“There are many reasons to turn to the Ten Commandments in the times we are in, but Anne Robertson gives us here a useful way to engage our ancient texts in a lively and creative way. Local churches and faith communities will find this a compelling way to discuss current issues in the context of Scripture and how we can improve civil dialogue. Her thoughts on guiding discussions are a perfect resource for any group leader.”
Anne Robertson has written an astonishing exposition of the second of the Ten Commandments: “Thou shalt not make graven images.” Her study is deeply grounded in scripture. But her work is to mobilize her expansive imagination in order to show the demanding contemporaneity of this innocent-looking mandate from Moses. Amid her work she offers a trenchant critique of our idolatry of nationalism with an eye on our “worship of the flag,” and our idolatry of guns with a knowing riff on the NRA.
I am broken this morning. Just yesterday over 600 workers in meat plants in Mississippi were arrested at work by ICE. It was the first day of school. Hundreds of children came home to no one, crying, wandering parking lots, and if they were lucky a friendly neighbor took them to a shelter set up in a gym. Today those children will join the thousands of children we are traumatizing daily in the hopes that our cruelty will make the U.S.
To the person unfamiliar with the Bible, Exploring the Bible: The Dickinson Series provides an introduction that is utterly unintimidating; to regular readers it is a companionable and challenging conversation partner. Anne Robertson not only invites people into the biblical texts, she welcomes them - with good humor, an obvious reverence for the texts, and a completely trustworthy voice.
The thing for those Christians outside the UMC to understand about our very ugly and amplified pain is that those who have never had a church affiliation typically don't make distinctions between this church and that.
The Rev. Dr. David Killian, President of the Massachusetts Bible Society, will receive the 2019 Spirituality & Justice Award on Sunday, April 28, during the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist at All Saints Parish in Brookline, MA. The award is given each year to a person whose deep spirituality is expressed in work for social justice. The Award was given over the years to Bishop Desmond Tutu, Marian Wright Edelman, and Dr. Peter Farmer.
What word comes to mind when you think of the Bible?
Some think of sacred, holy words—words of truth, comfort, and inspiration. Some think of words indicating confusion, question, and doubt. Others think of words of exclusion, bigotry, and restrictive laws. And a growing number of people prefer not to think about it at all.
“To note that the religious culture of our region is changing is no newsflash, nor is it to observe how the emerging context demands new skills in our clergy and lay leaders. The place of the Bible, however, remains central to Christian faith and ministry.
A series for Catholics, Protestants, and all inquirers.
Exploring The Bible: The Dickinson Series by Rev. Anne Robertson is a reliable, up to date, and accessible introduction to the Bible. Anne Robertson is a superb teacher, imaginative and well informed. Handling controverted issues such as inspiration, inerrancy, and historicity with learning and good sense, she guides her readers directly into the spiritual riches of both Testaments.
There has been an unmet need...until now!
"Preparation for ministry is a multifaceted endeavor, and no more important aspect is there for those going into congregations than learning to teach the Bible well to adults. Biblical literacy is a crying need in the churches. Seminary students schooled in Biblical Studies are often ill-equipped to make what they know accessible to laypersons.
LITERACY
UNDERSTANDING
DIALOGUE
