HEROES WHO STUMBLE HEROES WHO SOAR STRETCHING YOUR COMFORT ZONE

1. HEROES WHO STUMBLE HEROES WHO SOAR STRETCHING YOUR COMFORT ZONE

2. WELCOME! • Some “administrative” matters • Dialogue from 9:00 to 9:50 • Break from 9:50 to 10:00 • Dialogue from 10:00 to 10:30 • Questions and answers from 10:30 to 10:45 • Link to PowerPoint slides:

3. Plan for Today • Howard’s and Tom’s Spiritual Autobiographies • Outline of the 8-week Course • Goals for the Course • Background to the Bible and our approach • “Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone” in the Bible • Howard and Tom get out of their comfort zones • Questions and Answers

4. Dialogue Requires Trust

5. Self-Introductions/Spiritual Autobiographies • Howard • Tom

6. Walker, there is no road; the road is made by walking.

7. Uniworld River Victoria with Tom O’Brien & Rabbi Howard ShapiroSeptember 26th to October 8thSailing from St. Petersburg to Moscow

8. Interfaith Russian River Cruise http://www.uniworld.com/Destinations/Russia/Imperial_Waterways_of_Russia/2013 Additional Info: 1-800-243-3066

9. Outline of the Course Eight Themes 1.Stretching Your Comfort Zone 2.When Life Doesn’t Go Your Way 3.My Will Be Done 4.What Did I Do to Deserve This? 5.Stand Up and Be Counted 6.Will the Real Mensch Please Stand Up? 7.There Ought To Be a Law! 8.What’s Fairness Got to Do with It?

10. Outline – Continued • Dialogue about persons (and stories) in the Bible which illustrate the theme of the week • “Personalize” the themes by examples from our own lives

11. Goals of the Course • Increase understanding of stories in the Bible • Examine relevance of Bible Stories to our lives and the world in which we live • Have some fun together

12. The Bible and Our Approach to it • The Last Panda • “The Word of God” – What does this mean? • Literalists and Non-literalists • Structures (plural) of Bibles (plural) • How we approach the Bible

13. “Not if You Were the Last Panda” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7-7egsqYiM

14. “Not if You Were the Last Panda” • Why is it so funny? • Takes two ways of looking at the Bible and pushes them to their limits • Literalism – the stories are “factually” true • Anthropomorphism – giving human qualities to that which is not human • Amusing when done with animals • But we do it in the Bible regarding God (walks in Garden of Eden, speaks with humans, smells offerings, is fickle and changes mind, fearful of humans becoming like gods etc.)

15. “Word of God” • WHAT DOES THIS PHRASE MEAN ?? • The phrase itself is a source of contention and division within Christianity and within Judaism

16. Literalists and Fundamentalists “Author” of the Bible is God God is the direct source of all that is in the Bible God cannot err; the Bible cannot err God’s authorship is the source of its authority Claim that non-literal reading allows interpreting “however people want” “God said it; I believe it; that settles it.” Satisfies deep need for certitude in faith matters

17. “Litmus Tests” for Literalists • Evolution vs. Intelligent Design (Scientific accuracy of the Bible) • Homosexuality – issues relating to full inclusion in religious groups (ordination, blessings of same gender relationships) • Role of Women in Family and Society Legality of Abortion • Historical Accuracy of Scripture (Promises to Abraham; the Christian Gospels)

18. Non-Literalists • Bible written, revised, edited by humans in Ancient Israel (Hebrew Bible) and 1st Century (Christian Scripture) • Authors had genuine experiences of the Sacred/God and expressed these experiences in story, myth, poem, proverb etc. • “Word of God” because believers have found the books of the Bible (overall) to express true perceptions of God/the Sacred

19. Non-Literal Understanding (con’t) • Bible is one “pathway” to knowing about God • Bible need not be historically, factually or scientifically accurate in order to be “TRUE” about God and human relationships • The theological Truth of the Bible is found in its stories and its metaphors • These stories and metaphors need to be understood in their historical, political, social, and religious contexts

