J.R. Briggs

doubt::night returns this week

January 16, 2010

One of the most meaningful and creative things Renew initiated in 2009 was a series of intentional conversations we call doubt :: night.

It’s a laid-back space for people to air out their questions regarding faith. It could be anything – about God, faith, life, Jesus, church, the Bible, the afterlife – whatever. A chance to ask rated R questions about faith.

The concept is simple: We rent out a bar, provide appetizers and participate together in faith conversations. It’s not a lecture or a ‘presentation,’ There are not fog machines and cool lighting. W sit around, eat, drink and discuss. We all shape what the evening will look like. It’s one of my favorite things we do within Renew.

We all have doubts and being able to wrestle through some of the big questions that affect us is important. Having environments to wrestle with our faith is important. Certainly, as I wrestle, I see the world through the lens of a Judeo-Christian worldview, and I share those elements of my worldview in our time, but I also learn a great deal from others during doubt :: night.

And this is not just for people who consider themselves followers of Jesus. It’s for anyone and everyone -regardless of your faith background, history or affiliation – who is willing to ask bold questions and engage in the conversation. It’s not to pick a fight or get into an argument. It’s a chance to learn and be stretched. At past doubt:: nights we’ve had Christians, agnostics, recovering fundamentalists, Catholics, Buddhists, New Agers, former Sikhs, atheists…and people that have no idea how they would describe themselves.

Read reflections on past doubt :: nights here and here.

Renew is holding another doubt :: night this Tuesday night at Third and Walnut Bar and Grill (corner of Third Street and Walnut Street near the Lansdale train station) at 7:30 pm.

Read more of the details on our website here.

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