Wednesday Evening Adult Study

Wednesdays @ 6:00 PM in the Parish Hall

Feb 21, Feb 28, Mar 6, Mar 13, Mar 20

Three of these Wednesday evening gatherings will focus on the book, Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned, by Brian MacLaren. Read Christian Century book review here.

The book is organized into sections that relate to 1) why the author has been tempted to reject the Christian faith; 2) why he is still moved to affirm and celebrate his Christian faith; and 3) how he (and we) might live and thrive within this tension. Responses to the book will be shared by a panel of parishioners — David Bland, Helen Holt, and Roxanne Johnson (read bios here) — followed by discussion in large and smaller groups. Please purchase the book on your own at your favorite bookseller or borrow from a library. See below for each week’s reading assignment.

Wed, February 21: Part 1 (chapters 1 – 10) of Book Study on Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned, by Brian MacLaren.

To prepare for the upcoming book discussion, please view the following materials:

• 3-minute author interview video: https://youtu.be/J_EIyRTpuKY?si=wpNLj_HYiferdtFl .

Shares reasons for writing Do I Stay Christian? with a short overview of the three sections.

• 18-minute TheoEd talk about “Faith After Fundamentalism”: https://youtu.be/rH2BNCYNJo4?si=RVfPvNVhedeFnbRU

His discovery of God’s all-encompassing Love as the main thrust of his faith changed his entire outlook from what he had learned throughout his Fundamentalist background.  As he realized that Bible is full of “rip-roaring arguments”; his thinking moved from simplicity to complexity.  Does not focus on our text specifically but does provide context for McLaren’s views.

• 47-minute podcast from Faith Matters Network: https://youtu.be/lX9dECi9mrI?si=dwMHTzCR9VQnefUk

Good introduction about the book, covering also McLaren’s background and credentials; two young interviewers pose thoughtful questions.  McLaren talks about a “stuck theology” that poses problems for people who want to have faith but feel that their religion has let them down. Connects science to Christianity: both institutions “evolve” and change as data changes; acknowledging and applying those changes should increase trustworthiness. Discusses “bias” (13 different types) and how it affects our overall thinking.

• 45 minute presentation from Faith Matters entitled “Your Faith Isn’t Broken”: https://youtu.be/9TrhL8VOUB0?si=QhbSeJCFDsxO4X8r

McLaren shares many personal experiences illustrating how his thinking –and faith–changed over time through various stages. The following excerpts are from the Faith Matters website: “We were privileged to hear from Brian McLaren, who shared his simple and incredibly resonant framework for faith development. It’s one that we’ve referenced before on this podcast, and we think you’ll love hearing Brian teach it. Brian does a beautiful job emphasizing that the point isn’t to get everyone to a particular “stage” of faith — rather, it’s creating a Church and a community where each stage is welcome and included.”

• About the Authors Credentials:

“For those of you who haven’t heard Brian from before, he’s a bestselling author, speaker, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for a Christianity that is just, generous, and works with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member of  The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. His newest books are Faith After Doubt, released in 2021, and Do I Stay Christian?, which was released in 2022.”

 

In addition, two Wednesdays during Lent are dedicated to discussions about the disturbing rise in Christian nationalism in the U.S., and the devastation and hope of recovery from substance abuse disorders within families.

 

Wed, February 28 @ 6 PM: Forum on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in the U.S. in the Parish Hall. Panelists: David Bland, Tom Baker IV, and Rev. Doug Long (read bios here)

• Pre-class work for those who are interested in attending this Forum on Wednesday.
• Watch a key video clip from the webinar to introduce the topic.
• Video from Amanda Tyler (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty)
• What is Christian nationalism?
• Watch the video clip (clip #2 [6:14-9:31]) and see how sociology professor Dr. Andrew Whitehead, Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis defines and characterizes Christian nationalism.
• https://youtu.be/QmgWHBoGBi8?t=375
• Define Christian nationalism and discuss its characteristics and threats.
• Video clip Democracy and Faith Under Siege: Responding to Christian Nationalism
• Presiding Bishop Michael Curry,  27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church
• The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

 

Wed, March 6: Part 2 (chapters 11 – 20) of Book Study on Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned, by Brian MacLaren.

Wed, March 13: Substance Abuse & Our Stories With It

Panelists: St. John’s parishioner, long-time recovering alcoholic and member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Harry Halbert & Joseph (Joe) Jordan, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Physicians Health Program. Joe has more than 25 years of experience working with persons experiencing substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Prior to joining NCPHP, Dr. Jordan served as Ethics Officer and Director of Special Projects for a national credentialing board. Dr. Jordan has served on state and national committees and boards devoted to the study, development, and refinement of substance abuse counseling practice. He is also the son of St. John’s parishioners, Alice & Dewey Jordan.

Wed, March 20: Part 3 (chapters 23 – 28), Book Study on Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned, by Brian MacLaren.