How do the pieces of the Bible fit together into a single narrative? How do I read and make sense of its various parts? Despite a theological commitment to the Bible as the central document of our living faith and the primary source of God’s revelation, many find it difficult to read and even harder to understand. In order to receive and apply Scripture’s message, we need an interpretive framework and a basic familiarity with how the parts work together to create a whole. 

The newly inaugurated Christ Church Scripture Seminar facilitates robust discussion, critical thought, personal insight, and grounded knowledge of the text of Holy Scripture. Led by the clergy of Christ Church and a team of visiting Biblical scholars, this season’s Scripture Seminar will offer a book-by-book overview of the entire Bible, immersing participants in its history, literary structures, narrative arc, and theological themes. Optional assigned readings and a course notebook allow participants to anticipate and more fully participate in each week’s discussion. Whether dipping a tentative toe or diving fully in, regular participants in this weekly series will steadily build a framework in which they can make sense of the various Biblical texts encountered in the liturgy and meaningfully engage with the Bible on their own. 

The Scripture Seminar convenes in the Memorial Room (on the third floor of the Parish Hall) from 10:15 to 11:00 on the following Sunday mornings:

Oct. 4: (Ernest Clark)

Introduction and Overview: What is the Bible? What is its story? 

Oct. 11: (Tiffany Clark)

Genesis 1-11: Creation and De-creation: Story cycles, symbolism, and repeating patterns 

Oct. 18: (Ernest Clark)

Genesis 12-50: Covenant promises to chosen people 

Nov. 1: (Tiffany Clark)

Exodus: Liberation, Wilderness, and Divine Revelation 

Nov. 8: (Stephen Cook)

Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy: Liturgy, Lifestyle, and Land for the People of God

Nov. 15: (Tremper Longman)

Joshua, Judges and Ruth: Leadership, Nobility, and Mob Ethics

Nov. 29: (Tremper Longman)

1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings: Kings Divine and Human

Dec. 6: (Tremper Longman)

2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Jonah, Nahum: Diverse Perspectives, Diverging Kingdoms

Dec. 13: (Stephen Cook)

Isaiah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk: Prophets as Covenant Lawyers

Dec. 20: (Stephen Cook)

Jeremiah, Daniel, Obadiah, Ezekiel, Joel: Prophets as Friends of God in Exile

Jan. 10: (Stephen Cook)

Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Esther, Malachi: Returning and Watching for God

Jan. 17: (Tremper Longman)

Lamentations and Psalms: Worship for all seasons

Jan. 31: (Tremper Longman)

Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Job: Wisdom for all seasons

Feb. 14: (Katherine Grieb)

Matthew and James: The Wisdom of the Kingdom

Feb. 21: (Katherine Grieb)

Mark and 1 Peter: Following Jesus

Mar. 7: (Associate Priest)

Luke and Acts: The Son, the Spirit, and the Way

Mar. 14: (Presian Burroughs)

Romans and Galatians: Faith, Fruitfulness, and God’s One People

Apr. 4:  (Associate Priest)

2 Corinthians, Philippians, Hebrews: Suffering and Fulfillment

Apr. 11: (Tim Cole)

Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon: The Cosmos and the Individual

Apr. 18:  (Associate Priest)

1 Corinthians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus: Right Relationships and an Ordered Church 

May 2: (Jennifer McNeel)

1 and 2 Thessalonians, Jude, 2 Peter: Standing at the edge of the age 

May 9: (Jennifer McNeel)

John, 1, 2, and 3 John: Seeing God, Becoming like God 

May 16: (Jennifer McNeel)

Revelation: Eden, Empire, Church, and the Age to Come