Approaching the Gospels

Mary Morrison led a weekly group study and discussion of the Gospels for twenty years at Pendle Hill, the Quaker study center. In this pamphlet, she explains her approach and method in leading these groups, and recommends helpful resources. The greatest help of all, she says, is to assemble a group

Show More

of interested people to read and think together about these stories, this myth.
The task is to learn how to approach the Gospels and the great myth-symbol they present, Jesus the Christ, how to evoke fresh speech from them, and how to understand that speech. In the group, one meets different points of view and finds a great variety of insights. What the group works at is the business of turning this text into living meaning that will grow in our hearts and give direction to our lives.
She gives some helpful background to each of the four Gospels, to the time and place, and to Biblical literary forms. While there are many good books about the Gospels that present more up-to-date and comprehensive information, this pamphlet offers a brief, readable, and wise introduction to a study of the Gospels, plus an appendix with instructions on how to set up a study group, lead the sessions, and participate in the sessions.

Show Less