Discussion 7

About the Event

Meeting 7

Meeting Minutes for October 1, 1997; #7.

Rob Adamczyk, Howard Foster, Don Hansen, Charles Moore, Jeff Seaver.

Howard distributed a summary on the recent book by his son Stephen Paul Foster, called Melancholy Duty, The Hume-Gibbon Attack on Christianity. Stephen is Associate Dean of Libraries, Central Michigan Univ.

Rob mentioned his correspondence with author A.J. Matill, who wrote The Seven Mighty Blows to Traditional Beliefs. Rob raised the question as to how dogmatic one should be. He also read portions from Dan Barker’s book, Losing Faith in Faith.

The group discussed the fragile nature of nature itself: the frequent and extensive mortality in the bird kingdom; and the seeming brutality of the animal and bug kingdoms where survival often depends upon cunning, entrapment and predation. The question then arises: if a god exists, and especially a loving god, why would such a system be established, where moral choices or existence doesn’t even prevail.

Abortion was discussed; opinions varied somewhat. It was felt this could be a subject for a future meeting.

Howard read an interesting piece called ŒJesus Alike by the author Wilson. Howard recommended two books by author John Crossan called Jesus and The Essential Jesus.

The group wondered why women appear to be less interested in the skeptic approach than men, noting that only men were at tonight’s meeting. Possibly an effort to invite women has not been sufficient.

For the next meeting it was suggested that we watch the film, “The Meaning of Life”, a Monte Python movie. Don agreed to provide it.

Note: The day following the meeting Charley Moore said that he had contacted Duncan Littlefair, former minister of Fountain Street Church who would be able to attend, but only on Thursday, October 30.

Also enclosed is Charley Reese’s column on liberal religion, with a letter in response to it.

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>From the church bulletin: Wednesday the Ladies Liturgy Society will meet. Mrs. Jones will sing “Put Me in My Little Bed” accompanied by the pastor.