A bit of theology - by means of a Book Club
Some people have asked if we could explore some theology together and we’d like to do this using a “book club” format in an informal social setting. See the right-hand sidebar for what we are currently reading.
The Idea
We are offering a Book Club, getting together every couple of months, where we can meet as a social group, talk about some theology and religious ideas, and apply them to our own context. We want to spend time exploring how different ideas from a range of theological writers can stimulate our own faith (either as we agree or disagree with them) as we work out what it means to be faithful followers of Jesus in our own contexts – often as LGBT people.
It’s good to be able to deepen our faith and explore the depths and riches of our Christian tradition as it helps us:
- grow as Christians,
- think about whether we agree or disagree with each other and the particular writer we’re looking at,
- and deepen our own faith journey as we explore, question and think.
Some people get a bit worried when they hear the word “theology”, but don’t worry – we will choose books which are easy to understand yet deep enough to stimulate some fresh ideas and good discussion.
The books will be inexpensive, easy to get hold of and useful to keep as they will help deepen our faith and understanding of it.
In many cases, e-book versions of the titles will also be available and will usually be cheaper than their printed counterparts.
So, every other month, after the Sacred Space service, we will look at some ideas in a book that we’ve read beforehand. We can post some ideas about the book and the author online first giving us some ideas to work with (see below for our online companion site).
By having the session after the Sacred Space service we’re making use of our existing booking of the church and allowing time for prayer and reflection as well as for discussion and thinking. The plan is:
- a 7.30pm (sharp!) start for the Sacred Space service;
- tea and coffee at 8pm;
- and then from 8.15pm – 9.15pm discussion on the book.
Those who don’t want to come to both events can easily come to just Sacred Space (7.30) or just the Book Club (8.15) with the refreshment break serving as an opportunity to arrive or depart.
And to keep up-to-date with what we're reading and when meetings will actually be held, why not sign up to our online companion to the Book Club. To find out more about the online companion site, go to our Book club online page.
Feedback
Andy would really appreciate expressions of interest in the Book Club idea, so please let him know - via the Contact Us page - if you are interested in taking part or if you have any suggestions around content or involvement.
