Conversations with the Bible

			Conversations with the Bible

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Spiritual Growth for Religious Liberals

Author: Stephen C. Washburn

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association

Pub. Date: 1994

Available From: UUA Bookstore

Theme and Description Based on an interactive method of Bible study developed by Waiter Wink, Conversations With the Bible is an opportunity to explore Hebrew and Christian scriptures from a liberal religious perspective. Participants read selected texts and explore biblical scripture through discussion, dialogue, guided meditation, small-group work, and creative exercises. This program is ideal for those who have had negative or limiting experiences with the Bible, as well as those who wish to enhance their knowledge of biblical scripture in the context of a supportive group.

Goals for Participants

To gain familiarity with the Jewish and Christian Bibles
To engage in challenging inquiry, using critical scholarly methods
To examine scripture actively, letting go of limiting misconceptions
To bring the whole self--thinking, feeling, reasoning, and intuitive--to the study of scripture
To learn from each other in a creative, supportive environment
To be open to spiritual transformation.

Age Range Adult

Size of Group 8 to 12

Space Requirements A medium-sized, comfortable room, with an area that can be used for crafts. As most sessions include guided meditations, it would be helpful to have lighting that can be dimmed.

Number of Sessions 8 to 12

Length of Sessions Session 1: 2 112 hours; other sessions: 2 hours

Leader Training Facilitators do not need to be biblical scholars, but they should be comfortable with Hebrew and Christian scripture, and sensitive to the issues that this material can potentially raise for some participants.

Leader Preparation 2 to 2 1/2 hours per session

Strengths

Includes well-planned sessions
Has a strong base of critical scholarship
Allows for a variety of small-group and creative individual activities
Contains an excellent selection of suggested resources
Includes a strong worship/ritual component.

Limitations

Requires leaders to have a significant degree of familiarity and comfort with the Bible
Requires access to different translations of the Bible, as well as supplemental resources.

Adaptability

Pre-program participant orientation is an option
Can be used in an interfaith setting.

Unitarian Universalist Values While UU values are not explicit, the program does call for "spiritual growth in our congregations," and draws from "Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves." The method of open, informed inquiry is consistent with "the free and responsible search for truth and meaning," for both individuals and congregations.