C1. God as Lover (Simpson)

We will be exploring an often under-explored book of the Bible, the Song of Songs or Song of Solomon, which is essentially love poetry often allegorized by both Jews and Christians to refer to the Love of God for Israel and for the Church, respectively.  Yet this is hardly “agape” love – it’s young, passionate, sensual love.  What does this poetry suggest about the Maker of Heaven and Earth?  What does it suggest about the ways that “religious” people have often talked about human sexuality?  We will have some lively conversations to consider this.

GROUP LEADER:  The Reverend Dr. Richard Simpson is an Episcopal priest, currently serving on the staff of the Bishop of Western Massachusetts.  Prior to that he served as rector of St. Francis Church in Holden for more than fifteen years, during which time he also taught Introduction to Bible classes to Assumption undergraduates, and, over the past two decades, to many WISE classes as well..

REQUIRED BOOK:  Any translation of the Bible