Conversations With the Bible
Spiritual Growth for Religious Liberals

By Stephen C. Washburn

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Theme and Description

Based on an interactive method of Bible study developed by Walter 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 selfÑthinking, 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.

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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 and Length of Sessions

8 to 12
Length: Session 1: 2 1/2 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

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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.

Reviewed on June 30, 1996

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100