This week our group reflected on the Bible cluster questions, which asked us to examine the Bible’s presence in the situation, what other texts would relate to the situation, as well as the learning goals especially in relation what the people were learning about God.

All of us agreed that the Bible is present in the film, but not in chapter and verse form. Since the whole movie takes place in and around church means the Bible has a huge role, even implicitly. There were many references to Jesus and his disciples, but there were no specific references to text or stories from the Bible.

 When our group reflected on what texts and stories might relate to this situation we thought of several.

• Exodus 22:21 says: “Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, because you were aliens in the land of Egypt.”
•  Leviticus 19:34 which states that “The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
• Matthew 10:34: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”
• John 4:1-42: The story of the Samaritan woman at the well who as seen as an “other.”
• Acts 10: The story of Cornelius and how Peter sees the vision of animals in a sheet, and God says that what God has sanctified one must not call common.

 As for learning about God, we didn’t really feel that what God wants or who He is, was ever really focused on. The biggest learning that occurred was by the one social ministry chair person and that learning was not due to formal education, but actually experiencing first hand having a discussion with someone who was of a different race.

 The learning goals should focus on a discussion of how to show love as a Christian and also talk about change in the church. When teaching on these learning goals we thought the devotional, theological and historical methods would work together best to create a study around these issues.

 Outside of the Bible cluster questions we also discussed how we thought that the Pastor definitely represents a boundary leader in that he is trying to integrate faith and the civil rights movement together, where other churches put that as “out there” impacting only schools and businesses. If we were in this church, we thought about holding discussions with members to outline what we believe to be true when it comes to worshipping God, studying His word and sharing His love and then examine those beliefs to determine if they are man made or aligned with God’s Word.

This week was focused on the Biblical text and how it conveys social justice.

 The “Yo Trabajo” video was beautiful in its illustration of both gift and tending of the earth, as well as the condition of immigrant farmers with reference to oppression.  The earthly pictures gave a sense of God’s creation still among us.  Each scene detailed the work of the farmer, as God intimately worked the earth in the second creation story. 

The farmers eating together reference many stories of the disciples eating together in the New Testament.  It was also wonderful to see the communion given to each member of the immigrant family.  The Table is meant for all.

Music played during the “la Tierra” was much like the Psalms of the Old Testament.  We could also hear the cord of God’s presence with the Israelites, as well as the presence with the immigrant farmers.

            The use Mark 12:30, 31 in reference to many social problems and specific biblical doctrines of God that humanity wants to reject or disregard because it doesn’t fit contemporary ideology.  Adan Medrano’s video places both a face and a Christian belief on the illegal immigrant’s situation in America; therefore if this biblical passage in Mark 12 is taken seriously, than as Christians we must not do wrong or oppress a stranger because we love God and want to obey Him. Many Christian people love God, but when it comes to giving others the same privileges and rights that they possess. This is a problematic area we did not want to give away some of our prosperity, in order that others might have a good life.  This found to be very convicting.

            The study on immigration by the Colorado Council of Churches was full of Biblical reference to immigration and social justice.  The four sessions includes these Biblical texts:

   In “Session 1 – We Are All Strangers in the Land of Egypt”, explores immigration from our historical and spiritual identity, the Biblical text focus is on Exodus 23:9 – “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt” and Leviticus 19: 33-34 “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I the LORD am your God.”
“Session Two: What Does the Lord Require of You?” focused on exploring the faith concept of justice in relation to past and current immigration laws and movements. Biblical texts supporting this session are Micah 6:8 (NRSV) – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do Justice, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” be offspring blessed by the LORD— and their descendants as well.”
“Session Three: Perfect Love Casts Out Fear” focuses on exploring immigration through the biblical teachings of love. Supporting Biblical texts included: 1 John 4:7; 16b-21 (NRSV) – “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the Day of Judgment, because as God is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because God first loved us. Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars, for those who do

The Bible was implicitly and explicitly present in the song selections for this week’s focus situation. As we listened to the songs and read the lyrics, biblical passages and biblical metaphors became apparent. Music lends itself beautifully to telling the biblical story.

