Unitarian & Free Christian Bible Discussion

  ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ - Bible discussion for 27th June 6.30pm led by Rob Oulton Monday’s session will focus on  ‘The Fruits of the Spirit’ , which St Paul enumerates in  Galatians chapter 5, v. 21-25 . What do we feel about these gifts, and the contrast Paul presents with our ‘lower nature’? The choice of this topic was suggested by last weeks discussion on ‘anger’. Are these fruits too passive and anaemic to really stand against the fiery passions that may afflict us? Do they sit uncomfortably with our modern understanding of the structural oppression of minorities where it may seem much easier for the privileged to practice these virtues? Or are they just what are needed to cool down the confrontational nature of today’s world, and a ‘must’ for members of a spiritual community? If you have time, its worth reading the whole of Galatians (only 6 chapters) and getting the context – Paul’s distress at the attempt to persuade the communities he had nurtured to be guided by legalistic t

 This Monday's discussion will be led by John Carter. More details to follow. The link is the same one as always the same: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367?pwd=REgrU1Y5MlI4dWFPMk1RVkYvOEpWQT09 Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019

  Our next discussion will be led by Bill Darlison . He writes: The topic for discussion on Monday 13th June 2022 at 6.30 p.m.: The Gerasene Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20) We may also have a brief look at Matthew's version (Matthew 8:28-34) We'll be asking: Do demons exist? Can they take up residence inside a human being? Can they be exorcised? What about the poor pigs? Are there ways of understanding this story without accepting the reality of demonic possession? (When looking for an illustration, I was spoiled for choice! This must be the most illustrated story in the New Testament!) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367 ... Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019

Next Monday June 5th, we will be reflecting on our Bibles as things, and what they mean to us practically, emotionally and spiritually. Discussing The Bible as a ‘sacred object’ and product of human technology, considering whether this impacts how we relate to and interact with Biblical texts. Sparked by the discussion about whether and how we should show reverence for The Bible, in the planning meeting back in January. Please bring along some Bibles (either physically or metaphorically) to examine, reflect on and discuss and share (as you are comfortable to do so). We will look at Luke 4:17-21, where Jesus is described reading scripture and consider whether ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:13 can tell us about how Paul and other early Christians read texts. We might also read ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭35:4-29, which describes many precious resources and skilled craftspeople building the Tabernacle to God’s requirements to get us thinking about sacredness and beauty. Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/823780