Is there too much to do today? Probably. I am teaching a class (adult bible study) tonight. We are studying the Gospel of Matthew. It will be a challenge. I am developing my own curriculum. I am actually enjoying that part.
I also have two sermons to deliver this week. One is for class. That will be fun. I think I will look at the Malachi passage. It is fun. The other is for church this Sunday. Doug and Carol are going to be out of town begining Friday. So, I have the whole service on Sunday. That is cool. Most churches where I may end up will ask me to lead all the service. Getting lay participation is tricky in some places. As much as you may encourage it, sometimes people just do not feel comfortable leading worship. This is why they "hire the expert." Yeah. I know. How un-Baptist can you be? I have never thought of myself as skilled labor before. But there you have it. It is an interesting reality to live into or struggle against.
And I will be calling the Lynchburg Radisson. It looks like we will be having our reception there in September. There are some last minute questions I have, but the space makes sense. If only we could bring in our own caterer. Hmmm...Gurglecrumpets, you interested?
Oh, right, and I have a 3-hour meeting this afternoon for my field ed thang. Urf. Not today. I wish it were not today.
Here is the general intro to my syllabus.
Seeking Matthew�s Voice
Often when we read scripture, it is common to think in terms of historical and cultural context. Though these are legitimate and helpful ways of thinking about and reading scripture, our task is somewhat different in this reading of Matthew. Our task is to try and unearth what Matthew specifically is saying about faith. This is not the same as wondering how Matthew feels. Nor is it asking what would have motivated Matthew. Our task is simply unearthing what Matthew is saying.
This is harder to do than some realize. We have other pieces of scripture and our years of study running through our heads. We have 2000 years of accumulated theology to sort past to find Matthew�s distinct voice separate from other readings and the rest of scripture. Our goal over the next eight weeks is to sort out Matthew�s voice and wrestle with what it may or may not mean for our current Christian life.
To begin, if you can, read The Gospel According to Matthew in its entirety from beginning to end. In the original, verses and chapters were not present. This was meant to be a single work. As you read, keep the following questions in mind:
1. What is the nature/character of Matthew�s community? Is this a Jewish community?
2. Who does Matthew say that Jesus is?
3. How does Matthew envision Christian community?
The syllabus looks great so far, and it will be a good task. I still think that, in terms of what Matthew has to say for our Christian life, that its place within the canon is important... but this is a really interesting starting place. And another plus of "skilled labor"- someone with the time to write this syllabus!
Posted by: Susie at February 4, 2004 03:36 PM