Hi Everybody:
Next Sunday we will discuss Chapter 2 of Lloyd Geering's book, Reimagining God. Here are some questions and issues to ponder as you prepare for the discussion.
1. P. 24. Do you think, as Geering does, that some Christians have a tendency to put their faith in some irrational beliefs? Can you describe a couple of irrational beliefs? Do you think it is proper in the year 2015 to have irrational beliefs? Your thoughts?
2. Pp. 24-25. The author writes about the radical changes over time in the meanings of the words 'belief' and 'faith'. What do you think the sentence "I believe in God" means?
Does it mean "There exists a spiritual being called God" or does it mean "There exists a supernatural being called God that created and is controlling the world" or something else? Please explain.
3. P. 25. Please interpret the modern meaning of "I believe in the devil" and the medieval meaning of "I renounce the devil". Why does Geering say that a Christian person living in medieval times would not even dare utter the first sentence?
4. Pp. 24-26. What does Geering say about the difference in meaning of the phrase "I believe in God" in Old English and modern English? Can you appreciate the difference? Can you also appreciate that modern English and our culture's use of it is vastly different from Old English as used in medieval times? (See also p. 33, last Parag.)
5. P. 26. Geering points out that the medieval view of reality was vastly different from our modern view of reality. Which would you follow in the year 2015, medieval reality or modern reality? Why? [I pose that quaint question for an obvious purpose.]
6. P. 26. Geering writes, "To regard any set of beliefs as absolute and unchangeable is to make an idol of something that is human, finite, and fallible." Your thoughts?
7. P. 27, 1st full Parag. What is your reaction to this paragraph?
8. P. 27. Geering further writes, "To recover the full significance of faith demands that we divorce it from any notion of commitment to particular beliefs." How do you understand this sentence? Your comments?
9. Pp. 28-29. According to Geering, how is doubting an aid to faith?
10. P. 29. Geering writes, "But faith rests not on proof, but on conviction." Your thoughts?
11. P. 30, last Parag. and top of p. 31. Is Geering correct in his assertion that "Faith is a quality of human living."? Your comments are welcome!
12. P. 32, 4th Parag. Do you think this paragraph is central to your personal journey through life? Please explain.
13. Pp. 34-41. Finally, Geering deals with the concept of God. What truths do you think he sheds light on in these pages?
I look forward to another brilliantly robust discussion on the issues of beliefs, faith, doubt, language (ancient and modern) and God. Meanwhile, be safe, help others, best wishes and hasta domingo, Ben
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