Cheyenne Interfaith Council

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"Bibles and Beer"


For the most current listings of where we are in the Bible scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Initiated and sponsored by Highlands United Presbyterian Cheyenne Church, "a weekly happy hour called “Beers and Bibles.”" Anyone (21 years and older!) interested is welcome. Bring an open mind, a desire to listen and learn and enough money to pick up your own tab. We meet at 5:30 till 6:30 at Uncle Charlie’s. Organized by CIC President, Rev. Rodger McDaniel, who notes: "I know this may not be for everybody, but then I know of no single spiritual experience that is." More information can be found on his blog at: http://blowinginthewyomingwind.blogspot.com/2011/04/bibles-and-beers-interested.html or contact Rev. McDaniel via Facebook.
Some basic rules have been established to make this comfortable for people from different faith traditions:

1). No arguing (debating). That does not mean we cannot voice differing perspectives. We don't have to agree on everything. We can learn from each other by listening to each other. 

2). Stick with what the text says. Repeating someone else's sermon doesn't help. What can we learn from the text. This does not mean sacred literature from various faith traditions (Talmud, Koran, etc.) which references the text cannot be considered. 

3). Tip the server generously. It's a lot of work to take care of a group that usually is not spending a whole lot. At least we can pitch in to help those who are providing us with "a neutral place" to meet.

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What this group is studying and when:

Monday May 16, 2011 the group has it's first meeting and begins discussing Genesis.
Webmaster's Editorial Note: The following NPR story was broadcast after the group met and discussed that part of the Bible. This NPR story is posted to the "Bibles and Beer" Facebook page. It is placed here to fit the overall arc of the group's discussions about the Bible.
Some conservative scholars are saying publicly that they can no longer believe the Genesis account. Genealogical evidence is too strong, they say, to believe in a historical Adam and Eve. But for some, this questions the fundamental nature of Christianity, creating a profound rift in the community.

Webmaster's note: The gap in chronology for this group until July 25, 2011 is that I do not at this point have a record of the distribution of the readings. What shows up below was gleaned from the "Bibles and Beer" Facebook page moderated by Rev. McDaniel. As I obtain the missing information, I'll post it to this page. The was an independent Blog post on July 9, 2011 which mentioned:
Christian, Jewish and Muslim views of Noah and the flood Monday at "Bibles and Beer"

Rodger McDaniel Someone suggested we have a Facebook page to add comments throughout the week about discussions we've had. here it is. I added as many persons as I could remember and find on Facebook. July 20, 2011The "Bibles and Beer" Facebook page is established by Rev. Rodger McDaniel.
The text for Monday July 25th is Genesis 16-18 What can we learn about "traditional Biblical models of marriage" this week? Genesis 16-18.   

Monday August 1, 2011 The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18 & 19). This is a story that demands (1) careful reading of the text; and (2) some research into various interpretations. Here is a link which Rev. McDaniel hopes you'll find helpful.  http://hermdownunder.blogspot.com/2010/05/genesis-19-maybe-part-1-of-more-maybe.html
Bonus for 8-1-11: So you have time to think about it...the introduction question for Monday is...you can learn a lot about someone by the company they keep. EXCEPT JESUS...what Bible character OR other person in history with whom God kept company taught you the most about God and why?
Monday August 8, 2011 We move to the story of the Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22) after discussing what it is God teaches us about righteousness in the story of Lot. Join us at 5:30 at Uncle Charlie's for Bibles and Beer (PS Bring your Bible. It's so much fun carrying it through the bar at happy hour!).
Monday August 15, 2011, the discussion is about the Sacrifice of Isaac, sometimes also known as "the binding of Isaac."


Monday August 21- we are talking about Genesis 19:30-38 (see photo of Lot and his daughters) and the 20th and 21st Chapters of Genesis...please also read Genesis 26: 1-11.

Bonus: Hendrik Goltzius' 1616 painting (below) shows Lot being seduced by his daughters. The fox behind the tree symbolizes female cunning. In front of the burning city is the pillar of salt, Lot's wife. Question: who is the victim and who is the perp and why the heck is this story in the Bible in the first place?


"We had a great group tonight. 40 people came...the discussion was invigorating. ... Thanks to all who came tonight. Who ever thought Bible study could be so much fun?"

Monday August 29, 2011 We will discuss Genesis 21.

Bonus: Your homework for Monday is to read Genesis 21, put yourself in the shoes of one of the characters and tell the story from that person's point of view! For example...what would this have felt like to young Ishmael? The unnamed other slave women? Followers of Abraham?


Monday September 5, 2011 Msg. from our fearless moderator: See you on Labor Day for a conversation about Genesis 25 and 27! Have a safe weekend.

