Next Sunday's Class, 16 FEBRUARY 2014

Next Sunday's Class, 16 FEBRUARY 2014
Hi To All:
This Sunday we'll discuss Chapter 9.  Here are a few issues and questions to ponder for the discussion.
1. P. 86.  Spong has referred many times through the first 8 chapters to "those whose thinking is bounded by the limits of this world (with its literal mind-set)" and to "those who are open to a new consciousness."  What does Spong gain by denigrating the former and praising the latter?
2. P. 86.  Spong states that Nicodemus "was clearly a symbol of those in the synagogue".  Can you explain how Nicodemus is a symbol?  Can you also explain how Nicodemus may be a symbol for many modern-day church members, given Spong's statement (p. 87) that "Nicodemus would never understand the birth of a new consciousness?
3. P. 87, middle Parag.  Do you have a similar problem with "Truly, truly"  versus "Verily, verily", as Spong seems to have?  Explain.
4. P. 87.  Can you explain Spong's understanding of "born anew"? (See also p. 88, 1st Parag.)
5. P. 87, last Parag. on top of p. 88.  Do you lean more toward accepting "kingdom" or "realm"?  Why or why not?
6. P. 88, last Parag.  Spong states that "Jesus is from another realm, which he called the realm of God, but this realm must be understood experientially, not spatially."  Can you connect this statement to "mystical, not dogmatic, theological language."?  (See also p. 89)
7. P. 90.  Is Spong correct in his argument about "water" and "spirit"?  Why or why not?
8. P. 90, last Parag. and p. 91.  What does Spong write about self-consciousness?  Do you agree with Spong?
9. P. 91, last 3rd of the page.  What is the transformative experience Spong writes about?
10. P. 92.  Spong connects the "cross" and the "serpent's pole" (from Moses' time).  Do you accept Spong's argument?
11. Pp. 92-93.  Now that you've read Chapter 9, do you have a better understanding that Nicodemus is a mere literary device used by the mystic writer, John, to weave his mystical story about Jesus?  Explain.
I'll have a "Resolution" to read to you in support of Rev. Craig Brown's recent email message sent to the church membership.
I look forward to another rousing discussion and to the camaraderie and abiding friendship our class radiates.  Best wishes and hasta domingo.  Ben
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