November Response

The Bible: The Book that Bridges the Millennia
November 1998

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This issue focuses on the Spiritual Growth Study entitled: "The Bible: The Book that Bridges the Millennia."

"Risk Knowing the Bible" by J. Ann Craig

This article looks at how the Bible was written, our understandings of the Bible, and how changes of our understandings can even be threatening. It explores the idea of inspiration and the need for communication that led to sacred stories. And finally, it analyzes the transformation possible through scriptures--which is radically good news.

"Women Quilting a Biblical Pattern" by Letty M. Russell

The story of Sarah and Hagar is a story of terror for those who are marginalized or oppressed. Or is it? This article challenges the church to learn from Sarah and Hagar and to overcome our own racism and fear. As seen in this story, our searching out of God's mercy requires us to understand sin. This article looks at these stories, the way "quilting" out these stories has bridged together pieces of faith and interpretation leading to discernment and inspiration.

"Racism in the Bible" by Linda H. Hollies

This article looks at the Gentile woman who begged Jesus to cast the demon out of her daughter, reasoning that "event the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." A story of persistence, sexism, and racism, it's also a teachable moment' for Jesus, contends this author, and it becomes a lesson for the Church that continues today.

"Movies, TV and The Bible" by Dan Clanton

From CBS' "Touched by an Angel" weekly TV show that looks at God's presence in our living and dying to "The Simpsons" animated TV character, Ned Flanders, who models Christian living, to larger-than-life movies like "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and "The 10 Commandments," U.S. popular culture has been intrigued by the Bible. But why? This article attempts to answer this question.

"What Does God Require of Us?" by Carolyn Henninger Oehler

When we wonder what the Christian ethical approach to cloning or genetic engineering or regulating the Internet is, we are asking that ancient question in modern dress: Who are we, and what is our relationship to God to be? The Bible developed as Scripture for the church over thousands of years, always reflecting the dialogue between a faith community and God, and among communities in different times and places. So how does it translate when there are issues today that were not even imagined by Biblical writers. This article seeks to explore this question.

"United Methodists Reach Out to Slovakia's Roma" by Tequila Minsky

Who are the Roma in eastern Slovakia and why is there unemployment 98% compared to 27% nationwide? Why are they faced with discrimination in education and housing and what is the United Methodist Church doing to help the situation? This article looks at the Church's outreach to the Roma, their culture, and the challenges this culture faces.

Other Articles:

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