Comment by Forrest Curo on 4th mo. 25, 2016 at 12:42am

Okay, I've found at least a preview on google books -- and though I like a great deal of what he says (as I generally have liked his writings over the years) I've already stumbled over a possibly-profound quibble, where he says that ""biblical faith is rooted in a narrative-based tradition."

Um. Ultimately, doesn't that faith need to be rooted in the actual presence & reality of God, in some degree as portrayed in that narrative? I mean, this isn't just a matter of liking the stories; it involves sincerely believing that these stories accurately reflect the way things are and how they work... (in general, if not in detail.) That is, that God is not a figment, but the author whose creativity underlies all events.

People might or might not see that immediately confirmed to them within their own personal experience -- but if it is not "the way things is", their faith is as much a futile misunderstanding as Paul said Christian faith would be if Jesus hadn't been raised.

I certainly intend to keep on reading, so far as the preview permits -- but why do people keep confusing religion with sociology...? I prefered Ursula O'Shea's conclusion to her book on a similar theme: ~ that the SoF would make it through the current crisis if we could keep to our roots in radical reliance on God's continuing guidance...

Comment by Forrest Curo on 4th mo. 25, 2016 at 9:19am

But yes, I've finding excellent stuff in it, things Quakers ought to be talking about but so far haven't been, at least that I've noticed.

Comment