The Berean Project Podcast

An Introduction to Context, A Two Campfire Conversation

An Introduction to Context, A Two Campfire Conversation
So what is context?  In this episode we will begin to explore the basics of using context in the Bible.  As usual we are not using any scriptures to explain anything but taking a step back approach to understanding our shortcomings of scriptures through the way we were taught (myself included)  Be sure to start with episode 1 since each of those shorter episodes build on one another to get to this point.
Overview
The airplane story, and with the punchline of context
Silly questions people ask, a dive into how we get distracted from context
The five W's of context.  Who, what, where, when and why
The "And Then Some.." explanation which adds in the the concepts of: mountain top experiences, cultural references, hyperbolic overstatements, crew formation, genealogy, journey experiences, implicit verses explicit problems, literary structure, oppression teachings, symbolic narrative, imagery, reputations, The boot of empire, things that feel neutral to you, parables, spice trade and number sequences.
Additional Questions to Ask Yourself and Discuss with Friends:
Parallel the airplane story questions
Am I being "Told" something different?
Does what I am being told "sound right" because I did not investigate?
Is this disruptive thinking?  If yes, then what are you going to do about it?
Have you had these thoughts before?
Is the church (which is you) afraid to change it?
What would happen if you did change it?
Is it time to do something hard?  (my favorite)
Why am I just learning this?
How does this change the sunday worship service?
How does this change communion?
How does this change relationships?
How does this dismantle narratives?
What is happening here?
You will notice that this is a spiritual conversation that slowly takes apart faith, lays it on the table and allows you to consider what is important in a healthy way.  We are not using scripture to confuse anyone in this episode.  The whole point is to look objectively at the way we have been taught and then rebuild on top of that in a way that guides you to discover the right answers for yourselves

Manipulation, A Campfire Discussion

Manipulation, A Campfire Discussion
This one is a campfire discussion about how we can accidently manipulate the church.  Its not for the faint of heart and to be honest, not a very fun thing to think about.  However if you have listened to the first four episodes you will see a theme start to develop that makes you dismantle some narratives.  To be honest hard discussions are essentially good for you at the end of the day.  Find a friend and work through this one.

The Berean Project Episode 4

The Berean Project Episode 4
This is where the first three episodes come together and start to formulate how we can view our spiritual journey even if we are not sure we are on one.  Again, we are emphasizing on the fact that we are not using scripture here to muddy the waters of interpretations.  

Tools Episode #3

Tools   Episode #3
Before you study one word in your Bible, before you listen to another sermon on sunday, you should have these two tools in your toolbox so they are ready to be used.  Why?  Because when you start listening or reading with a couple of really good questions or tools in your mind, a whole new world opens up, and this is even before the Word of God is explored.. Curious?  Start with Episode one and work your way through these short episodes.
The Told Principle
The Sounds Right Principle

What is the Goal? Episode #2

What is the Goal?   Episode #2
Asking questions should be a part of any spiritual journey, yet questions are rarely encouraged.  Just sit there and listen to what someone tells you is mostly the theme of today's faith gatherings.  Lets start off with good questions.
The first one has to be, what's the goal, or more importantly what is your goal?  Everyone has a different goal, why should we be all jammed into a cookie cutter diagram of what a faith community really is?  Take the challenge and ask the people around you, what are you looking for here and then formulate a goal to accomplish that.
Remember, no religious answers please, we have all had enough of someone trying to give us an answer that is trying to make them either look good or sound spiritual.  The best of us is a mess.

What are you looking for? Episode #1

What are you looking for?  Episode #1
Ever walk into a church trying to figure out what they are all about?  You don't get much with most churches "about us" sections since they just rattle off a bunch of beliefs.  Have you wondered, am I going to get fed something that I need or something that someone else thinks I need?  Asking questions is the key and this episode has zero scriptures in it so that you can get to the bottom of figuring out if spiritual communities are worth your time.
This episode is the foundation episode that builds layer upon layer.  It is light and fun to think through questions that maybe you never thought through before.