Thursday, 8/13, our Bible study topic is: comparing different denominations and faiths!  Join us, 7:30-8:30pm, on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/703956236.  
Below these discussion questions are some optional read-ahead resources, though obviously there's a whole world of beliefs and perspectives to explore.
Questions to center our discussion, and encourage personal reflection:

• What have been your experiences of worship or participation in other faiths or Christian denominations?
• What were you explicitly and implicitly taught about other faiths & denominations as you were growing up?
• Barbara Brown Taylor's recent book Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others explored the idea of loving parts of others' faith and traditions.  (The book is a great read and recommended - each chapter describes taking undergrad students in her World Religions class to experience a different faith.)  Where do you find "holy envy" (or appreciate about other religions)?
• Beyond doctrinal differences on the page or would appear in a chart such as these below, what are the practices or little behaviors you've noticed or understand about different religions?
• What questions do you have about different religions or different denominations?

From the Lutheran Handbook, here's a very simplified (and slightly outdated (c.2000)) chart about some of the largest world religions:

Here's a fuller chart including many more world religions: The Big Religion Chart.  Helpfully, this one includes practices, belief in the afterlife, etc.
The best source for up-to-date religious data in the US (how many people practice different faiths, what beliefs, and how it all breaks down against different factors) is the Pew Forum Religious Landscape Study - you can explore data by region, topic, and various data sets.  
From the Lutheran Handbook, these following charts summarize the somewhat complicated family tree and comparisons of Christian denominations:

​If you want to read ONE thing, I recommend Lutheran Pastor, illustrator, and theologian Daniel Erlander's It's All About Love.  It's essentially a synthesis/summary of Lutheran theology and the catechisms, but it's written as a fold-out illustrated path - "journey" - so it is easiest to read if you print it out and lay the pages out - or just make sure you follow the path and read the boxes in order...  Don't let the cartoon illustrations fool you - this is good, heavy theology!

Two scriptures to consider that are at the heart of Lutheran theology:

• Romans 3:21-24: [Paul writes:] "But now, irrespective of law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
• Ephesians 2:8-9: [Paul writes:] "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast." 

Here's our denomination (ELCA) page on central teachings, which has good brief descriptions on how we generally regard scripture, theology, and Luther and tradition.

Two videos, which in the past I've sometimes shown in new member classes, that succinctly convey what it means to be Lutheran - watch again even if you've seen before!  The most central thing in the Lutheran faith is belief in God's grace - that it's all God's doing, not ours, and God's rich forgiveness, love, and relationship is completely unearned on our part!
So here are two Lutheran pastors below, sharing central pieces of what it means and looks like to be Lutheran: former Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson on the question, "Why Lutheran," and Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber (whose books Accidental Saints, Shameless: a Sexual Reformation, and Pastrix, I recommend - in that order) from the 2013 youth gathering on how she became a Lutheran.

There's also this central text to start with:

Here are some questions to consider and may guide a conversation:

• When you hear the word "Lutheran" what comes to mind?  Is it:
  • a word/concept?  Is it theological/a belief?
  • a (specific) congregation/community/building?
  • a song/hymn?
  • a cultural practice or behavior?
• To you - what is central about "being Lutheran?"  What belief(s) do you feel are central?
• What questions do you have about being Lutheran?
• What makes you proud to be Lutheran?  What makes you hesitant to identify with it?
• What does "being a Lutheran" look like in living it out?
  • For further thought (I doubt we'll get to it in discussion) - what are the marks of "being a Lutheran" that are separate from a specific cultural practice?  (E.g.: Lutheranism is bigger and can't just be associated with a singular cultural group or practice, right?  Where's the line?)

As always, you're invited to join the group discussion - we love welcoming new folks and always have lively conversation!  If you can't make it or just have individual questions, you're always invited to email me, Pastor Brett - and I'd be happy to find a time to talk one-on-one!

Thursday, 7/30, our Bible Study discussion topic is creation stories in the Bible (yes, there's more than one) and how they compare to other religions'.
 Join us, 7:30-8:30pm, on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/703956236.  

Here is a visually easier way to read the two different accounts of God creating the world that occur back-to-back at the beginning of the Bible, in Genesis 1-2. (Not endorsing the writer's comments on the link above, was just an easy-to-read bible parallels version I found.)  Genesis 3 follows with the story of the serpent and fruit which in the NRSV often has the title "the first sin and its punishment." (Remember, passage titles/headings are the editor's addition.)

