Reading the Bible can be done individually, in worship, or in groups. But there are additional ways of reading scripture. We read for information, when we read for study. We read for spiritual formation when we read for devotion. The conversation in this final episode explores some examples of how to read in these ways. Keep in mind, though, that these are only a few of the many ways to experience scripture through reading. 

Previous episodes have covered multiple topics about the Bible and aspects of its over 3000-year journey. This episode turns to the personal. Each of our panelists will share about he values and appreciates about the Bible.  

Personal reading, and study, of scripture is valuable and important. Equally important is reading and discussing scripture together with others, including others who have different experiences, worldviews, and cultural backgrounds. This is the topic for this our 4th episode in the series Talking About the Bible. Books mentioned in the podcast Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible, by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien Honor, Patronage, Kinship & Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture, by David A. deSilva  Texts of Terror: Literary-Feminist Readings of Biblical Narratives, by Phyllis Trible and Gayle A. Yee Unexpected News: Reading the Bible with Third World Eyes, by Robert McAfee Brown  Reading the Bible with the Damned, by Bob Ekblad 

In episode 3 of our series, Talking About the Bible, the conversation offers tips for selecting a translation for your own use, while also providing insights into the process of translating scripture. In reality, these two subjects are intertwined. 

In Episode 2 of our series, Talking About the Bible, Daniel, Michael, and Gerald offer a window into some of the many considerations and aspects of providing translations of scripture.  Below are brief descriptions of the types of translations followed by a list of different translations group according to these types. Verbal Translations: “Translations that attempt to translate the Bible into modern English that is as close to the grammar, words, rhythm, and order of the ancient languages as possible” (Sheeley & Nash, p. 32). Dynamic Translations: Two mainstream movements1 – General Idiomatic Approach: launched by translators, James Moffatt, J. B. Phillips, Edgar Goodspeed, and Ronald Knox. These translations viewed as “phrase-for-phrase” effort to reproduce the meaning of ancient text in modern English. Phillips said it is working to make the translation “not sound like a translation at all” 2 – Common Language Approach: emerged as result of “efforts by American Bible Society to use linguistic analysis to translate Bibles in international mission contexts” (Sheeley & Nash, p. 63). Paraphrases“Paraphrases hope to express the spiritual truths of the Bible in something like the way the original author would have one had they been writing in English” (Sheeley & Nash, p. 88). Paraphrases like the New Living Bible and The Message, are developed from scripture that is already translated into English.  Sheeley, Steven M. , and Nash, Robert N., Jr. (1997). The Bible in English Translation: An Essential Guide, Abingdon Press: NashvilleTranslations By CategoryVerbal: Kings James Version (KJV): 1611American Standard Version (ASV)Revised Standard Version (RSV)New American Standard Bible (NASB)New International Version (NIV)New American Bible (NAB)New King James Version (NKJV)21st Century King James (KJ21)New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) DynamicTwentieth Century New TestamentJames Moffatt J. B. Phillips New English Bible (NEB)Revised English Bible (REB)New Living Translation (NLT)Good News Bible (GNB/TEV) Contemp

Episode 1 of the series Talking About the Bible addresses the question: “What is the Bible?” This first episode includes introductions of the panelists. This series features Michael Cleland, Daniel Hulsey, and Gerald Wright. These three FBC Athens members, each with seminary and theology degrees, share insights about Biblical translations, interpretation, and ways to read for meaning.  

The final episode of the series, Meet Your Community, features a turn of the tables. Erin Barger, President, and CEO of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, the first community leader interviewed in this series becomes the interviewer. Erin takes the seat at the microphone and interviews the host of the series, Frank Granger, Minister of Christian Community at First Baptist Church of Athens, GA.   The aim of this series is to deepen our awareness of needs in our community, and meet some of the people and organizations working daily to meet those needs. In addition to learning about our community, we can envision ways to use our gifts and resources, personally and collectively, to help in meeting those needs. 

The fifth episode in the six-part series, Meet Your Community, features Grace Bagwell Adams the Principal Investigator of the Athens Wellbeing Project. Today we meet Grace and hear about the significant research and information provided through her work with the Athens Wellbeing Project which serves to assist our community leaders and institutions by providing a comprehensive snapshot of our community’s unique needs and assets in Athens-Clarke County.   The aim of this series is to deepen our awareness of needs in our community, and meet some of the people and organizations working daily to meet those needs. In addition to learning about our community, we can envision ways to use our gifts and resources, personally and collectively, to help in meeting those needs.   Links and Resources for Additional Information:  Athens Wellbeing Project Website: https://www.athenswellbeingproject.org/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenswellbeingproject/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthensWellbeingProject/ The Athens Wellbeing Project Student White Paper Symposium will be held on Wednesday, November 15, at Georga Hall on UGA’s Health Science Campus (located on Prince Avenue). The time is from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Attendance is free. For additional info contact Rebecca Baskam, rbaskam@uga.edu 

