It’s not often that you get a chance to ask a question directly to one of the world’s foremost (and busiest) theologians, but Professor Tom Wright took an to answer questions live online.

Some questions had been submitted beforehand via Facebook and Twitter, whilst others were presented via a chat window or audio feed, directly to Professor Wright, who noted that although he has been studying this material for 35 years, the questions don’t always get any easier.

The online event launched The Big Read 2012, in which house groups across the country will engage with Professor Wright’s text Lent for Everyone: Mark. Asked why Lent, and why Mark, Professor Wright responded that it helps us to get into the right frame of mind for Easter, and fits in with a tri-annual cycle of readings known as the Lectionary.

Professor Wright dealt with 26 questions with admirable aplomb, as these ranged from generic to deep theology. Asked why we should continue to read the Bible, he noted that even after nearly 60 years of reading the Bible in depth, he still gets something new out of it at every reading. When questioned as to what the purpose was of new translations, he compared it to Beethoven – the core piece of music is the same, but every conductor interprets it differently, bringing something new to it.

You can find out exactly what was asked, and how Professor Wright responded by logging on to view the recording of the webinar on: http://bigbible.org.uk/2012/02/live-qa-with-professor-tom-wright-bigread12/.

I love looking at the pictures of all the treasured items… photos of family members… old cameras and heirlooms… harddrives full of the data we now hold so dear… clothes… books… CDs and records… etc.

I also love the various participants’ responses to the ’things’ that are not ’things’… their significant other… their kids… their pets… etc. Usually they are mentioned in the “not pictured” category but sometimes they feature in the photograph… which is always cute and heartwarming.

http://12baskets.co.uk/view/images/who_by_fire

I’ve always thought about what I’d grab if my house was burning down. After I have ensured the safety of my wife, two daughters, cairn terrier, two guinea pigs and two budgies… what would I go for?

My Apple products and my Kindle? My precious harddrives filled with my music and photographs? My collection of JRR Tolkien books and art… or my vintage film cameras? What about my pile of secondhand Levi’s or my rather overwhelming collection of CDs and vinyl? Do I have time to rescue my Star Wars figurines or my extensive range of Starbucks memorabilia? What about all my journals or the Hitchcock films I love to watch?

I really don’t know, to be honest… it is a situation I am not prepared for and do not wish to be given this test.

It is then apt for today’s reading from NT Wright to speak of preparation.

I wasn’t a Boy Scout and whilst I try to be prepared for what life throws at me… I’m not the most organised of people. I want to be… but I’m not. My wife is the organiser… I’m just a lapsed devotee to David Allen’s cult called ’getting things done’ who watches Bear Grylls for entertainment, not instruction.

In the reading, Wright speaks of John the Baptist as messenger... warning people to get ready for the coming King. He doesn’t give them much time to think… to consider… he is on them like a fire ripping through their house… he is immediate and full on.

Today is the time to get ready… not tomorrow… not next week… today. There is an immediacy in the message John relays… and we need to use the time we have now to prepare.

I have been taking some time away from my church community lately. I have found myself unfulfilled and in desperate need of affirmation in the expression of church that I worship in. I can’t shake the feeling that I don’t belong… that the leadership don’t appreciate me for who I am… that they don’t get the gifts I bring to the table. I’m not a musician… I don’t sing in the choir… I’m too shy to work with the Homeless. I try to fit in… but flounder every single time.

The thing is… have I used this time off to the betterment of my faith? Not really. I could do better.

I see this as being what Wright speaks of when he talks about getting ready… of making preparations. It’s about using every second we are given to focus on Jesus… getting our hearts and our lives organised for His return.

Don’t get me wrong… Jesus loves us as we are. But He wants the whole of us, not a part. For us to be truly fulfilled… we need to give Him our whole lives. We need to give up our clutter and our mess… stop hoarding onto the sin that we cherish and live for Him… live expectant lives… live lives free from all that enslaves us.

I, for one, need to use this valley that I am in to better trust on Him… and just like the person fleeing their burning house, I need to leave behind all my junk and only focus on that which matters… that which is most valuable.

As we start this Lenten journey, I need to consider the words of John the Baptist as a wake up call… a fire alarm, if you will… and get up, get ready and get out.

“The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life.” (Mark 1:7 MSG)

The time is now. The real action comes next. Wake me up, Lord and help me get ready!

Tx

The ethos surrounding these sort of statements are ‘I’m fed up with being so distracted’ or, ‘this is all a waste of precious time I could be giving to other things’. Some are also saying ‘social media is SO much less genuine than face to face relationships’ and hoping that giving up social media for 40 days will ‘re-establish their deep friendships’ again.

