Our Bible study on Paul the Progressive: The Compassionate Christians Guide to Reclaiming the Apostle as an Ally next Wednesday (February 12, 2025) at 7:00 p.m. in the parlor. Copies of the book are available at the back of the sanctuary for no cost. We’ll cover the first chapter: “Hating Paul (An Introduction).”
“I Kind of Hate Paul”
“I kind of hate Paul.” I’ve heard that sentiment here at College Avenue UMC. And that that phrase—in quotation marks—is how Eric C. Smith begins the first chapter of his book Paul the Progressive?: The Compassionate Christian’s Guide to Reclaiming the Apostle As An Ally. I recently finished this book and I thought it might be a good option for a Wednesday Evening Bible Study.
You can find it online at bookshop.org and I’ll leave a sample copy in the back of the sanctuary. Please let me know if you think you would be interested.
John Wesley Book Study Beginning
We’ll start our study of John Wesley: Optimist of Grace by H. Knight this coming Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. We’ll introduce ourselves and cover the introduction to the book (pages ix-xv).
John Wesley Book Study Postponed
This last spring, I was confident we could squeeze in a book study on John Wesley: Optimist of Grace by Henry Knight this summer. I was very, very wrong. We’ll pick it up this fall.
Next “Story of Christianity” Meeting
The next meeting for the Story of Christianity book study will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. We will be covering pages 48 through 101.
The Story of Christianity — New Start Date
Beginning March 20, 2024 [Please note the new date], I will be leading discussions of The Story of Christianity by David Bentley Hart. The book is an excellent summary of Christian history. We’ll meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Paperback books will be available at the back of the sanctuary. Kindle and audio editions can be found online. We’ll cover pages ix through 47 the first time we gather.
The Story of Christianity is a concise, well-written account of Christian history. As Christians, this is our family history. Knowing where we’ve been helps us better understand where we are. But reading this book isn’t merely a utilitarian exercise. As Hart says, “… the true story of Christianity—when told in something like its full breadth—is immeasurably fascinating. It is even, one might say, rather exotic.” [1]
[1] David Bentley Hart, The Story of Christianity: A History of 2,000 Years of the Christian Faith (New York: Quercus, 2015), x.
No Sunday School Tomorrow!
Due to the extreme weather conditions, there will be no Sunday School tomorrow (January 14, 2023). As of this time, we’re still planning on worship at 10:30. But, as I said in my previous post—if worship is the only thing you’re going to get out for—I would encourage you to stream the service from home.
Changing Our Mind
On Thursday, October 19, at 7 p.m., I’ll lead a study on the book Changing Our Mind by David Gushee. In this book, Gushee—a past president of the American Academy of Religion and a past president of the Society of Christian Ethics—details how he changed his mind about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. Childcare will be available. The books are now available and can be picked up at the back of the sanctuary. The recommended donation for the books is $17.
Book Club Tonight
A last minute reminder that we’ll be meeting in the fellowship hall tonight (Thursday, July 6, 2023) at 7:00 p.m. to discuss God and the Gay Christian.
Book Club Time Set
As part of our efforts to become a more LGBTQ+ welcoming church, we’ll meet to discuss God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023. We’ll start in the parlor, but if there are too many of us, we’ll move to the fellowship hall. Let me know if you would like to attend by Zoom.
A note about the book: Matthew Vines presents a relatively conservative argument (both biblically and theologically) for LGBTQ+ inclusion. I’m aware that some of you are already well beyond where Matthew Vines was when he wrote the book, but I still think it’s a good book with which to start. Let me know if you have any comments or concerns.
Book Club Style Bible Study — Date Corrected
On Thursday, July 6, 2023 (time to be announced), I plan to lead a book club-style session on God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships by Matthew Vines. The book sets out a biblical case for affirming gay and lesbian men and women—and, by extension, the entire LGBTQ+ community.
As I’ve said before, the argument that the United Methodist Church is having over the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ folks is not a matter of biblical authority; it’s a question of biblical interpretation. This book presents the case for an LGBTQ+ affirming reading of the Bible. I think it’s vital that those who want to be an affirming church for queer people know the biblical reasons for doing so.
There will be copies of the book available in the back of the sanctuary. You can also order copies online from all the usual places, including my favorite locally owned bookstore in Council Grove at flinthillsbooks.com. (I couldn’t find any copies at the Dusty Bookshelf website.)
Thanks to the Bible Study Group!
I want to thank everyone who participated in the Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again Study. It was a great Bible study and I enjoyed our time together. I hope all of you can say the same.