The studies will be hospitable places, where people from all kinds of backgrounds can come and offer their thoughts/feelings/experiences. It will be marked by graciousness and gentleness, and kindness toward outsiders rather than judgment. As opposed to religious studies, a gospel-toned study will be marked by vulnerability, honesty and openness. It will seek to apply the story of scripture to the story of life, rather than apply our life's own narrative to the story of scripture. Leading entails influencing people to think, say and behave in ways that take them from one place to another. It will do the work necessary to understand what scripture says, because it values Jesus' word over our own. As opposed to the irreligious, this kind of study will take the Bible's words seriously. Gospel-toned studies center on the story and work of Jesus, rather than us. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. What we want, instead of each of these, is a gospel-tone to our studies. In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. If the study speaks disparagingly of "culture", their city, or non-Christians, it has a religious tone. If our Bible studies use theological/insider language or jokes without defining terms, they have a religious tone. If our Bible studies stay in the abstract, theological realm of discussion, and are never applied personally, they have a religious tone. If our Bible studies use "us and them" language, they have a religious tone. If people do not feel comfortable confessing sin and shortcomings, our Bible studies have a religious tone. For instance, if our Bible studies tend to give immediate "answers" to people's questions or issues, we're encouraging a "religious" tone. Our Bible studies can easily become places where this kind of performance is encouraged. Religious people (think the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son) use the Bible to perform before God and others. Religion (as I'm using it) views the Bible as a platform for performance, rather than a vehicle for relationship. On the other hand, we make an equal and opposite error when our Bible studies have a "religious" tone.
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