Unitarian & Free Christian Bible Discussion

The Bible discussion on Monday 25th of March at 6.30pm will be led by George Lipscomb on the topic: Crucifixion and the role of women at the Crucifixion of Jesus The discussion will consider: the historical context of crucifixion; and images of the crucifixion of Jesus and the recording of it the 4 Gospels. ​To be followed by a comparison of the 4 accounts; and the author’s personal view of their validity. Apologies in advance for any objections; but criticism will be welcomed. (Matt 27 & 28; Mark 15 & 16; Luke 23 & 24; John 19 & 20) Zoom link for the meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367 Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019 Picture: Hans Memeling (c. 1468) - group at the foot of the cross

The Bible Discussion this Monday 18th March 6.30pm will be led by Ruth Jacobs on the topic of the devil. Is Satan the Devil a literal person in the Bible? Passages we will consider: Matthew 16:21-23 NIV 21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Romans 7:14-24 NIV 14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.

Rev Jean Bradley will be leading the zoom bible discussion on Monday 11th March at 6.30pm. She will invite those attending to look at one of the close followers of Jesus, Mary Magdalene. There have been many images of her over time: she has been seen as a woman possessed with demons and a prostitute, yet she has also been seen as a major figure in the creation and growth of Christianity. What do you think? Everyone is welcome to join in our discussion (the Zoom link is below). (Jean is Chair, and also the Pastoral Officer, of the Unitarian Christian Association) Zoom link for the meeting [ https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367 ]( https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367?fbclid=IwAR2TUo5655H9chvhlER2wma5soC8d6gMydgE4TG7ly5zWKn8Awv-nTTHb18 )...... Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019

The Bible Discussion this Monday 4th of March 6.30pm will be led by Donald Jacobs on the topic of work and the life of the mind, considering a passage from book of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus, which is outside the Protestant canon, and included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles We’ll begin with a question. Malachi 4.5 states: Lo, I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. And Matthew 17.10 says: And the disciples asked him, ‘Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ Question: Why did Jesus’ disciples ask him what the “scribes” say, rather than simply asking about what Malachi wrote? The passage we will consider for discussion is: Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 38.24–39.11 Trades and Crafts 24 The wisdom of the scribe depends on the opportunity of leisure; only the one who has little business can become wise. 25 How can one become wise who handles the plough, and who glories in the shaft of a goad, who drives oxen and is o