By The Rev. Bill Carroll
In any given group of Episcopalians, you will find a variety of perspectives, alongside a deep and abiding trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Our faith is at once very old and traditional, but open to truth, beauty, and goodness wherever they may be found. Here at Christ Church Cranbrook, over the next few years, we have made a commitment to more teaching about the basics of the Christian Faith as we understand it. In part, this is because many people are coming to us from other traditions that believe and practice differently, sometimes radically so. But it is also because we are convinced that the Good News of Jesus is vitally needed in this and every age, and that the loudest voices that claim to speak for him are not always the most faithful. We would like to drill down and understand what lies at the cherished core of our faith, as well as our willingness to live with differences that often tear other communities apart.
We decided to begin on a practical level, by reading a short but central book of the New Testament together. The Letter to the Galatians is Paul’s brief and (in many ways) most powerful statement of his distinctive vision of God’s grace, the transformative power of love, and the freedom we have in Jesus. Together with the Letter to the Romans, it was central to the sixteenth century Reformations in the Western Church. In addition to teaching about Jesus and his grace, it stresses the inclusive mission to both Jews and Gentiles, and the fundamental equality of women and enslaved persons in a wider world that often practiced various forms of violence and domination. Without denying that we are saved by God’s grace alone and not by works of the law, Paul stresses that we are to “bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” We are convinced that this inspiring vision should guide followers of Jesus in our practice today and that it is the key to true freedom and lasting joy.
The study will begin on October 1 and continue on Thursday nights, beginning with dinner at 6:30 pm. (We are taking a break on November 5. Sessions will be held on October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; and November 12). Although a free-will offering will be taken to offset costs, there is no charge for dinner. We do ask that you RSVP by clicking here. Everyone is encouraged to bring one or more Bibles in a preferred translation. Bibles will be available at the event as well. The most important things you can bring are your curiosity and willingness to share. We look forward to this time of faith, fellowship, and spiritual growth together!