Living the Questions
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 small group study exploring beyond the traditions and rote theologies in which so many people and local churches seem to be stuck. 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
Each session includes:
- Conversations on DVDs with leading theologians, church leaders, sociologists, and biblical scholars
- Opportunities for discussion and sharing
- Time for getting acquainted
Ongoing themes will include:
- Biblical authority
- Metaphor and how it shapes us
- The Jesus/Christ dichotomy
- What does faith look like in the 21st Century?
Topics
- An invitation to journey
- Thinking theologically
- Creativity and stories of creation
- Restoring relationships
- Evil, suffering, and a God of love
- Intimacy with God
- Social justice
- A kingdom without walls
- Lives of Jesus
- Compassion: the heart of Jesus' ministry
- A passion for Christ: Paul the apostle
- Out into the world: challenges facing progressive Christianity
Contributors
In alphabetical order: Nancy Ammerman, John Bell, Marcus Borg, Minerva Carcano, John B. Cobb, Jr., John Dominic Crossan, Heather Murray Elkins, Lloyd Geering, Leslie Griffiths, Stanley Haurwas, Alan Ladd, Culver "Bill" Nelson, G. Lynn Nelson, Larry Powell, Siyoung Park, Stephen Patterson, Tex Sample, John Shelby Spong, Roger Strom, Emilie Townes, and Regina Walker.
Facilitator
The sessions are led by Dr. R. Ben Marshall, retired United Methodist elder and a member of Northaven. According to Dr. Marshall, “There is so much misunderstanding about the Christian message in our culture today. So many people are staying away from a meaningful relationship with God because of the harmful perspectives they have heard. Living the Questions offers an opportunity to clear up those misunderstandings in an atmosphere where questions are encouraged.”
Schedule
Look for future dates coming soon.
All sessions are held at the church.
Child Care
On Sunday mornings, child care is available for infants and toddlers and Sunday School for older children. On Monday evenings, child care is available but you will need to specify that you need child care when you register.
Registration
Registration is free. It will be available when a new schedule is posted.
For More Information
For more information, please contact Dr. R. Ben Marshall through the church office:
Phone: 214-363-2479
About Northaven
Northaven United Methodist Church is a forward-thinking church that welcomes people of all races, sexual orientations, and economic circumstances. Read more about us.