• What does it mean to you that there are two different stories of creation?
• Do you see them as one story told two different ways?
• Does it matter?
• What implications do you carry forth theologically from the creation story?  
  • Do the categories of "good" and "bad" get implicitly or explicitly stamped from this story - and on what?
  • What's God's relationship with and action toward creation in these stories, and implied now from these accounts?
• In these Bible passages themselves,
  • what questions do you have?
  • what details do you wonder about?
  • what do you find comforting, or challenging?

Now, as for other religions and cultures, here's a six-minute listen (or read the transcript) of a quick NPR interview from a scholar who works on the topic: Exploring the World's Creation Myths.
This site provides a good overview of different common themes between global creation stories of different cultures/religions.  (Don't mind that it was done by a student and is outdated web design - it checks out and it was hard to find a good comparison page.)

• How do you feel about the commonalities/differences between these, or other cultures' creation stories?
• How does your scientific understanding of the origins of the world interact with how you understand/believe these stories (including scripture)?
• Can something be true without being scientifically correct?  What truths are these stories trying to express? 

Thursday, 7/9, we'll continue our Bible Study discussion topic is resurrection stories - Jesus' and ours(?)
 Join us, 7:30-8:30pm, on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/703956236.  
What difference does it make that Jesus was resurrected?
Does the bodily resurrection of Jesus seem curious to you? 
The four different gospels have some interesting details below follows a summary of all of the resurrection stories/"accounts." 
How do these resurrection stories strike you?  What genre would you put them in, and what do you take away from them?
Which of the resurrection stories/"accounts" is most meaningful to you?  Least?  Weirdest?
Matthew

• This is the gospel where in (27:52-53) there is a mention that "The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.  After [Jesus'] resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many."  What happened to them??  There are no other mentions of these resurrections in scripture elsewhere, and no description further in this gospel.
• Jesus does not appear at the tomb or garden, but the Mary's run into him as they leave from the tomb.  Jesus tells them to tell the others to go meet him in Galilee.
• Counter-narrative by guards and chief priests that Jesus' body was stolen, not resurrected.
• RJesus (Resurrected Jesus) meets the 11 on the appointed mountain in Galilee, and commissions them to go, make disciples, baptize.

Mark

• The earliest version of Mark (which is the earliest gospel) ends with the women fleeing from the empty tomb afraid - with no appearance of RJesus and no further stories.  However, other stories were added or an alternate:
• Jesus appears separately to Mary Magdalene (possibly alone, no mention of this being at the tomb, but it is on "Easter" morning).  She tells others, not all believe.
• Jesus appears to "two of them" while walking in the country (possible summation of the Emmaus story), they tell others, not all believed.
• Jesus appears to the 11 - and criticizes them for their disbelief (an interesting/unique detail) - and commissions them like in Matthew.
• Ascension - Jesus ascends into heaven.

Luke

• Women at the empty tomb, met by the angel, tell the guys, Peter goes to see for himself.
• Emmaus story - Cleopas and someone else, meet Jesus on the road.  They do not recognize him at first - their eyes were kept from doing so.  They only recognize him when he breaks bread with them.  They tell the others.
• Jesus shows up among the disciples while they are hearing the Emmaus story, Jesus "appears among them" - tells them to see his hands and feet - "that it is I myself."  He says this to point to that he is "flesh" and not "a ghost."  (No reference to wounds/scars.)  Jesus asks for something to eat - again to prove he is flesh?  He gives a bit of instruction, but not a commissioning - seems very short term, told to stay in the city.
• Ascension - Jesus has them follow him out to Bethany, where he ascends.

John

• Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene in the garden of the tomb - she doesn't recognize him at first, thinking he is the gardener, does when he says her name.
• On Easter evening, Jesus "came and stood among [the disciples]" even though the doors are locked.  He shows them his hands and side (doesn't say they are wounded but feels implied?).  Jesus says "peace... receive the Holy Spirit." (Equivalent to the Pentecost giving of the HS in Luke/Acts.)
• Thomas misses out, repeat appearance, again with the hands and side (but no actual mention of wounds).
• (20:30) "Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book."  Ok - don't you wonder what they are?
• Jesus appears to seven disciples (the fishermen), by the Sea of Tiberias.  They go fishing, catch nothing.  Jesus shows them where to fish, they catch a lot.  Simon Peter (who has already seen Jesus) naked (?) jumps into the sea realizing it's Jesus instructing them.  On the beach, Jesus has fish grilling (already) for breakfast, and the conversation with Simon Peter about "feed my sheep."  
• Last vignette on the beach about the "beloved disciple" probably to reference current stories being circulated at the time of writing.  Again, reference to Jesus doing a lot of other stuff that wasn't written down - "if every one of them were written down, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books that would be written."