The fourth episode in the six-part series, Meet Your Community features Chanda Santana the Founder for Divas Who Win. In addition to hearing Chanda’s story behind the inspiration and founding of Divas Who Win, we learn about the significant work of this organization serving women trapped by the bounds of sex trade, which often includes complications of addiction.  Divas Who Win provides comprehensive support, programs, and a loving community as women make the journey to a new life.  The aim of this series is to deepen our awareness of needs in our community, and meet some of the people and organizations working daily to meet those needs. In addition to learning about our community, we can envision ways to use our gifts and resources, personally and collectively, to help in meeting those needs.   Links and Resources for Additional Information:  Divas Who Win website: https://www.divaswhowin.org/ Purchase the Book, The Genesis Xperience on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Xperience-knew-her-beginning/dp/1726459942/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Genesis+Xperience&qid=1613484717&s=books&sr=1-1 

The third episode in the six-part series, Meet Your Community features Spencer Frye the Executive Director for the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity. In addition to hearing Spencer’s story that led him to this role, we learn about the ongoing and expanding work of Habitat which is dedicated to building stronger communities by providing stable housing for individuals and families.  The aim of this series is to deepen our awareness of needs in our community, and meet some of the people and organizations working daily to meet those needs. In addition to learning about our community, we can envision ways to use our gifts and resources, personally and collectively, to help in meeting those needs.   Links and Resources for Additional Information:  The Athens Area Habitat website: https://www.athenshabitat.com/ Spencer Frye referred to a study done by Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State University. For more information on this click here: https://www.athenshabitat.com/homeowner-statistics-2016/ The Nehemiah Project was referenced in our conversation today. This is one story about the Nehemiah houses in NYC: https://www.npr.org/2018/10/04/654085265/the-american-dream-one-block-can-make-all-the-difference Redlining refers to the practice of refusing to back mortgages in neighborhoods based on racial and ethnic composition. For information on this click here: https://www.bostonfairhousing.org/timeline/1934-FHA.html 

This is the second of a six-part series called, Meet Your Community.  Today we meet Madison Sanders, Executive Director of Family Promise. We hear about her service and the multiple programs of Family Promise which address both the needs and prevention of homelessness for families.  The aim of this series is to deepen our awareness of needs in our community, and meet some of the people and organizations working daily to meet those needs. In addition to learning about our community, we can envision ways to use our gifts and resources, personally and collectively, to help in meeting those needs.  Additional Information about Family Promise of AthensWebsite: https://www.familypromiseathens.org/  Ken Medema Concert – November 12, 2023Sunday, November 12 4 PM at Milledge Avenue Baptist ChurchAll "ticket" sales will go to Family Promise La Table – February 6, 2024February 6th at 1055 Barber StreetLink for More Information and Pictures: https://www.familypromiseathens.org/events  Information about HomelessnessAthens Homeless Coalition Community Data https://endathenshomelessness.com/impact Clarke County Information:https://www.accgov.com/10473/Homelessness State of Homelessness in America: https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-statistics/state-of-homelessness/ 

This is the first in a new six-part series called, Meet Your Community.  Today we meet Erin Barger, the president, and CEO of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. We’ll learn about her service, and how the food bank works to address food insecurity by providing consistent access to nourishing food and relevant education throughout a 14 county area.  The aim of this series is to deepen our awareness of needs in our community, and meet some of the people and organizations working daily to meet those needs. In addition to learning about our community, we can envision ways to use our gifts and resources, personally and collectively, to help in meeting those needs.  Links: Website for the Foodbank of Northeast Georgia:https://foodbanknega.org/  Erin Barger spoke about the Hunker Down Against Hunger fundraising event. Here is the direct link for more information: https://foodbanknega.org/event/hungerbowl2023/

Meet Your Community is a new 6-episode series beginning October 5, 2023 and running weekly through November 9. Each episode will feature one leader from some of our Athens Area community service organizations. The series seeks to raise awareness for our listeners about these organizations, the people they serve, and how others can support them through volunteering and giving.  These conversations will also explore some of the other critical needs in our community, and ways we can partner to meet those needs. The organizations featured include: Foodbank of Northeast Georgia, Family Promise of Athens, Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, Divas Who Win, and The Athens Well-Being Project. 

Paula Hooper shares conversation with Frank Granger about her experiences and views on questions related to church, God, and the pandemic

Larry Divers shares conversation with Frank Granger about his experiences and views on questions related to church, God, and the pandemic.

Dwayne Blasingame shares conversation with Frank Granger about her experiences and views on questions related to church, God, and the pandemic.

Daniel Hulsey shares conversation with Frank Granger about his experiences and views on questions related to church, God, and the pandemic.

LaReece Stewart shares conversation with Frank Granger about her experiences and views on questions related to church, God, and the pandemic.

David Braid shares conversation with Frank Granger about his experiences and views on questions related to church, God, and the pandemic.

Jamie Hogan shares conversation with Frank Granger about her experiences and views on questions related to church, God, and the pandemic.