Unitarian & Free Christian Bible Discussion

Discussion for Monday February 28th, led by John Carter. He writes: "Does the Biblical material have any claim upon us? Does it’s inspiration command us to greater behaviour and living? Or is it for us something that is wonderful, inspiring, beautiful but not necessary for how we explore our life and faith?" Discussion around Romans 12:1&2 NRSV “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Believers’ New Testament “So, by the mercies of God, I beseech you who are members of the christian family, be willing in your relationship to each other to place yourself on the altar as a living sacrifice, which is a life set apart for and well-pleasing to God. That would be worshi

  Bible Discussion - Monday 21st February 6.30pm led by Sheena Gabriel -  ‘The Good Samaritan ’ -  Luke chapter 10 vv. 25-37 "It's one of the most well-known parables grom the Bible and has become a common term in the English language. But however well we know the story, however simple its message may seem, there is always more to discover. Is the story a simple moral injuction to show compassion to everyone, or a subversive challenge to the norms of religious and cultural rules and hierarchies? How does the story relate to our own lives, and society today? Which of the characters do we most relate to? When have we played the good Samaritan, and to what personal cost? When have we been the victim; how does it feel to be ignored - how does it feel to be helped? Those times we have passed by on the other side - why have we done so? Have we ever been the persecutor - playing the part of the thieves? And what about the Innkeeper and the donkey(?) - bit parts in the story - but sti

Our discussion for 14th February will be led by Jacqueline Woodman. She writes: Abraham and his Covenant with God - who do they include or exclude? A look at the patriarch of the three most relevant monotheistic faith traditions today and how his covenant with God as described in the Bible has influenced the Christian world. The reading will be Genesis Chapter 17:1-27. We can explore our attitude to fairness and justice and how as Unitarians we view the Biblical narrative when we look at the contemporary faith landscape today. Along the way we can explore patriarchy, concubinage, circumcision, warlords, animal and human sacrifice and much more! For those who would like to explore wider, just for fun: how does Abraham feature in the Jewish festival Rosh Hashanah and the Islamic Haj? Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367?pwd=REgrU1Y5MlI4dWFPMk1RVkYvOEpWQT09 Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019

  Bible Discussion - Monday 7th February 6.30pm led by Rob Oulton ‘ Lord now lettest thy servant depart in peace’ The 2nd February was Candlemas which commemorates the  Presentation in the Temple , described in  Luke’s Gospel chapter 2: v. 22-40 . The narrative is quite short but deftly blends ordinary human and family relationship with the perspective of spirituality, history, and age. New parents delight in their baby, even while knowing sooner or later life will bring pain & sadness to their child. The elderly also, are so happy to encounter this new life, yet may feel the weight of years; the loss and disappointment that all humans must bear, but with an undiminished longing for the beauty of life. In rituals surrounding birth, from ancient times to this day, the charismatic presence of an infant has the power to constellate deep and complex feelings in adults of all ages. But the infant in this story? These elderly devotees, Anna and Simeon, discern something only the spiritua