Abraham Evening Discussion

We had a dynamic triad discussion Tuesday evening where we lost track of time and went half an hour over. Refreshments were triple chocolate brownies from Bruce Feiler's website listed above. He also writes for gourmet magazine and this recipe is definitely worth trying. So--if you're keeping track, that's three members, discussing Abraham: A Journey to the the Heart of Three Faiths eating triple chocolate brownies. Our discussion covered a lot of territory, and I would say in that respect Feiler accomplished what he wanted with the book, namely open discussion. Some members were uncomfortable with the idea that Feiler seemed to be speaking for God, assigning His thoughts and motivation for His actions. Other members wished for footnotes so they could feel more comfortable with the authority of the information presented. From my own perspective (and again, I encourage you all to post with your own comments) this just wasn't an issue. I feel like we all interpret God's intent as part of our own faith building and I didn't see the material in the book as "gospel truth" as much as a compendium of material gathered from various sources. Raw data that we can keep or discard in building our own Abraham. As a general consensus, members seem to feel that this is one of the denser selections we have attempted. Several members didn't finish the book. I applaud you all for the attempt and for adding your viewpoints to the discussion. I think this is the value of book group. We can expand our understanding by listening to others and our contribution can become a meaningful thread in the fabric of the group.

Afternoon Discussion Abraham

Afternoon discussion of Abraham by Bruce Feiler proved to be thought provoking and lively. We covered the specifics of Abraham's life such as the call and the binding in relation to information presented in the book that was new to us. We sympathized with Hagar's plight and the natural tension between Sarah. Several members commented that having any information about women in the Bible was nice since they are largely overlooked. One member who has kept a journal for an extended period expressed her dismay at reading early entries and from her present perspective finding them whiney. In relationship to Sarah and Hagar, we speculated that we wouldn't want future generations to base their own spirituality on a decision that had been recorded perhaps at a moment when we weren't our best self, as in Sarah's harsh treatment of Hagar. We discussed the idea of better interfaith understanding and barriers that exist to prevent that. Several members came to distrust Feiler as a source of information as his presentation differed from their own beliefs, others appreciated the balance of viewpoints. It was noted that mistrust and perhaps the idea that our beliefs have "more truth" than someone else's could prevent common ground. At the same time, we felt that uniqueness was a strength and shouldn't be homogenized in the name of peaceful coexistence.

List of Upcoming Discussions

Here's a list of the books we'll be discussing for remainder of 2006 for anyone out there who would like to read along. July 6th, 1 pm July 18th, 7 pm Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston The world knows the outlines of Ralston's extraordinary story: with precious little water or food, his right arm pinned for nearly five days by a boulder in a narrow canyon shaft in central-eastern Utah, Ralston amputated the arm with his pocketknife, then rappelled and hiked his way to his own rescue. What makes his account of his ordeal extraordinary is the detail and precision Ralston, a former mechanical engineer, brings to the telling. August 3rd, 1 pm August 15th, 7 pm When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka Re-creates the Japanese internment camps of WWII with the precision of a fine jeweler. Minimal, almost flawless, the story follows an American-Japanese family uprooted from their home "for the sake of national security" and sent to an internment camp in Utah. Broken by circumstance and prejudice, they will continue to pay, in large and small ways, for the shape of their eyes. September 7th, 1 pm September 19th, 7 pm Almost by Elizabeth Benedict A story about starting over and looking back, about the pain of staying and the consequences of leaving, and about a woman's longing for children, "Almost" presses readers to wonder how much responsibility they bear for other people's happiness. By this riveting novel's end, Sophy has it all figured out--almost. October 5th, 1 pm October 17th, 7 pm Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson The four visitors at Hill House-- some there for knowledge, others for adventure-- are unaware that the old mansion will soon choose one of them to make its own. Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House has unnerved readers since its original publication in 1959. A tale of subtle, psychological terror, it has earned its place as one of the significant haunted house stories of the ages. November 2nd, 1 pm November 21st, 7 pm Paul’s Case by Willa Cather Paul, a sensitive high school student, felt very frustrated with his home life and his family's expectations that he would grow up to work in a factory or the steel mills as his father and most of his neighbors did. It is a testimony to the reality of youthful dissatisfactions and the common failure of families to understand and of schools to be helpful. Paul was a misfit and was unable to accept the drab reality of his daily life. He takes action with unfortunate consequences. December 5th, 7 pm Annual Christmas Party We will watch the movie version of Paul’s Case. We will hold our annual bookmark and Christmas goodie exchange. Here’s how it works. Bring a bookmark, purchased or homemade; wrapped or unwrapped. We play a game to exchange them so everyone goes home with someone else’s bookmark. Also bring two dozen of your favorite Christmas treats—cookies, candies, etc. We will feast on these while we watch the movie, then we all go home with a sampler plate of each other’s treats

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