Book Clubs
One of the most helpful things in the spiritual journey, especially for those of us going through deconstruction and theological evolution, is to gather with friends in a safe environment for the open exchange of ideas.
To that end, Open Table Faith organizes a variety of book clubs to help facilitate good, honest conversation. We're always reading something, and we'd love for you to join us!
Current Book Clubs
Tuesdays 12pm
Jan 7 - Feb 25
In Love is the Way, Bishop Michael Curry advocates for love as the primary solution to societal issues, drawing on his personal experiences and faith to present a roadmap for living a life centered on love, particularly in the face of challenges like racism, poverty, and deep divisions, highlighting the transformative power of love to heal and unite communities; essentially arguing that "love is the way" to overcome obstacles and build a better world.
Mondays 12pm
Jan 13 - April 21
New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton is a collection of short, meditative essays exploring the concept of contemplative prayer and the potential for spiritual depth within everyday life, encouraging readers to discover a deeper connection to God by letting go of self-centeredness and embracing the present moment, with themes like the nature of God, the emptying of self, and the dangers of pride in spiritual practice.
Thursdays 5pm
Jan 23 - Feb 27
Everything Is Spiritual by Rob Bell is a deeply personal exploration of life, faith, and the interconnectedness of all things. Blending science, philosophy, and theology, Bell reflects on his own journey to reveal how every aspect of existence is infused with meaning and sacredness. Challenging traditional notions of spirituality, he invites readers to see the divine in the ordinary and to embrace life’s mysteries with awe and wonder.
Sundays 10:45am
Jan 19 - March 2
Jesus for President: Politics for Ordinary Radica by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw argues that American Christians should embrace the countercultural teachings of Jesus, like self-denial, and apply them to political action, essentially advocating for a radical Christian perspective on social issues, rather than aligning themselves with traditional political parties; it challenges Christians to see their ultimate hope not in political candidates but in Jesus and his Kingdom.
Wednesdays 12pm
Jan 22 - March 19
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer explores the meaning of Christian discipleship, arguing that genuine following of Jesus Christ requires a significant personal sacrifice and commitment, contrasting a "cheap grace" with a "costly grace" which demands obedience and radical transformation in one's life, even in the face of opposition and persecution. Bonhoeffer emphasizes that true discipleship involves actively living out Jesus' teachings in everyday life.
Thursdays 7pm
Jan 23 - March 13
How to Know a Person by David Brooks explores the concept of deeply understanding others through attentive listening, genuine connection, and empathy, emphasizing the importance of actively "seeing" someone beyond surface level interactions to foster meaningful relationships and navigate a world often filled with misperceptions and fragmentation; it essentially guides readers on how to truly connect with others by paying close attention to their experiences and perspectives.
Thursdays 12pm
Jan 23 - Feb 20
Strength to Love is a collection of sermons by Martin Luther King Jr. that explores the transformative power of love as a central force to overcome social and political injustices, urging readers to embrace love as a tool for personal and societal change, with a focus on nonviolent resistance and addressing the root causes of inequality through action.