The 1st Wednesday St. Simeon Group will be starting a new study book in October, so we are going to go ahead and get the voting in process! Below, you’ll find a synopsis of 11 possible books to study (make note of your top two choices). At the bottom, you can choose you your top two votes by number. Happy voting!
1. CHRISTIANITY FOR THE REST OF US: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith by Diana Butler Bass (ISBN: 978-0060859497) This book offers a how-to approach for Protestants eager to remain faithful to their tradition while becoming a vital spiritual community. As Butler Bass delved into the rich spiritual life of various Episcopal, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and Lutheran churches, certain consistent practices—such as hospitality, contemplation, diversity, justice, discernment, and worship—emerged as core expressions of congregations seeking to rediscover authentic Christian faith and witness today. This hopeful book, which includes a study guide for groups and individuals, reveals the practical steps that leaders and laypeople alike can do for greater spiritual depth and to proactively engage the needs of the world. (About $11)
2. CONVERSATIONS WITH SCRIPTURE: The Gospel of Mark by Marcus Borg (ISBN: 978-0819223395) Borg reminds us that the gift of Mark’s Gospel comes from the revelation of its meaning rather than from the literal translation of its text. This is a must-read for those who long to understand more fully the Kingdom of God and the person of Jesus as Son of God. Here, Borg guides readers through Mark’s Gospel with wisdom and insight. His perceptive literary, historical, and theological observations accompany readers on their path through the Gospel. Laypersons and religious professionals alike will appreciate this accessible, engaging journey through Mark. The book contains Study Questions as well! (About $11)
3. THE DREAM OF GOD: A Call to Return by Verna J. Dozier (ISBN: 978-1596280151) Again and again the Christian church has fallen away from the dream God has for it, a dream in which we are called to follow Jesus and not merely to worship him. Through adept storytelling and Bible study, Dozier reawakens our sense of calling and our desire for truth. Verna Dozier has single-handedly revived the study of the Bible and renewed the church’s understanding of the ministry of all believers. She is known all over the country and overseas for her Bible teaching, conferences, preaching, and work with lay groups in the church to strengthen their callings and ministries. She is also the author of The Authority of the Laity, The Calling of the Laity, and Equipping the Saints: A Method of Bible Study. (About $12)
4. THE HEART OF CHRISTIANITY: Rediscovering a Life of Faith by Marcus Borg (ISBN: 978-0060730680) Christianity appears to be at a crossroads, and religious historian Borg draws a distinction between what he calls an emerging paradigm and an earlier paradigm. The distinction is important because Christianity, he says, still makes sense and is the most viable religious option for millions. He contends the earlier paradigm, based upon a punitive God and believing in Christianity now for the sake of salvation later, simply doesn’t work for many people. It also doesn’t take into account the sacramental nature of religious belief; that is, religion as a vessel wherein the sacred comes to the faithful. Borg’s emerging paradigm is based upon the belief that one must be transformed in one’s own lifetime, that salvation means one is healed and made whole with God. He feels the new paradigm allows more people to be and become Christians. In his compelling proposal Borg consistently aligns the emerging paradigm with God, Jesus, the Bible, tradition, and religious practice, which constitute the heart of Christianity. Two other St. Simeon groups have studied this book with much success. In one, two participants said it was a life-changing book. (About $11)
5. HOW TO THINK THEOLOGICALLY by Howard W. Stone & James O. Duke (ISBN: 978-0800638184) An outstanding introduction for college, seminary, and lay readers, this second edition of the 1996 volume has been fully updated and expanded with new resources, examples, vignettes, diagnostic exercises, and case studies. Addressing the how and why of theological sources, moves, and methods, Stone and Duke guide readers into their own theological roots and then into major theological topics — gospel, sin and salvation, vocation, ethical discernment — through real-life case studies. (About $13)
6. HUNGER FOR THE WORD: Lectionary Reflections on Food and Justice edited by Larry Hollar (ISBN: 9780814630099) We have all experienced hunger, whether it’s a need for spiritual guidance or physical nutrition. Our hunger for God’s Word can benefit those needing material sustenance. God’s Word calls us to nourish the hungry and poor, just as it nourishes our faith and sustains us in our struggle for justice. Hunger for the Word explores the Lectionary with a focus on anti-hunger advocacy, social activism, and political issues affecting marginalized people. Using insights, images, and stories from pastors, professors, and laity active in anti-hunger campaigns, this ecumenical book offers devotional connections to inequality issues, as well as themes to help in our struggle to understand and eliminate injustice. Hunger for the Word brings concern for hunger and fairness into our daily religious life. (About $14)
7. THE NEW CREATION: John Wesley’s Theology Today by Theodore Runyon (ISBN: 978-0687096022) This is a wonderful book that allows one to enter the complex mind and theology of the Rev. John Wesley. The book is very thorough while being very easy to read. This book shows how this 18th century “theologian” was very much ahead of his time and has much to say that is applicable even in the 21st century. A must for United Methodists and other denominations of the Wesleyan traditions. (About $17)
8. THE POWERS THAT BE: Theology for a New Millennium by Walter Wink (ISBN: 9780385487528) Old religious images such as a heaven “above” and a hell “below”, while certainly a part of the popular imagination, have lost their value as a way of understanding the spiritual realm. Yet we are at a loss to know what will replace them. In The Powers That Be, Walter Wink helps us reformulate our ancient concepts — such as God and Satan, angels and demons, principalities and powers — in light of our modern experience. Based on his understanding of the Bible, Wink creates a whole new way of viewing the world, and offers us a language for talking about and to God. This popularized abridgment of Naming the Powers, Unmasking the Powers, and Engaging the Powers radically reorients our perspective on life by creating new lenses through which we see reality. Equipped with this fresh outlook, we can embark on a new relationship with God and our world that will serve us well into the next millennium. Walter Wink attempts to reformulate ancient religious concepts in terms more accessible to the modern mind. (About $11)