Bill Schilling compiled this fascinating overview of other resurrection connections and stories:
Other Biblical examples of resurrection:

• Widow of Zarephath’s son – brought back by Elijah (1 King 17:17-24)
• Shunamite’s woman’s son – brought back by Elisha (2 Kings 4:18-31)
• Dead Israelite – Brought back when tossed by Moabites into Elisha’s tomb (2 Kings 13:20-21)
• Son of widow in Nain – Jesus Luke 7:11-17
• Daughter of Synagogue leader at Capernaum – Jesus Luke 8:49-56
• Lazarus – Jesus John 11:1-44
• Dead Goodly people of Jerusalem – Upon Jesus death and the earthquake Matt 27:50-54
• Tabitha (Dorcu) of Joppa – Paul Acts 9:36-42
• Eutychus in Troas (fell asleep during sermon) – Paul Acts 20:7-12

Jesus' Statements and Commands about Resurrection:

• And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Matthew 10:7-8
• For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. John 5:31

Other Biblical references to resurrection:

• And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people Ezekiel 37:13
• And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2
• Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. Isaiah 26:19

Other Religions

• Dionysus – born of Persephone and Zeus but torn apart and all parts but heart eaten by Titans at Hera’s request. Heart implanted in Zeus thigh from whence he was born again 
• Persephone – Daughter of Demeter but taken by Hades. Zeus orders her return for one third of each year from death.
• Osiris – part divine. Dies and reborn twice. First cast into Nile but recovered and returned to life by Isis (his wife/sister). Second time, torn to pieces and scattered across the world but gathered by Isis. Other gods resurrect him and make him god of the dead.
• Odin – drove a spear into side and hanged himself to gain knowledge from beyond realm of the dead.
• Ganesha (elephant headed Hindu god) Several traditions. One: Made by goddess Pavarti to guard her chamber. Shive cut off his head, but Pavarti restored him to life with the head of an elephant. 
• Lemminkainen (Finnish) Tries to capture one of the black swans from the river of the underworld but dies in attempt. Body broken apart and scattered. His mother sews him back together and honey of the gods brings him back to life.
• Tammuz (Sumerian) – Mortal king loved by goddess Inanna. Tammuz ends up in the kingdom of the dead but is rescued by Inanna (Ishtar) and turns him into a god. He dies and is resurrected each year.
• Krishna – an incarnation of the god Vishnu
• Quetzalcoatl – After four days in underworld, returns to heaven
• Attus (Phrygian god) – A deity frenzy by Cybele. Killed himself (bled to death from self-castration) but each year resurrected by Cybele (probably as pine tree)

Thursday, 7/2, we'll continue our Bible Study discussion topic is what's a Christian, and how do you become one?
 Join us, 7:30-8:30pm, on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/703956236.  
On Thursday we may discuss (depending on interest of the group):

• What does it mean to be a Christian?
• Is being a Christian a matter of behavior, belonging, belief, or a combination?  
• By whose action/will does someone become Christian?  (Is it God's doing, or ours?)
• Is being a Christian different than becoming a Christian (especially if you consider baptism as a part of how one becomes a Christian)?
• What do Christians look/behave like?
• Is a necessary part of being a Christian to belong to a church?

Scripture verses to consider:

• Depending on translation, the word "Christian" only occurs in the Bible <7 times.  One of the first is here in Acts 11: "Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’."
• In Acts 26, Paul is in prison, and there's this reference: "Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?” Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am—except for these chains.”"
  
• Jesus never used the term "Christian" in scripture, and it doesn't appear in any of the gospels.  Jesus spoke about "my followers" and also used other words to describe the relationship or state of being.  Consider that Jesus also used a variety of terms like "children of God" and who he meant.
• Paul in many of the epistles (letters to parts of the early church) uses the term "servant of Christ" where we might use "Christian."  
• Consider this verse: Galatians 1:10 "Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
• What scriptures or Biblical concepts come to mind or do you use to describe what it means to be a Christian?