As I wrote in an interview for @YouVersion:

Lent wasn’t really in my consciousness before I got involved in The Big Bible Project. I knew that people gave up chocolate, etc. but, having grown up in a family where 2 squares of chocolate on a Sunday was it… I’m more in favour of taking things up (and only giving things up if that contributes to taking something up), and for this last couple of years have focused fully on The Big Read. This year we’re putting forward a choice of daily actions from ourselves, 40Acts, Tear Fund CarbonFast and also Christian Aid … small steps to get us moving forward on our journeys.

As with “email free days” that we have at another workplace, I think the point has been missed, and that it’s rather like saying “Have a pen free day”. We need to think about how to use the tools better, and for the right reasons, rather than a blanket “we’re just going to stop using it”.  I’d like to share a section from a book review (awaiting publication) for Elizabeth Drescher’s Tweet if you heart Jesus:

The fast pace of change is identified as impacting on everything – identities, relationships & physiologies – in a way unimaginable ten years ago. When we talk about ‘unplugging’, we are giving the impression that the effects of digital culture on our life are optional. We, however, are identified as a part of the ‘digital habitus’, in which immediacy, transparency, interactivity, co-creativeness, integration and distribution are key.

For The Big Bible Project we’re keen to encourage people to engage well with online materials, and are developing the #DigiLit area, and also with #bigread12 that starts today – we want to see people tweeting, blogging and engaging with the materials.

Acts 20: 35  ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’

http://www.40acts.org.uk/

And so it begins. Between now and Easter Sunday you, me and millions of other Christians around the world will walk an ancient path. Some of us will give up chocolate, coffee or cakes while others will become pilgrims, literally walking in the footsteps of countless generations.

Whatever we do, Lent will unite us: the persecuted Christian living in the Middle East, the farmer struggling against a changing climate in Peru, the mother in fear of war or pain of poverty. And those of us who are none of the above.

Which is why, this Lent, I’m so excited that again we are going to be sharing the 40acts journey with so many of you. Together we will be challenged, inspired, made to think and encouraged to act.

Action

Let’s start with something simple and familiar: let’s find something to give up. Find a jar (or open up a note on your phone) and every time you forgo that coffee, that cinema trip, bus fare or whatever it is will help sharpen your focus, put in the money saved. By the time Easter comes around, you’ll be able to give it all away to a charity or cause that has caught your attention.

Mike O’Neill

Mike is Chief Executive of Stewardship. He is passionate about simple acts of generosity and encouraging others to develop a generous lifestyle. Mike is married to Donna and they have three young children.

International Justice Mission UK

Trafficking in human lives generates profits in excess of 32 billion US dollars a year for those who sell human lives into slavery and sexual bondage. Nearly 2 million children are exploited in the commercial sex industry.

The International Justice Mission (IJM), a Christian charity, seeks to restore to victims of oppression the things that God intends for them: their lives, their liberty, their dignity, the fruits of their labour.  www.ijmuk.org

http://12baskets.co.uk/orders/download/40562/64078/Lent_Week_One.jpg

As we start the Lenten season for many it is a critical decision time. Traditionally Lent has provided the opportunity to give something up – to forego a pleasure to demonstrate an appreciation of Jesus’ journey to the cross. Lent itself marks the forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness encountering temptation. This journey had begun the instant he had been baptised in both water in the Jordan and with the endorsement of his father in heaven (Mark 1:9-13).

PENITENCE

Of course for the mathematicians amongst us, it is evident that Lent actually lasts 46 days. Historically this was because Sunday was never a fast day since it is always associated with Jesus’ resurrection. Such an event is always to be celebrated. This may sound unusual in the way it interferes with the penitence our contemporary fast may reflect. However, perhaps the fast is less about penitence than it is about creating space for personal encounter with God. Penitence, confession and putting things right is essential as a fruit of the spirit. Yet Jesus ‘led by the spirit’ into the wilderness, was invited to explore the dynamics and dimension of his faith.

Three times we are told Satan tempted him. Each time Jesus was enabled to resist by reliance upon the word of God and maintaining his obedience to it.

LENTEN FAST

Certainly for me this stepping out into Lent is characterised by something other than penitence. It is much more as if I had received an invitation to a public event. I recall the 1935 classic ‘Top Hat & Tails’ in which Fred Astaire is delighted to have an invitation to the Ritz – and invitation he makes much of!

I sense I am invited to join Jesus in the wilderness not so much to endure its rigours as to marvel at God’s power and provision. Simply to be reminded of my choice to obey God and to serve him daily as best I can. So I shall create more encounter moments to reflect upon his word and to engage in contemplation of the one I love to serve.

SACRIFICE

Now in creating such encounter moments in a busy schedule I shall ‘give up’ something so that my regular life rhythm may accommodate my intention. It may be a meal I miss and use the time appropriately, or a TV programme. I will need to determine how long I want such an encounter to be and organise my day to include it in my daily schedule. And yes I will celebrate each Sunday as the ancients did by having the meal I am missing or whatever it may be.

