"Fall 2000 Bible Study Series"

We had a commonality of having heard the story of Jonah as children...a man swallowed by a "large fish" who was later set free by the grace of God. Indeed that is the basic story line, but further study revealed many other aspects, lessons, and messages from the story. Jonah is a man troubled by God's request to deliver a message to a group of people outside the tribes of Israel, and his expectation that God would show mercy and redemption to people other than the Jews who recognized themselves as the "chosen people".

Jonah was a troubled man, and his relationship to God was one of disappointment and anger. We took great interest in the fact that Jonah was not always bowing down and humbling himself to God, but rather that he was a bit obstinate and demanding. The story is also a glimpse of the recurring theme (especially found in the story of Jesus) that God chooses not only Jews, but all men who listen to His message.

Ruth was an intriguing story which focused on the actions of several women (not always the most well represented gender in the Bible). It needs to be viewed relative to the customs and mores of the time, and in doing so one sees the strengths of the women in the story, and the tragedies and blessings that befall them. Likewise it shows an insight to Jewish tradition.

Esther is a bit of a bawdy tale which forms the basis of the Jewish tradition of the Purim holiday. Unlike many stories from the Bible, the notion of God and spirituality is not a central theme. There are Greek additions to the book (written later) that add some of those notions back in, but it is a story of the (almost) persecution of the Jews which was averted by the power of a woman (Esther) who is credited with saving an entire people.

It seems safe to say that our discussions in the group brought forward a fountain of concepts and revelations which can be too easily overlooked at first reading. This helps one see a compelling depth in all the stories of the Bible. I guess no greater goal could be asked of a Bible Study Group, and our study of these three books certainly accomplished that. Even a die-hard skeptic (as is this writer) gains a great deal from such an analysis.

David Rotert David Rotert is a communications technician. He, his wife Sue and two boys used to walk to SJA each Sunday. They since moved to St Louis Park, but are now happy to make the drive. David and his family have been attending SJA for over 10 years. You may see him serving host or wine on Sundays, and doing the readings whenever he can help. He is also always game for a good philosophical discussion.

Going forward...a new winter session will start sometime mid-January, and early preference is given to delving into the Gospel of Luke. We are looking at ways to make improvements to our format to further enhance everyone’s' experience. Anyone is invited whether or not you've ever read the Bible, or if you are a scholar. Information will be available soon, and the diversity of a large group would be welcome.

Rick Spaulding is a photographer specializing in digital photography for the theater and works for National Camera Exchange. He is also an antique dealer and eBay afficianado who enjoys collecting marbles but his true joys in life are his two boys and his beautiful wife, Tinia.