From our Lutheran tradition/understanding:

• "What does it mean to be a church 'member'?" Book excerpt, brief read of one page,  gets at larger questions above about being a Christian.
• From the Large Catechism, Martin Luther: "We do not put he main emphasis on whether the person baptized believes or not, for in the latter case baptism does not become invalid.  Everything depends on the Word and commandment of God.  This is a rather subtle point, perhaps, but it is based upon what I have said, that baptism is simply water and God's word in and with each other; that is, when the word accompanies the water, baptism is valid, even though faith is lacking.  For my faith does not make baptism, rather it received baptism.  Baptism does not become invalid if it is not improperly received or used, as I have said, for it is not bound to our faith but to the Word."
• My (Pastor Brett's) two cents just off the top of my head: there's a distinction here between being a Christian (baptized, God's doing), and actively participating/practicing (our response to the Spirit's movement within us).  Baptism is the sign and promise of God that can never be taken away, an affirming promise, rather than God drawing a line of exclusion.  In our confirmation and any time we affirm our faith, we remember these baptismal promises which we strive to keep ("I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.") - to me, this is what the Christian life looks like:
  • live among God's faithful people
  • hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper
  • proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
  • serve all people, following the example of Jesus
  • strive for justice and peace through all the earth  (From our Baptism/Affirmation of Baptism liturgy in Evangelical Lutheran Worship)
    

​What do you notice about these promises?  How is keeping these challenging?  Do you think this describes what it means/looks like to be a Christian?

Thursday, 6/25, we'll continue our Bible Study discussion topic is church and society.  Join us, 7:30-8:30pm, on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/703956236
What do you consider as the relationship between church/faith and society?  And/or what should it be?
A new resource published by our denomination (ELCA) week of 6/22, Being a Public Church, outlines what's acceptable and not for congregations and clergy's public engagement in elections and campaigns.
From this morning's daily prayer, the reading was Ezekiel 34:1-16 - about the leaders of the people who are false shepherds, and God's promise to be a good shepherd.  God has a lot to say in scripture about leaders, governments, kings, leaders, and the weaknesses of societies, for the sake of the people.  What does that mean for how we as people of faith are to respond?
Any study of this topic often begins or can be helped by starting with (but not necessarily sticking to or accepting) H. Richard Niebuhr's categories in his book Christ & Culture (as summarized by Pt. Bob Benne here, with some edits): 

Ok.  But what does that mean to you?

What are the scripture verses/concepts/religious teachings that come to mind when you consider this topic?  
Check back later here and I'll update this with some for us to discuss - feel free to add yours in the comments below.

Some other questions to consider:
What is the Christian call/duty to advocate to change society?
How much did Jesus talk about social/civil/political matters?
What does it mean to you for a topic to be "political?"  Where is the line?
A couple examples for you to consider/question the church and society place here:

• A pastor in Florida famously was arrested dozens of times for feeding people, since the local ordinances had banned feeding people outdoors to discourage homeless folks from congregating.  The pastor continued to do so.  What things that are illegal have been deeply moral?  (Or said the opposite way, when has the church/faithful people been called to take a stand or change society?)
• Right now, on the Georgetown neighborhood email listserv, there are a couple threads with a subject line regarding "calls for reducing funding to MPD" - initial responses from folks on the listserv are entirely about protecting the Georgetown neighborhood, and that the MPD response could be even better in Georgetown, so MPD funding should not be reduced/diverted.  Is there a faithful response here?  What would Jesus say?  Or would Jesus stay out of the conversation?  (Because, cards on the table, my (Pastor Brett)  feeling at first read of these is understanding their personal desire for protection, but wanting to invite them to put themselves in others' shoes, and consider the needs of more vulnerable DC residents.  I've also been really thinking about all the police do, and how it's maybe too many different things - and really reflecting on what a faithful response is.)

Our denomination, the ELCA, determines the church's official position on social matters, from which the church advocates (and lobbies) through Social Statements.  Social Statements are documents of theology and teaching that take years in the making.  In each one, there are some firm positions and some spectrum of intepretation.
There is an ELCA Social Statement on Church and Society - click here for the brief summary (1pg) or the full social statement (8pg), which was approved in 1991.

