Part1 of the flyer I would just like to know what every one thinks. Would you go if this was offered too you?
"Street Talk" is a project of the Hustlas4Christ Ministry that focuses on spiritual formation and education. Not a building, school, or institute, Street Talk is people gathering around challenging ideas and voices. Our hope is to provide space and time for exploration and inquiry, questioning and listening, dialogue and discernment. Conversations will focus on things that matter most and we will often turn to the arts (peotry, music, flo, ect.) as the avenue to open us up to truths about the world, God and ourselves.
Because the questions of ultimate concern hold no quick and easy answers, we aim to take our time and dig deep; deep within the Christian tradition, deep within the expressions and voices of our culture, and deep within ourselves to discover who we are and who we are called to be in this time and place in our city.
We will turn to texts considered sacred and subversive and listen to voices that speak with poetic vision and urge dissent from our usual ways of thinking and living. Be prepared to encounter some unusual partners in dialogue and to consider those thinkers that "everyone knows about" but few people read. The lines between sacred and secular may be blurred. And don't be intimidated by the term "theology." We use it in a broad and humble way of giving a name to the activity of examining self in relationship to the Other, and the Other is relationship to self.
Our aim is not to convert or convince but to offer a safe place to contemplate and consider. Doubt, skepticism and unbelief are not enemies to be conquered but part of what it means to be human. We welcome and encourage the participation of anyone who will make our conversation more dynamic and our gatherings richer through questions, experiences, hunches and glimpses of truth. While disagreement is expected, we require that all persons be treated with respect and that each person participate with a spirit of openness to the possibility of transformation.
We are not big on lectures and are wary of those who spew out knowledge with a loud voice. Most of our time will be spent in conversation, sometimes in restaurants and taverns after a film or performance. We will seek out those places where our society's commitment to our neighbors is faltering or has failed. And at times we will visit those dark places within that normally we are encouraged to avoid. We will take time to meditate and pray, to be quiet and listen. While we encourage "regular attendance," most sessions will be designed to stand on their own. In other words, come whenever you can.
A few words about "subversive." We contend that any theology worthy of its name is subversive; it will invite if not force us to regard the world, the reality of God and ourselves in new and challenging ways. We will be overturned, upset and disturbed. We will be taken beneath the surface of self and society. We will be compelled to consider overthrowing our old ways and turning to a new way.
We want to provide an alternative learning community: one that operates with honesty, humility, respect and openness. We did not begin this endeavor with an agenda but by listening to the thoughts and desires of prospective participants. Thus we will be flexible, willing to take risks, change our plans, and quick to confess that we screwed up. We do not seek success in numbers but in the opening of minds and hearts. Knowing full well that we don't know always the answers or hold the truth, we begin this endeavor with humor and humility in anticipation of being part of a community of discovery.
Hustlas4Christ Ministry invites you to be part of the discussion. Bring your experience and existence. Offer your questions, skepticism and doubt, your joy and pain. And be prepared to have some fun along the way.
We will also be serving food. So come with an appetite! We only have a few rules,
1. Be honest. What is your honest reaction to the text? We already know the party line. What in the text bothers or inspires you? What don't you understand? Ask the question that no one else dares ask. Speak from your heart as well as your mind.
2. Be humble. While you may know a lot (or just a little), you don't know it all. Listen to other perspectives and opinions. Don't dominate the discussion with a dissertation.
3. Be hospitable. All are welcome at this table and to the text. Approach each other and the text with respect. You don't have to agree with everyone or anyone, but disagree with grace.
4. Don't talk with your mouth full. No explanation needed.
"Street Talk" is a project of the Hustlas4Christ Ministry that focuses on spiritual formation and education. Not a building, school, or institute, Street Talk is people gathering around challenging ideas and voices. Our hope is to provide space and time for exploration and inquiry, questioning and listening, dialogue and discernment. Conversations will focus on things that matter most and we will often turn to the arts (peotry, music, flo, ect.) as the avenue to open us up to truths about the world, God and ourselves.
Because the questions of ultimate concern hold no quick and easy answers, we aim to take our time and dig deep; deep within the Christian tradition, deep within the expressions and voices of our culture, and deep within ourselves to discover who we are and who we are called to be in this time and place in our city.
We will turn to texts considered sacred and subversive and listen to voices that speak with poetic vision and urge dissent from our usual ways of thinking and living. Be prepared to encounter some unusual partners in dialogue and to consider those thinkers that "everyone knows about" but few people read. The lines between sacred and secular may be blurred. And don't be intimidated by the term "theology." We use it in a broad and humble way of giving a name to the activity of examining self in relationship to the Other, and the Other is relationship to self.
Our aim is not to convert or convince but to offer a safe place to contemplate and consider. Doubt, skepticism and unbelief are not enemies to be conquered but part of what it means to be human. We welcome and encourage the participation of anyone who will make our conversation more dynamic and our gatherings richer through questions, experiences, hunches and glimpses of truth. While disagreement is expected, we require that all persons be treated with respect and that each person participate with a spirit of openness to the possibility of transformation.
We are not big on lectures and are wary of those who spew out knowledge with a loud voice. Most of our time will be spent in conversation, sometimes in restaurants and taverns after a film or performance. We will seek out those places where our society's commitment to our neighbors is faltering or has failed. And at times we will visit those dark places within that normally we are encouraged to avoid. We will take time to meditate and pray, to be quiet and listen. While we encourage "regular attendance," most sessions will be designed to stand on their own. In other words, come whenever you can.
A few words about "subversive." We contend that any theology worthy of its name is subversive; it will invite if not force us to regard the world, the reality of God and ourselves in new and challenging ways. We will be overturned, upset and disturbed. We will be taken beneath the surface of self and society. We will be compelled to consider overthrowing our old ways and turning to a new way.
We want to provide an alternative learning community: one that operates with honesty, humility, respect and openness. We did not begin this endeavor with an agenda but by listening to the thoughts and desires of prospective participants. Thus we will be flexible, willing to take risks, change our plans, and quick to confess that we screwed up. We do not seek success in numbers but in the opening of minds and hearts. Knowing full well that we don't know always the answers or hold the truth, we begin this endeavor with humor and humility in anticipation of being part of a community of discovery.
Hustlas4Christ Ministry invites you to be part of the discussion. Bring your experience and existence. Offer your questions, skepticism and doubt, your joy and pain. And be prepared to have some fun along the way.
We will also be serving food. So come with an appetite! We only have a few rules,
1. Be honest. What is your honest reaction to the text? We already know the party line. What in the text bothers or inspires you? What don't you understand? Ask the question that no one else dares ask. Speak from your heart as well as your mind.
2. Be humble. While you may know a lot (or just a little), you don't know it all. Listen to other perspectives and opinions. Don't dominate the discussion with a dissertation.
3. Be hospitable. All are welcome at this table and to the text. Approach each other and the text with respect. You don't have to agree with everyone or anyone, but disagree with grace.
4. Don't talk with your mouth full. No explanation needed.