San Diego, California, United States First United Methodist Church Next Sunday's, 19 October 2014 Heart of Christianity Class

San Diego, California, United States First United Methodist Church Next Sunday's, 19 October 2014 Heart of Christianity Class
Hi to All:
Next Sunday we'll explore some aspects of Chapter 6 and the following Prologue of Part II (pp. 57-79).  Here are some issues and questions to ponder for the discussion.
Chapter 6
1. The reason, I think, Aslan stretches the history to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE, is to set the historical and cultural context, in which to deal with Jesus in the first 30 years of the 1st century, CE and the gospel writers during the last 30 years of the 1st century.  The gospel writers had memory of the cruel destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman authorities.  Your thoughts?  (I suggest you scour Chap. 6 and cite the relevant texts that you would like to focus on.)
Prologue of Part II
2. P. 74 and top of p. 75.  What one event in Jesus' ministry does Aslan describe to set Jesus apart?  Does this event cast him in the category of zealot?  Why or why not?
3. P. 75, 2nd half of page.  In reference to the statement in this section, that the Gospel writers recorded Jesus to have uttered, do you believe he actually uttered those words or is this utterance an "invented saying", early on, by which Jesus is remembered as ushering in the resurrection, and, thus, he being the Son of God?  Your comments?
4. Pp. 76-77. Is the story, as retold and interpreted by Aslan, about the tribute paid to Caesar, made clearly and forcefully by the author, Aslan?  Is this a good example of clear and careful writing?  Your thoughts?
5. P. 78, top line.  Make your case, pro or con, about the thesis of this book, Zealot.  Does Aslan make his case, thus far in his narrative, or does he not?  Which way do you lean: acceptance of Aslan's thesis or rejection or some other option?  Why or why not?
6. P. 79, last Parag.  What do you understand from this one paragraph?  Your comments?
I look forward to a robust discussion -- like the one we had last Sunday!  Meanwhile, may you follow in His footsteps.   Best wishes and hasta luego, Ben
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