I have been considering an idea I wanted to share with you for some time, and have spoken with @molgrips to see if he agreed that it might be a good one. So because, when last we spoke, he did, and because the next few months seem to represent a real possibility in terms of my time, I have decided to present you with my idea to see where it goes.

Before I do, however, I have one request: because it necessitates me revealing a fair amount about who I am and what I do, whether or not you find the idea of interest, please allow me to keep participating in the forum in the way I always have. It’s a good place, and a community I don’t want to lose.

Anyway, here goes…

I am an Orthodox priest and an academic, and of late – beginning with the first lockdown – I have been doing quite a bit of online work in terms of teaching and presenting.

I have been a priest for twenty-five years in one capacity or another, and my academic specialism is in historical theology with a particular focus on the transmission of ideas in the seventh century.

In any case, over the years on this forum, we have spent a fair amount of time arguing and talking about Christianity specifically – and the idea of faith more generally – and I have wanted to take a lot of the points, arguments, and questions posed on here and turn them into an introductory book. NOT – to be clear – with a view to ‘converting’ anyone; just with a view to answering your legitimate questions and criticisms from a more thorough place than an internet forum normally represents. That has so far borne no fruit, as I have simply had too much on the go.

So, my idea is this:

If I organised an online ‘pub night’ exclusively for members of STW, to which you could bring your questions, challenges, comments, or arguments, and to which I would try to offer a constructive, interesting, affirming, or corrective response, would you be interested?

I figure critical mass would be about ten of you. Any fewer, and I may not run with it.

Please note: I would hope to upload any resulting video to YouTube.

If you could please click on the linked survey, and let me know your thoughts on a possible event, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

That reminds me i also need to discuss the healing power of crystals with someone.

Precisely the sort of thoughtful, scholarly remark I was hoping for.

That’s pretty offensive @twinw4ll. A kind and generous offer has been made to users and yet you see fit to sneer.

Shocked, but in a good way, to find out you’re a priest. Sounds like a nice idea and I honestly don’t see how it could affect your participation in this forum. It’s a very divisive subject and I hope you get calm and collected people to participate.

I’m now just seeing you as Father Jack in my head.

SaxonRider – I’ve always really enjoyed your contributions to the forum and it doesn’t surprise me at all that you have such an interesting background. It sounds like a great idea – hope it is successful for you.

I honestly don’t see how it could affect your participation in this forum.

Was my first thought, also followed by the surprise job revalation.

I’m just not fired up by religion, for or against enough to join in, but I probably would be interested in whatever the output was, because of the characters you’ll hopefully get joining in. Excited for you, I hope it happens.

Where’s the potential admission fee proceeds going?

I mean, if it’s “SaxonRider’s C&H pizza fund” then that’s fine, but I think I’d quite like to know first.

I used to be a member of a christian fellowship(pathfinders) kind of thing as a boy with my best mate. Since grown up to realise I’m no Christian but i feel everyone has their beliefs and im fine with that. Therefore, i am open to your suggestion Saxonrider. Count me in…if i can

I’ve always been envious of people who believe in a ‘higher power’ being their reference point for what is going well, or poorly in their world. More so since the multiple suicide attempts of someone I love dearly since Christmas.

I’d love to take part but fear I’d be far too inarticulate to contribute effectively. Much happier being a fly of the, erm, camera? But would love to watch the results on YouTube.

Good luck Saxonrider

I had a suspicion you were a man of the cloth, but Orthodox comes as a surprise, can’t be many of them in Wales. Greek or Russian?

@IHN: Russian. There is a Greek parish, two Russian, and one Romanian parish here in Cardiff. Also a few Syrian/Indian and Ethiopian/Eritrean communities.

@Cougar: simple answer? SaxonRider’s pizza fund. More complex answer? I run a parish, serve as chaplain at the university, am a research fellow there, and teach a lot, and don’t earn money for any of it, so teaching online and getting Patreon subscribers is my only income. That said, I do what I do anyway, whether I get paid or not. Which is why I put down a few options.

I figure this could be worth it, whether or not people pay.

I think a good proposal would also be to see if people on STW can grow a sense of humour.

I’m sure SaxonRider has to deal with stuff like that first post all the time and I’m pretty sure he’s OK with it. I imagine a slight raise of the eyebrows and a slight chuckle would be at the top end of the scale.

