How to possibly use this book
It may be possible for you to use this book as a study resource for small group discussion. The first three chapters deal with the framework and teaching the church gave me on some fundamental theological matters. These chapters closely follow on from each other and lead into the fourth chapter, about the meaning of the Cross of Jesus in Fall/Redemption theology and its links to the Hebrew sacrificial system. The fifth chapter deals with the dualisms of Earth/Heaven and Humanity/Divinity and supernatural activity necessary for communication between God and humans, between Heaven and Earth. The sixth and very important chapter deals with Jesus and his teachings. Because there are numerous references to the gospels in this particular chapter, Bibles will be helpful for each member to access. The later chapters can be used as individual monographs for discussion. There subject matter is somewhat more individual and separate.
Some of the chapters are a lot longer than others, so for group discussion purposes, it may be necessary to allow for more than one group meeting for discussion of a chapter.
Pre-reading of the material to be discussed at meetings is recommended. If this is done, group members are better placed to discuss and share their understandings. My misgivings and numerous questions may give the opportunity for people to ‘come out’ with their own misgivings and questions. This is not always easy for many people. In each section, after having dealt with my misgivings, I try to give alternate ways of thinking and believing which I hope may lead to open discussion and sharing. These comments begin with the heading ‘So what for me now?’
If you use the book in this way, I suggest the maximum number in such a group should be 10. A larger number could be a bit daunting for the more hesitant. For those who are perceived to be a bit more articulate and out-going, the leader might push them for further explanation of their thoughts, however this needs to be done with sensitivity.
Here are some suggestions for questions. You may have others.
What did you think about what you have read?
What, if any, are there ideas in it that reflect your own thinking?
Have you had any new thoughts presented to you? If so, what are they and how do you react?
If you wished to challenge something you have read, what in particular would it be?
As leader, try to avoid ‘closed’ questions; i.e. those that can be answered by just a “Yes” or “No”. Always ask ‘open’ questions, which request a larger response. If you find discussion closing down, try ‘Going round the ring’. This is the process of going to each member of the group in turn, asking for a response to the same question. If you do this, make very sure that to “Pass” is always acceptable. State this before beginning the process.
If you have group meetings, limit the time of discussion to no more than 1½ hours and stick to that limit. An hour is probably more appropriate for most people, particularly those who may not have previously participated in such an exercise. It’s better to stop the discussion when group members are interested rather than to continue on when interest seems to be waning.
Give the group members the opportunity to decide where and when to meet, and how frequently.