SESSION ONE: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ABOUT CHRIST?

Centering Moment What does it mean to “believe” in Christ? Can we hold different beliefs about Christ and still be United Methodists?

Basic Background on the Epistles of John These texts were composed at the end of the first century somewhere in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).

Basic Background on the Epistles of John Scholars know this because an Early Church Father, Polycarp, alludes to I John early in the second century; he was located in Smyrna (the modern day city of Izmir). These text were originally written in Greek.

Basic Background on the Epistles of John I John is actually not a letter. It lacks the standard salutation and prayer of thanksgiving associated with Greek letter writing. It also lacks the proper “greetings” conclusion. So if it is not a letter, what is it?

Basic Background on the Epistles of John Two possibilities, according to scholars A theological treatise written to a small church about a group of former members who left, possibility to practice a form of Christian Gnosticism (more on this idea later). A rhetorical sermon in which members of a congregation are reminded to stay true to the teaching of the community, which means the “former members” were probably not real but only introduced to make the point of the sermon clear.

Basic Background on the Epistles of John Many contemporary scholars believe II John functioned as a “cover letter” for I John as it circulated among churches. II John has all the trademarks of a Greco-Roman letter. It alludes to the content of I John. It was probably composed by the same author as I John.

Basic Background on the Epistles of John III John was probably composed by a different author. It functions as a Greco-Roman letter. Unlike I and II John, it tends to be friendly in nature…until a man named Diotrephes (literally “fed by Jupiter”) is mentioned. It does not mention belief (unlike I and II John). Addressed to Gaius, who is praised for his acts of hospitality.

Basic Background on the Epistles of John None of the letters of John were written by the authors or editor of the Gospel of John (did you know that the gospel had more than one author?) Nor were the letters written by the author of the Revelation to John. Significant differences in vocabulary, writing style and purpose serve as evidence for these conclusions. But all these works possess some similarities…

Basic Background on the Epistles of John Light vs. Darkness theme God as light Christ possess a cosmic, or universal, dimension Tension between groups of believers or churches For these reasons, the Church has historically considered the works as products of the same community. Collectively known as the Johannine Corpus. But the differences among the texts outweigh these similarities.

Basic Background on the Epistles of John At the end of the first century, numerous “Jesus Movements” existed. Many professed differ understandings of the nature of Jesus. Many professed different beliefs or right teachings (often referred to as doctrine). At this point in history, most of the Jesus Movements which had been associated with Judaism had disappeared, since most of the stories circulating about Jesus did not describe him as a Jewish Messiah.

Basic Background on the Epistles of John It would take several hundred years before Orthodox Christianity would emerge as the standard, acceptable form of this religion. So at the time of the writing of the Epistles of John, there were numerous churches with numerous teachings, beliefs and practices. One popular movement was Christian Gnosticism, which may be the topic of concern in I John. What was Christian Gnosticism?

Basic Background on the Epistles of John Came in numerous forms Basic elements: God did not function as the Creator; in fact, God did not want Creation to occur. Another force, often called either the Demiurge or Sophia, took part of God and made the cosmos. Parts of Godself are hidden inside some people. For creation to end, these “sparks” of God must be released from people and allowed to successfully rejoin God.

Basic Background on the Epistles of John But how would one know who possessed a part of God? Gnosis is the Greek word for “knowledge”; knowing who had a spark and how to release it was central to each expression of this form of Christianity. Many Christian Gnostics practiced extreme asceticism, denying oneself food and water and even engaging in self-flagellation and mortification of the flesh. Other groups ( like the opponents in I John?) engaged in “pleasure enhancing” behaviors, such as intercourse. It was thought such behaviors would release the spark.

Basic Background on the Epistles of John So, what happened to Christian Gnosticism? How many people believe they possess a soul? That this soul is a part of God? That, upon death, the soul will return to God? Ummmm?

Contemplative Reflection What did you know about these texts prior to this session? What new knowledge did you learn from the presentation? To what extent did the presentation affect the way you think about scripture? How might a Bible study promote spiritual growth?

Hard Hat Discussion Exercise On a piece of paper, write down your definition of the term “Christian”. Fold this piece of paper and place it in the container that is being passed among the class participants. The full container will now be passed around a second time. Take a folded piece of paper from the container. In silence, open and read the slip of paper you selected. Contemplate how this definition of “Christian” compares and contrasts with your own.

Hard Hat Discussion Exercise Read I John 1:5-10 If we say we have fellowship but walk in darkness ----/----- then we lie and do not do truth If we walk in the light as God is in the light fellowship and cleansed of sin by Blood If we say we have no sin ----/----- self-deceiving and the truth is not in us If we confess our sins A faithful and just God will forgive and cleanse us If we say we have not sinned ----/---- we make God a liar and God’s word not in us If anybody does sin Jesus Christ will be our advocate and atoning sacrifice for us/world

Hard Hat Discussion Exercise Based on I John 1:5-10, how might you adjust the definition of “Christian” you selected from the container? How might you adjust your own definition? Find a dialogue partner and spend a few moments discussing these questions.

Closing Worship Let us pray. Creator and healer of the world, help us see our part of your work of healing our world and its wounded people. Show us what needs to be torn down and what needs to be built up so that all people may live in peace and safety, enjoying fullness of life. Amen.

Closing Worship Contemplate lives being lived without the Light of Christ: What might we do to make a difference? How can we show the Light of Christ to others? What does it mean for us to be the Light of Christ to the world?

Closing Worship Now by this we may be sure that we know God, if we obey God’s commandments. Whoever says, ‘I have come to know God’, but does not obey God’s commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; but whoever obeys God’s word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in God: whoever says, ‘I abide in God’, ought to walk just as God [through Christ] walked. I John 2:3-6

Closing Worship Let us pray: God, we are reluctant to name and then set aside our hurts, anger and disappointments which have acted upon us individually and corporately in the church. Through your healing light, show us how to live with a sense of renewed commitment to seek your image in the faces of all persons. Throughout this study, reveal your love and empower us to be your disciples to a needy world. Amen.

Closing Worship The Assurance of Pardon: If we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:1:9) Passing of the Peace Closing song