I’ll pass on the offer, thanks, but fully accept that it is an important part of someone else’s life and should be respected as such. A little bit of light ribbing is not disrespecting it. Second hand outrage really isn’t needed.

Best of luck with the idea. It can’t do any harm.

no surprise , and your contributions on the religion threads have always been helpful and very well thought out.  It’s a hugely difficult topic online so it might work, good luck

don’t earn money for any of it,

That is what surprises me!! The univeristy doesn’y pay you??

I’d be interested. I’m a devout scientist and parts of religion make no sense to me.

Then again – things in science and nature make no sense either, and I can’t rationalise why I’m prepared to sit and listen to scientists and naturalists (I think that’s right, although I’d listen to naturists too) and let them try to explain things I don’t understand to me but I’m suspicious of religionists because they might help to make sense of it and then I’d be forced to confront my rejection of religion.

As LeeW;  there are times too where I wish there was a higher power I believed in and could burden or blame with all the shit things that happen. It’s God’s will doesn’t make sense to me (I mean, what reasonable plan does God have that involves childhood cancer??) but it would solve a lot of problems for me.

Only problem is I’m 200 miles from Cardiff

I knew you were a theological scholar. Didn’t know you were a priest though.

I’d very much like to take part in the discussion, sounds very interesting.

That is what surprises me!! The univeristy doesn’y pay you??

Not a penny! 😁

I was appointed an honorary (non-stipendiary) basis, and because I was working in another institution for many years, I never needed to be paid. I haven’t been with that other institution for a few years now, so a bump up the scale somewhere would be nice!

But to be fair, I love what I do and I love my research, so I would do it anyway.

A kind and generous offer has been made to users and yet you see fit to sneer.

You’ve reminded me of something from my childhood. I went to a CofE primary school and when the old vicar retired he came into the school to say goodbye at morning assembly. At the end of his farewell speech he told us all that he had a gift for us. We weren’t expecting anything great, would it be a bible or a book of religious songs? No, the tight old git gave us a blessing 🤣 We were all about as grateful as twinw4ll up there

I thought people on here knew what he did 🙂

I’m a devout scientist and parts of religion make no sense to me.

Me too.. but I guess it depends what area of science.

I’d strongly encourage the curious scientists to join in because the OP is really good at this kind of thing and knowing the historical side of things is a brilliant way to explore what faith actually means*. All the counterpoints you can come up with have already been raised in the past and been written about.

As a physics graduate I am as unable on a fundamental level to disprove the existence of some kind of God as the OP is able to prove it. And that’s ok with me. Discussing why this is the case is fascinating.

* hint – it covers a lot of things besides the creation of the world.

I haven’t been with that other institution for a few years now, so a bump up the scale somewhere would be nice!

Have you asked them?!

@LeeW

I’d love to take part but fear I’d be far too inarticulate to contribute effectively.

You could formulate questions before hand and submit them I suppose, Question Time style. Maybe that’s a good idea? It sounds like your questions would be welcome.

Only problem is I’m 200 miles from Cardiff

It says it’s online in the OP.

In no way am I religious but don’t look down on those that are.
Secondary school was very religious and would be in the minster every end of term.

That said the kindest thing I have ever received was a work colleague saying she prayed for my son as he was very ill in hospital (heart surgery at 10 months).
At the time she was terminal with the big C and i reflect on this quite a lot (someone should dust this bloody room).

Religion can be thankless and horrifying, it’s all in the application.

I’m in, if you’ll have me. 🙂

As an atheist and rationalist, I find Theology fascinating.

Ah yes. I missed online and spotted ‘pub night’ only

I was brought up a Christian (Methodism) but turned away mainly because of several decades of severe mental health issues with a rather pervasive satanic element.

I’ve always been hugely interested in theology and also how science and theology might not be mutually exclusive, though I’m no academic. I’m very open minded around possibilities (for and against) although I tend to rail against powerful organised religion (Catholic Church etc.). I’ve a sneaky suspicion that if I were to suddenly find a faith I’d be looking at Gnosticism.

I think you have a great idea there and wish you all the best. I couldn’t get to you for a pub night but I’d be happy to contribute to any threads here.