9. THE ROMAN EMPIRE AND THE NEW TESTAMENT: An Essential Guide by Warren Carter (ISBN: 978-0687343942) An indispensable introduction to Roman society, culture, law, politics, religion, and daily life as they relate to the study of the New Testament. The Roman Empire formed the central context in which the New Testament was written. Anyone who wishes to understand the New Testament texts must become familiar with the political, economic, societal, cultural, and religious aspects of Roman rule. Much of the New Testament deals with enabling its readers to negotiate, in an array of different manners, this Roman context. This book will help the reader see how social structures and daily practices in the Roman world illumine so much of the content of the New Testament message. For example, to grasp what Paul was saying about food offered to idols one must understand that temples in the Roman world were not “churches,” and that they functioned as political, economic, and food centers, whose religious dealings were embedded within these other functions. This book will introduce students to the information and ideas essential to coming to grips with the world in which early Christianity was born. (About $12)
10. THE SECRET MESSAGE OF JESUS: Uncovering the Truth That Could Change Everything by Brian D. McLaren (ISBN: 0849918928) When Brian McLaren began offering an alternative vision of Christian faith and life in books such as A New Kind of Christian and A Generous Orthodoxy, he ignited a firestorm of praise and condemnation that continues to spread across the religious landscape. To some religious conservatives, McLaren is a dangerous rebel without a doctrinally-correct cause. Yet, a wide array of people from different theological backgrounds claim that through his books they have begun to rediscover the faith they’d lost or rejected. In this book, you’ll find what’s at the center of Brian’s critique of conventional Christianity, and what’s at the heart of his expanding vision. In the process, you’ll meet a Jesus who may be altogether new to you, a Jesus who is: * Not the crusading conqueror of religious broadcasting; * Not the religious mascot of partisan religion; * Not heaven’s ticket-checker, whose words have been commandeered by the church to include and exclude, judge and stigmatize, pacify and domesticate. McLaren invites you to discover afresh the transforming message of Jesus-an open invitation to radical change, an enlightening revelation that exposes sham and ignites hope, an epic story that is good news for everyone! (About $7-$12)
11. A THEOLOGY OF GOD’S GRACE: Life, Faith, and Commitment by C. David Grant (ISBN: 978-0827202368) This intro to theology, with questions at the end of each chapter for reflection or discussion, offers a contemporary and relevant theological understanding of what it means to live grounded in God’s grace. Grant argues that as humans, we need meaning in our lives. We fulfill this fundamental human need through faith. Drawing on the work of philosophical and religious figures such as William James, Friederich Schleiermacher, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, H. Richard Niebuhr, and Paul Tillich, Grant presents a constructive argument for understanding Christian faith as commitment to Gods’ grace. (About $12)
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by Walter Wink. 
by Brian D. McLaren. 
by Bart D. Ehrman. 
The 1st Wednesday St. Simeon group invites you to join them in the monthly discussion of the book, HEAVEN: Our Enduring Fascination with the Afterlife
by Marcus Borg (ISBN: 9780061434341) This is Borg’s major book on the historical Jesus. He shows how the Gospel portraits of Jesus, seen historically, make sense. Borg takes into account all the recent developments in historical Jesus scholarship, as well as new theories on who Jesus was and how the Gospels reflect that – visioning Jesus as a charismatic healer, sage, and prophet, a man living in the power of the spirit and dedicated to radical social change. (About $11)
by Harold S. Kushner (ISBN: 9781400033362) His idea is to explain the inexplicable in terms that turn negatives into ways of coping. Kushner skillfully uses the tale of Moses to manage the oh-so-true statement, “Nobody gets everything he or she yearns for.” Forbidden to enter the Holy Land? Having wandered for 40 years and endured complaints and rebels, Moses was tired; another leader deserved to take the lead. Plus, reading into the Bible and other religious tomes, the author finds that Moses ignored his family–a critical element comprising the complete life. Moses is not the only example used. Abraham Lincoln was weighed down by depression–or, in his case, what doesn’t kill us makes us strong. In all, the universal lessons for overcoming disappointment remain simple yet profound: remember who you’re working for, substitute new dreams for old, keep promises, be humble, maintain life’s priorities, forgive and forgive, and always dare to dream. (About $10)
by Hans Küng (ISBN: 9780826476982) The author is one of the most distinguished and widely-acclaimed theologians of the twentieth century. In this simple, personal and often moving testimony, Hans Kung describes his fundamental convictions and reveals why, despite all the difficulties he has to face, he is still committed to the Christian way. What Hans Kung has thought, experienced and expresses in this book will help others in their search for personal values and a sense of direction – and also help them realize the unique value and importance of the Christian way. (About $15)
Join the monthly study group known as the 3rd Thursday St. Simeon Group to learn some of the history behind the Greek manuscripts of the New Testament from which our English translations come. Would you believe there are more differences between the thousands of manuscripts than there are words in the New Testament? Do these differences matter? Come to one of these classes and lets discuss it!
Join the 2nd Thursday St. Simeon, beginning November 12, 2009 for the study of their next book, The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth That Could Change Everything by Brian D. McLaren. The book costs $11 each.
The 1st Wednesday St. Simeon Group will begin studying Walter Wink’s The Powers That Be: Theology for a New Millennium on Wednesday, October 7 at 7:00pm here at FUMC. The cost of the book is $11.
