Exploring how people have interpreted Romans through the ages is a good lens to view the history of Christianity itself. Compare what Paul writes in Romans to what theologians like Augustine, Luther and Calvin say in trying to understand Paul in their time. At the end of this study your group will have a more informed commitment to Paul's radical vision of God's relationship to both Christians and Jews and to their relationship to each other, thanks to the "love of God in Christ Jesus." The weekly video segments first present text read aloud against a backdrop of a wide variety of church settings followed by a conversation between a church historian and a church theologian about the text. The second weekly video is led by story teller, Michael Williams, who shares snapshot views of how Romans has been read through history. Ideal experience for adults who are interested in the practice of prayer and worship and would like to connect prayer practice with Scripture. The study is accessible for adults with little prior Bible experience. Participants for this Invitation to Romans do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of Romans a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples. This eight-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60-90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts. Sessions: An Orientation to Romans The Righteousness of God and the Faith of Jesus Abraham, Father of All Christ, the New Adam Sin, Law, and Grace Divine Purpose and Human Responsibility The Salvation of Israel and the Nations Love and Humility Are the Making of God's Kingdom
In a departure from the normal presentation of a Disciple Bible Study, the Invitation to Romans spends much of its effort understanding the history of interpretation of the letter of Romans rather than in an exegetical study of the intent of the author to convey meaning to the letters recipients. Since Romans has had such an important impact on the history of the church, this is a reasonable approach. In fact, it would be impossible to have any meaningful discussion of the core ideas of the letter without touching on the history of interpretation, since disparate readings of Romans have been key to the establishment of denominational identities. I wish the focus was a bit more on the meaning of Romans for contemporary life and culture and less on Origen and Martin Luther. Also new to this study is the emphasis on dramatic readings of the text on the accompanying DVD/video tape. This helps us to empathize with the early recipients of the letter who for the most part would have heard the letter read when the church gathered for worship. Another change for the video material is that preacher/story teller Michael Williams, playing the part of your favorite, funky professor, provides the part two videos for each session in dramatic fashion. Williams tells the story of Romans but isn't really convincing as the venerable scholar meeting us, surrounded by books and papers, in his study. This is a good effort to spice up the series but it falls short in some significant ways.
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