Bishop's Study Day 2008
Readers at the ready!
Preparing for worship
Bishop John in full flow!
Excellent book display!
NO FAITH IN RELIGION - Some questions to think about... 1. How would you define religion and faith - and how would you describe the relationship between them? 2. For Kierkegaard religion is a stage on the way to faith. For Bonhoeffer religion is redundant and we would be better off without it. For Nietzsche both religion and faith inhibit the fulment of human power and potential and need to be eradicated. How do you stand in relation to these views? 3. Which of the Gospels' cadences chimes best with your own experience of Christian faith and discipleship? 4. Have you other examples of 'Vicarious faith' and how do you feel about this dimension of our ministry? 5. In your engagement with those who are sceptical or antagonistic towards Christianity, to what extent do their concerns reflect those prevalent in the 19th century?
I personally found the day very stimulating! ( John Marshall )The book stall courtesey of Olive Tree proved very popular - with sales around £600. There was a rich variety of material available! The lunch was as superb as ever! If you were unable to get - you missed a good day but are not let off the hook! Try answering the questions raised above. My own attempt at definitions... Religion = Command & Control? Faith = Discipline & Discipleship? (I feel a sermon coming on...) Thanks to Bishop John, Warden Alex, Olive Tree and staff of Horncastle College. Bishop John quote of the day: "It is okay to have an open mind...but not at both ends!"
More than 50 Readers joined Bishop John and Warden Alex for our Study Day - with the theme 'No Faith in Religion'. After coffee and welcome, we started with an act of worship. Readings: 1 Corinthians 1. 18-31 & Matthew 5. 1-12. Bishop John thanked Readers for their Ministry. He then made no apology for his intended lecture style of the day - drawing from notes which may form part of a book he is to publish. From the taster sessions I am sure it will be a 'good read'. The day was broken into sessions with some challenging sub themes of: Religionless Christianity and the leap of Faith No end of Religion Vicarious Faith or Religion-lite? Crisis? What Crisis?
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