Bible Study class

[Bix]

This was mentioned in the Abrahamic Faiths subforum...but what is the interest level in participating in a Bible Study CoT class?

[Sollie]

I'd be interested. With the right teacher, I think it would be pretty good.

[Cunae]

Me, too. I know there are a lot of texts we could use to stimulate discussion, and that would take some research and then consensus.

I would be very interested, as I have participated in a lot of Bible studies and really enjoy them. We'd have to determine our focus... historical? Theological? Topics.

I love the idea! Even if only a few of us participate.

MC

[Bix]

I could go either way on historical or theological...but I'd probably lean towards the theological side.

[Cunae]

We might present a better petition if we have some texts in mind. Have any ideas?

[Bix]

Maybe we could study some of the major books of the Bible separately? I'll admit I'm not as knowledgeable as I want to be when it comes to Bible studies. I really haven't read any books relating to Bible study.

[Carri]

It would completely depend on what the focus was. If it would be like a regular bible study then for me, no. It would be interesting if the focus was of the sorts that most of us come to MW for.

[Bix]

It would be interesting if the focus was of the sorts that most of us come to MW for.

Do you mean you'd want a Bible study that was more pagan-based?

[Infinite Grey]

The study could be a historical comparison with earlier and contemporary religions of the day - a view of the moral lessons, both in current and past interpretations . A study on how and why certain books made it into the final cannon and others didn't... how the canonization occurred. It's a broad subject.

[Carri]

Do you mean you'd want a Bible study that was more pagan-based?

No, but I can't figure out how to express what I mean. It took me forever just to figure out how to say that much! lol! I think I stared at it and reworded it for about 5 minutes. Those that know me better here know I struggle with writing things correctly.

[Infinite Grey]

It would completely depend on what the focus was. If it would be like a regular bible study then for me, no. It would be interesting if the focus was of the sorts that most of us come to MW for.

You mean simplified and packaged for the common crowd?

[Carri]

You mean simplified and packaged for the common crowd?

You goof! No, that wasn't what I meant either! But it did cross my mind as I wrote it that someone may say something like you did.

[Bix]

I've always been interested in looking into the history surrounding events in the Bible. Like...what was going on in the rest of the world when certain books were written. I think it would give a good perspective of the theological viewpoints of that time period.

[Carri]

This will probably be of little help, but I would be interested in studying and discussing the translations verses original writings, possibly the political beliefs of the times and how they effected the translations. What was the actual intent of the original writings. That would be part of what I would like to study.

[Sollie]

Both Carrie and Bix have very good ideas. Here's some other ideas, I know some won't be any good, just putting them out there in hopes that they make others think of something good. :)

The role of what most people/events would condemn in the Bible (such as the true role of Satan, Lilith, the city of Sodom, etc). I guess a better, more broad way to put that is clearing up misconceptions about the Bible.

How the Bible is similar and different from other religions at the time.

This is more indepth kinda, so a longer explanation I suppose is needed...In the Bible, sometimes God talks in the plural, so people have suggested that even the Bible talks about other religions. And that's just one example. So maybe something about how the Bible hints at pagan aspects of truth or something? I don't know if that makes sense...sorry.

Anyways, I like the ones already mentioned, but just food for thought.

[Agaliha]

I've always liked the Wisdom texts (Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, etc).

The Song of Songs lacks any reference to God. It can be interpreted many ways, as purely romantic/sexual or more spiritual (Gods union with Israel, the Church, etc). From my personal interest in this texts, I know there are tons of sites with a wide variety of interpretations and interesting commentary. I could help provide links.

Proverbs, though many mention God and religion, has wisdom for everyone and interesting tidbits here and there. Discussing the meaning of them, might be interesting.

Psalms, is clearly religious, but they are (IMO) wonderful pieces of poetry. I have many favorites. And there are sites that go into the genres (Lament being the most common...also Thanksgiving, Praise, etc).

Oh, and personally, I find studies of the people to be interesting as well. Mostly the women in the Bible--Sarah, Hagar (and odd favorite of mine), Dinah, Tamar, Esther (whose book also lacks mention of God), etc.

There are also studies that are about a certain topic or theme-- love, faith, wisdom, etc.

And lastly, another idea could be a simple reading club, people read a certain text and than discuss it. That would work if no teacher is available or interest in a class is lacking. The threads could be posted in Abrahamic Paths or something.

Just some ideas there.

[Cunae]

And lastly, another idea could be a simple reading club, people read a certain text and than discuss it. That would work if no teacher is available or interest in a class is lacking. The threads could be posted in Abrahamic Paths or something.

Just some ideas there.

That's where I was leaning... to give the study structure. Even an experienced Bible study instructor needs to use a text, possibly a web site, as a guide. I've never been in a study that did not use one.

The other ideas are interesting... leaning more politically and theoretically in focus.

I was actually thinking of something more like a book of Luke and discussions about the life of Christ -- or the Beatitudes, which alone can make a fascinating political and social/spiritual study in their and our time.

Then there is something really out there, like a comparative study of the life of Christ and that of Muhammad, but I hate to take this idea into more "dangerous" ie possibly contentious territory... if you know what I mean. Note: the later is something that I have been studying on my own.

[Bix]

And lastly, another idea could be a simple reading club, people read a certain text and than discuss it. That would work if no teacher is available or interest in a class is lacking. The threads could be posted in Abrahamic Paths or something.

Just some ideas there.

I think that would be a good idea as well. I've never been in a serious Bible study - the one at my local church doesn't fit with my school schedule unfortunately. I also think this idea might be a bit more doable without some sort of guide that the other topics everybody has mentioned.

[Cunae]

I think that would be a good idea as well. I've never been in a serious Bible study - the one at my local church doesn't fit with my school schedule unfortunately. I also think this idea might be a bit more doable without some sort of guide that the other topics everybody has mentioned.

I agree that's probably the best way to go (reading club format). Let's see what others think.

[LostSheep]

Sheep considers that an interesting suggestion. Rather than being formal and organised (sheep dislikes formality and being organised), being able to discuss one's own intepretations of a particular text or something. He thinks that he would approve of that idea.