 Living the Questions
a progressive alternative
for Christian invitation, initiation, and spiritual formation
“Wisdom is asking the questions
for which there are no
answers.”
– Harrell Beck
OVERVIEW
People know that at its core, Christianity has something good
to offer the human race. At the same time, many have a sense that they are alone
in being a “thinking” Christian and that “salvaging” Christianity is a hopeless
task. What is needed is a safe environment where people have permission to ask
the questions they’ve always wanted to ask but have been afraid to voice for
fear of being thought a heretic.
Living the Questions is a 12-week DVD and web-based small
group study exploring beyond the traditions and rote theologies in which so many
people and local churches seem to be stuck. Ideal for Christian invitation,
initiation and spiritual formation, Living the Questions will help seekers and
“church alumni/ae” alike in discovering the significance of Christianity in the
21st Century and what a meaningful faith can look like in today’s world.
Weekly sessions will include:
- participant and leaders guides
- conversations with leading theologians, church leaders,
sociologists and biblical scholars
- sermon and lecture clips
- digital stories illustrating aspects of an evolving faith
- concrete spiritual practices (e.g., lectio divina, body
prayer, journaling)
- spiritual disciplines (centering, openness, . . .)
- suggestions for engagement in acts of social justice
Modeled on the Alpha Course format, Living the Questions is an
open-minded alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the
answers and instead strives to create an environment where participants can
discuss the revolutionary re-visioning of Christianity already emerging in the
world.
The format of each 2½ hour weekly session includes a shared
snack, video, guided discussion, spiritual exercises and Bible study.
THEMES
1. An Invitation to Journey
2. Thinking Theologically
3. Creativity and Stories of Creation
4. Restoring Relationships
5. Evil and a God of Love: The Place of Suffering
6. A Kingdom Without Walls: Ruth & Jonah
7. Social Justice and The Prophets
8. Intimacy with God
9. Lives of Jesus
10. Compassion: the Heart of Jesus' Ministry
11. A Passion for Christ: Paul the Apostle
12. Out into the World: Challenges Facing Progressive Christianity
HOW
TO GET INVOLVED
The first 12 week session was completed in May 2005, and the
participants were very positive in their feedback. The Couples Small Group
will continue their monthly study of the course until February 2006. Watch
for announcements of the next session.
Visit the
Living the
Questions website for more info.
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