Free will.  Do we have it?  Yes?  No?  About some things but not about others?
Where does your belief about that come from? 
Were you explicitly taught, reasoned it out, or have  you read scripture or theology that informed your thinking?
What are the implications about your beliefs about free will? 
How does this belief interplay with beliefs about choice, blame (since people can/cannot choose/will themselves), fate/destiny/God's plan...
Furthermore, how does you belief about free will (or lack thereof) 
OR are you just like - I never think about this at all!
Question - if you've been in Lutheran worship, about every time we worship together we start with confession, using these or similar words: "we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves."  What does that mean to you?
Also informing or a part of the conversation - Martin Luther writes in the explanation of the third article of the Apostles' Creed: "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in my Lord Jesus Christ or come to him, but the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel..."
Christians, generally, believe a wide spectrum of things about free will - from none at all and complete predestination and God's plan, to none at all and humanity has complete will/choice.  
This is a topic on which there is a pretty specific Lutheran doctrinal position - however, as with other things, believing differently would not exclude anyone, and realistically there is a wide spectrum of belief about this among Lutherans as well.  
Here is a succinct summation of the Lutheran doctrinal position on free will, as explained in the book, Lutheran Questions, Lutheran Answers.
However, if you'd like further reading, one of Martin Luther's most important (and debated, and still one of his most-read today) writings is The Bondage of the Will, which is a relatively short and digestible read... kind of, if you like that kind of thing. 
This "Lutheran" position on the question of free will is actually a quite radical and impactful belief, if you think about it.  Let's engage it, and your opinions, openly in Bible study, this Thursday, 6/4, at 7:30, on Zoom here: https://zoom.us/j/703956236 
Here are a couple further texts to consider and possibly discuss:
Romans 7:14-25:  For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin. 15I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. 17But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. 19For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. 20Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. 22For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, 23but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with my mind I am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh I am a slave to the law of sin.

​The Augsburg Confession (the Confessional Doctrine of the Lutheran Church), Article 18, Free Will:

Regarding free will, this is what we teach: Humans have a free will to a certain extent. They have the ability to live an outwardly honorable life and can make choices among those things that pertain to reason.1 But without the grace, help, and working of the Holy Spirit they are not capable of becoming pleasing to God, of fearing or believing God from the heart, or of expelling the innate, evil inclinations from their hearts. This rather takes place through the Holy Spirit, who is given through God’s word. For Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2, “The natural man understands nothing from the Spirit of God.”2
And so that it may be recognized that we are not teaching anything new and strange, we include here the clear words of Augustine on free will, from the third book of his Hypognosticon:3
We concede that there is a free will in all people, for all of them have natural, innate understanding and reason. We are not saying that they are capable of dealing with God in some respect, such as loving and fearing God from the heart; only in the outward works of this life do they have freedom to choose good or evil. By “good” I mean what their nature is capable of, such as working in the field or not, eating or drinking, going to see a friend or not, putting on or taking off a piece of clothing, taking a wife, pursuing a trade, and doing something useful and good of that sort. Of course without God none of these exists or continues; everything is from him and through him. On the other hand, man can also undertake something evil by his own choice, such as bowing down to an idol, committing a murder, etc.

Our topic for Bible Study on Thursday, 5/28, ​is heaven and hell.  There's a rich history of how the images and understanding of heaven and hell developed, mostly through culture/art/literature, rather than scripture.  There are some good books and resources out there that unpack that more fully.
For our conversation, though, we'll turn our attention to what's in scripture (and realize what isn't).
To guide our conversation - some questions to reflect upon:

• Are questions/thoughts about heaven and hell a significant concern of yours?  Why or why not?
• What are the images of heaven and hell that you picture or hold onto?
• What images of heaven and/or hell in art, literature, or culture come to mind?  Which ones do you like or dislike?  How have you been shaped by these?
  • Do you have a favorite or memorable film depiction?
    • Two of mine (Pastor Brett) are the show The Good Place ​and the movie What Dreams May Come - the image of hell is largely drawn from Dante's Inferno, but the image of heaven is what I find interesting/compelling.
• Notice about your own reflections - were any of these informed directly by specific scripture verses or concepts, or do we just assume that they are?

