Unitarian & Free Christian Bible Discussion

  Monday Evening, 25 July 2022, Unitarian Bible Study Group - John Carter On Monday I am inviting you to engage in a bit of Biblical theology and reflection. Using Paul, his conversation on the Gifts of the Spirit, we hopefully will converse about the text, and then reflect on the wider meaning of “gift” and what is the gift we as the beloved Unitarian community bring to the wider world, and wider conversation of divinity. Background Material There are 14 texts within what is called the New Testament that are attributed to Paul of Tarsus……. “Paul must be evaluated on historical-critical and literary grounds. Comparative analysis of the letters reveals that not all of them are from the same hand. By focusing on the vocabulary, phrases, social situation, Christology and ecclesial understanding of the letters scholars can detect earlier and later voices.” McGaughy, Lane; Dewey, Arthur J.; Hoover, Roy W.; Schmidt, Daryl D.. The Authentic Letters of Paul . Polebridge Press. Kindle Editi...

Inspired by a visit to the Bible Society in Vienna in May … Monday’s session (July 18th) will focus on Bible translations. Jesus himself, when in the synagogue, perhaps used the Septuagint translation when reading from the scroll of Isaiah. (Luke 4) Paul and other New Testament authors at times quoted the Hebrew Bible in Greek translation. Please come ready to discuss: Which translation of the Bible do you use? What factors do you think are important in choosing a translation? Has your preference changed? Are there translations that are more or less ‘Unitarian friendly’ versions? We will also look at a key passage of scripture in various English translations to see what we can learn by comparing them side by side. 6.30pm-7.30pm https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82378042367 ... Meeting ID: 823 7804 2367 Passcode: 460019

Ahead of Monday’s meeting I’d like to set out the choice that is to be made.  The Bible Discussion Group has been running for two years now without a break. That’s quite an achievement for an independent, ad hoc group. There has been an evolution of participants, from the first generation when the likes of Rory Castle Jones, Mark Hutchinson, Mike O’ Sullivan, Jim Corrigall, Bob Pounder, Stephanie Bisby and others did so much to help the group get established. (Apologies to anyone I've not mentioned). New participants and discussion leaders have come along, and we now have quite a large number of Unitarians who sometimes come to discussions, and an even larger number who have come ‘for a season’.  It works because there is a genuine need for what we do - the Bible is an underused resource in many Unitarian churches and chapels, and we are doing something about that.  It also works because from the very beginning we have been clear that it’s for Unitarians from all backgrou...

  ‘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 b...

 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...