The BIBLE - our Source of

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Small Group Session Ibased on Ritva H. Williams’

The BIBLE’S IMPORTANCE for the CHURCH TODAY

Our Source of Faith

THE Bible: - ELCA Statement of Faith

Meet with the Living WORD

Authority rests in/with GOD

Authority expressed by JESUS

Interpretation as scholarly work

Biblical “criticism”

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Meet with the Living WORD

Reveals GOD to humanity

66 books over 1000 years

Story of GOD and humanity

Bible reveals GOD’s love for humanity

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Authority rests in/with GOD

GOD inspired the Biblical writers

Writers deal with human issues

Writers are limited by culture

GOD overcomes human shortcomings

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Authority expressed by JESUS

Reflecting on faith as it is to be lived

JESUS is the lens by which we see GOD

Is the Bible consistent with JESUS?

JESUS answers through the Church

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Interpretation as scholarly work

The Bible has many sorts of stories

The stories vary for many reasons

We seek the deeper meaning for texts

The Bible is for individuals and groups

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Biblical “criticism”

We analyze text for meaning

We use a variety of approaches

Our learning is strengthened

We see GOD in action in every age

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Now how do we do that?

First we have to read the Bible

Then think about what is important

Third, we talk about that from our point of view, what is really helpful?

Finally, by sharing ideas, we learn

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What version should I read?

Large print, easy to read

Take notes or underline ideas

Feed your personal interests

Share what you read

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The Bible and Social Memory

Past experiences determine memory

Our past provides values for today

This helps us understand origin, nature and usefulness of the Bible

Social Memory changes over time

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Social Memory and Personal Identity

Our memories come from family

Memory changes as time passes by

Our family, our community, and our past world shapes today’s memory

So The Bible helps us grow in faith

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Social Memory and Group Identity

Social groups are shaped by the past

Conflict may arise from differences: “We’ve always done it this way!”

Meaning from the past is framework for evaluating the present

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Social Memory and Ancient Israel

Early culture was primarily oral

Culture depended on social memory

Writing began around 1000 B.C.

Faith was defined by cycles: sin, punishment, repentance, & deliverance

Our Source of Faith

Social Memory and the Hebrew Bible

Israel existed before the Bible text

The text began in 586 B.C. when they were exiled to Babylon

The Torah was canonized as the definition of Jewish faith and culture

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Jesus, Christians and Hebrew Scriptures

Jesus left no written texts.

His followers wrote down memories

Hebrew Scriptures shaped Jesus ideas

Jesus shared the central prayer of Jewish worship to affirm our faith

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Social Memory and the New Testament

Texts were written A.D. 50 to 120

Earliest texts are Paul’s letters

Jesus acts and teaching shared orally

Each NT text preserved important memories for the early church

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Discussion:

Understanding the Bible this way helps us focus on who to love & trust, on values to keep and what we should do

This questions verbal inspiration, the exact words and text dictated by God

This encourages divine & human acts

Our Source of Faith

What is your earliest memory?

How much is social memory?

How much is your personal memory?

Which may be more important in what you believe and act on?

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When did you first deal with the Bible?

Who offered it to you?

What was your response?

What role has the Bible played in your life and what you have accomplished?

Our Source of Faith

How would you describe your approach to the Bible so far?

Are you affirmed in what you believe?

Are you challenged by this social memory perspective?

What may be most helpful for us?