News from the United States reminds us of the power of right wing Christians to draw upon national myths. The Bible is used to reinforce what is described as the Judeo-Christian ethics with consequences for women’s rights, transgender people, ethnic minorities.

In these Zoom sessions on Tuesdays at 7pm, we will critically explore texts which are used to reinforce the right’s position.  We will also see how the Bible itself can also be read to subvert patriarchy and discriminatory practice in the public square.

Zoom Link Here

May 16th 7pm

Are we a Christian nation?

Following the religious ceremony, which installed Charles, as King of the United Kingdom there are legitimate questions to ask whether the UK’s institutions depend upon a Christian foundation. Does this have any meaning in a modern state?  Is the role of the Church to reinforce state institutions and provide stability or is it to be a prophetic challenge to the state’s failings.

We will examine Bible texts, particularly from the Book of Ezra.

May 23rd 7pm

Jesus, women and the subversion of patriarchy

It is widely recognised that the nationalism has its roots in patriarchy.  The notion of the Christian nation is linked to male dominance with the oppression of women and LGBTQ communities.  This is evident in the current debates in both the US and UK on abortion rights and trans rights.

We will explore these themes beginning with a story of Jesus being challenged by a Canaanite woman.  Matthew (15:21-28) and the Gospel of Mark (7:24-30).

May 30th 7pm

Jesus, Israel and Rome

Jesus is often invoked to support both conservative and radical positions. We will ask how Jesus treated the notion of nation and his interaction between the vassal state in which he lived and the Empire of which he was a part. In the end, the two conspired to kill him.

We will begin our exploration by looking at the story of Jesus before Pilate in John 18.28-19.16.