Come to the Table Download in Word or PDF format (requires Acrobat Reader) for copy-ready versions with fewer pages, or click "print this article" button on right. Session I. Fundamentalism It's become an especially dirty word since Sept. 11, but does fundamentalism necessarily equal violence? As you read the article, consider the authors' contention that fundamentalist movements in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have more in common than might appear. Questions to Consider 2. What does the cover art of this issue of Sojourners convey about fundamentalism? 3. Susannah Heschel discusses the ultra-orthodox Jews in her own family. What experiences have you had with fundamentalism in your own tradition? What do you admire about fundamentalists you know? What do you reject? 4. Karen Armstrong says that fundamentalism is rooted in a fear of modern liberal secular society. Feisal Abdul Rauf says it is a reaction to perceived attack. What is your assessment of modern society? Do you agree with any of the concerns of fundamentalists? 5. Jim Wallis cites Martin Luther King Jr., who said "the church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state." How have you seen the church attempt to be each of the three? 6. What symbolizes "fundamentalism" in your community? Resources "Fundamentalism and Violence." A two-hour videotape of the dialogue from which this article was excerpted. A study guide and printed transcript come with the $44.95 package. To order call 1-800-551-1220. Session II. Through the Needle's Eye What does Jesus have against rich people? And how should a pastor preach in the midst of affluence and materialism? Will Willimon, dean of the chapel at Duke University in North Carolina, reflects on an agenda for biblical Christians. Questions to Consider 2. The issue of class is often avoided in supposedly "classless" societies such as the United States. How would you describe the economic class in which you grew up and your economic class now? 3. What does a "prophetic Christian critique of the present order" look like if you are wealthy? If you are not? Jesus promised abundant life (John 10:10). How do you define abundance? 4. How would you have answered the question asked of Willimon by his student: "Do you feel at all guilty being a Christian and living in such a nice house?" Resources The Biblical Vision of Sabbath Economics, by Ched Myers, is a 70-page booklet on why the church must offer alternatives to dominant economic theory and practice. (www.pottershousebooks.org or 202-232-5483) "Trek." A four-week guide compiled by Mennonite Central Committee to help individuals and groups with too little time and too many material goods explore the question "What is enough?" (www.mcc.org) Alternatives for Simple Living. A nonprofit that equips people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly, and celebrate responsibly. (www.simpleliving.org) Session III. All We Are Saying The low-intensity warfare in Colombia raises challenging questions: What's required of U.S. congregations in the continuing struggle for justice? And what do the historic peace churches have to add to the conversation about peacemaking in our violent times? Questions to Consider 2. How do mainstream media portray the situation in Colombia? What do you know about the country and where do you get your information? 3. The authors of these two pieces challenge churches to look for "pragmatic avenues toward peace." How have you seen congregations do that? How might your church do the work of "preventative defense"? What would it take for your church to define itself as a peace church? 4. Berger chooses a cultural reference to the movie Black Hawk Down for her title. How do war movies and cultural depictions shape views on foreign policy? Resources "Every Church a Peace Church." A movement to nurture and organize the church's response to the global problem of violence. (www.ecapc.org) Justapaz, a peace and human rights organization, links Colombian congregations with sister churches overseas for mutual support, education, and prayer. Contact Sanctuary Sister Church Commission, Avenida 32, No. 14-42, Bogota, Colombia; justapaz@colnodo.apc.org. Session IV. A Modern Martyrs Mirror Around the world Christians are being attacked and churches burned to the ground. What do these attacks have in common and why have they been so invisible in the media? This article looks at the roots--and the politics--of religious persecution. Questions to Consider 2. The author supposes that the media's silence about persecution of Christians in the East is due to "the West's tendency to quarantine religion out of public discourse." Why do you think the media is interested in keeping religion quarantined? What might explain the silence of even the churches in the West? 3. Ivy George writes that because of the imperialistic, even militaristic, attitudes of some evangelists, "missionary activity can contribute directly, if unwittingly, to the persecution of Christians." Do you know stories of militaristic missionaries? What are better models of missionary activity, and how can we move toward those models? Resources SojoCircles
Invite your friends, pass the cookies, and dig into Sojourners. Table Talk discussion guides provide a bi-weekly gathering place for communities to discuss issues of faith, politics, and culture--local and global. Table Talk offers a smorgasbord of questions (enough for four sessions, if you want to arrange it that way), as well as resources for further study and suggestions for action. You bring dessert.
"Fundamentalism and the Modern World" (p. 20)
1. Fundamentalism is defined as "usually a religious movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles, by rigid adherence to those principles, and often by intolerance of other views and opposition to secularism." How would you define fundamentalism? What strikes you as the characteristics of a fundamentalist worldview?
The Battle for God, by Karen Armstrong. A sweeping overview of the history of fundamentalism in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
"Jesus Visits the Hamptons" (p. 36)
1. Willimon writes that Christians must cultivate "a deep suspicion that affluence is a spiritually debilitating and morally dangerous condition." Was Jesus suspicious of the rich?
Who is My Neighbor? Economics as if Values Matter, by the editors of Sojourners. This 180-page study guide for individual or group study is organized into nine chapters. (www.sojo.net or 1-800-714-7474)
"Black Hawk Move Over" (p. 15)
"Violence is Against My Religion" (p. 16)
1. Rose Marie Berger's article implies that it took quick wits and good luck to even temporarily thwart the "relentless forward motion" of the world's political and economic superpower. Does that description ring true for you?
"Turning Toward Peace: Dollars and Letters for Colombia." An organizing packet offered by Mennonite Central Committee that includes information about U.S. foreign policy, stories from Colombian churches, and resources for war-tax resistance. To order, send a contribution to Mennonite Central Committee, 21 South 12th St., PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500.
"The Persecuted Body" (p. 42)
1. What have you heard about the persecution of Christians in recent years? Where did you get your information? Do you know anyone who has experienced persecution because of religious beliefs?
See "What Can I Do?" in Sojourners (p. 44)
SojoCircles is a network of local groups that meet regularly to pray, dialogue, and build community in churches, families, and neighborhoods. Organized by Sojourners after Sept. 11 to discuss issues of peacemaking and social justice, SojoCircles includes groups from Australia to Wisconsin. Sojourners provides an organizer's packet with tips on meeting facilitation, resources for publicity, and links to SojoCircles around the world. Want to join? Contact sojocircles@sojo.net or call 1-800-714-7474.
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