1. With or Without God – Gretta Vosper. why the way we live is more important than what we believe Chapter 5 Reconstructing Christianity – The Possibilities

2. Part 1 - Media Presentation 1 - Lloyd Geering Jesus was not divine. Another part of the New Zealand special on Geering’s life, “The Last Heretic”.

3. Part 1 - Media Presentation 2 - Marcus Borg Reclaiming the Bible Origins, Authority, Interpretation

4. With or Without God – Gretta Vosper. why the way we live is more important than what we believe - Part 2 Analysis of Chapter 5 Reconstructing Christianity – The Possibilities

5. Reconstructing Christianity Three thoughts on reading Vosper Vosper’s task: Seeking transcendency and justice in the midst of life. Classic faith resources needing replacement or reconstruction.

6. Reconstructing Christianity Three thoughts on reading Vosper Thought One: Reconstructing Christianity means acknowleding the human, not the divine, character of our faith.

7. Reconstructing Christianity Three thoughts on reading Vosper Thought Two: The Christian doctrine of revelation as a meaning source beyond our wisdom is a human construct that has outgrown its usefulness and is no longer valid.

8. Reconstructing Christianity Three thoughts on reading Vosper Thought Three: What Good News does Vosper’s liberal church have to offer people that other worthy humanitarian agencies in society cannot equal or surpass?

9. Reconstructing Christianity To be replaced or reconstructed: Bible – meaning and ethics God – a human concept, not a divine reality Jesus – a human being, not God incarnate Prayer – means living our human values Rituals – no need for the sacraments

10. Bible - an undependable human resource - not a true book of history - a story told by the victors We need to: -Find meaning beyond scripture - ethics without a biblical basis - authority is what you determine it is

11. God - a human concept, not a divine reality - permission is granted to question everything - ultimate authority resides in me alone - who are the authorities Vosper rejects? - moving past constraining images of God - Avoid dogma at all costs

12. Jesus - a human being - incarnation no longer valid theology - the real truth about Jesus (exercises)

13. Prayer - means living our human values Reject prayer as: - image projection - self motivation exercise - a power of auto-suggestion

14. Rituals - sacraments are sin-based - thus, they are no longer needed - they are temporal graces we have now outgrown.

15. Reconstructing Christianity Three thoughts on reading Vosper Thought One: Reconstructing Christianity means acknowleding the human, not the divine, character of our faith.

16. Reconstructing Christianity Three thoughts on reading Vosper Thought Two: The Christian doctrine of revelation as a meaning source beyond our wisdom is a human construct that has outgrown its usefulness and is no longer valid.

17. Reconstructing Christianity Three thoughts on reading Vosper Thought Three: What Good News does Vosper’s liberal church have to offer people that other worthy humanitarian agencies in society cannot equal or surpass?

18. Break - Discussion Questions 1.How do you feel about a human, rather than a divine faith focus? 2. What Good News does the liberal church have to offer? Does Vosper help you to define what it is?