1. The BIBLE - our Source of Faith t Small Group Session I based on Ritva H. Williams’ The BIBLE’S IMPORTANCE for the CHURCH TODAY

2. Our Source of Faith THE Bible: - ELCA Statement of Faith Meet with the Living WORD Authority rests in/with GOD Authority expressed by JESUS Interpretation as scholarly work Biblical “criticism”

3. Our Source of Faith Meet with the Living WORD Reveals GOD to humanity 66 books over 1000 years Story of GOD and humanity Bible reveals GOD’s love for humanity

4. Our Source of Faith Authority rests in/with GOD GOD inspired the Biblical writers Writers deal with human issues Writers are limited by culture GOD overcomes human shortcomings

5. Our Source of Faith Authority expressed by JESUS Reflecting on faith as it is to be lived JESUS is the lens by which we see GOD Is the Bible consistent with JESUS? JESUS answers through the Church

6. Our Source of Faith Interpretation as scholarly work The Bible has many sorts of stories The stories vary for many reasons We seek the deeper meaning for texts The Bible is for individuals and groups

7. Our Source of Faith Biblical “criticism” We analyze text for meaning We use a variety of approaches Our learning is strengthened We see GOD in action in every age

8. Our Source of Faith Now how do we do that? First we have to read the Bible Then think about what is important Third, we talk about that from our point of view, what is really helpful? Finally, by sharing ideas, we learn

9. Our Source of Faith What version should I read? Large print, easy to read Take notes or underline ideas Feed your personal interests Share what you read

10. Our Source of Faith The Bible and Social Memory Past experiences determine memory Our past provides values for today This helps us understand origin, nature and usefulness of the Bible Social Memory changes over time

11. Our Source of Faith Social Memory and Personal Identity Our memories come from family Memory changes as time passes by Our family, our community, and our past world shapes today’s memory So The Bible helps us grow in faith

12. Our Source of Faith Social Memory and Group Identity Social groups are shaped by the past Conflict may arise from differences: “We’ve always done it this way!” Meaning from the past is framework for evaluating the present

13. Our Source of Faith Social Memory and Ancient Israel Early culture was primarily oral Culture depended on social memory Writing began around 1000 B.C. Faith was defined by cycles: sin, punishment, repentance, & deliverance

14. Our Source of Faith Social Memory and the Hebrew Bible Israel existed before the Bible text The text began in 586 B.C. when they were exiled to Babylon The Torah was canonized as the definition of Jewish faith and culture

15. Our Source of Faith Jesus, Christians and Hebrew Scriptures Jesus left no written texts. His followers wrote down memories Hebrew Scriptures shaped Jesus ideas Jesus shared the central prayer of Jewish worship to affirm our faith

16. Our Source of Faith Social Memory and the New Testament Texts were written A.D. 50 to 120 Earliest texts are Paul’s letters Jesus acts and teaching shared orally Each NT text preserved important memories for the early church

17. Our Source of Faith Discussion: Understanding the Bible this way helps us focus on who to love & trust, on values to keep and what we should do This questions verbal inspiration, the exact words and text dictated by God This encourages divine & human acts

18. Our Source of Faith What is your earliest memory? How much is social memory? How much is your personal memory? Which may be more important in what you believe and act on?

19. Our Source of Faith When did you first deal with the Bible? Who offered it to you? What was your response? What role has the Bible played in your life and what you have accomplished?

20. Our Source of Faith How would you describe your approach to the Bible so far? Are you affirmed in what you believe? Are you challenged by this social memory perspective? What may be most helpful for us?