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