02/22/2023
Friends: For the last two months I’ve been extensively listening in on the “deconstructing religion (particularly Christianity)” conversation going on on social media (particularly TicTok and Instagram). I think this may be the most important spiritual topic of the 21st century thus far. If you don’t know anything about it it’s worth the effort to get familiar with the issues.
Here’s an opportunity I thought you’d like to know about: “Is Christianity Worth Saving” with Brian McLaren + Friends in Portland March 16 and Seattle March17. It’s being produced by our old friend Jim Henderson of “Off the Map” fame which guarantees an event worth attending. If I were still in Seattle I’d be there and if I couldn’t make Seattle I’d drive to Portland.
The event runs from 9:30a - 4p.
The event mirrors the 3 part structure of Brian’s new book “Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned,” …
“No, because…” …
“Yes, because…” … and
“Now what?”
Similarly the event poses the question “Is Christianity (as we see it functioning pin American society today) Worth Saving? … in 3 parts
“No, because…” …
“Yes, because…” and,
“Now What?"
Here’s what’s different and maybe even a bit intriguing about this event.
Rather than giving a Plenary speech, Brian will convene three Plenary Fishbowl Circles where he will interact with 10-12 representative stakeholders who will serve as proxies for the gallery + interactive talkback segments that involve the gallery (a.k.a the audience).
Think… a “private conversation in public” where the audience eavesdrops and then participates by asking clarifying questions.
Its called a 3Practice Circle . Go to 3practices.com for an example of what it looks like in a Zoom format.
Each of the circles will take on a different theme/question related to the larger question “Is Christianity Worth Saving”
No question is out of bounds. If we’re not talking about Christian nationalism, about racism, sexism, genderism, history, biblicism and biblical authority, equity, and justice, we won’t have done what we set out to do.
Get tickets for Portland at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/is-christianity-worth-saving-a-one-day-with-brian-mclaren-in-portland-or-tickets-512709717567
Get tickets for Seattle at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/is-christianity-worth-saving-a-one-day-with-brian-mclaren-in-seattle-tickets-512737320127
Check out the special guests who have agreed to sit in the Circle with Brian
in Portland and Seattle go to https://offthemap.squarespace.com/events
We are pleased that The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology and St Marks Cathedral are co-sponsoring the event in Seattle which will be held at St Marks Cathedral. In Portland the event is sponsored by St. John's Church, North Portland
Questions?
Email [email protected] or call him at 206 383 9078
Thanks
p.s. Please share this link with your friends as well.
EVENTSSometimes we organize eventsOur events explore the hills and valleys of religion … politics … race … gender …individual and collective change We’re just curiousPlease don’t judge us for that A One-Day interactive event with Brian McLaren. March 16, 2023 in PortlandMarch 17, 2023 in...