WITNESS

However, Lent pursuits are not simply a personal self indulgence. Certainly keeping personal and private how each of us is choosing to mark the Lenten journey is fine. yet it is clearly written up in scripture for all to read and observe.

I believe this is because as well as finding time for personal reflection, I need also to consider my public witness. I am amazed at how many people of no apparent faith commitment at all, actually commit to the Lenten practice of giving something up. Motives may be mixed yet it is a reminder that this season and Easter itself provides a wonderful cultural context in which we each can speak of Jesus.

I will naturally explain my own Lenten choice to neighbours and friends, and no-one takes exception. I will also describe the Jesus who entered the wilderness not for any self indulgent search for deeper spirituality, but because he had a heart for the welfare of all humankind. This remains a powerful message, especially in times of economic uncertainty and instability.

CONCLUSION

So take a moment and ask God about both your motives and your choice this Lenten season. Then find some time to encounter God and also to talk about his enduring life to colleagues, neighbours and friends. The Easter sacrifice is worthy of the telling.

Micha Jazz is producing 5 minute meditations which will be broadcast on Premier Radio twice a day. See also The Contemplative Network, and the Celtic Easter Celebration for Sunday 15th April.

Bible Reading

• Read on Bible Gateway
• Read on YouVersion
• Listen on Bibleis

Discussion Point

• #BigRead12: How do you prepare for a journey? What do you need to take with you? #preparejourney

Actions

• Tear Fund Carbon Fast: Remove one light bulb in your home and live without it during Lent as a reminder for what you’re doing.
• Christian Aid: Only 15% of the world’s population live in countries that enjoy a free press. Give 10p for every newspaper you have chosen to read this week.
• 40 Acts: Check out today’s act.

The Big Read 2012 officially starts today, and here’s the video from Week 1 of the housegroup materials, with extra thoughts provided by John Pantry (Premier Radio)

Access a freely downloadable version of this video from 12Baskets.

Ever wished you could ask one of the world’s foremost theologians a direct question? 25-30 people took advantage of our online live Q&A and did just that – and we had great discussions this lunchtime. Above you can see what the screen looked like for Bex as the central moderator.

With the event instructions, and requests for questions circulating over the past week or so, we had a few questions to start us off, so the event got moving pretty fast. Prof Tom Wright, as always, excellent at answering questions… and encouraging us that we are all learners!

Questions

1. Why is Lent important and why is Mark important this Year?
2. How did you choose the language for your NT translation?
3. How can we use the Big Read to help and engage with those who are exploring Christian faith for the first time after the course has finished?
4. Mark raises the issue of identity, how do you hope people will grow in their identity as sons and daughters of God as they participate in THE BIG READ?
5. Following on from the “brigands” on Jesus’ right and left – what light does that shed on Mark 10:35 when James and John ask who will sit on Jesus’ right and left in glory?
6. Do you think we should print the last section of Mark, which is not present in early translations?
7. Is Mark accessible for people at any stage of their walk with Jesus? I know in my homegroup there’s a big range!
8. I love the use of this technology and format and Tom’s embrace of it, would Tom say why this whole BIG READ thing is important to him as a priest, teacher? He’s invested a lot in it.
9. I’ve found that when talking to people about Mark, they have a problem or cannot seem to get to grips with the ‘Messianic Secret’ How would you go about consolidating the theme of secrecy in Mark with a gospel like John where Jesus seems so accessible and openly shows his true identity in front of many people.
10. Looking at the fig tree, if the fruit isn’t in season why did Jesus kill it and what does that mean for us as human beings?
11. It may be a contrived question, but is there a key verse or sentence that we need to keep in mind when reading Mark’s gospel?
12. In Simply Jesus, you used the analogy of the Perfect Storm. I have found it very helpful in explaining that ‘this is the time’ you are now speaking about. Could you develop that idea for us here?
13. Many of my non Christian friends say they cannot take the Bible seriously as it’s been interpreted in so many different ways over the years, how would you respond to that?
14. I was told in a New Testament Gospels module at university whilst studying for my Theology degree that Mark’s Gospel is all about Socio-Political criticism. Whilst I think this is certainly true to an extent, the lecturer said that Mark could have ‘made miracles up’ to show his resentment of the political framework at the time, with one example being the miracle of the exorcism of Legion being a picture of Roman Imperialism. Is this an appropriate way of reading Mark’s gospel, and do you think that a reading of the gospel in this way could undermine Jesus’ power? (Sorry that this is such a long question!)
15. If Son of God means Messiah not second person of Trinity then why do you believe in a Trinity?
16. With 95% or so of Mark’s gospel appearing in Matthew and Luke, what in your view is unique about Mark’s message of how Jesus became King?
17. I have been asked why we want to read Mark again when we know it so well, what would you say to that? Also  I have been asked why we would want to keep rereading the Bible, how would you answer that?
18. Does Mark have a specific way of describing holiness? I’m thinking particularly of the story of Jesus healing the leper, ‘Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him.’ Mark 1.41
19. Along with his own books on Mark, which books and scholars would Tom particularly recommend to aid us to go deeper in Mark? *Sorry, think may have missed this question going past!
20. How do you interpret Mark’s claim that blasphemy against the holy spirit is the only unforgivable sin? Does this mean that a person merely needs to utter “I reject the holy spirit”, like those atheists who put “blasphemy challenge” videos on youtube? Or is there more to it than that?”
21. Ron: “ I live in the united states, are there plans to export BigREAD13 to US and Canada? What would need to happen to make that happen?” *Bex says already available in print format at least, and website is global, but want to start some conversations re making this happen next year.
22. When thinking of Mark in relation to the other gospels, how important do you think is the view is that Mark was probably written first and that it’s based on the eyewitness testimony of Peter (if we believe Papias)? And would you agree with that view?
23. On a similar healing theme. In Mark 5 a lady is healed simply by touching Jesus’ garment, when he notices that power has gone from him. What are the theological implications here?
24. I would really love to hear his view on inclusivism & universalism and are you doing a book on hell at any point?
25. hello, I’ve got a practical question about the course: is there a single link to download all the resources for a specific week? on 12baskets, it looks like you have to download each piece separately. *Bex is looking into this with Wayne from 12Baskets
26. you talk a lot about the excitement of Paul mixing metaphors in trying to convey a picture of what he’s feeling… In churches with Charismatic style prohecy i hear people mixing metaphors all the time in meetings. Is it possible that paul was doing something similar? Prophesying in the broad sense of speaking out the truth of God?”
27. Is there any news on Vol 4 of the Christian Origins series?

