Thursday, December 28, 2006

Reverend Mother Says: You Say You Want A Resolution?

We-ell, you know...we're all doin' what we can. So I decided to do something I can. You know with these New Year's Resolution things, the experts in human behavior all say that it's best to start with a manageable goal, a reasonable expectation. I prefer a holy hope - but that's just the cloth I'm cut from. How about you? Want to join me? I hope so.

I've decided to lead a five-session course on the Bible at my home and to set up this blog as a way to keep people posted (ha!) on what we're doing each week. So this is the place for information, questions, suggestions, feedback, and inspiration. The course will run on Mondays from 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm beginning on January 8th and we'll meet five times over a six week period (no meeting MLK holiday). Bring your own lunch. We'll end just before the introspective season of Lent begins, and decide where to go from there, if anywhere.

The topic for the course? The Bible. I know, I know...but you see, that's the point. The Bible has been a point of contention and comfort, and continues to generate interest and provoke anxiety. For the worst, the Bible has been used as a weapon to denigrate, shame, and subordinate peoples. For the best, the Bible has been accessed as inspiration, to generate hope and healthy relationships. So what gives? How can one book be so many contradictory things to so many people?

Come and See. The basic idea is that whether you're an absolute newcomer to the Bible or whether you're a veteran biblical scholar, you'll find something helpful here to take away with you. We'll get a basic overview of what the Bible is, how it came to be, the timeline behind the text, and explore the different modes of understanding what it means. We'll even do a quick review of different translations and help you figure out how to select a Bible that speaks to you...if you decide you'd like to get your own copy, or find a new copy for your collection.

We're also going to do something really practical, that anyone at any point in their journey of spiritual learning and exploration can do - something that can really be, dare I say, mystical: Lectio Divina.

Come and join us - virtually or in person. Reply to this blog or send me an email if you have questions. A detail of dates and topics will appear here soon.

2 comments:

Deb said...

welcome to RGBps! :)

d

Jennifer+ said...

Thanks, Deb! I am feeling very welcome indeed. Happy New Year to all on this Feast of the Holy Name!