Discussion for 6th June

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/82378042367...

Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367

Passcode: 460019

- Images in collage -

Far left: YouVersion Bible App Today tab, Verse of the day “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility gentleness… Colossians 3:12 NIVUK, with thumbnails underneath and a community tab and streak counter to the side.

Centre top: Open Codex Sinaiticus, with two large pages with four columns on each and wide margins. It is the earliest known manuscript of the Christian Bible, compiled in the 4th century CE.

Centre bottom, L-R:

Fragment of ancient Isaiah scroll, in two columns;

My Mum’s audio Bible, with various slightly raised black and white buttons to control it;

A presentation label inside one of my Bibles, awarded to me in Sunday school.

Right, top to bottom:

Screenshot of Bible app reading 2 Timothy 4:11b-13 out loud from the NIV Anglicised version “… me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.”;

A beautifully mosaic tiled combined Bible and prayer book saying Bethlehem, that my friend's Grandmother was given as a teenager by her father, that my friend has now inherited.