NEW SERIES: The Gospel of John

Upcoming Class Dates:

• 📖 Sunday, July 26, 1:30–2:45 pm:
  Intro to the Gospel of John — First Century Greco-Roman Context & Jewish Scriptures (John 1:1-5)

• 📖  Sunday, August 16, 1:30–2:45 pm:
  John’s Prologue — A Story of Two Worlds Becoming One (John 1:6-18)

Location: Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, Missoula, MT

Interested in the Bible but tired of religious assumptions getting in the way?
Do you want to explore its history and meaning without feeling pressured to conform to a specific belief system?
And in the Missoula area?
If so, Bible in Context: Reframing Genesis through Revelation might be for you.

This is not your grandpa’s Bible study or childhood Sunday School class. There are no sacred calves, sides to take, and angry gods threatening eternal damnation here—just real discussions, historical context, psychological insights, and tools to learn ancient texts on your own.

As Martin Luther emphasized, it’s just “logic and Scripture.“

Learn what the Bible was wrestling with by learning its hints, invitations, layers, tools, and patterns that Scripture writers embedded in its pages.

Together, we’ll examine the Bible as it is: a collection of ancient scriptures that grapple with life, history, psychology, philosophy, ego, empires, and the Divine.

Learn more about Bible In Context below. ⬇️

Bible In Context Overview:

This class has developed over a decade, and integrates my education and independent research over the years. Its material has been taught in a few settings, on both sides of sobriety, and is grounded in vetted history, original languages, cultural context, and some philosophy and psychology, just to be safe.

Bible in Context teaches students not what to think but how to study Scripture themselves and thus learn how to better think for themselves. It’s a great class for those with either a spiritual or analytical interest, as this material tends to be approachable and understandable by anyone, regardless of their context.

Bible In Context begins with basic fundamental questions: What is the Bible, and how did it come to be? It explores the origins and development of these texts, examining how the ancient world shaped their narratives.

From the rich mythologies predating the Jewish scriptures—such as the Babylonian Enuma Elish—to the cultural and intellectual currents of the Greco-Roman world that influenced John’s writings, we provide a clear, interdisciplinary look at these foundational stories.

Drawing from history, archaeology, science, psychology, and philosophy, we view the Bible as a dynamic work that spans history. Our discussions focus on real-life applications and the personal relevance of these texts, offering a space where bold questions and challenging ideas are welcome.

Who Is It For?

This class is for anyone who values deep discussions and real-life applications of wisdom, people interested in learning more than a pre-defined set of “doctrines.” This class is not for people with a predefined belief system they’d like to enforce on others. It’s for people willing to search and ask questions.

✅ Independent thinkers curious about the Bible’s historical and cultural layers
✅ People seeking meaningful conversations about life, meaning, and faith
✅ Those wanting a new lens on spiritual questions, free from expectations or judgment
✅ Anyone tired of oversimplified, surface-level interpretations of the Bible

This is a mature, welcoming space where doubts, questions, and open dialogue are encouraged. If a little humor, different opinions, and some adult references bother you, I’d suggest sitting this one out. If that, rather, interests you, it’d be great to have you!

Forget About:

⛔️ Shame tactics or denominational agendas
⛔️ Meeting expectations or following unspoken rules
⛔️ Oversimplified, surface-level, or pretty explanations
⛔️ Seeing the Bible the way the way its usually taught

What to Expect:

☑️ PG-13+ Discussions: Explore real human questions and challenging ideas.
☑️ Historical Insights: Unpack cultural contexts that shaped these writings.
☑️ Fresh Perspectives: Freedom to doubt and rethink familiar texts in real, actionable ways.
☑️ Open Atmosphere: An environment that values curiosity, humanity, and authenticity, even with different opinions and emotional issues. Participants are asked to respect others and keep the discussion peaceful.
☑️ Real Life Questions: As we tear into the historical questions and concepts of the Bible, we also ask them about our humanity today.

A Costco Sample of the Bible in Context

Whether you’ve read the Bible a hundred times or never cracked it open, this class will help you see it in a whole new light. Join us for an engaging, thought-provoking experience that lets you explore the Bible on your own terms.