Last night we ran the first session of Reel Questions.

Jim (curate of St Marks) and myself have written this short course of 5 sessions for people connected to church in some way, who are interested in exploring Christianity further. Actually ‘written’ is a grand term for writing outlines, researching films and using them to illustrate Christian truths to those people interested and asking questions.

Reel Questions aims to use contemporary film to generate dialogue within the group. The whole ‘course’ is set up so that we have minimum input and hear the thoughts of others and discuss and introduce concepts at an appropriate level. We hope that this means we start with people where they are at.

Tonight we looked at the question of Identity. We looked at who we think we are, what distinguishes humanity from the rest of life and why God created human life.

I particularly likes Bill Brysons’s quote which we used to kick things off:

‘To begin with, for you to be here now, trillions of drifting atoms had somehow to assemble in an intricate and curiously obliging manner to create you. Why atoms take this trouble is a bit of a puzzle … Your atoms don’t care about you – indeed they don’t even know that you are there … They are mindless particles…Not even themselves alive…The bad news is that atoms are fickle and their time of devotion is fleeting…Even a long human life adds up to only 650 000 hours. And when that modest milestone flashes into view … Your atoms will close you down, then silently dissemble and go off to other things. And that’s it for you.’

I like the quote because it is well thought out, reasoned and entertaining, although I disagree with the content, I like the tone of how it is written. It makes me smile because in a way Bryson is right, but also very wide of the mark too.

Right? – yes we are made of atoms. We are made up of things that in themselves do not live. Amazing! Yet God breathed life into us – that a miracle!
wide of the mark? The 650 000 hours – as short as that sounds, it is only the start – it’s not it for me!

I’m excited by this for 2 reasons. I’m excited as it gives me a chance to work with Chris and Jim which is a new working partnership excited as this course will give us an extra tool than can be a support in helping people find God in their journey – well we hope it will but only time will tell. I guess if no-one comes back next week then we got it all wrong!