Long Time No Talk

Our dialogue begins with an examination of Eve's processing prior to the taking and eating of the fruit.  Choice is not a single event, rather it is made up of multiple components.  We work together to extrapolate the components of Eve's choice, which were three particular parts.  If the starting point of choice is desire and reason, what might have been Eve's internal processing becoming choice?

Choice is a revealer: a revealer of what in this account? The role of good and how it affects choice is discussed.

The serpent's role with the Genesis account is discussed.  Rather than identifying the purpose of the serpent, we instead delve into what its purpose was not.  This less frequent methodology allows us to explore the nature of the fruit.  The nature of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil is commonly inflated.  

The concept of choice is introduced, one that was not deliberately, nor distinctively presented, rather inferred.  We look at the choice itself, which became hyper-focused on the fruit, which then has carried onto our own interpretations.  What are the components that make up choice?

This discussion continues exploration of good and evil, particularly their meanings detailed in its original language.  When good and evil are used, its context includes responses of feelings.  These evil feelings are exemplified by Eve's experiences.  Eve's experiences are not antiquated, nor outdated stories or myths.  Rather her experiences are as relevant to the modern day as any other.  

We extrapolate one prominent emotion, "fear" and make personal correlations.  How is fear expressed, realized today?  While we may use more sophisticated language today, the notions are consistent from the earliest days.

We start this dialogue with the notion of tackling some difficult questions.  Rather than veering off or inserting a pre-cut answer we instead talk about ruminating and reflecting.

What will heaven be like?  We delve into an exploration of heaven and the possibility that not everyone would enjoy it.   

We return to the context of good and evil within Genesis 3. How was the knowledge of good and evil attained? And how was Adam and Eve's experience influenced by the knowledge of good and evil?  

We pick up right where we left off from our last talk in which Larry rehashes our topic regarding the notion of "good."  A basic ground work is laid that sets the table for the appearance of the serpent.

What was the serpents intention in the garden?

The serpent touches on some significant themes that catches Eve's attentions and triggers responses from her.  

We continue discussion of the notion of good and the notion of evil.

[Series: Scratching Below the Surface] is not a preorchestrated, meticulously designed series with a set agenda in place.  Our regular talks are taking us on an incredible journey together, a brotherhood, a fellowship in which we have been searching for understanding, discernment, and wisdom, in one accord.

While this series will be more structured than our usual free form style, our direction was provoked from past discussions, musings, and contemplation.  We do not know explicitly where our journey will take us, nor what the destination will be,  because the journey is not mapped our and one we embark together.

The second volume of [Series: Scratching Below the Surface] begins with a question asked by Rewell in a past talk.  Prior to the eating of the fruit recorded in Genesis chapter 3, we ask, " Was Adam and Eve only functioning automatically?"  Automatically meaning acting without deliberate thought, without high functioning mental capacities, moving without intention.  Rewell likened this functioning to worker ants- involuntary, instinctual movement.

This notion is derived from the verse which says "the eyes of both were opened."  We begin our exploration and study in Part 1 of "The Questions of Life."  We end our talks inquiring whether or not we can say Adam and Eve knew good.

[Series: Scratching Below the Surface] is not a preorchestrated, meticulously designed series with a set agenda in place.  Our regular talks are taking us on an incredible journey together, a brotherhood, a fellowship in which we have been searching for understanding, discernment, and wisdom, in one accord.

While this series will be more structured than our usual free form style, our direction was provoked from past discussions, musings, and contemplation.  We do not know explicitly where our journey will take us, nor what the destination will be,  because the journey is not mapped our and one we embark together.

A cursory discussion regarding truth.  Though we only briefly cover notions of truth during this abbreviated episode, these ideas and thoughts will help us steer forthcoming discussions in our search for understanding.  We hope to further explore notions of truth in subsequent dialogues and studies.

We start this talk delving into the question, "What is the goal of the good life?"

Does our current surrounding environment, particularly where we live, contribute to the good life?  The benefits and disadvantages of living in the United States are explored.  

We are introduced to the concept of Eudaimonia, an exploration and commentary by Aristotle regarding concepts of the good life.  The good life particularly in meaning and in form.

[Series: Scratching Below the Surface] is not a preorchestrated, meticulously designed series with a set agenda in place.  Our regular talks are taking us on an incredible journey together, a brotherhood, a fellowship in which we have been searching for understanding, discernment, and wisdom, in one accord.

While this series will be more structured than our usual free form style, our direction was provoked from past discussions, musings, and contemplation.  We do not know explicitly where our journey will take us, nor what the destination will be,  because the journey is not mapped our and one we embark together.

 This Episode is a continuation of [Series: Scratching Below the Surface].  We delve into notions of life, the "good life", and the purpose and meaning of it all.

[Series: Scratching Below the Surface] is not a preorchestrated, meticulously designed series with a set agenda in place.  Our regular talks are taking us on an incredible journey together, a brotherhood, a fellowship in which we have been searching for understanding, discernment, and wisdom, in one accord.

While this series will be more structured than our usual free form style, our direction was provoked from past discussions, musings, and contemplation.  We do not know explicitly where our journey will take us, nor what the destination will be,  because the journey is not mapped our and one we embark together.

This Episode kicks off the second season of Long Time No Talk.  

 The maiden voyage of [Series: Scratching Below the Surface] begins with an ice breaker activity, "Tell me about yourself."  This activity will set the tone for forthcoming discussions. 

[Series: Scratching Below the Surface] is not a preorchestrated, meticulously designed series with a set agenda in place.  Our regular talks are taking us on an incredible journey together, a brotherhood, a fellowship in which we have been searching for understanding, discernment, and wisdom, in one accord.

While this series will be more structured than our usual free form style, our direction was provoked from past discussions, musings, and contemplation.  We do not know explicitly where our journey will take us, nor what the destination will be,  because the journey is not mapped our and one we embark together.