Overview

As you read this chapter note the following key ideas:

• Presence is a dialogue or debate
• Scripture is a collection of “faith declarations” by different human authors
• “Revelation” is open to all by observing the cosmos  
• Faith is a wrestling match with God (and/or Jesus)
• Jesus is fully human and not divine
• Unjust suffering challenges traditional views of God
• Distinguishing Jesus’ viewpoint from others’ views of Jesus
• Jesus was a gadfly who challenged traditional values
• God is a paradoxical parent who acts with irony

Discussion Questions — printout

1. In what ways do we experience the presence of Jesus? Why don't all agree on what this presence means?
2. What difference does it make to understand the Bible as a "collection of faith declarations by humans"?
3. What lessons are to be learned from human suffering and tragedy?
4. How do we "distinguish the voice and worldview of Jesus" from those who wrote about him?
5. What do you believe to be the traits of the essential Jesus?  How did you come to this decision?

Class Exercises

• Read the story of Jacob’s wrestling match. — handout
• Read Mark’s account of Jesus’ transfiguration. — handout
• Have the class take turns identifying one or two sayings the Bible ascribes to Jesus that they find to be personally challenging.  Ask each how they would deal with it.  Did Jesus really say something like this?  Discuss why or why not.

Technical Terms — handout

• dialectic
• eudemonism
• existential
• gnostic
• hermeneutic

Religious Thinkers for Consideration — handout

• Martin Buber (1878–1965)
• Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955)
• Carl Michalson (1915–1965)

Copyright © 2008 by Polebridge Press. All rights reserved.