The Files

• MP3 Files (Audio)
• MP4 Files (Video – only recorded the speaker)
• Chat transcript (Word)

Have you mentioned your experience?

Emma Major: http://networkedblogs.com/ufm3v  is quick off the starting blocks, and I’ve seen a few other comments on Facebook and Twitter to indicate the value of this session, e.g.

The photo (and yes @drbexl has her eyes shut!)

Credits:

• Professor Tom Wright for giving up the time to undertake this live online Q&A
• University of Winchester for allowing us to use the software. For those of you who are confused by this, Bex works part-time Universities of Winchester/Durham, and promotes the use of this software for Winchester academics.
• Keith Jagger for managing the software at St Andrew’s end, and Anna Blanch for organising that.
• Holly Thompson for encouragement, practical tests and managing the chat section – and advertising via @SPCKPublishing
• Sean Skinner, for input, testing and advertising via @premierradio
• Help with testing last week from @adamswbrown and @grahamcrosbie
• All those of you who helped promote, gave in questions, and took time out to partake in such an event!

Please do add comments below …. 

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1362457

A couple of weeks ago, a setting was changed on my wife’s Facebook account. Her relationship status changed from “Married” to “Single”. From what we could gather… that single action caused a few sharp intakes of breath in our friendship group….

Let me back up a little bit… Back in September I was getting a little bored with the world of Facebook. I’m not sure what it was, it might something to do with being Friends with people who never spoke to me at High School, it might have been the magically changing privacy settings, it might have been those Farmville requests, but I was bored with it.

I then watched the Facebook f8 conference with my jaw dropped open. Dont get me wrong , I do like the look of Timeline, but there were two things I heard during the f8 conference:

1. Facebook wanted me to be Facebook friends with everyone I knew.
2. Timeline meant that they could see anything I’ve posted within a few clicks.

It was that second point that made me nervous, and I decided to quit Facebook. That lasted about 30 minutes until I decided to sign up with a different email address, and build a more stripped down account.

A few months later we decided to do something about the Facebook settings not letting myself and “Mrs Church Sofa” be “Facebook married”, she declared herself to be single – so we could be declared married. Except we got distracted somewhere in between the two stages, and she left herself as single.

We didn’t realise what we had declared until a 20 / 30 minutes later, when the text messages of concern started coming through from some concerned friends – text messages which I’m really thankful for by the way.

Our relationship status’s were “fixed” fairly soon after we received the text messages. These messages, the “congratulations” on our marriage status, and subsequent conversations reminded me of the phrase:

“It’s not real until it’s on Facebook”

How true is that? I’ve heard people say that the internet is making us all a little more lonely, but a simple setting change reminded me how quickly loved ones can show they care, and attention can be on us very quickly because of what we say and do.

During the next few weeks we’ll be focusing on Lent, and the lead up to Jesus’s death on the cross, but what do we do with the time when the focus is on us?