The Reason Driven Life: What Am I Here on Earth For? by Robert M. Price;Julia Sweeney;Julia Sweeney

Author:Robert M. Price;Julia Sweeney;Julia Sweeney
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2009-06-30T06:46:00+00:00

In 2001 my family returned to North Carolina, and it was not long before we tried to start up Heretics again. Before too many months had gone by, we began having tentative meetings, often with pretty shallow and mundane conversations, just so people could get to feel comfortable with each other. Again, there were students and faculty, business associates, people daring to question inherited dogmas, learning to stretch the wings of their minds and to think for themselves, as well as fundamentalists who have this or that odd opinion unwelcome in their own circles but that could be expressed here. Even one or two high school students, friends of my daughters.

The meetings have thrived. Everyone, usually about fifteen people, sat around our living room. Wine, soda, munchies, and cheese circulated freely-as did ideas. Usually the melee began with someone reading an essay or a book review from some source or other. Then the discussion might ricochet anywhere.

Gradually we found we had to circulate a list of ground rules facilitating polite interaction (see the next chapter); but no one minded, and it did some good. For instance, we have always thought it best to avoid politics. It is divisive, mundane, and, besides, there are plenty of other opportunities throughout the week to air your opinions on these matters. So why waste rare evenings when more advanced ethical, spiritual, and existential topics can come up for review?

Over the years, I have often been gratified to hear people exclaim how much they enjoy the meetings, and how unique they are. But what we do, surely anyone can do. As long as you have acquaintances whom you think would enjoy it, just make a list of some topics, clip some columns, choose some book excerpts, set out some snacks, and you're on your way!

Reverend Warren suggests that his readers organize discussion groups focusing on The PurposeDriven Life, and I bet you'd profit from a series of discussions based on The Reason-Driven Life. You could read a chapter aloud for everyone to discuss (or not), I don't care.

Also, I mentioned that Heretics Anonymous has functioned as a port in the storm for people dissatisfied with dogmatic religion to speak their minds and to share experiences. This book could certainly provide a nucleus for such a group. Another possibility, though, is to check out some of the online discussion forums maintained by exevangelicals for the same purpose.

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