Song – Ordinary Miracles – Biblical metaphors: The creation story and many examples of miracles throughout the Bible. We take ordinary things for granted and fail to recognize how truly miraculous they are. Biblical texts: The sky knows when it’s time to snow. Ecc. 3:1-8 – “to everything there is a season and a time to…”. Birds in the winter have their fling, but always make it home by spring. Matt. 6:25 “Do not worry…look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away Birds in winter have their fling in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”

Song – Where is the Love – Biblical metaphors: sin, suffering. Biblical texts: Where is the love – 1 Jn 4:8 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” But if you only have love for your own… Matt. 5:44 Jesus said, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” With the ongoin’ sufferin’ as the youth die young – Genesis 3:16-19 – consequences of sin leads to sorrow and death. People killin’, people dyin’ , Children hurt and you hear them cryin’ Rev. 21:4 “…he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more.

Song – My city of Ruins – Biblical metaphors: Grief over losses, mourning tragedies. God is with us in our grief – Lamentations. Jerusalem restored – Nehemiah. Biblical texts: Resurrection of Jesus – “Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days.’” John 2:19.

Song – God’s Song – Biblical metaphors: “Cain slew Abel, Seth knew not why” Genesis – children of Adam and Eve, “I recoil in horror from the foulness of thee” God’s reaction to sin? “You really need me” – Throughout the Bible we are continually reminded of how much we need God!
Song – Jesus Walks – Biblical metaphors: Present Jesus – Lives today. Surprising associations in Gospel (prostitutes, tax collectors). A reminder that God is there for those who are struggling and low. Biblical texts: All of god’s soldiers – OT concept – Judges 6:12 “Gideon a mighty warrior”. I walk through the valley of the Chi where death iz – Psalm 23 – “walk through the valley of death.” My momma used to say only Jesus can save us – Rom. 5:6 “Christ died for the ungodly.” There’s nothing I could do now to right my wrongs – Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God – not by works, so no one can boast.” Ephesians 5:2 “…just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us.” 1st Cor. 15:3-4 “Christ died for our sins.” Rom. 6:23 “for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The Story – Biblical Metaphor: Telling the biblical narrative is foundational to our Christian faith. God interacts with our lives through story. We use stories to pass on our faith to the next generation and to non-believers. Biblical texts: Mountaintop experiences – Moses( Ex. 34:29 – 35) and Jesus (Luke 9:28 – 36)

Other Biblical Texts and Metaphors found in the songs: Humankind has has messed gthings up and we need God to intervene because we are unable to fix it on our own. We can’t love like God Loves. God is beyond us, beyond our knowledge, and beyond our comprehension. The songs gives us a way to talk about God like David did with the Psalms.

Problematic songs: God’s song was problematic. How despairing to think that man “means nothing” to God or that God takes our children from us and burns down our cities. This song paints a terrifying picture of an evil God. The song makes it sound as if God really didn’t care about humankind and really didn’t need us at all. We appeared as nothing more than puppets in his play and nothing we did mattered to him.

Important Learning Goal: Our group identified several important learning goals. The first goal is to actually read the Bible and look at what the Bible is saying and what the songs are saying. An equally important goal is to make the Bible part of our prayers in more ways than just repeating them or singing the liturgy. Another important goal would be emphasizing to children that prayer can be in many forms, including movement, dancing, hand movements, chanted verses, or spoken prayer.

Engaging in the biblical text through song: Two effective ways to approach the biblical texts through song would be in a literary reading or devotional reading manner. Helpful questions for literary reading from Book of Faith might be: What is important about the setting? Who is the main character? What themes are highlighted. Helpful questions for devotional reading might be: What does this passage say to our world…?, What images come to mind? What feelings did I have?

(published by Mary for group three)

This week Group 2 looked at the Bible. Certainly the media can either be the Bible’s worst enemy or its best friend as we can see in the clips that were chosen. Let’s start with the worst enemy clips.  In the first clip it talked about Jesus in the Gospels, however it was portraying Jesus and the New Testament as merely a historical thing. The words used by those interviewed seemed to indicate that archeologists find that Bible to be historical inaccurate. This ideal can cause great turmoil for those with a wavering faith and it can also cement a person’s reason to be atheist/agnostic. This pointing out of the inaccuracies of the Bible without examining faith or belief really is a horrible idea. The Bible isn’t an historical textbook or a great fantasy story. No, it is the living Word of God and if it isn’t approached in that way there can be great discrepancies within the historical criticism route. Further, if you are not a historical criticism scholar or taken a Bible class in college there is the possibility of a person blinding following this type of media since it seems to be educational and thereby, people take it as fact. It probably was broadcast on the History Channel which, if that was the case doesn’t make it any better. Further, as it was pointed out in our discussion that about around 16 seconds, there was a sharp break to an unnamed historical expert who was dressed in a smart red tie and was speaking clear English. He began to cast doubt on the “familiar account” starting with the logical confrontation that Jesus was probably born four years before the calendar based on his birth. The clip goes on in its discrediting of the Gospel account where it states that Jesus was probably born and grew up around Nazareth, not in Bethlehem like it is written in Luke 2.

