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Comments from The Synoptic Gospels |
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The Synoptic Gospels: Volume I From Bethlehem to the River Jordan |
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The following are comments from members of an adult Christian Education class at Trinity Church, Asheville, North Carolina, a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. The class has been wonderful for me! We have studied the Gospels in context of the Gospel writers. We truly look at the Gospels with fresh eyes. All of the Gospel writers have their own vision of what Jesus was to them. Their visions were similar, but not the same. We've looked at how three Gospel writers experienced Jesus. In the class, as in the Gospels, it has been okay to look at the stories differently, even radically so. We think of the Gospels as new instead of just taking them the way we've always been taught. Even though Ed has strong opinions about a lot of things, not only does he welcome others' opinions, he also encourages, and is open and accepting of, a wide variety of view points. And it's the discussion that truly brings the stories alive. Ed has masterminded a group that seeks the Gospel writers' intent, and seeks to get to the heart of the stories and interpret ancient times in modern times. It's not always easy. Before I started teaching the class with Ed and Terri, I never realized how difficult or complex some of the stories truly are. The class has forced me to really think about them. And the class discussions helps so much to understand the difficult and the complex, and sometimes, what seemed difficult gets a little easier when seen from the perspective of the group. In this class, we are free to question what we've always been taught. Ed brings such enthusiasm to this very unique journey. It is much more than just a static learning experience. It is not only a journey for the individual, it is also a journey for the group as a whole. And it's just the beginning. --KC I have found Ed Bleynat's class on the synoptic Gospels to be both educational and inspiring. I have learned a lot from the way he weaves important factual information with carefully guided class discussion and sharing opportunities. He is always well prepared and has a wealth of knowledge that give him a level of credibility that is truly admirable. --TW Trinity's Synoptic Gospel class has challenged me to look at the three gospels in a more mature and comprehensive way. I have found myself reading the gospels with a heightened awareness of audience and historical context. Class leaders encourage discussion, and what discussions we have! I have been blessed by my involvement with the class. --JH In Ed's class, The Synoptic Gospels, it has been refreshing to sense the synoptic Gospels with a newer comprehension such that the old wisdom can be applicable to modern life. The references to theories of biblical scholars, explanations of historical symbolism, and descriptions of ancient rituals and so forth, enhanced the well-organized and systematic comparison of the three versions of Christ's journey from birth to the cross. This has helped me cull the essence of truth and wisdom from the events of some 2000 years ago, and make these truths applicable to the present. And I love the way that Ed is always thinking...Let's check this out and then really go in-depth. When he could just say that that's what it said, so that's what happened. And he's so very quick. Whenever anyone has any comment, no matter what it is, Ed is ready with six or seven related ideas to help flesh out what someone said. I so admire that about him and his class. It's also been very liberating that he let's us say what we truly think. The class's atmosphere of freedom from reproach or ridicule is most refreshing and gives liberation to the imagination. It is this very climate of acceptance, tolerance and mutual respect that will determine whether an individual will feel included or excluded from today's church. Since I strongly believe that a religion should enlighten, not enslave, I thought the freedom to accept or reject any or all theories was refreshing. Sometimes, I've said things and the class has gone quiet, and I think, 'Oh no, I'm going to embarrass my daughter.' But Ed welcomes diversity, which is what the church needs so much. And he's even said, from time to time, 'Let's see what our radical priest has to say.' Not only does he not criticize or judge other's input, but he welcomes it, invites it and that makes the class so inclusive. I've always appreciated him and the group. I've been at Trinity for a quarter of a century now. --JS This is easily the most substantive Sunday School class in which I have ever participated. It is jam-packed full of information. In fact, I have to make sure that I have had my morning coffee before I arrive, so that when I attend, I am able to digest all that I will hear! There is always very lively discussion. The material lends itself so well to the voicing of lots of different opinions from all over the spectrum. The follow-up reading material is a great way to review what has been discussed. If I have attended the class, it serves to enhance my absorption of the material. If I have not attended the class, it serves to fill in the gaps of what I missed. --CH Nl and I have been regulars in this class since 2000. 1. Ed's grasp of biblical theology is phenomenal. Better than any professor at VTS though maybe Mollegen would be a close second. 2. In addition, his presence is open and friendly with the class, humorous and non-defensive; welcoming of both literalist and liberal viewpoints . . . Anglican to a fault! 3. He allows plenty of time and opportunity for whatever questions and comments are voiced. But he does know how to deal with someone who wants to monopolize the class. I've never heard him be judgmental with any one. He knows how to ''stay connected to the larger church'' while being respectful and honest with whatever local variations are voiced. 4. He obviously loves his ministry, and delights in the Scriptures . . . and in his students. 5. What I'll never forget about Ed is, when his small son was feeling very unwell and his dad held him in his arms and gentled him into feeling taken care of, while not missing a beat in his conduct of the class. He's one of those guys who can ''by his life and doctrine'' walk the walk and talk the talk of Christian compassion at the same time! 6. Besides that…I like him! --JP+ |
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