On the first Sunday of the month we gather to explore the gospels together, using a Contemplative Dialogue approach which encourages everyone’s participation and which understands that wisdom is found in the hearts of everyone gathered. Today was no exception. We compared the texts of Mark, Matthew, and Luke and many unsettling topics settled into our hearts. Sometimes the path toward knowledge and truth lead us into difficult places first. We traveled a bit into what unclean spirits mean to us today, how do we name evil, how does evil divide us, what happened to the evil spirits when they were cast aside, and perhaps most importantly, why did the forces of evil recognize Jesus as the Son of God but the goodness within people didn’t. What’s that about? Good questions, right? No easy answers, that’s for sure. But good soulful conversation. Please join us next month for our next exploration.
Tag: conversation
Summer Series
Tonight we gathered for dinner, fun, and fellowship and to grapple with the Wisdom Psalms. We learned about the major “books” of the Old Testament and focused in on the Wisdom Literature, within which the Book of Psalms is located.
We read some of the Wisdom psalms and identified some major themes. Conversation then led us to discuss the meaning of the word “righteousness” in both the original Hebrew, in the writings of the prophets, and then within the gospels and finally in Paul’s writings.
We came to understand the true meaning of righteousness is being benevolent, compassionate, and attentive to those in need. We comprehended how differently the use of righteous is used in today’s language, especially in regards to religion.
Being attentive, observant, seeing the larger picture, and listening to the Spirit are all ways that we can stay on the right side of the line between righteous (as in the Bible) and self-righteous as is often used today. We left fed with food, conversation, thought, and more knowledge about the character of God.
A great evening, indeed!