Suggested Resources for Small Groups

from Sam Alexander – May 2002

¨      Gospel and Pluralist Society – Leslie Newbigin: this book, the subject of which is aptly described in the title, is written by a very well known missionary and leader in international ecumenical organizations. A somewhat challenging read, by which I mean, you’ll need to work a bit at it, but you will understand him and appreciate him if you do.

¨      Christian Doctrine – Shirley Guthrie: This book has long been a standard for Adult Education. Guthrie does a very good job of “describing the theological field” on which we Presbyterians play. Very readable, by which I mean, that he writes for people without theological education..

¨      Reading the Bible Again for the First Time – Marcus Borg: This honest, liberal scholar, writes a very readable book about the way we interact with the Bible. It’s about the authority of scripture – but it is written in a away that is much more interesting than that sounds. Very readable.

¨      Through Peasant Eyes – Kenneth Bailey: Bailey is an innovative interpreter of the parables of Jesus from a Middle Eastern perspective. A somewhat challenging read.

¨      Resident Aliens – Hauerwas and Willamon: Hauerwas is one my and Erwin’s favorite theologians. This book is a provocative look at what the church needs to be in our culture. Very Readable.

¨      Genesis – Bill Moyers: A series of discussion led by Moyers; participants in the discussion are leaders from a variety of Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities. The discussion are in video, print and audio format and have study guides to go with them.

¨      Jesus and the Disinherited – Howard Thurman: A stimulating and challenging essay by a deep African American spiritual writer. If you’ve not heard of him you must! Very readable.

¨      Devotional Classics – Richard Foster: This is a collection of excerpts from great Christian writers from the first to the twentieth centuries. They are short and come with intelligent reflection questions. Very readable.

¨      Chorus of Witnesses - Tom Long: This is a stimulating collection of sermons. They will invite discussion. Very readable.

¨      The Kingdom Within – John Sanford: This is a Jungian interpretation of the synoptic gospels. An easy and different read. Very readable.

¨      Interpretation Bible Study Series – Westminster Press: This series of Bible Study Guides is, I believe, the best one out there for our congregation. They are informed and balanced. Very readable.

¨      Space for God – Postema: This well known work book of spiritual growth, is intended to be done with a group. It uses art (most Van Gogh and Rembrandt), poetry and writings to enable growth in contemplative prayer. Very readable.

¨      Remembering Your Story – A workbook that takes you through the process of writing a spiritual autobiography. Very readable.

¨      There are two or three study guides that lead people into a journaling process. I can show them to you. Very readable.

¨      The Message of the Psalms – Walter Brueggemann: Written by a prolific and challenging scholar. Helps you get into and make sense of the Psalms. A somewhat challenging read.

¨      The Plague: Albert Camus: Read and talk about this together and it may change your understanding of the human problem we call “sin.”