ADULT FORMATION: STUDY OF FOUR PARABLES OF JESUS
AND SOCIAL/ECONOMIC JUSTICE
September through November 2015
Led by Hollis Thoms, Father So, and Pastor Yotter
You are invited to participate in a study of four parables of Jesus during some Adult Formation Classes during the fall of 2015. We will be reading four chapters from Amy-Jill Levine’s short stories by jesus (2014 book) and discussing her interpretation on these four parables of Jesus. She brings a unique perspective to the discussion since she views the parables from a standpoint of how a Jew at the time of Jesus might have interpreted the parables that they heard. The four parables we will be discussing are: The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, The Laborers in the Vineyard and The Rich Man and Lazarus. Levine’s interpretations are quite startling and thought-provoking. At each class we will read the parables, discuss Levine’s interpretation, and then look at individual examples on how that interpretation might apply in our own lives.
These sessions will not conflict with the World Religion Classes led by Rich Johnson and Mike Power. We will be encouraging participants at the two church sites to participate in all sessions since some sessions will not be duplicated.
Nine books have been purchased for this class and you may borrow one to read the chapters we will discuss prior to the sessions. Even if you can’t find time to read the book you are welcome to participate in the discussion.
The schedule and leaders are as follows:
September 20, Chapel, 9:00am and September 27,11:45am Brick Church: Father So will lead a reading of the four parables and discuss the introductory chapter of Levine’s book “How We Domesticate Jesus’ Provocative Stories.”
October 18, Chapel, 9:00am: Hollis Thoms will lead the class focusing on The Prodigal Son, pages 45-70.
October 25, Brick Church, 11:45am: Pastor Sara Yotter from Joy Reigns Lutheran Church, Edgewater, will lead the class focusing on The Good Samaritan, pages 71-106.
November 15, Chapel, 9:00am: Hollis Thoms will lead the class focusing on The Laborers in the Vineyard, pages 197-219.
November 22, Brick Church, 11:45am: Father So will lead the class focusing on The Rich Man and Lazarus, pages 247-273.
If you have any questions, please contact Hollis Thoms at