Final Week Discussion

The Last Dance for Now AKA Week VII - Joe

The Last Dance for Now AKA Week VII - Joe

by Joe Amini -
Number of replies: 2

After reading the Bible story through in such a short amount of time, what stood out to you or struck you that you had not thought of before?

First, I enjoyed reading the Bible through the Story. I loved the theming and highlights throughout. I think what struck me the most and impacted me was the story of Esther; of course, I read it a million times, of course not really, but it never hit me like it did this time. I never thought of Esther's story's role in politics and how her actions changed the landscape of an entire people. After coming to that realization, it seems like it should have, but it didn't until now. I understand my role in the political landscape differently because of how God used Esther. 

Of the 5 directions for practicing humble interpretation of Scripture, which one do you find the most difficult to put into practice?

As a young believer, I sometimes watched and participated in unhealthy conflicts of what I think I would call theological debate. Because of that, I struggle with intentionally putting myself in environments that are intentionally opposed to mine. I have been more intentional this year, and my teenagers are helping me, but I recognize it as a weakness that needs attention. Often it's not because I think I will get frustrated but instead because it seems we are quicker to draw lines in our culture and pick sides. But that is an excuse that I have to battle.
 


In reply to Joe Amini

Re: The Last Dance for Now AKA Week VII - Joe

by Ashley Duval -
Joe I promise I did not read your discussion before posting mine - but I find it interesting that I was equally struck by Esther (but for different reasons) and also that I struggle with the same practice. I tend to avoid intense conflicting conversations in general, but specifically in the Christian world. How do you continue loving someone when you just think they are wrong or they think you are wrong. I have even found myself avoiding friendships with people that I know interpret things different than me because I just don't want the conflict (especially if their personality is more direct than my own). I'll be praying for your journey in this area as I walk the same one!
In reply to Joe Amini

Re: The Last Dance for Now AKA Week VII - Joe

by Audrey Morris -
Thank you for sharing how our children can provide both a challenge and a mirror to help us grow within our own faith. With a teen & tween at home myself, we've had some great conversations in the last year about how and why we believe. I'm so thankful for God's gift of children to help show how big his love is for us. Even today on the drive home from work we talked about how they are growing into faith as their own connection/relationship with God.