Audacious Readers Roundtable Reportback and Read-a-thon Update

Published 23 December 2024

On December 19, a small group of Audacious Readers gathered to share some closing reflections on our experiences reflecting on how controversial texts are in conversation with the Bible in our lives and communities. We had a dynamic conversation which ranged from the complexities of politicians’ use of biblical texts; the ways violent and liberatory themes co-exist in Deuteronomy, the Pauline letters, and throughout scripture; the role of fiction and creative writing in understanding scripture; and the need for a theology of joy, even and especially in times such as these. Texts we dialogued with in this process included:

Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism by Shane Burley and Ben Lorber
Pete Buttigieg’s use of the term “Pharisees”
Opening Hebrew’s Scriptures by Ellen F. Davis
“Joy is the Justice (we give ourselves)” by J. Drew Lanum
“Yellow Light” by Pharell Williams
“If I must die” by Refaat Alareer

One thing we all agreed on was that more space to have conversations like these are deeply needed in these times. This year’s read-a-thon has been one of many experiments in building capacity for this sort of critical biblical reflection programming. As of writing, we are 60% of the way to making our goal! Can you help us get there by making a gift before the end of the year? You can donate at go.rallyup.com/clbsj-readathon2024

Please note: RallyUp offers you the option of making a “tip” which goes to support their interface. You can increase or decrease this as much as you want. If you do not adjust it, they will set it as a percentage of your gift.

Please give as generously as you are able! CLBSJ is a tiny, independent non-profit with denominational or institutional funding. We are only able to persist through your generosity and participation. Thank you so much for considering this request, and for all that you do for justice!