Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Rounding of Lloyd Geering--The Last Western Heretic

This coming Sunday we will conclude viewing the story of Lloyd Geering as shown through the film, "The Last Western Heretic." This has been a fascinating story that traces the lafe and theological development of one of Presbyterianism's most interesting leaders.
Please join us. We'll be happy to see you, Sunday, at 9:45.
Loving childcare is provided.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Lloyd Geering -- The Last Western Heretic

Last Sunday, John referenced Lloyd Geering in his sermon. His description of Geering was correct. At age 93 Geering is yet publishing. His latest book "Such Is Life!: A Close Encounter With Ecclesiastes" is being reviewed by Rebecca Hilton. He's a fascinating person. Here's a modified version of his entry on Wikipedia:

Geering was born in New Zealand in 1918. He holds a master's degree in Mathematics and a Doctor of Divinity from the University of Otago. Following his ministry in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ), he began teaching theology in 1956. In 1967 Geering became famous when he was charged with "doctrinal error" and "disturbing the peace and unity of the (Presbyterian) church". The case was brought before the 1967 General Assembly of the PCANZ, and dismissed without being much discussed. The charges were brought by a group of conservative laymen and a conservative minister. During his church trial he claimed that the remains of Jesus lay somewhere in Palestine and that the resurrection had been wrongfully interpreted by churches as a resuscitation of the body of Jesus. He also rejects the notion that God is a supernatural being who created and continues to look over the world.
Geering is a member of the Jesus Seminar and a participant in the Living the Questions program

He was honoured in 1988 as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire and in 2001 as Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. In the 2007 New Year Honours List he was made a Member of the Order of New Zealand.


This coming Sunday and the next, we'll view a documentary of his career entitled "the Last Western Heretic." If you'd like a preview, click here for the link. we'll leave plenty of time for discussion.

Please join us. We'll enjoy seeing you. And as ever, tender loving childcare is provided.