Clip 5 is another that is an enemy of the Bible. He is sitting there mocking the Bible and then shows clips of our new president bashing a part of Leviticus where as up holding another section. He talks about how in Leviticus slavery is ok and how eating shellfish is not ok. In the clip Obama is taking the Bible out of context to prove his political agenda points. Further, it is shown a man that is not a pastor at all speaking in regards to the Obama’s statements and John Stewart bashes his attempt at explaining it. John claims God as an overseer of the world who endorses candidates certain candidates, like George W. Bush. He also puts up a picture of a burning bush which is directly linked to Exodus when God speaks to Moses.  He even puts down McCain saying that he probably won’t be endorsed due to his divorces and things of that nature. John also goes on to say that McCain is “not as tough on the gays as Jesus would have hoped.” John even notes that Obama is a Christian and that his campaign rallies have “the air of a revival.” He even asks the audience which candidate will get God’s vote as if God is voting. John ends his religious/political bashing by saying that this shows, therefore, according to everything Scripture is only a tool to get what you want. This is merely, as Dean put it opin-u-tainment. However, this is dangerous because so many people do watch this show and take his ranting for truths. Many younger people use it as their news source. If they are hearing that the Bible is merely a tool to get elected then again, they won’t take the Bible seriously and may never look at it at all.

However clips 2, 6, and 7 were what we would deem the Bible’s best friend. Clip 2 is a great way to introduce children to the word. This story was the one found in the Old Testament when the prophet Nathan confronts David about Bathsheba. However, it is done in a way to show the lesson of this story – to not be greedy for you hurt others. This is a lesson that children should get out of the story and in this media they get it. Each of these clips really took the Bible and tried to use media as a way to show the theological understandings of the Bible. That faith is needed when reading the Bible. As we see in clip 6 when River is trying to fix the Bible and she is told that we don’t fix the Bible, the Bible fixes us. This is a key idea that many people miss and the fact that it was portrayed in a media that everyone accesses it helps those that are questioning or wandering to look at the Bible in this new light. We thought that 2 Timothy 3:16 could be a point of agreement with this segment. Also, on West Wing when the President was grilling the Chemist about being a Christian, he told the President that it wasn’t about answering the questions it was about the faith. He really witnesses to the story of Christ and that is the real world application of the Bible. Can you witness to it?

Some clips we were on the fence about, like clips 3 and 4. The Simpsons is a satire of American society, but this clip could be perceived as a negative connotation about what is occurring in churches around the country. It gives the notion that churches are just becoming purely commercial. It did parallel the Bible – we see the story of where Christ comes into the Temple and there are money changers and booths, when there shouldn’t be. Lisa’s outburst about it and her statement of never coming back could be perceived to someone as the way to approach problems in their own church. It also could cement someone’s reason for never going. The idea that the Bible and the church is commercial is not one that sits well with people. In clip 4 it could also be seen this way. Indeed the song is beautiful, powerful, and echoes theological ideas that we find in the Bible. However, it could also be seen as a way to sell the show and their soon to be recordings. Since it is a contest should a song such as this one be used? It could give the connotation that American Idol only wants to boost ratings and record sales by catering to the Christian community without really having any Christian ideals or aspects about it. The word Idol goes against what God laid down in the Ten Commandments. The singing of the song on a show called American IDOL is a bit of an oxymoron and could cause outrage and disgust against the Bible. However, some people really like listening to Christian music and could find this enlightening and uplifting. Especially if someone has never stepped into a church before they might be interested after listening to this song.

Overall, some clips were the Bible’s worst enemy, best friend, or just on the fence – it could have gone either way. The trouble with media is the fact that people take it for pure truth and if the Bible is shown in a negative connotation then there is the possibility of it having a negative backlash against it all.

Our group discussed how the biblical texts and various biblical metaphors and narratives were engaged in the focus situation “Wailing Wall” as presented by Anne Lamott.

Anne Lamott tells the children the short version of King Solomon and the temple he build for God as well as the purpose of the temple. Lanott through her telling of the story was able to capture the attention of the boys in the group and bring across the learning points of God’s constant presence in our lives. We talked about how Lamott engaged the students in the theme of letting it all go to God by way of the Wailing Wall through the narrative of the Old Testament texts that describe the building of the temple and then the subsequent destruction by “the bad guys from the north” four hundred years later.

