Theology Pub

For a number of years I have been kicking around the idea of having a theology pub. A place where a group of people can meet on a regular basis to discuss important issue in substantive ways.
This Saturday night we are beginning such a group.

This has been a quite start because I want it to begin well.
The format is below. All who read this blog are welcome to come. We will meet this first week at The Local Irish Pub in Minneapolis. We are giving this place a try, but are not formally committed anywhere yet.
This first week we will decide on the order of topics and get started.

Solomon’s Porch Theology Pub
A saloon of ideas, beliefs and integrated thoughts
Making a contribution to the collective understanding of things

Format and Purpose
∑ To engage in thoughtful conversation on topics important for Christian faith of our day with special emphasis given to topics that people 100 hundred years from now will be interested in knowing how we dealt with.
∑ Each topic will be covered for four meetings – two months. This will give ample time to discuss and learn about the topics.
∑ The group will meet every other Saturday night beginning at 8 PM.
∑ Each evening will begin with a group discussion of the topic and setting the parameters for that evening.
∑ Following the group meeting participants will break into smaller dialog groups for the remainder of the night.

Topics -

Sexuality and Humanity
Bio–Ethics and Technological Progress
Economics and World Need
Environment in an Age of Industrialization
Race in the American Context
Bible and Authority for Personal and Corporate Life

Rules:
In order to have the most productive conversation possible, and to help us all learn the art of intelligent dialog the following rules must be adhered to by all participants.
∑ Courtesy and respect will be shown at all times.
∑ Commitment will be made to listen to the perspectives of others.
∑ All statements that are not explicit facts must include the attitude of “it seems to me.”
∑ All participants will work hard to increase their understanding of the issues between meetings.
∑ Participants must arrive by 8:15 pm.

Comments

[Teresa]

We are trying to do this on-line. Right now, we are meeting in our home (as Solomon's Collinnade. I ran across your blog when I searched for a pic of Solomon's Porch. We have several other gatherings going and hope to have our web-site up and running in May and then be "on-line" by the end of the year. Keep in touch and let us know how yours is going.

[sky]

hey doug... sky here, from seattle. wished in live in Minneapolis to join you all. alas.

[Bob]

Cool, can I do JELLO SHOTS FOR JESUS?

[maggi]

We started one of these in South London in 1990 - it's still running 14 years later. Good luck - hope yours goes well.

[Patrick Blyeth]

I've had the same sort of idea for some time... nice to see someone "flesh" this out - would like to use your "format" - anyway to post some of the key points of each gathering on your blog?

[Greg in Nicaragua]

Aaaarrrrgh! You don't know me but this kinda thing is what I've always thirsted for. Why can't you guys just fly down here...? Will there be any way for online participation for those who aren't confined to the greater Minneapolis area?

[Ochuk]

I may drop by.

[Cleave]

Doug, good format and rules. I look forward to hearing about it. Wish I lived in Minneapolis.