“As if it’s not unusual enough that Trinity United Methodist Church and the Minnesota Atheists have joined forces to promote a project, wait till you hear what the project is: a Bible study class.
Granted, it’s not your normal one. At least, that’s the hope. Called Secular Bible Study, the program aims to “foster and nurture relationships between folks who would otherwise avoid each other,” said Chester O’Gorman, community outreach director for the northeast Minneapolis church. “Secular Bible Study hopes to attract a variety of people — Buddhists, atheists, agnostics, Christians and even Jews and Muslims.” ”
from here
Great project! Scripture has often lead people to Christ all by itself, but people have to actually read it. I read this as the effort of a humble church willing to let the Holy Spirit be in total control.
Plea by Nonc Hilare — February 24, 2009 @ 8:30 am
Nonc, I was hoping to get a few naysayers before your take, and hopefully some will comment yet. The outreach pastor say’s the goal is to “foster and nurture relationships between folks who would otherwise avoid each other,” and I don’t know other motivations (ie. your contention that they just want to humbly let the Holy Spirit be in total control), but I agree that its a good thing they are opening the bible together.
Plea by Marc — February 24, 2009 @ 9:20 am
The stated goal of the Bible study pretty much says it all. I don’t see the point in leveling the playing field, so to speak, and studying the Bible alongside those who are openly hostile to it. I think a much better approach would be to get church members grounded in the Word first and then invite atheists to dialog and debate.
Plea by Lee Shelton — February 24, 2009 @ 11:27 am
Just wait until the atheists find out that it’s a roundabout way to convert them. They’ll be pretty angry.
Plea by keith — February 24, 2009 @ 2:32 pm
Maybe the atheists will use it to try and convert the Methodists.
Plea by Justin Nale — February 24, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
“Either this is not the Gospel, or we are not Christians.”
Thomas Linacre to Henry VIII, on reading the Gospels for the first time.
Plea by Nonc Hilare — February 24, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
Interesting. I wonder what version/translation they’re using…May God use it to speak His truth to whoever comes to this group.
Plea by Kels. — February 24, 2009 @ 6:28 pm
I sense a reduction in truth to accommodate “open discussions”.
Jesus did not talk about developing “relationships” to lead to salvation. He spoke truth. (one of my favorite verses is from Matthew “you brood of vipers…” Not exactly a Barna church growth technique!)
I’d rather see this church devote energy to its own flock’s understanding of the Bible.
I’m still trying to figure out why an aetheist would attend…
Plea by shofarguy — February 25, 2009 @ 11:24 pm