First United Methodist Church of San Diego, Caalifornia, United States "Heart of Christianity" Sunday School Lesson for Friday, 23 January 2015

Hi to All:

This coming Sunday we'll discuss Geering's Chapter 3, pp. 45-58.  Here are some issues and questions to ponder in preparation for our discussion.

1. After reading this chapter, do you agree, as Geering believes, that "God is experienced?"  And if so, how so?  Please explain.

2. Pp. 45-49.  In his third essay (Chap. 3), Geering writes that Friedrich Schleiermacher was the pivotal theologian that started the whole Christian theology down a modern path.  What do you think about the influence that Schleiermacher had on Christian theology?

3. Pp. 49-50.  Can you explain what Schleiermacher thought "God-consciousness" is?  Can you explain what you think "God-consciousness" is? (See also P.55)

4. P. 50, 1st Parag.  Geering sheds light on religion, dogma, and God.  Your comments about this paragraph?

5. P. 51, 1st Parag.  Geering details Schleiermacher's pioneering writings on matters of theology.  Your thoughts about this paragraph?

6. P. 51, last Parag. and top of p. 52.  What does Geering say on the topic of immortality?

7. P. 52, last Parag. and top of p. 53.  What did Schleiermacher say on the topic of the Christian, and, in general, religious experience?

8. P. 53, Parag. beginning in the middle of page and the following Parag.  These two paragraphs remind me of the individuals in our class: experiencing God in her or his own way.  Your thoughts?

9. P. 56.  What is Protestant Liberalism?

10. P. 57, 2nd Parag.  According to Geering, what does John Dickie say about "a living theology"?

11. P. 58, lines 6-15.  What do these lines of text mean to you?

I look forward to a powerful and vigorous discussion next Sunday.  Meanwhile, stay safe, be kind to others, best wishes, and hasta domingo,  Ben

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