Mark Calhoun

Theology Pub #2

Where to start about the second Theology pub?

The gladiators - Mark, Toby, Travis, Jeff, Amanda, Chris

We enjoyed food, drink, and a warm Fall evening breeze from the Loft 150 veranda.

The discussion avoided the easy stuff. You know, "what did he mean in this passage," or, "Can you believe that Ruth chick?". No sir, nothing easy for that group.

Instead...

"So, let's start this discussion off with something I've been wondering since my mom died. It comforts me to believe that God intended to take her at that moment, for a reason. That she didn't suffer for nothing. That Hehas a plan for everything. But then, does that mean I still can make choices, that I still have free will?"

And we were off to the races. Some of the high points:

Mark's insights on the definition of the purpose of creation, and what the word "reconcile" means in that context.

Amanda offering that she's not sure there is a personified Satan, and Travis' questions challenging Amanda's statement.

And Amanda, challenging Travis back.

Then there was our group discussion of the status of the Bible - Literally the Word of God, or no? Does it incorporate imagery and poetry, or does "It rained cats and dogs" mean cats and dogs are falling from the sky?

Somehow, we kept getting back to that Satan guy.

And finally, we dove into whether it is appropriate to attempt to come to a discussed, group understanding of God within an eating/drinking establishment. Further, whether there is any Godly reason to be in such an establishment at all - or does the physical surroundings cause confusion and sin?

It was a great time - well worth it.

Reported by the Clan Eden

Theology Pub no. 1

Well, tonight was the inaugural night of our Theology Pub. Actually, I think it accomplished everything I had hoped it would. Following the guidance of my good friend Jon, we set out to create a space where we could gather as friends to discuss life in the context of theology. Although there were only a few of us, it was great to gather together for theological conversation. Tonight we were outside on the upper deck of the River City Brewery (Loft 150) and had the privilege of watching the sun set over a few of the nearby Old Town buildings. Topics for tonight were fairly intense, but extremely enjoyable... Images of God, Special and General Revelation, the "Church," thin theology, and the direction our theology goes when we experience extreme hardship...Oh... and we also dialoged a bit about worship and whether or not worship should be directed toward God, or whether or not it should be used as a means to fill "us" up when we are feeling drained by the weekly realities of our lives.