All are welcome to join any of these sessions.
In previous sessions here are some of the activities we have explored:
The prophet Ezekiel was told to prophesy to the dry bones in the desert - he of the song 'dem bones, dem bones dem dry bones' - and to bring them back to life. We heard some of the historical background to Ezekiel's prophecies and we then considered our society and our own lives to identify areas that are alive and vital and areas that need fresh life breathing into them.
We read the Book of Jonah (he of swallowed-by-the-big-fish fame) and asked what type of writing this might be and what message it held for us today. Would you feel sorry for poor Jonah or regard him as an insufferable goody goody?! Opinion in the group here was surprisingly divided.
The prophet Micah is credited with having written some of the most famous Old Testament verses including the oft-repeated chapter 6, verse 8:
'And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly,
and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?'
From the King James' translation
We wrote our modern versions of this verse:
And God said, 'Stop being separate from Me. I am you, you are Me.'
What does the spirit of life and love want of us, we people of the earth? Do we need to give up all that we have or change our ways completely? Shall we join monasteries or go on long pilgrimages? Or fast or wear out our knees in prayer or meditation? None of this is necessary unless we choose it of our own free will. Rather, choose a path that makes your heart sing, a journey that calls to you. Be kind and loving to yourself and others; seek the divine spirit in the touch of others, find it in the sparkle of their eyes and in the laughter as well as the tears of your togetherness.
How can I acknowledge properly that there is more to life than meets my small ego - recognise that there truly are limits to my power - and embrace this insight humbly? I realise that big and ostentatious gifts and sacrifices are not what is required of me to regain a proper balance between myself and life. Attunement to life is an ongoing gentle process of longing and listening. I understand again and again that life itself requires me to act justly, to love and never to forget that I am a small part of life's wonder and complexity.
Future sessions will include reading The Book of Ruth, a Psalm or two and highlights from Exodus. Bible Studies have never been quite so random or variable before but the intention is to create sessions that are interesting and informative and that encourage us to take an interest in a Book that has played such a part in the shaping of our western culture. Feel free to come along and find out more.
Rev. Sarah Tinker
last updated: 03 Aug 2009
