Unitarian & Free Christian Bible Discussion

Unitarian Bible Discussion Group 19th December 2022, 6.30pm led by Rob Oulton One of the traditional bible readings for this fourth week in Advent is the story of the Annunciation – in which the angel Gabriel conveys to Mary news of the nature and importance of her imminent pregnancy. Angelic messengers make other appearances in the stories that surround Jesus’ origins and birth. But who or what are the angels? Are they real entities, or some kind of manifestation of a transcendent truth that shadows our own life in this world? The German theologian and Jungian therapist Eugen Drewermann in his wonderful book of meditations on the church’s Advent readings ‘Open Heavens’says of the angel: ‘The paradigm in heaven, the model that stands in the background of our being, is the angel. Everything we carry within ourselves of truth, beauty, and the courage to be, lives in this angel. When humans see their angel, they see before them what their whole lives are meant to be’… So, for our last dis

Monday 12 August. Bible Discussion Group Topic: ‘Giving and Receiving’. Led by Alex Bradley According to the infancy narratives in the gospels, the Magi or ‘Wise Men’ brought gifts, while the shepherds brought none. ‘Christmas is about giving’. We’ve probably heard or read similar comments many times over, especially in adverts(!)Now, the renowned financial advice journalist, Martin Lewis, (who has no religious affiliations as far I am aware) has weighed into the debate saying that ‘sometimes the best Christmas present is giving nothing at all’. His article is quite a long one so to save time in our discussion, I’ve included a link to it here https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/11/martin-lewis-christmas-gifts-help-or-hindrance/ We will read the famous birth stories about the visits of the Shepherds (Luke 2.1-20) and the Magi (Matthew 2.1-12) and ask ourselves what we mean when we give gifts at Christmas, and what the Gospel stories might teach about how to give and receive. Wha

Our discussion on Monday 5th December at 6.30pm will be led by Jean Bradley : ELIJAH, GOD'S SUPER HERO! What price does he pay for such courage and determination?  Let us compare our own strong principles and beliefs with the life of Elijah, can we consistently work toward our sense of right and good action without some doubt and weariness. See 1 Kings 19 verses 4-5 Zoom link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367...?fbclid=IwAR0moCDlue6J9iylxw8Ggy4RvKxp52jykUU3rSATCSUCx4iuGxrtevZzHTo Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367  Passcode: 460019