The Redwood Center

Devotional Pieces from the Psalms and Job by Anna Barbauld

Book & Film Reviews, Reading Scripture / By

Anna Barbauld, born in 1743 to Presbyterian parents, was a British poet and essayist who rejected detached, rationalistic interpretation of Scripture. From a young age she exhibited a love of learning and prodded her theologian and classicist father to teach her Greek and Latin. She published several works ranging from hymns, children’s literature, statements on women’s issues to objections against the use of Scripture to support slavery. Barbauld’s love of poetry gave her a particular appreciation for the Psalms. In Devotional Pieces Compiled from the Psalms and the Book of Job: To Which Are Prefixed Thoughts on the Devotional Taste, on Sects, and on Establishment she argues for the importance of emotion in the reading and study of Scripture. After presenting her thesis the book comprises a collection of select Psalms. Below are quotes from Devotional Pieces that give us a window into the mind of a Christian thinker squaring off against the rationalistic Enlightenment trends of her time:

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FREE 10-Week Book Discussion on the Origins and Interpretation of the Bible

Announcements / By

All you need for this FREE 10-week book discussion is yourself, the book, and a good cup of tea!

What: Intimate conversation with the author, Karen Keen, on her latest book The Word of a Humble God: The Origins, Inspiration, and Interpretation of Scripture. No lecture. Just one hour of engaging discussion. How did we get the Bible? How do we make sense of Scripture as inspired when it has violence and other difficult texts? Does the Bible still have value today? How should we best interpret it now? This topic is truly near and dear to my heart. I believe this book can have a significant impact on your faith life. Share your thoughts and ask your questions. We will contemplate the material origins of the Bible, theories of inspiration, and how Scripture has been interpreted throughout Christian tradition.

When: Tuesday evenings, September 5th through Nov 14th (no meeting on October 31st)

Time: 8:30-9:30pm EASTERN TIME (5:30-6:30 Pacific / 7:30-8:30pm Central)

REQUIRED: Participants are required to read the weekly assigned chapters of The Word of a Humble God: The Origins, Inspiration, and Interpretation of Scripture. At the end of each chapter are helpful learning activities, which participants will complete to foster optimal discussion and engagement. The book can be purchased here or at any major book outlet.

Register by September 4th by filling out the form below. Karen looks forward to connecting with you!

“Karen Keen’s The Word of a Humble God: The Origins, Inspiration, and Interpretation of Scripture is perhaps the best comprehensive and accessible introduction to the Bible available today” – Dr. Michael Graves, Wheaton College

Class on the Bible and Same-Sex Relationships: Register by Sept 1st

Announcements / By
Picture of a couple holding hands and drinking coffee
Are you a ministry leader helping your congregation navigate the question of same-sex relationships? Do you have a loved one who is gay? Maybe you have questions about your own sexuality in relation to faith? Karen R. Keen will be teaching her 10-week LIVE online course starting September 5, 2023. Register for “The Bible, Church, and Same-Sex Relationships” here! This is the ninth time in a row Karen will have offered the class. Participants have included pastors, Christian leader, parents, and LGBTQ folk. The course does far more than look at the handful of Scriptural passages on same-sex relations; it gets at the question of how we formulate ethics in the first place. Participants from a variety of theological viewpoints are welcome. The focus of the course is not debate, but rather serious inquiry and reflection together. Sexuality is one of the most important topics facing the church today. This is a chance to ask the questions you’ve been wanting to explore. Among other things we will cover:
  • ancient Israelite and early Christian views on sex.
  • biblical passages on same-sex relations in light of reception history.
  • causes of same-sex attraction.
  • biblical and contemporary understandings of marriage.
  • ancient and current Christian perspectives on the meaning of sex difference.
  • methods of biblical interpretation, particularly for formulating ethics.
  • how to construct a framework for Christian ethics

REGISTER HERE!

True Stories of Pastors and Ministry Leaders

Pastors and Christian Leaders, Reconstructing Faith / By

As someone who has provided spiritual care for pastors and ministry leaders, I have witnessed firsthand the vulnerabilities and challenges these leaders face. Their courage and compassion as they give of themselves for the sake of others is such a gift to our communities. Yet, sometimes we forget they are people too with struggles of their own. They can end up isolated at the top. That is why I am grateful for this new video series featuring the real life stories of ministers as they share their hearts openly with us.

If you or someone you know is a pastor or ministry leader in need of support, help is available. See this referral list to find a spiritual director.

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