TED and Theology

[UPDATE: I recently noticed that some of this content was still accessible for free via some old links. I’m so glad it’s so popular, but I have now disconnected those links! These paid materials are way I can afford to continue to offer other materials for free. If you are looking for something specific or have a question about this program, please send me a note at jen@jenkidwell.com. Thanks!]

I love experimenting with new formats for engaging small groups! I had a great time creating this study and it generated fantastic discussions. Recording the audio devotions was a fun challenge and I am so pleased with how they turned out.

This 7-week study combines popular TED talks with 5-10 minute long scripture-based audio devotions. Each week, participants will watch or listen to a TED talk, consider the reflection questions, and listen to the devotion in preparation for engaging with the group. This study works well for people who are tired of reading (especially on screens), and translates easily to a virtual experience. Leaders can also run this study without a weekly meeting via a custom Facebook group or event, with discussion threads creates for each week so that participants can interact and share ideas, or via a custom blog set up – which is how I ran the study initially. Ultimately, the study generated fantastic conversation and the group members decided they wanted to meet rather than to engage via comments. It is designed for adults, but would be appropriate for mature high school students.

Aside from setting up any needed technology, preparation for leaders is identical for preparation for participants. Open and close each meeting in prayer, and discuss participants reactions to the TED talks, the reflection questions, and the recorded audio devotion. You could technically do the sessions in any order, but the devotions occasionally refer to prior sessions, so the order presented here is ideal.

The TED talks and scripture passages featured are:

• AJ Jacobs: My Year of Living Biblically (Galatians 3:19-29)

• Tom Honey: Why Would God Create a Tsunami? (Job 38, Psalm 88, and John 1)

• Dan Gilbert: The Surprising Science of Happiness (James 1:2-4)

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story (Ecclesiastes - selected verses)

• Bryan Stevenson: We Need to Talk About an Injustice (John 14)

• Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability (Ephesians 3)

• Lesley Hazelton: The Doubt Essential to Faith (John 3)

Sample reflection questions for AJ Jacobs: My Year of Living Biblically

Galatians 3:19-29

AJ Jacobs' book The Year of Living Biblically was a bestseller when it was released in 2007. Here, Mr. Jacobs summarizes his project and its conclusions in an entertaining and thought-provoking talk. Watch his talk and make a note of the stories and quotes that jump out to you. What questions do you have?

Reflect:

1. At the end of his talk, he summarizes the lessons he learned from this project. The lessons are as follows: Thou shalt not take the Bible literally, thou shalt give thanks, thou shall have reverence, thou shall not stereotype, thou shalt not disregard the irrational, and thou shall pick and choose. Which of these resonated with you? Are there any that you feel are incomplete or problematic conclusions?

2. Which commands of the Bible do you struggle with following? What is your understanding of the role of the Old Testament law for Christians, if we're not held to following it word for word?

After you've thought about these questions, listen to the 7-minute audio devotion.