New Theological Perspectives
Tuesdays, October 5 - December 14, 7:15 pm
Sharon Martin

The first week in October, the "New Theological Perspectives" class will start a new book --The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith, by world-renowned Jesus scholar Marcus J. Borg, who shows how we can live passionately as Christians in today's world by practicing the vital elements of Christian faith.

For the millions of people who have turned away from many traditional beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Bible, but still long for a relevant,nourishing faith, Borg shows why the Christian life can remain a transforming relationship with God. Borg examines the "emerging paradigm" that is gradually replacing the belief-centered paradigm of the last several hundred years. The new paradigm, Borg writes, is about loving God and loving what God loves, rather than rigidly adhering to a specific set of beliefs. Emphasizing the critical role of daily practice in living the Christian life, he explores how prayer, worship, Sabbath, pilgrimage, and more can be experienced as authentically life-giving practices.

Borg reclaims terms and ideas once thought to be the sole province of evangelicals and fundamentalists: he shows that terms such as "born again" have real meaning for all Christians; that the "Kingdom of God" is not a
bulwark against secularism but is a means of transforming society into a world that values justice and love; and that the Christian life is essentially about opening one's heart to God and to others.

Anyone who is interested is invited to attend this class. Please contact Sharon Martin, group facilitator, to sign up (243-1504). Sharon will order books for those who sign up -- each paperback book costs $10.50, but anyone who cannot afford to buy one will be loaned a copy.

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