The Heart of Christianity Sunday School Class Lesson Questions at First United Methodist Church in San Diego, California, United States for Sunday, 23 August 2015

The Heart of Christianity Sunday School Class Lesson Questions at First United Methodist Church in San Diego, California, United States for Sunday, 23 August 2015
Hello Hearts,
This Sunday, we begin our study & comparisons of Buddha & Christ with our group-chosen text of
Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh. Please be aware that I am a beginner in learning about Buddhism, as are most of you. I’m in it to learn more for myself! Hopefully, as we take this journey, we’ll pull each other further into thoughtful spiritual awareness.
Since many may be very unfamiliar with Buddhism teachings, I recommend The Essence of Buddhism by David Tuffley as a primer. It is a 25 page book outlining the absolute essentials of Buddhism. It’s an easy read for those needing a fundamental overview. And it’s FREE on iBooks. We won’t discuss this book directly, but it may be referred to during our discussions.
In addition, Marilyn Wegner suggests <http://www.dailygood.org/story/1117/5-reasons-to-be-mindful-kindspring-org-editors/> might be quite useful to us during this study.
We’ll cover Living Buddha, Living Christ in 4 weeks, I think.
August 23
Forward, Introduction, Chapters 1 & 2
August 30
Chapters 3, 4, & 5
September 6
Chapters 6, 7, & 8
September 13
Chapters 9 & 10, along with “Mindful"
For discussion this coming Sunday, August 23, the following are provided:
Forward—
Marla will share her knowledge of Brother David Steindl-Rast, O.S.B., writer of the Forward, & his relationship with Thich Nhat Hanh.
What does it mean for you personally to move from theory to practice in your faith?
Introduction—
How do early Christian texts & gospels along with early Christian history inform the Introduction?
Chapter 1—
What do you think of the notion that we as human beings can be nourished by the best values of many religious traditions?
Have you met someone who authentically represents another faith tradition & felt that it inspired your own faith?
What does Hanh define as "true dialogue" between faith traditions?
How do “interbeing,” barriers, peace, understanding, & compassion relate to each other?
Chapter 2—
How does Hanh see mindfulness and the Holy Spirit relating to each other?
How does Hahn define meditation & it’s primary purpose?
How do mindfulness/the Holy Spirit relieve suffering?
Hahn says, “If we touch the Holy Spirit, we touch God not as a concept but as a living reality.” What do think is meant by that?
What is the significance of being in “the present moment?” How can that mindfulness be useful to you & to others?
See you Sunday,
Kay

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