Just two brief but rich resources for reading/considering ahead of our conversation:
First, theologian Richard Rohr (video from The Work of the People ​resource site, to which I have a subscription):

Second, a Lutheran perspective which also outlines the scripture that references and informs some of the images of heaven and hell: "By the light of grace: how does the ELCA understand heaven and hell?"  Go read it!  (Someone alerted me that their browser wouldn't open this link - the article is also included in this PDF - it begins on page 5 - the first four pages are a related (but not necessarily recommended) study guide.)
Additionally, shared by Bill S. - this document, and additionally this blurb: "In 1 Sam 28, Saul, just before the battle with the Philistines in which he is killed, consults with a medium (though he earlier banned them).  He asks her to bring back the dead prophet Samuel, which she does.  Samuel complains: “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up.”  (verse 15)  This appears to mean up from the grave and that he was perhaps asleep?"  
(There are other references in the scripture, in Paul's New Testament letters and depending on interpretation, in Jesus' own words, to death as falling asleep.)

Our Thursday night Bible study had a general discussion about contradictions in scripture and how we handle them - now next Thursday, 5/21, we'll discuss three big umbrella areas of Biblical interpretation/contrast, which are relevant or come up in our actual lives:

• war/violence and peace,
• money,
• and sex/gender roles/sexuality.  

These are, obviously, BIG topics.  We will not have the opportunity to go deep on all of these in our session next week, and there are many avenues for deeper study here that you could take.  But, to provide an overview, below I provide a spectrum of scripture verses which can be used to support various opinions, and some brief notes.  
We chose these three topics as ones that all are relevant and may strike close to our own views on our identity, our behaviors, and our social views.  We never really do read any of the topical verses completely in isolation, nor should we.  So, when considering the individual topics and verses below, do any of these overarching verses/themes inform how you read and interpret the topics and specific verses?  (Or what are yours?)

• All humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), made for life in community—with God, with others, and with the rest of creation.  
• God loves and has mercy on all people and creation.
• All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, so there is no distinction, but grace through Jesus Christ. - Romans 3:22-24
• (A challenging one that gets used a lot of different ways:) Jesus in the sermon on the mount: ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
  ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  Matthew 5:38-48
• One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’  Mark 12:28-31
• Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  John 3:17

 WAR/PEACE/VIOLENCE
Here is just a sampling of the spectrum of interpretation on this topic and the scriptures that support it (not in a particular order):

• War seen as against God's desire for peace and order:
  • He shall judge between the nations,
       and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
    they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
       and their spears into pruning-hooks;
    nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
       neither shall they learn war any more.  Isaiah 2:4
  • He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
       he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
       he burns the shields with fire.  Psalm 46:9
• War as needed in some seasons:
  • Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare war, stir up the warriors. Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weakling say, “I am a warrior.” (Joel 3:9-10) 
• War seen as an evidence of a cosmic battle or Satanic/other powers:
  • Primarily just seen in Revelation, which is a book that you need to decide how you regard its genre before citing.  For example: they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.  Revelation 17:14
• War seen as an evidence of the sinful arrogance of men:
  • ​Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask.  James 4:1-2
• War seen as a judgment of God against men:
  • Rebuke the wild animals that live among the reeds,
       the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples.
    Trample under foot those who lust after tribute;
       scatter the peoples who delight in war.  Psalm 68:30
  • For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him. You have done foolishly in this; for from now on you will have wars.’  2 Chronicles 6:9
• War seen as a means for accomplishing God's will:
  • Hear, O Israel! You are about to cross the Jordan today, to go in and dispossess nations larger and mightier than you, great cities, fortified to the heavens, a strong and tall people, the offspring of the Anakim, whom you know. You have heard it said of them, ‘Who can stand up to the Anakim?’ Know then today that the Lord your God is the one who crosses over before you as a devouring fire; he will defeat them and subdue them before you, so that you may dispossess and destroy them quickly, as the Lord has promised you.  Deuteronomy 9:1-3
  • Many fell slain, because the war was of God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.  1 Chronicles 5:22
• War as a sign:
  • ​And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet.  Matthew 24:6

​Bill reminded me that we cannot forget that the Bible includes significant examples of and references to Genocide:  (Samuel to Saul) “Thus say the Lord of hosts, ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did in opposing the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt.  Now go and attack Amalek and utterly destroy all that they have; do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”  1Sam 15:2-3

• Punishment for past actions perhaps multi-generations in the past.
• Total genocide?
• Similar Joshua 6:21 (at Jericho)

Some interesting resources/official denominational perspective: 

• The Witness of U.S. Lutherans on Peace, War, and Conscience - from 1973, but gives a really helpful overview and specific perspective on the ethical questions and the question of serving in the military.
• ELCA Social Statement, For Peace in God's World, (1995)

 MONEY
Here is just a sampling of the spectrum of interpretation on this topic and the scriptures that support it (not in a particular order):

