The Meaning of Jesus (Style Issues)

The curriculum committee selected this book (suggested by Bob Coleman) for study throughout the year in hopes of giving the year a uniting thread. The book talks about the great events in the life of Jesus, which we celebrate at the various seasons in the church year such as Christmas and Easter. We have tried, therefore. to pick chapters that will go with the season rather than to study the book sequentially and week-after-week.

The point of selecting the book was NOT so that the class might hear the views of two distinguished theologians, but that the class might have a chance to reflect and discuss their own views. The great value of having a conservative and a liberal scholar, both very dedicated Christians, is that it gives everyone in the class space to air their own views without feeling that they are out of some mainstream. Wright accepts the Virgin birth; Borg does not. Both are good Christians. We, therefore, can feel free to take a position at either end or anywhere inbetween.

The vision that we have for these sessions is that each presenter will take 10 minutes, ideally, and certainly no more than 15 minutes to present the views of their alter ego. The topic will then be opened for discussion, lasting 20 to 30 minutes. I will chair the discussions and will prepare questions for discussion in advance of the lesson in conjunction with those who are presenting. Those questions will be phrased along the lines of “What do YOU think?” or “How do YOU envisage the Ascension?” The purpose, as stated earlier, is not to educate people about the views of Borg and Wright, but to get them to ponder on their own faith.

Once you have started reading your chapter(s), you will soon discover that there is enough material in each chapter for a year’s study and for at least a one hour presentation. We are going to have to be very disciplined in picking up ONE point (or maybe two) to highlight in one’s brief presentation and to form the kernel of the subsequent discussion. Thinking ahead, I could imagine us focusing on a single issue around Christmas such as, “Would it matter to your faith if the nativity scene were discovered to be a myth?” Both Borg and Wright address this in different ways and their thoughts could stimulate a healthy discussion – we hope!

I am hoping that we will all work together to turn this into a coherent, year-long study that will deepen the faith of everyone in the class and enhance everyone’s understanding of the gospel message. These are two marvelous men and I look forward to studying their words together with you and with the class.