Suggestion

[tklein1014]

Last night I was thinking it might be interesting to have a section here where people can discuss sections of the Bible.  I'm not sure exactly how it would work, but maybe someone could start a topic in there with a verse or section of the Bible, then they and other members could talk about it, ask/answer questions, etc.

Just a thought...

Tina

[Melody]

Dear Tina,

Firstly thx. for the suggestion! I'm glad you're taking the time to think about bettering our community - hope more of our family follow your good example!

To what you said. I too desired to have something of the sort. But as I see it, there are some practical problems, the main one being, I too am not sure exactly how to work it.

I don't want it simply to be a forum on the Bible, because though I'm a Student of the Bible, I def. do not have adequate formation & knowledge to answer all qs. on the Bible. Till we have a moderator who can help us out in this respect, we cannot (& I think should not) attempt doing this. The last thing I want to do is confuse anyone.

I had thought perhaps we could have a "What does this verse mean to you?" or "What touches you about this verse". But again, since we're a diverse set of people, opinions which are contrary to Catholic Doctrine might come up & that would really fit under the Apologetics Section we already have.

I'm still open to the idea however. If anyone has a solution, pls. do share!

Blessings,

Melody

[Seeker]

Melody,

I heartily second Tina's idea.  I'm part of a Catholic Bible Study where we have more than a few non-Catholic Christians and we have great discussions on many of the verses without getting into doctrinal arguments.  Maybe we could give it a shot and if anything comes up that belongs in the Apologetics section then you or Ajay could move it there.  

For example, a good verse to submit in the Bible verse discussion area might be Tina's or your favorite verse.  I bet we could generate a lot of discussion on how that affects our lives without getting into doctrinal differences.

An example that might be good for the Apologetics section might be the verse about Peter being the Rock or Paul's recommendations on the requirements for a bishop. Even a verse regarding the bread of life could hold a lot of commonality without arguing about the Real Presence.  It wouldn't hurt for folks to respectfully present different interpretations and to share those as long as all agree not to turn it into a debate.

Of course this sounds easier than it will probably work, but I think its worth a try.  You could start it on a trial basis and remove it if it turns into another Apologetics forum.

Another option might be for you to either pick non-controversial verses or take suggestions and screen them for discussion.  The key would be for everyone to agree on an open and respectful discussion on the inspiration they've obtained.  I think a lot can be learned that way without getting into doctrinal arguments.

Just my thoughts.  Thanks.

[Seeker]

I suppose a trusty moderator would be helpful too for this so that it doesn't turn into an extension of the Apologetics section.

[Seeker]

One more thought, it would be important for a moderator to keep us on track and to point out when a personal interpretation deviates from doctrine.

[Seeker]

Sorry for all the quick posts, but I just thought of something else.  There are some good Catholic commentaries on Scripture that might be useful for a moderator.  I'm a little scared to say this, but if you need volunteers to help moderate, I'd be happy ot help out any way I can.  I don't pretend to know more about Scripture than anyone else, but I am willing to do research to try to answer questions or help make sure we don't lapse into heresy.

[tklein1014]

Yeah, pretty much all I had in mind was to discuss our different views on what a particular scripture means or says to us.  I also have participated in Bible discussion groups in the "real world" , and I found it to be very inspirational, and it's also interesting to see what other people say about a certain verse that maybe you'd never thought of before.  Maybe in the "discription" spot of the Bible discussion, you could re-iterate that this section is for respectful reflection/discussion, is not a debate section, and respectfully ask that all debates be taken to Apologetics, or something?

I hope this can work out somehow, because I think discussing & relfecting on scripture with others is a great way to grow spiritually.

Tina

[Seeker]

I hope this can work out somehow, because I think discussing & relfecting on scripture with others is a great way to grow spiritually.

Amen!

[tklein1014]

*sheepishly raising my hand*

I could probably assist in moderating as well...  I'm nowhere near being an expert, but there's lots of resourses available online and elsewhere.

Tina

[Melody]

Praise the Lord that you guys are really into this forum!

As for moderators, I've already talked to a priest (I thought this particular type of forum would be best moderated by a priest) about helping out. I'm thrilled to bits that we already have one man of the cloth here & hopefully we'll have still more to come.

Not sure whether the priest I've asked will join (depends on his schedule) but will keep y'all posted. Wasn't sure if I could bother the Rev. Eric as he mentioned that he was already busy preparing for final vows etc. Rev., if you're reading this & feel you can help with the moderation, let me know.

Seeker & Tina, I appreciate the generosity you displayed by volunteering. I will def. have you in mind for our future forums when we expand & increase membership.

[Seeker]

Great ideas Melody!

[Rev. Eric]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you, Melody, for the offer to moderate a scripture study forum, but, alas, given my seminary schedule it would not be prudent for me to attempt such an undertaking.

However, I would love to participate in such a board.  I will also suggest that there could be two separate boards dealing with scripture.

The first board could follow the ideas that Tina expressed:

pretty much all I had in mind was to discuss our different views on what a particular scripture means or says to us. I also have participated in Bible discussion groups in the "real world" , and I found it to be very inspirational, and it's also interesting to see what other people say about a certain verse that maybe you'd never thought of before. Maybe in the "discription" spot of the Bible discussion, you could re-iterate that this section is for respectful reflection/discussion, is not a debate section

This is a good description of the type of scripture study called "Faith Sharing."  A group of people read selected bible passages (for example, the readings for mass for the upcoming Sunday), prayerfully reflect upon them, and then share how the Holy Spirit has touched them in those passages.  As such, it is not a formal scripture study where people are quoting from bible commentaries and Hebrew and Greek lexicons.  It is also not a place where someone's input would be the object of debate.

The second type of board could be a formal bible study, where those who participate could share reflections from commentaries, the Fathers of the Church, applicable church documents, etc.

This board could also be a place for discussing troubling or confusing bible passages.  And here, I am not referring to passages that cause apologetical debates, such as what is the "rock" of Peter, and what did Jesus mean when he said, "Call no man father."  Such things, naturally, are better discussed in the apologetics board.

Rather, I am referring to those bible passages that make most Christians - Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, etc. - collectively cock an eyebrow.

For example:
What is the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that will not be forgiven?
(Mt 12:31)

Why did God tell David to count his army, and then punish him for doing so?
(2Sam 24:1-17)

Why did God try to kill Moses?
(Ex 4:24)

Why did God "harden" Paraoh's heart during the plauges of Egypt?

These are just a few examples of the kinds of discussions that could take place in the second type of forum.

Well, I'm just throwing all this out there as food for thought.

God bless,
-Rev. Eric

[Melody]

Hey all!

I've just posted in the News & Announcements section that we are indeed going to follow up on Tina's suggestion & have this forum.

The priest I had asked couldn't make it because of his time sched. but since we had Seeker & Tina so generously volunteering for the job, we have gone ahead with it anyway.

I believe that the time is perfect (I've been praying) and Seeker & I have been discussing & praying about this for a while & he has agreed to be the primary moderator for the forum. (Tina, you are next in line for when we need help moderating, thanks!).

We will have a LOT more to say to you wrt this, all as soon as the Lord permits..

Blessings,

Melody

[tklein1014]

Awesome that this is going to happen!  I'm so excited...  I've been away from the forum for awhile (in addition to the internet), so am just finding this out.  Can't wait!

Tina