It seems like our discussions are just getting better and better! Jo Ann, Dan, Karen, Merill, Dave, David, Odette, Robin, Randy, and Alain attended. I think one of the reason the discussions are becoming more lively and interesting is the group as a whole are getting to know one another better and are getting more and more comfortable about sharing thoughts, experiences, and insights.
We read the introduction to the Book of James that is in the Jewish Annotated New Testament first, so most of discussion was about who actually wrote the book of James and that the Hebrew translation for the name James is Jacob. (Interesting side note: The Hebrew translation of Jesus’ name is Joshua. Actually, the Greek translation of the name Joshua is Jesus.)
We wondered if James was truly the brother of Jesus. There was talk he was Jesus’ twin brother, but how could that be if Jesus was conceived by immaculate conception? But..the Catholic Church does not think that James was the brother of Jesus in any way. They believe Jesus was Mary’s only child.
And…how could an illiterate man write the Book of James at all?
We sidetracked a bit and talked about the Christian practice of communion. We discussed with Merrill how communion is done in the Catholic Church and Jo Ann shared some amusing communion stories. For example, a Baptist version of The Lord’s Supper sure is a little meal from a Jewish point of view! Why would supper be served at 10 am on a Sunday morning? Communion is based on the last supper that Jesus participated with his disciples and looks similar to the Jewish kiddish ceremony but the two rituals are dramatically different.
Alain was interested in reading the actual text, so finally, we began reading James Chapter One, but we didn’t get all that far since we ran out of time. We will continue from verse 12 next week. One of the verses mentioned doubt, and Alain commented that doubt is a very Jewish thing.
A lot more was said. Dan had quite a lot of history to share and so did David.
Again, if I forgot to mention anything, please comment.
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