Steve Taylor

In the gospels, Jesus is recorded as doing many miracles. What did those who were healed do after they had encountered Jesus? While some followed, many returned to their homes and lives. What did they do as a result of their Jesus encounter? 

Does the study of theology require more skin, more personal involvement, than other types of study? Case study one: Claire is a second-year university student. She has one optional subject and spots a summer school program called Bible and Popular Culture. She has a cousin who grew up religious and it makes for awkward pauses whenever the family get together. She enrolls in Bible and Popular Culture, hoping to gain an easy credit and to help her talk with the "religious" side of her family.

A few nights ago we ate ratatouille. We sweated the onions over a low heat for 45 minutes. We added basil, garlic, and Italian parsley—all fresh from our garden here in New Zealand. Over time, we added the vegetables: pepper, eggplant, courgette, tomato. Finally, we mixed cheese and bread crumbs together. The eggplant grew from seed (heirloom from Diggers Club) in the garden. In the growing, I’ve been challenged about leadership.

Christendom is built on a weekly gathering model. It’s not, of course, the only way. Monasteries meet daily, while the Old Testament festival pattern suggests three times a year. (Deuteronomy 16:15-16: “For seven days celebrate … Three times a year you must appear.”)