20. The “Canons” of the Hebrew Bible • The Jewish Canon – fixed by Rabbis at Yavneh (90 CE and in 135 CE) • The Roman Catholic and Orthodox Canon – based on Jerome’s translation (the “Vulgate”) in 405 CE, and finally fixed by Council of Trent in 1546 (Counter-Reformation) • Protestant Canon – set by Luther in 1520’s

21. The Jewish Canon • Three Divisions • Torah (Law or Instruction) • Nevi’im (Prophets) • Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) • Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel + 12) • Ketubim (Writings) • Six Writings (Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, Chronicles) • The Five Scrolls (Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther) • Ends with Chronicles – return after Exile • First Letters (TNK) are the basis for TaNaKh

22. Roman Catholic/Orthodox Canon • Jerome translated the Christian Bible and used • Hebrew Texts • Greek translations of Hebrew Texts (Septuagint – LXX) • Septuagint had additional books • 1 & 2 Maccabees, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach etc. • Jerome translated them into Latin, but kept them separate in his version of the Vulgate • Later versions of the Vulgate did not separate them • Jerome Changed Classification and Order of the Books to support Christian Theology • Expanded Former Prophets to be “Histories” • Last book is Malachi (“Day of Lord” and Elijah)

23. Protestant Canon • Luther had a BIG problem with sales of indulgences as way to help “souls” go from “Purgatory” to heaven • Luther rejected idea of Purgatory • Luther followed the Jewish Canon and placed 14 books in the RC Bible in the “Apocrypha” (Hidden Books). These books are NOT in the TaNaKh.

24. Some of the 14 Books in the Apocrypha • Judith • 1 and 2 Maccabees • Ecclesiasticus • Wisdom of Solomon • Sirach

25. Christian Scriptures (New Testament) • 27 Books • 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) • Acts of the Apostles – written by “Luke” • 7 authentic Letters of Paul (49 CE to 62 CE) • 5 Letters “attributed” to Paul • 9 Letters by Paul’s followers and by others

26. Modern Biblical Scholarship • Awareness of anachronisms, contradictions, repetitions (doublets), different names for characters and for God • Theories develop on authorship of Torah (J,E,D,P) and the Gospels (3-Source Theory) • Includes analysis of the entire contexts in which the various books were written • Recognition that “God language” is metaphor • Development of Study/Annotated Bibles • “A Text without a Context is a Pretext.”

27. Our Approach • It is not important to focus on whether the events actually happened or represent scientific truth • It is more important to focus on the truth that the stories of the Bible are always happening

28. Abraham Leaves His Comfort Zone Genesis 12 – The Call of Abram Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’

29. Abraham – 2 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 

30. Abraham – 3 Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages towards the Negeb.

31. Basis for Claim to Modern Israel? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw0FLzUKphw

32. Accepting Your Own Adult Children http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/parental-guidance-2/trailers/parental-guidance-theatrical-trailer-30530470.html

33. David and Absalom • Long story recounted in 2 Sam. 13 to 19

34. The Rape of Tamar Some time passed [after the adultery with Bathsheba, the death of their child and the birth of Solomon]. David’s son Absalom had a beautiful sister whose name was Tamar; and David’s son Amnon fell in love with her. Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her…..  So Amnon lay down, and pretended to be ill; and when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, so that I may eat from her hand.’

35. Amnon’s Plan Unfolds Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, ‘Go to your brother Amnon’s house, and prepare food for him.’ So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house, where he was lying down. She took dough, kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, and baked the cakes. Then she took the pan and set them out before him, but he refused to eat. Amnon said, ‘Send out everyone from me.’ So everyone went out from him. Then Amnon said to Tamar, ‘Bring the food into the chamber, so that I may eat from your hand.’ So Tamar took the cakes she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother. But when she brought them near him to  

36. The Resistance and the Rape eat, he took hold of her, and said to her, ‘Come, lie with me, my sister.’ She answered him, ‘No, my brother, do not force me; for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do anything so vile! As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the scoundrels in Israel. Now therefore, I beg you, speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you.’ But he would not listen to her; and being stronger than she was, he forced her and lay with her.

