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...

The Bible Discussion Group on Monday 26th February 6.30pm will again be led by Sheena Gabriel - a continuation of the story of Joseph from Genesis (too much to cover last week!) Starting where we left off, we'll focus on the latter part of the story where Joseph meets with, and is reconciled with his brothers in Egypt - Genesis chapters 42-50. We won't have time to read it all, so it would helpful if you can read the text in advance. You are welcome, even if you missed last week's session. Come prepared to engage with the story as a living text and see how the themes of repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and providence, might resonate with your own life story. Zoom link for the meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367 Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019 Image - Commons Wikimedia: ‘Joseph and Jacob Reunited' by Owen Jones, from ‘The History of Jospeh and his Brethren’ 1869

The Bible Discussion Group on Monday 19th February at 6.30pm will by led by Rev. Sheena Gabriel - who will consider the story of Joseph, from the book of Genesis. Popularised in the musical 'Joseph and his Amazing technicolour Dreamcoat', this story captures the imagination with its universal themes of sibling rivalry and power struggles, resilience in the face of suffering, faith and providence, revenge and forgiveness, exile and homecoming. One of the most intriguing and uplifting tales in Hebrew scripture, it brings the book of Genesis to a positive end (even as the oppression of the Hebrew nation, and the story of Exodus, lie waiting in the wings). In the session we’ll explore Joseph’s journey through a psychological lens: his transformation from childhood trauma and youthful arrogance - as he grows towards full maturity in a strange land, and finally recognises what true power entails. We’ll consider the role of night dreams as a channel of divine communication, and th...

Our Bible discussion group resumes this Monday, 12th February, at 6.30 p.m.,and will be led by Anthony Leslie Dawson, on the theme 'Our own spiritual wildernesses and our three demons'. The text is from Matthew 4.1-10. You are most welcome, whatever your spiritual or theological views. We look forward to seeing you! Zoom link for the meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367 Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019 Picture: Christ in the Desert, by Kramskoy

The Bible Discussion Group for Monday 22nd of January at 6.30 led by Lizzie Kingston Harrison will be on the topic of Joseph Priestley and the doctrine of atonement - everyone is welcome  Joseph Priestley spent his childhood feeling like the ‘Man in the Iron Cage’ from Pilgrim’s Progress. If you don’t know the story, the image tells you everything you need to know. In other words, Priestley’s broadly Calvinistic upbringing left him feeling despair, horror, and alienation from God.   How did he shake off his fears and find himself ‘at one’ with God? He first needed to reject the ‘doctrine of atonement.’  Come along to the Bible study this evening, to find out how Priestley’s Unitarianism and unique psychological approach to scriptural metaphor set him free from his cage... and how he rejected conventional teaching on salvation - both in Calvinism and the Anglican - church as irrational, unscriptural and at odds with the teaching of the man Jesus.    Zoom link for...

Bible Discussion Group for Monday 11th December 2023 at 6.30 led by Rob Oulton ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ (Christina Rossetti): A conversation about Devotion. The traditional nativity stories describe scenes where men and women of every social stratum, animals and angels, are gathered about the holy couple of mother and child. Apart from anything else, this is a powerful symbol of a devotional connection between living beings. Contemporary psychology suggests the bond between primary care giver and infant is mutual. If all is well (and sometimes of course it isn’t) that bond of devotion is central to the development of both. But does Christina Rossetti’s poem suggest perhaps, that devotion could be important for our own life-long spiritual development, beyond the demands of infancy and childhood? Indeed, Hindu spirituality teaches that Bakhti yoga – the practice of devotion - is one of the four paths to God Mark 12:29 and Deuteronomy 6:5, emphasise that loving God is the most important c...

Peter writes: Dull factuality and/or Enlightened Imagination?   On Monday evening, 4th. December our discussion theme will centre on the Nativity stories in Matthew and Luke. What I have prepared 'goes on a bit' but it will be divided by three readings for which I would like readers. They are Luke 1 v. 46 to 55:   Luke 2 v. 25 to 33 and Luke 2 v. 41 to 51. My comments will raise many questions but the one I hope will prompt everyone to say something is  -  what do the Nativity stories mean for YOU today? Zoom link for Monday’s discussion  Join us at 6.30pm on Monday 4th December. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367 Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019 Greetings to all

 This Monday Donald Jacobs will lead a discussion considering three questions:  1. What was the earliest part of the Bible to be written?  2. How can we tell?  3. Does it matter?  We will look at a few short passages that are contenders for being the oldest parts of the Hebrew Bible. Hosea 11 1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him,     and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 But the more they were called,     the more they went away from me. They sacrificed to the Baals     and they burned incense to images. 3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,     taking them by the arms; but they did not realize     it was I who healed them. 4 I led them with cords of human kindness,     with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts     a little child to the cheek,     and I bent down to feed them Amos 5:24 But let justice roll on like a river,     righteousness like a never-failing ...

 On Monday 20th November Indra Sikdar will lead our Bible discussion at 6.30pm:  "Comparing Abrahamic and Vedic Faiths" Jewish:  “For you [Israel] are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6).   Christianity: New International Version John 14 Jesus Comforts His Disciples 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” Jesus the Way to the Father 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one com...

