Brian McLaren – Q1 – The Narrative Question

Chapters 4, 5, 6 – Group Questions

The author quickly introduces two very important ideas: the six-line narrative and reading the Bible frontward instead of backward. Try to summarize each in your own words, and discuss your reactions to each.

The author distinguishes Theos, the God of the six-line, Greco-Roman narrative, with Elohim, the God we encounter in the Bible. Summarize those differences.

Summarize and respond to each of the three narratives the author proposes as essential to the Bible: the creation narrative, the liberation narrative, and the reconciliation narrative.

Respond to the author’s reflections on Scripture – especially his reflections on Genesis, Exodus, and passages from the Prophets. Do his readings make sense or ring true to you? Why or why not? If time permits, read the Bible passages in Chapter 6 aloud slowly, and reflect on what these passages say to you after having read and discuss these first six chapters of the book.