Monday September 12, 2011 - This Monday we resume the study of Genesis 27. The question is...of all the characters, who would you rather be...Isaac, Rebekah, Esau or Jacob? Why?




Announcing: Monday September 19, 2011 - "Bibles and Burgers" BEGINS! Mark your calendars for the first day of "Bibles and Burgers" at 2 Doors Down on September 19th at 11:30 AM. Order your lunch and then come upsatirs for a study of the Book of Job.

Listen to NPR story about "Bibles and Beer" at http://stateofthereunion.com/home/season-2-2/wyoming It is found in the second half of "Segment B"   "Wyoming: The New Old West

People are few and far between in Wyoming.  Those that do live here prize tradition, self-reliance, and their connection to the land.  So when change comes to the high plains—an oil boom, a minister with new ideas—communities here are tested.   And neighbors have to strike a balance between preserving their independent way of life, and learning to rely on one another. We trek to the small towns and remote ranches of Wyoming, meeting people as they adapt to the New Old West.  ... And a new minister in Cheyenne makes a bold move to liven up his dwindling congregation."
Monday September 19, 2011 "Bibles and Beer"
The scripture for Monday September 19th is Genesis 32 and 33. Jacob and Esau prepare to confront one another. Jacob wrestles with God and then the brothers have their meeting.   
We will be at Uncle Charlie's starting at the usual time of 5:30 PM. 
Monday September 26, 2011 "Bibles and Beer" the reading is Genesis remainder of chapter 33, and all of chapter 34.

Webmaster's Note: As discussed at the "Bibles and Beer" gathering on 9-26-2011, referring to the Hebrew Bible (Jewish Bible) as the "Old Testament" is a specifically Christian label which not only does not convey the full sanctity of these texts as they are held by the people from which they originate, but historically has been part of the contextualization of them being something other than currently relevant. For sake of inclusiveness, so that no one from any faith tradition should feel marginalized or that their sacred texts are treated with anything other than sincere respect, as much as possible we are going to refer to what is commonly referred to by Christians as the "Old Testament" as the "Hebrew Bible, Jewish Bible, or Tanakh." When we get to the books that were added by and are common to all of Christianity, we will refer to them as the "Christian Scriptures, Gospels, Epistles, etc." The other books which occur between these two biblical canons we will refer to as "Apocrypha" as they are labeled by the traditions which embrace them. While this may seem like "political correctness" or "mere semantics" to some, it in fact is simply being accurate and precise in describing these sacred texts. For more information about why the people who carried forward these Biblical stories for about 2,000 years before the beginning of Christianity call these texts the "TaNaKh" and how that canon is organized, please view the video below as well as explore the links which follow it. Shalom, Salaam, Peace.
The full course can be found here:
http://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies/introduction-to-the-old-testament-hebre...
http://oyc.yale.edu/religious-studies/introduction-to-the-old-testament-hebre...

Christine Hayes is Professor of Religious Studies in Classical Judaica. Before joining the Yale faculty in 1996, she was Assistant Professor of Hebrew Studies in the Department of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University for three years. A specialist in talmudic-midrashic studies, Hayes offers undergraduate courses on the literature and history of the biblical and talmudic periods (including Introduction to the "Old Testament"/Hebrew Bible and Introduction to Judaism).

http://www.yale.edu/religiousstudies/facultypages/hayes.html
http://academicearth.org/speakers/christine-hayes-1

Diagrams illustrating the timeline and books of the HB/"OT":
http://www.threetwoone.org/diagrams/hebrew-bible-books-timeline.gif
http://www.threetwoone.org/diagrams/HebrewBibleOutlinePresentation.gif
http://hodos.org/pentateuch/hebrew-bible-people-and-places.gif
http://hodos.org/pentateuch/four-pentateuch-sources.gif
http://hodos.org/pentateuch/genesis-1-11-structure.htm
http://hodos.org/pentateuch/pentateuch-sources-02.gif

Here is a link to where you can find an online Hebrew - English Bible According to the Masoretic Text (1917 JPS [Jewish Publication Society] edition) which is a start, but should be read with the caution that the JPS edition from the 1980's is considered a superior translation and has the benefit of information from the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were not available in 1917.
http://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt0.htm

For additional information also please see  http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/index.html
OMG!!!! September 26, 2011 (Elul 27, 5771) GOOGLE and Israel Museum publish Dead Sea Scrolls online!


Here's an interesting fragment which comes awful close to being "older than dirt."
What do you think about this?  Click on the picture above to learn more about it. 




Monday October 3, 2011 we continue the story of rape of Dinah. Join us afor happy hour at Uncle Charlie's from 5:30-6:30 for the most interesting Bible Study in Cheyenne.

