Scivillage.com Casual Discussion Science Forum

Quote:I've certainly got no pearls for swine, knowing that you're only looking for your next opportunity to justify your rejection. Any openness must start with you, but I sense none.

Like I said, you got nothing.

I'm sure that's what you want to believe. And I'm happy to let you.

I like CS Lewis' writings.

I've been pondering my Bible Study coming up, it's to take place next week. So, suppose 50 people show up? Thinking that won't happen, but suppose it does? I'm preparing for a smaller, more intimate group, but one never knows. I have to do a fair amount of public speaking in my job, presentations to clients, etc., so it shouldn't concern me. But, I don't want to do all of the speaking here, I'd rather be a facilitator. That's the idea, anyway. I'm a wee bit concerned that Bible scholars show up, and maybe I won't be prepared enough.

How might you all suggest handling a larger group?

(Feb 27, 2020 04:29 AM)Leigha Wrote: [ -> ]I like CS Lewis' writings.

I've been pondering my Bible Study coming up, it's to take place next week. So, suppose 50 people show up? Thinking that won't happen, but suppose it does? I'm preparing for a smaller, more intimate group, but one never knows. I have to do a fair amount of public speaking in my job, presentations to clients, etc., so it shouldn't concern me. But, I don't want to do all of the speaking here, I'd rather be a facilitator. That's the idea, anyway. I'm a wee bit concerned that Bible scholars show up, and maybe I won't be prepared enough.

How might you all suggest handling a larger group?

Is this in your residence? Invited strangers?  I'm more worried about your safety than bible scholars. Cons, cults, thieves, psychos, and sex offenders....you never know. 

Maybe you'll just get a couple of grannies who like to show pictures of their grandkids.

(Feb 27, 2020 04:29 AM)Leigha Wrote: [ -> ]I like CS Lewis' writings.

I've been pondering my Bible Study coming up, it's to take place next week. So, suppose 50 people show up? Thinking that won't happen, but suppose it does? I'm preparing for a smaller, more intimate group, but one never knows. I have to do a fair amount of public speaking in my job, presentations to clients, etc., so it shouldn't concern me. But, I don't want to do all of the speaking here, I'd rather be a facilitator. That's the idea, anyway. I'm a wee bit concerned that Bible scholars show up, and maybe I won't be prepared enough.

How might you all suggest handling a larger group?

There are tons of tips on how to conduct a bible study. I would research it but as a Christian, you can always skip that step, pray and ask for the Lord’s wisdom.

I have been praying for God to just lead the way...but, he also gave us a brain, and I need to use it, as well. lol I think perhaps I'm allowing fears to creep in, fears of not saying the right thing, etc...and being ''judged.'' This isn't a Sunday school class though, I'm wanting everyone to participate and really just act as a facilitator. But even so, I've got to break the ice on the first meeting. We shall see how it goes.......

I've found some helpful youtube videos, but no one seems to touch on what might be a good starting point in the Bible, if you have a larger group. The information that I've found tends to center around small group settings. I'm thinking of maybe making the first session be about getting to know one another, sharing my ''vision'' for it, and having an informal discussion as to what the group might be seeking. My main goal is to have an approachable study group, where everyone feels welcome in the community - regardless of their religious affiliations.

(Feb 27, 2020 03:39 PM)Leigha Wrote: [ -> ]I have been praying for God to just lead the way...but, he also gave us a brain, and I need to use it, as well. lol I think perhaps I'm allowing fears to creep in, fears of not saying the right thing, etc...and being ''judged.'' This isn't a Sunday school class though, I'm wanting everyone to participate and really just act as a facilitator. But even so, I've got to break the ice on the first meeting. We shall see how it goes.......

I've found some helpful youtube videos, but no one seems to touch on what might be a good starting point in the Bible, if you have a larger group. The information that I've found tends to center around small group settings. I'm thinking of maybe making the first session be about getting to know one another, sharing my ''vision'' for it, and having an informal discussion as to what the group might be seeking. My main goal is to have an approachable study group, where everyone feels welcome in the community - regardless of their religious affiliations.

Syne might be able to help. He mentioned having an academic background. I think he might have a couple of PhDs.
Here’s a good link.

How to lead better Bible studies: 5 mistakes your group wishes you didn’t make

(Feb 27, 2020 03:39 PM)Leigha Wrote: [ -> ].... I've found some helpful youtube videos, but no one seems to touch on what might be a good starting point in the Bible, if you have a larger group.

"The Bible" seems unnecessarily broad. Does the Old Testament really have to be included for consideration? Even the NT revolves initially around the origin of a Jewish cult that splinters off from the main, before barely opening the door for its transition to an overwhelmingly gentile religion in the future. Apparently Catholicism had to do similar, but the Protestant tradition especially set out to emphasize and portray the “Pauline gospel” as different from that of other apostles, absolving gentile Christians of Torah observance.

EDIT (addition): Whichever version is still around, the so-called Jefferson Bible ("The Philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth" and "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth"), sounds like it would be a succinct source for a gathering of people who aren't interested in quarreling over the specific doctrinal and occult trappings of denominational Christianity.

https://www.history.com/news/thomas-jeff...us-beliefs

@ SS:

Quote:Syne might be able to help. He mentioned having an academic background. I think he might have a couple of PhDs.
Here’s a good link.

How to lead better Bible studies: 5 mistakes your group wishes you didn’t make

Thank you for that link, it's quite helpful! It's coming together in my mind, and he hit it spot on. I don't want to be lecturing, or preaching. Considering atheists may show up, I want the study group to be approachable in all aspects, not as though the community clubhouse has turned into a church for the night. Good link!

@ CC:

Quote:"The Bible" seems unnecessarily broad. Does the Old Testament really have to be included for consideration? Even the NT revolves initially around the origin of a Jewish cult that splinters off from the main, before barely opening the door for its transition to an overwhelmingly gentile religion in the future. Apparently Catholicism had to do similar, but the Protestant tradition especially set out to emphasize and portray the “Pauline gospel” as different from that of other apostles, absolving gentile Christians of Torah observance.

EDIT (addition): Whichever version is still around, the so-called Jefferson Bible ("The Philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth" and "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth"), sounds like it would be a succinct source for a gathering of people who aren't interested in quarreling over the specific doctrinal and occult trappings of denominational Christianity. 

https://www.history.com/news/thomas-jeff...us-beliefs

You know, CC you bring up a great point. On the one hand, it would be cool for a study group such as this one, to commit to getting through the entire Bible by year end. That will largely depend on how often we meet. If we meet twice monthly, it will be a challenge. I've thought of having it be topic focused, and really like that idea ''The life and morality of Jesus,'' or ''Who was Jesus?'' I believe that no matter who shows up, reading the Bible for what it is, without individual denominational ''spin,'' will bring about the best interactions within the group.

If the group is small (5 to 7 people), I won't have these same worries, so maybe I need to prepare for the possibility of both. I'm going to check out that Jefferson Bible, thank you!

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Working from home today and lost my internet connection just as I went to post the above quotes. I'm aware now, that this site doesn't save a ''draft'' copy if something like that should happen, so I had to incorporate my own quotes.

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