• (From previous blog post) The Bible, and specifically Jesus, actually deals a good bit with issues around money, though we're often shy to talk about it in church/public, or to advocate for specific actions with your money.  Here's just some variety about what one should do with loans: 
  • You shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but you may not charge your brother interest, that the Lord your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. (Deuteronomy 23:19-20)
  • Do not be one of those who give pledges,
       who become surety for debts.
    If you have nothing with which to pay,
       why should your bed be taken from under you?  (Proverbs 22:26-27)
  • Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. (Proverbs 19:17)
• These problematically relate to how "the poor" are considered in scripture/Christianity, and how Jesus' "you will always have the poor with you" has been (mis)interpreted.
• Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.  1 Timothy 6:6-10

Some interesting resources/official denominational perspective: 

• ELCA Social Statement on Economic Life 

 SEX/GENDER (ROLES)/SEXUALITY
Here is just a sampling of the spectrum of interpretation on this topic and the scriptures that support it (not in a particular order):

• ​The biblical narratives both rejoice in the splendor of sexual attraction, for example:
  • Your neck is like the tower of David,
       built in courses;
    on it hang a thousand bucklers,
       all of them shields of warriors.
    Your two breasts are like two fawns,
       twins of a gazelle,
       that feed among the lilies.
    Until the day breathes
       and the shadows flee,
    I will hasten to the mountain of myrrh
       and the hill of frankincense.
    You are altogether beautiful, my love;
       there is no flaw in you.  Song of Songs/Solomon, 4:4-7
• and are candid about the harm that can result from human sexuality, for example:
  • there are many stories of rape, incest, and sexual assault in the Bible. 
  • Consider also the story of David (the king) and Bathsheba (wife of a soldier) - David sees her bathing, orders her brought to him and has sex with her.  She gets pregnant, David has her husband sent to the frontlines of battle to die, so that he can forcibly take her as a wife (he has at least eight).
• A lot of the concept of "Biblical" marriage is based on verses like this in the gospels (which references one of the creation stories in Genesis):  “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one put asunder.”  Mark 10: 6–9
• (This is an opinion, not everyone agrees:) There simply is NO consistent singular sexual ethic in the Bible, unless you extrapolate something general (like I'd like it to be something like mutual care - BUT that is decidedly not Biblical, given a whole lot of sketchy marriages/sexual ethics in the Bible).
• The Leviticus "abominations" verses (including  must also be seen in context of all the other stuff that is called by the same Hebrew word, "toevah" including eating shellfish and wearing mixed fiber clothing.
• A chart of marriage types in the Bible:
• Also great, Roy Zimmerman's song:  "I want a marriage like they had in the Bible"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXlzkuFBJ7s, 
• Added by Bill:
  • The two most commonly cited verses in the NT interpreted as condemning homosexuality are in lists condemning certain activities to Hell (e.g “fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, swindlers")
     are in 1 Cor. 6:9 and 1 Tim. 1:10.   However, the term used in the original text is “Arsenokoites”  It is a word that does not elsewhere appear in Greek literature or texts.  It is a combination of the words “Arsen” meaning adult male and “Koite”  which means marriage bed. 

GENDER ROLES

• Regarding the role of women - all of the following are in the Bible:
  • If a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her wear a veil. (1 Corinthians 11:6) • Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. (Ephesians 5:22-23)
  • Women should be silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as the law also says. If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)
  • When a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to be married, and lies with her, he shall give bride-price for her, and make her his wife. (Exodus 22:16)
  • Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: ‘‘It is well for a man not to touch a woman.’’ But because of cases of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7:1-2)
  • When brothers reside together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the deceased shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her, taking her in marriage, and performing the duty of a husband’s brother to her. (Deuteronomy 25:5)
  • Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provide they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty. (1 Timothy 2:15)
• Contrast these with the many examples of Biblical women who are leaders, prophets, lifted up as faithful, or called out from culture's boundaries for them.  Also note that these were recorded and passed down, despite centuries/millennia of patriarchal cultures for whom they may have been a contrary word.  We also know of the presence of women among Jesus' disciples, Paul's supporters and as leaders in the early Christian church.

Some interesting resources/official denominational perspective: 

• ELCA Social Statement: Human Sexuality - Gift and Trust
• ​ELCA Social Statement: Faith, Sexism, and Justice (2019) - goes a lot further and more updated than previous documents - worth a read (there's a short version in the first few pages)