As an atheist I have absolutely no interest in this idea.

Go for it. It’s not something that interest me but there are a good few on here that it will.

I’m a devout scientist

So were Gregor Mendel and Georges Lemaitre 😉

Crack on I reckon

Normally wed all “know” how a religion thread will pan out. I’ve no idea with this one.

Hi @SaxonRider – very rare poster here, but this sounds like something for which I’m happy to stick my head above the parapet! I teach A-level Politics and History, including topics on the Religious Right in American Politics and the Tudor Reformation in 16th Century England. I’ve also taught the Crusades and the French Wars of Religion. I’m interested in being involved in your round-table, if you have space.

@saxonrider, your name makes much more sense now. Love the 7th century too with a particular love for the Byzantium empire.

Having been brought up a Christian (Church of England) I’m afraid Im also atheist. Tend to believe in the ancient aliens theory now but I guess it all depends on the definition of a god. I’m sure if I went back in time 10000 years with some of today’s tech they would think I was a god.

As a follower of history, my belief is the word of God was currupted by the greed of man to serve them and what ever grand Church they were building or war they were fighting and as such its fatally flawed. I’d love to take a peak in the Vatican vaults and find out all their secrets.

Good luck

So were Gregor Mendel and Georges Lemaitre

Yep. When far smarter people than me can rationalise ‘both sides’ of the argument I have to be alive to the possibility it’s me that’s wrong.

Interesting to read you’re a Priest. I’m not religious myself, though were i to attend such an event you might find me somewhat argumentative, mainly due to the history of the church and it’s quest for power, Treatment of parishioners in Ireland

That said, we’ve a number of priests in the family, including a Monsignor. My uncle on my Fathers side worked for SVDP Ruchazie in Glasgow.

.

Not my thing though, but I wish you every success in your endeavour though.

I’ve now got you pictured as wearing  a multi patterned jumper, sporting a beard and playing a 12 stringed guitar.

Am I right on any of those aspects. 😆

I’m in.

I’ve moved from Roman Catholic to Agnostic to Atheist. I love religious architecture, I hate the way that religion has been used by the powerful as an instrument of oppression. I love the good that the non-conformist movement and Quakers did. I’m sure that there are good examples in other religions too.

One of the things I didn’t understand as a kid was why CoE people hated Catholics. Having been to services and Sunday school for RC, CoE and Methodist they’re so similar.

Hmm…
I’m not at all religious and find those who are quite odd, but it’s always interesting hearing them try to justify their point of view, and occasionally they do say something which makes me think.
I’m quite interested in the angle of ‘why some people believe certain things’ but this may not quite be what the OP is looking for? Not sure I can contribute anything useful but would be interested to watch the resulting youtube thing.

I’m a confirmed atheist, but I recognise some elements of faith in my own beliefs. I would like to take part but I work in the evening a lot.

I’ve always been hugely interested in theology and also how science and theology might not be mutually exclusive

They definitely aren’t. The obvious route is the watchmaker analogy, in which God kicks off a universe with a bunch of laws, and then everything we see follows from that. All of science is still perfectly valid in that hypothesis because how couldn’t it be? And these aren’t new ideas, Isaac Newton talked about it. The ideas of biblical inerrancy and creationism were not always taken seriously in the past, despite what modern atheists would have you think.

@andrewh and anyone else wondering if they’d be welcome:

Yes is the answer. I am not looking for any ‘type’ of person, or questions, or people who are especially ‘open’ or ‘closed’ to faith and religious ideas; just people who like engaging with ideas full stop. And as far as I can tell, that includes most of the people on here.

I’m open to the idea, it definitely sounds interesting. As I mentioned when I replied to the survey I’m a bit concerned that it could just turn into a atheists-vs-you squabble, which would be pretty crap. I like the idea of it being an open discussion, but you definitely need to set some rules to keep it interesting.

That reminds me i also need to discuss the healing power of crystals with someone.

As an atheist I have absolutely no interest in this idea

I do wonder if we should all start asking ourselves “am I contributing positively here”

OP. Thank you for posting. It’s not for me, I’m not even sure I understand what you’re asking but that’s my failing, not yours.
That said, I’d be interested in you updating this thread with any thoughts or findings once you done your session.