The Bible Then and Now

During four or five consecutive Monday evenings, explore a theme from the Bible that relates to how we live out our faith. By looking deeper into the ways the Bible first spoke in its original cultural settings, we are better prepared to think faithfully and creatively about what Christian belief should be now, in our culture. As we take a conversational approach to reading scripture, we discover that it is less about arriving at “the one right answer” and more about opening ourselves up to see where God can be encountered in our lives and as we consider what contributes to the well-being of our neighbors.

Lent 2021
What the Death of Jesus Tells Us about Him … and Us
February 22 – March 22
7-8:30 pm (CT)

Description: How did the death of Jesus come about? What did the event accomplish, or what does it tell us? How should it inform our attitudes about suffering, oppression, the use and misuse of power, and the mysterious presence of God in our midst? This Lenten season, you’re invited to take a fresh look at a defining event for Christian faith: Jesus’ crucifixion. Join me for a new installment of the “The Bible Then and Now” program. We will meet online each Monday for five weeks to consider how the Gospels describe and interpret the public execution of Jesus. We will reflect on the stories’ ability to tell us about our roles in the event and their ability to urge us to respond to God and to those who suffer injustice and violence today.

Format: Each session will begin with a presentation by the instructor, Rev. Dr. Matt Skinner, followed by him answering questions from the participants. The final half hour will consist of informal small-group conversations, for those who choose to participate. The conversations will focus on discussion questions designed to help us consider how the Bible can continue to inform our faith and common life, especially during these challenging times.

Where: This program is conducted entirely on Zoom (a free, internet-based teleconferencing service).

To Register: Email Mahin Hamilton; participation is open to all.

Rev. Dr. Matt Skinner is Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul and Scholar for Adult Education at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. As a writer and teacher, he is known for his ability to make biblical texts come alive and to illuminate how the Bible continues to fuel our imaginations about God and our faith.