Lenten Study - I mentioned at the end of my February 19th entry that we had started a new Lenten series. The leader got sick and so I have ended up being the substitute teacher for lessons 2, 3, and 4. I enjoy the class and the preparation is good for me.

Last night one of the participants, who tends to interrupt the flow of the class by getting off the subject, asked if people of other faiths who don't believe in Jesus are condemned. I tried to get back to the topic by saying that was a good one to ask a theologian. He said he had and they were. The substitute leader from the first week said that she believed in a loving God and that was inconsistent. She certainly redeemed herself from the uncomplimentary comment I made about the Sunday School depth of knowledge. I agreed and added that speculation about other folks distracts us from our faith journey.

The questioner seems to try to make light-hearted comments to make sure it doesn't get serious. I have noticed that the group seems uncomfortable when someone starts talking in a serious way about their faith. If I teach the next class, I am wondering if I should make a comment to respect some of the deep sharing that goes on. I have not noticed this in other classes I have facilitated at our church.