This week Lizzie Kingston Harrison will lead our discussion at 6.30pm. Lizzie writes:  Were the first Christians Unitarian? Should scripture be read on the basis that Jesus’ first followers did not believe he was God? Have subsequent generations of Christians mistaken an extraordinarily beautiful metaphor for the literal truth? Joseph Priestley thought so! Today’s bible study will give you the chance to explore a few passages that may lend themselves to a Unitarian reading… and is also a chance to find out what Joseph Priestley had to say on this controversial topic.   Join us at 6.30pm on Monday 13th November. Zoom link for the meeting  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367 Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019 Picture from Wakefield Chapel (photo credit, Paul Lindsay Dawson)

Jean Bradley will be leading the discussion group on the subject of Samson. He is often only thought of as a biblical hero who was made weak through his relationship with Deliah. But Jean would like the group to look more into the character of Samson. Was he resistant to the role he was expected to play as an adult? Or was he a deeply spiritual man who made foolish choices? Can we also see similarities in people's lives in the present day? If you wish, please read Judges 14 verses 1 - 14 Text of Judges 14.1-14 Once Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he saw a Philistine woman. 2 Then he came up, and told his father and mother, ‘I saw a Philistine woman at Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.’ 3 But his father and mother said to him, ‘Is there not a woman among your kin, or among all our[a] people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?’ But Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me, because she pleases me.’ 4 His father and mother did not know ...

On Monday 16th of October Cressida Pryor will lead our discussion on The Parable of the Sower. Cressida writes:  The Parable of the Sower is present in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20 and Luke 8:4-15). The Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) devoted a great deal of attention and reflection to this parable and produced several drawings and paintings on the subject. Van Gogh, as well as being a painter was also a lay preacher...and apparently ‘matured his religious vocation’ in England...he walked the 100 miles from Ramsgate to Welwyn in Hertfordshire to visit his sister Anne admiring the countryside as he did so...and wrote of the beauty of what he saw as he walked... There are a number of his sermons on the subject of sowing where he compares God to a sower who 'infuses his blessing in the seed of his Word sown in our hearts'. (Sermon of 1876). It is well known that VG didn’t have success selling paintings in his lifetime...and I’m wondering if this pa...

On Monday 9th October at 6.30pm Indra Sikdar will lead our Bible discussion on the topic of Zacchaeus the tax collector from Luke chapter 19: Zacchaeus the Tax Collector Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salv...

 Lizzie Kingston-Harrison will lead our Bible discussion on Monday 2nd of October at 6.30pm: I am the bread of life, I am the good shepherd, I am the light of the world, I am the true vine... The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, like yeast, like treasure hidden in a field...   What did our Unitarian forebear Joseph Priestley have to say about the metaphors and analogies of scripture? Why did he believe that understanding metaphor is the key to understanding the human mind and our relationship with God? And how can you use metaphor to explore your own spirituality?  Come along to our weekly bible discussion to find out! You're invited to bring along YOUR favourite biblical metaphor, comparison or analogy although you're still very welcome if you don't yet have one... The Zoom details remain as follows: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367... Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019

 Hello Everyone, Our next discussion will be on Monday 25 September at 6.30 and will be led by Alex Bradley. We will discuss the ‘parable of the unmerciful servant’ in Matthew’s Gospel. “To err is human: to forgive divine” wrote Alexander Pope. What does it mean to forgive someone who has done us a wrong? There are so many ways in which human beings do wrong to each other. Parents can often damage their children. People can be robbed of their life savings. A marriage can be rocked by infidelity. There are so many more, of course, some more terrible. Should we forgive people who have done us wrong or caused us an injury? And if so, how can we forgive them? We will read from Matthew 18.21-35 (‘the parable of the unmerciful servant’ passages is from verse 23 onwards) 21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.  2...

Donald Jacobs will lead the Bible discussion on Monday 18th September at 6.30pm where we will read Ecclesiastes chapter 3 and consider: Is the passing of life’s milestones a cause for joy, nostalgia, regret, or something else?  Do we long for a longer lifespan or is the brevity of life what gives it meaning? Do we find the book of Ecclesiastes to be an uplifting book? Feel free to bring your own verses from the book of Ecclesiastes and share your thoughts.  Ecclesiastes chapter 3 from the New Revised Standard Version (Updated Edition)  Everything Has Its Time  3 For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; 5 a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones togeth...

 Ruth Hennell writes:  For Monday's Bible Discussion Group we will be using the Barbie movie to help us discuss the story of Adam and Eve, conceptions of paradise and gender and whether ignorance is bliss or knowledge and free will are an essential part of what makes us human. Hopefully we will be able to combine fun with depth, just like the film does. Feel free to wear pink or not!  Bible passages:  A gender flipped and Barbified version of Genesis 2:18‭-‬22 (GNBUK) Then the LADY God said, “It is not good for Barbie to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help her.” So she took some soil from the ground and formed all the animals and all the birds. Then she brought them to Barbie to see what she would name them; and that is how they all got their names. So Barbie named all the birds and all the animals; but not one of them was a suitable companion to help her. Then the LADY God made Barbie fall into a deep sleep, and while she was sleeping, she took out ...