37. Amnon Then Loathes Tamar Then Amnon was seized with a very great loathing for her; indeed, his loathing was even greater than the lust he had felt for her. Amnon said to her, ‘Get out!’ But she said to him, ‘No, my brother; for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.’ But he would not listen to her. He called the young man who served him and said, ‘Put this woman out of my presence, and bolt the door after her.’ So his servant put her out, and bolted the door after her. But Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore the long robe that she was wearing; she put her hand on her head, and went away, crying aloud as she went.

38. Absalom Plans Revenge on Amnon Her brother Absalom said to her, ‘Has Amnon your brother been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister; he is your brother; do not take this to heart.’ So Tamar remained, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom’s house. When King David heard of all these things, he became very angry, but he would not punish his son Amnon, because he loved him, for he was his firstborn. But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had raped his sister Tamar.

39. Absalom Avenges His Sister After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers … near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. Absalom came to the king, and said, ‘Your servant has sheepshearers; will the king and his servants please go with your servant?’ But the king said to Absalom, ‘No, my son, let us not all go, or else we will be burdensome to you.’ He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing. Then Absalom said, ‘If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.’ The king said to him, ‘Why should he go with you?’ But Absalom  

40. Amnon is Killed pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. Absalom made a feast like a king’s feast. Then Absalom commanded his servants, ‘Watch when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, “Strike Amnon”, then kill him. Do not be afraid; have I not myself commanded you? Be courageous and valiant.’ So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons rose, and each mounted his mule and fled.

41. David Reacts to the News The king rose, tore his garments, and lay on the ground; and all his servants who were standing by tore their garments…. the king and all his servants also wept very bitterly…. But Absalom fled, and … David mourned for his son day after day. Absalom, having fled to Geshur, stayed there for three years. And the heart of the king went out, yearning for Absalom; for he was now consoled over the death of Amnon.

42. Absalom Returns to Jerusalem Joab set off, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. The king said, ‘Let him go to his own house; he is not to come into my presence.’ So Absalom went to his own house, and did not come into the king’s presence. Now in all Israel there was no one to be praised so much for his beauty as Absalom; from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. When he cut the hair of his head,… he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king’s weight. There were born to Absalom three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar; she was a beautiful woman.

43. Absalom Gets Joab’s Attention So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem without coming into the king’s presence. Then Absalom sent for Joab to send him to the king; but Joab would not come to him. He sent a second time, but Joab would not come. Then he said to his servants, ‘Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.’ So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. Then Joab rose and went to Absalom at his house, and said to him, ‘Why have your servants set my field on fire?’  Absalom answered Joab, ‘Look, I sent word to you: Come

44. David Forgives Absalom here, that I may send you to the king with the question, “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still.” Now let me go into the king’s presence; if there is guilt in me, let him kill me!’ Then Joab went to the king and told him; and he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king and prostrated himself with his face to the ground before the king; and the king kissed Absalom.

45. Absalom Revolts Against David • Absalom plotted a revolt against David for 4 years • David fled Jerusalem in disarray; Absalom took over the palace and David’s concubines • Absalom did not pursue David because he listened to advice from someone secretly loyal to David • David’s forces regrouped and defeated Absalom; David told his generals to deal gently with Absalom • Absalom’s beautiful hair got caught in a tree • Joab (David’s general)and his men killed Absalom

46. The Death of Absalom

47. David Laments for Absalom The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, ‘O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would that I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!’ It was told Joab, ‘The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.’ So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the troops; for the troops heard that day, ‘The king is grieving for his son.’ The troops stole into the city that day as soldiers steal in who are ashamed when they flee in battle. The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, ‘O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!’ Then Joab 

48. Joab Scolds David came into the house to the king, and said, ‘Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your officers who have saved your life today, and the lives of your sons and your daughters, and the lives of your wives and your concubines, for love of those who hate you and for hatred of those who love you. You have made it clear today that commanders and officers are nothing to you; for I perceive that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today,

49. Joab says: “Man up” then you would be pleased. So go out at once and speak kindly to your servants; for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night; and this will be worse for you than any disaster that has come upon you from your youth until now.’ Then the king got up and took his seat in the gate. The troops were all told, ‘See, the king is sitting in the gate’; and all the troops came before the king.

50. Paul’s Damascus Road Experience