Overview of the Journey

As you read this chapter, note the elements of the journey:

• Fascination with the biblical story
• Missionary conundrum
• Sexism in the institution
• Humanism or Christianity?
• Religion as an academic exercise
• Women in the history of religions
• Social justice
• Out of Africa—modern insights on ancient texts

Discussion Questions — printout

1. While Jackson’s first “edge of smash” was of a physical nature, what life events led to her theological “edge of smash?”  At what points in your life have you been at the “edge of smash?”
   
2. Jackson’s beliefs are often in contrast to those of “orthodox” Christianity.  Why does she still call herself a “Christian”?  What beliefs do you think are critical to being a Christian?
   
3. How have the following perspectives informed and shaped Jackson’s thinking about Christian beliefs?
   • Jesus Seminar
   • African experiences
   • John Wesley’s quadrilateral of scripture, tradition, experience, and reason
     
4. Who were the significant persons who helped form your faith and practices?  In what  ways were they helpful and/or harmful?
   
5. What basic beliefs did you come to find unacceptable?
   
6. Have you had experiences with other countries or cultures that caused you to re-think what you believe and how you live your faith?
   
7. What has changed in your understanding and practice of prayer?
   
8. Does Jackson’s journey parallel your own in any way?

Class Exercises

Jackson has been highly influenced by the insights and experience of African students, especially in terms of their interpretation of the historically-reliable parables of Jesus. 

• Read the parable of The Samaritan. — handout
• Read the parable of The Barren Tree. — handout
• Read the parable of The Dinner Party. — handout

Theological Terms for Consideration — handout

• original sin
• predestination
• liberation theology
• just-war theory
• omni-God (omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, omni-benevolent)

Religious Thinkers for Consideration — handout

• Augustine (354–430)
• Gandhi (1869–1948)
• John Wesley (1703–1791)

Photos

• hippos in Malawi
• elephants in South Africa
• village of Dzobo, Zimbabwe (with Samuel Dzobo and Sophirina Sign)
• bent-over woman at cathedral in Mutare, Zimbabwe
• Hilltop United Methodist Church, Sekubva, Zimbabwe
• gorillas in Rwanda
• Mike Mwali and Justice Khimbi
• Glenna at the organ

Copyright © 2008 by Polebridge Press. All rights reserved.