This has to be the largest weekly study I have ever seen. And there have been some huge ones. What happens when issues of social justice, envy, community and the meaning of life coalesce in the same 45-minute discussion?
It is clear that doing justice to these topics is going to require preparation and thought during the week. The teacher's version of the study guide is filled with fascinating quotes and questions that inspire prayerful meditation.
The study guide has some interesting, and perhaps self-serving, comments in defense of 'organized religion'. Specifically, the study guide relates Solomon's comments that
"two are better than one ... if one falls down, his friend can help him up"
to Christian community.
In what ways have you experienced Christian community? Historically, Christian religious organizations of all stripes have been at the forefront of both:
(a) lifting people up, and
(b) oppressing them.
In what ways can you build Christian community that lifts people up rather than oppresses? Is our toil in the service of 'organized religion' a "meaningless chasing after the wind", or does it provide you with "a good return for your work" (v9)? What is this return?
v10: the joy of restoring a fallen friend.
Wow. Wouldn't that infuse 'Church' with meaning.
Is that what organized religion is about? Is that what God is about?
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