Discussion of issues of theology and authorship led by congregation members
- 1:00 p.m. online on Zoom B (password case sensitive: GraceOP)
Class led by Father John Rumple providing historical context and background
- 7:00 p.m. in person in the Parish Hall or online on Zoom B (password case sensitive: GraceOP)
Sermon, introduction, interpretation of the text
- 10:30 a.m. in person in the Sanctuary or online on Zoom A (password case sensitive: GraceOP)
September 11: I Maccabees
September 18: Enoch
September 25: The Wisdom of Jesus ben Sirach
October 2: The Shepherd of Hermas
October 9: Class Postponed
October 16: The Gospel of Thomas
Banned Books of the Bible – An Education, Sermon and Discussion Series
924 Lake Street - Oak Park IL 60301 - 708-386-8036 - office@graceoakpark.org - facebook.com/GraceOakPark
Sermon Class Schedule
Wednesdays
In an era where the movement to ban selected books from libraries and school curricula is gaining momentum, the historical roots of such practices run deep. One of the earliest examples of book banning can be traced back to the 4th century, when Christian authorities made pivotal decisions about which texts would be included in the biblical canon.
The initiative to create an authoritative biblical text was spearheaded by Roman Emperor Constantine, a recent convert to Christianity. He charged Christian bishops to determine which scriptures should be included in the narrative, amidst a myriad of texts circulating among early believers. Over the 400 years separating the Book of Micah in the Hebrew Bible from the Gospels of the Christian Scriptures, a diversity of Christian groups and beliefs flourished across the Mediterranean, prompting bishops to seek out the ideological mainstream.
Banned Books of the Bible is a five-week series of classes, discussions, and sermons about the texts that didn’t make the cut and why. Each book will be introduced during the Sunday morning worship service and a lay-led discussion group will meet online Wednesday afternoons with a class taught by Fr. John on Wednesday evenings. In addition, a weekly workbook containing background information, discussion questions, and further reading suggestions will be made available on this page.