When Faith Meets Reason Study Guide Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

Charles W. Hedrick
Out of the Enchanted Forest

Overview of the Journey

As you read this chapter, note the following transitions

Discussion Questions — printout

What led Hedrick to think of the Bible as human words about God rather than as "Word of God"?
Should faith be grounded in experiences of the world or in religious texts? Why?
What, if any, are the differences between religious texts and other writings?
Why did Hedrick describe his early life in Mississippi as living in an “enchanted forest.” How would you characterize your early faith position?
Explain how Hedrick arrived at the conclusion that Jesus was not divine. What do you believe about the divinity of Jesus and why?
How would you define "church" and how does it differ from other communities?
Do you find participation in a faith community meaningful? Why or why not?
For Hedrick, what does it mean to live the “religious life”? What would it mean from your perspective?
Does “Mother Nature” have a conscience? What does your answer suggest about the character of God?
Does Hedrick’s journey parallel your own in any way?

Class Exercises

Instruct the class to prepare a list of what they know about Jesus of Nazareth that would not have been obvious to a first-century person who did not share the beliefs of the canonical gospel writers? Share the lists and discuss what this implies for a twenty-first-century faith.
Hedrick says the Bible comprises human words about God. Instruct the group to compare the resurrection accounts (Matt 28:1-8 = Mark 16:1–8 = Luke 24:1–11, John 20:1–13), identify all the differences and discuss them. What do such differences imply for the Bible and the historical character of the resurrection?

Theological Terms for Consideration — handout

Religious Leaders for Consideration — handout