The “Contemporary Issues” group transitions to book-club format with the classic novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, by George Orwell. One of the most influential books of the 20th century, this is where we get the ideas of “Big Brother [is watching],” “doublespeak,” “Thought Police,” and “Orwellian” (from the author’s name). It’s a frightening but gripping story of how the future looked from the perspective of 1948. You can find this book at any library and any typical book store.

We are hoping to discuss this book on a Saturday morning, at a restaurant or coffee shop not too far from church. Likely dates are January 16, 23, or 30. Please try to let Steve or Valerie Gruenwald know if you hope to participate, so we have some idea of how many people to expect. This does not commit you to showing up. Also let us know if you want help with getting a copy of the book, or transportation to the group, or especially if you have a suggestion for a meeting place.

We are still a “Contemporary Issues” adult education group, just changing our approach to how we explore issues. We’re looking for books that raise issues that might not come up in bible study or the liturgy, but have indirect relevance to ethics, spirituality, religious beliefs, etc. Future books may be fiction or nonfiction, serious or lighthearted. Participation in the discussion of one book does not mean you need to read others that may not interest you. A “starter” list of possible books to consider is at http://www.swhi.net/~steveg/StNick/book-list.html. Feel free to make suggestions – and to invite others to the group.

In the meanwhile, time and Christmas season permitting, our group will try to continue Sunday discussions of science and religion. We are now discussing the universe – all of it – from the point of view of modern physics. You do not have to know anything about modern physics or the universe to participate, and this discussion (but not the universe) will end when we are ready to discuss Nineteen Eighty-Four.

The “Contemporary Issues” adult education group has been discussing “Science and Religion” for a while now. We’re not finished yet; but when we do finish up this topic, we will be re-forming the group, for the indefinite future, into a book club format.


The advantages of this format, we hope, will include these:

• We will try to meet either one evening or one Saturday morning (over breakfast), each month. This will not conflict with other commitments many of us have between the liturgies on Sunday.
• Most participants will be more certain that there is something important to do that specific week, and be able to set the time aside.
• People can freely join us one month and not another, depending on whether the book is of interest.
• People can choose to take the lead in discussing books of particular interest to them (or not – there is no pressure!).

I have placed a list of possible works on my Web page at http://www.swhi.net/~steveg/StNick/book-list.html. These are only proposed to get other people thinking– please, please give me your ideas! The works there now are not listed in order of importance or preference; novels are listed alphabetically, nonfiction works by date. Some of them I’m sure are less practical than others. Either send me your suggestions at steveg at swhi dot net, or mention them to me or Valerie when you see us. What are we looking for? Almost anything except traditional theology (I leave that to the clerically trained!) that (a) people will enjoy but also (b) is educational and/or thought-provoking in regard to matters of faith, conscience, social responsibility, ethics, etc. Suggest something you liked, or something you’ve never read but heard maybe you should.

(We also need your thoughts about meeting times and places.)

Before moving on to any of these, we are going to finish our “Science and Religion” theme with topics from physics and cosmology – what is this place we live in? Why would God make it so mysterious? What’s this “big bang” thing? What does “infinite” mean? What does “nothingness” mean? Please feel free to join us – no background necessary! Bring your questions and ideas.

– Steve Gruenwald