Summary of New Testament From a Jewish Point of View Class - Monday, August 21, 2023

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Jo Ann was on the road and worried her car was overheating during our class, so Dan facilitated the class.  We had a large group: Dan, Steve, Karen, Merrill, Igor, Laura, Dave, Robin, Randy, and Jay attended.  Jessica joined at the end and Jo Ann listened in.  It was great to have Randy back!

Below is a summary written by Dan of what was discussed:

II Timothy chapter 1 

We read the introduction to II Timothy from the second edition of the Jewish Annotated New Testament and the text of II Timothy 1. However, our discussion centered about why there are so many religious opinions about all kinds of things in the first place? We had the advantage of having a very diverse group to talk this over with.

I believe we achieved a consensus that no one has a monopoly on truth. Also, the point was raised that sincere belief of any kind can never be forced on anyone. Our discussion ranged far, from the Spanish Inquisition to religious belief in Spain and the United States today. That reasonable belief of our group of live and let live, obviously has not dissuaded people from declaring their monopoly on truth and attempting to force their beliefs on everyone else. That battle continues.

We continue in II Timothy next Monday. The completion of our reading of the New Testament is immanent. I am pleased that the last letter we read is named Philemon, which is a rather personal note which can give an insight to the character of Paul the Apostle. 

Shalom



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