Monday October 10, 2011 We are meeting. The reading is Genesis 35 & 36...hope to see you.

Monday October 10, 2011  at 5:30-6:30 we move into the story of Joseph starting in Genesis 37. Bring a friend and join us...

Monday October 24, 2011 Genesis 38 at 5:30!  What do you think about the story of Tamar?


Monday October 31, 2011 The group really had some interesting perspectives on the story of Tamar, so much so that we're continuing it this week and plan to continue it and then move on in to Genesis 39 with Joseph and Potiphar.  
There was also some discussion about dressing as a biblical character since we are meeting on Halloween!  Just think what it would be like for a bunch of people dressed as biblical characters, carrying their Bibles at Uncle Charlies at "Happy Hour."   

Bibles and Beer is not your traditional Bible study.

 

Looking for something real (and fun)? Join us.



Announcing:  Torah Thursdays at Mt. Sinai Synagogue  2610 Pioneer Ave. 
Thursdays – Noon – bring your own brown bag lunch 

TORAH 
Thursdays – Noon in the social hall at Mt. Sinai Synagogue  2610 Pioneer Ave.  Bring your own brown bag lunch.  Starts 11/03/2011 (Cheshvan 6, 5772) with Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman Join in a lively exploration of the core texts of the Jewish people. A working knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary to have meaningful participation in this group.  Most of the reading and discussions will be in English with references to specific Hebrew words or phrases.  Texts for these sessions are available at the meetings.  You are welcome to bring your own if you wish.  Topics will vary depending of the specific interests of the participants. Meet in Social Hall, unless otherwise specified. No fees.  No prerequisites.  Donations encouraged. See Mt. Sinai's website for further details.

Monday November 7, 2011 ...continuing the story of Joseph! 5:30 at Uncle Charlie's.  We are in Genesis 39 with Joseph and Potiphar. 

(Just for fun, check out Torah in Haiku)


"These Dreams" by Heart set to the visuals from the movie "Labyrinth"

Monday November 14, 2011 ...continuing the story of Joseph! 5:30 at Uncle Charlie's.  We are in Genesis 41 with Joseph, Pharaoh and these dreams ... 


Joseph and Pharaoh's Dreams by Veronica Vargas Gaia

Here is the same topic as depicted by Arthur Szyzk 

"Sweet Dreams (are made of this)" by The Eurthymics

"Great discussion tonight - took us from Pharaoh listening to Joseph to why political leaders today have a hard time listening to smart people. Next week we ask, "What was God thinking about with this whole 'free will' thing?" Come with an answer...or more questions." - Rodger McDaniel
Monday November 21, 2011 - We continue at 5:30 PM at Uncle Charlies with Genesis Chapter 42.  Joseph's brothers arrive in Egypt...


Monday November 28, 2011 We continue in Genesis with Joseph and his brothers in Egypt. 



Monday December 5, 2011 Bring your own Bible...and join us Monday for Bibles and Beer - 5:30 - 6:30 PM at Uncle Charlie's as we finish the Book of Genesis and get ready for the Exodus. "It's a double feature" ....

Sorry, we're not watching the video, we'll read and discuss the text instead.

Monday December 12, 2011 We're still on Genesis, but are having interesting discussions, come join us as we continue.

Monday December 19, 2011  We complete Genesis with a discussion about...what were your major learnings from the Book? Also a conversation about a question raised by one of our participants (see the "Bibles and Beer" Facebook page for background). "Can we separate our theology from our political beliefs?"

Monday December 26, 2011  "Tonight we have a special treat as begin a book about freedom. This is the 7th night of Hanukkah which is a celebration of religious freedom. Tonight we will begin with a short ceremony facilitated by Jewish members of our study group. This should be a treat to share and enjoy together. Hanukkah predates the Advent by hundreds of years. Had the Jews been assimilated into Greek society when the events of the Hanukkah story took place, not only might there be no Jews today, but there might not be any Christians or Muslims either. The custom among many Jews is to read Exodus 1:1 - 6:1 within a single week. It might be interesting to try this. We'll start at the beginning of Exodus and we'll see how far we get tonight."

 


Happy New Year everyone.  Here's a link to an interesting interfaith discussion about:  The Pursuit and Practice of Happiness Is an Awareness of the Suffering and Pleasure of Others. May you find it an interesting way to start the new year.


Monday January 2, 2012  Join us for our first gathering of this new year.  "Take an hour away from football and join us at Uncle Charlie's @ 5:30-6:30" as we continue in Exodus picking up where we left off last week with Chapter 2, verse 1.



TBA

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