We also saw many other biblical metaphors arise throughout the events that unfolded in the focus situation. For example, the Parable of the Prodigal Son was an image that emerged as part of the “Loved and Chosen” activity that Lamott did with everyone in the group. Lamott discussed how she had difficulties with her friend Tom’s reminder to her that everyone is loved and chosen  – forgiven and welcomed home into the eternal kingdom of God.  We also engaged John 15:16 , in this activity of “Loved and Chosen” where Jesus says, “You did not choose me but I chose you.”  The hymn “All are Welcome” reminds us that we are chosen and welcome in God’s house. In addition, we talked about Lamott’s preparation for this class and were reminded of Jesus not only welcoming children but teaching others to do the same (Luke 18:15-17). The children praying together and the bowing of their heads, folding of their hands brought to mind various scripture passages that refer to how people prayed: on their knees in 1 Kings 8; bowing down in prayer in Exodus 4; on their faces before God in 2 Chronicales 20, Matthew 26 and 1 Kings 8.

The Great Thanksgiving in the Holy Communion Liturgy and Lamott’s theme of letting our issues go to God remind us that no matter how heavy our hearts, we are invited to lift up our hearts to God and that “letting go” is a right, a duty and a joy. Like coming to the wall – we come to the altar and “let go”.

The students are learning that they are loved and chosen by God. No matter what they do, God will always love them and not forsake them. The image of the Wailing Wall is a reminder that no matter what happens in our lives, what events or circumstances that leave us broken, lost, destroyed, crumbled or trampled, God does not leave us. God’s love remains. God’s love stands tall, is strong and is the place where we are invited to abide. Romans 8: 37-39 – nothing will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The physical example she gave them of dropping the marker to pick up a juice box helped them understand the concept of letting things go. The children are learning to let go of worry and ask God for help. The students are also learning the practice of prayer in community and she provides them with a particular way they can physically prepare their bodies to engage in prayer.

The most important learning goal that an educational leader would focus on is that God is always present in our lives. Telling of the story is important but knowing the story through the Loved and Chosen activity allows the students to: experience God’s faithful love and how that feels as well as; understanding that God chose them and the affirmation of this by it being spoken out-loud. God is present in their life even when everything feels like it is crumbling down around them.

Additional resources that were identified include a view of the Western Wall in Jerusalem via a live web cam as well as a sacred space website which gives attention to prayer and reflection in your day.

There are not many explicit biblical references in this essay. Perhaps the brief mention of the 10 commandments would function as one, and certainly the phrase “Jesus saves” might be a second one. There are, however, resonances to a number of biblical texts just under the surface, or upon deeper reflection. The first set that came to mind for me come from the lectionary this week. The Sunday text – Matthew 22:36-40 – speaks very directly to the need to be present to our neighbors, no matter who they are. And I couldn’t help reflecting that this essay vividly calls to mind that our neighbors are not only in places we might not easily access, but also that our neighbors can transform US. Another text that spoke to me is Micah 6:8, particularly in terms of how difficult it is for the writer of this essay to live with her doubt.  And of course it’s almost too obvious, but the Good Samaritan text comes to mind.

What might these texts be teaching us? What might they be teaching a community? In what way might this essay be a centerpiece or focal piece for biblical learning? I think perhaps the essayist’s point that a literal read of the bible is a modern invention is particularly reinforced by the fact that there are few, if any, explicit references to the bible in this piece but there are many, many resonances that emerge from a reflective, participatory reading. Clearly the question of how one can be present to one in need lives deeply in both OT and NT texts. In a learning community this essay could be a place to bring out the texts referenced above, and then the community  might be drawn into any number of additional learning elements.

Here are just three resources that might be helpful to an educator seeking to lead a community in learning around this essay (and the related biblical themes):

Micah 6:8 as spiritual exercise

the JustFaith curriculum

US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ resources on justice and faith issues

As to the specific Greek term, there is no one for this “example exercise” but I think most of these terms could connect. I’d point to three in particular. “Kerygma” in terms of thinking about what proclamation looks like in this situation –  the author is hearing proclamation through the art of the person who is homeless; and the author is proclaiming her own faith, but in a nuanced way, to the wider public reading this sermon. “Koinonia” fits, too, because this essay is an opportunity to think about the curriculum of community, of the biblical texts that came to mind, of the question of who is of our community, what community is God calling us to, and so on. And finally “diakonia” as a moment of being led to think about service, and the possibilities of Christian witness and love in the midst of engagement.