Adults - Presbyterian Church in Westfield

For adults trying to stay grounded…we’re here for you.

THEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

Since 2009, the PCW Theology Discussion Group has been a gathering place for those eager to deepen their faith through thoughtful engagement with theological texts and spiritual books. Our mission is twofold:

1. To inspire and enrich our understanding of faith by exploring significant and relevant works.

2. To foster the skills and confidence to share our reflections and experiences of faith with others.

Over the years, hundreds of participants have joined us, creating a vibrant community of lifelong learners. Whether you’re new to theology or a seasoned reader, you’ll find a welcoming space to exchange ideas, ask questions, and grow spiritually.

Our group meets both online and in person, offering flexibility for participants from all walks of life.

Books We've Discussed

Our reading list reflects the richness and diversity of theological and spiritual thought.
Some of the noteworthy texts we've explored include:

Classic Works

Institutes of the Christian Religion, Vol. 4 by John Calvin
The Confessions by St. Augustine
The Word of God and Word of Man by Karl Barth
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
No Man Is an Island by Thomas Merton

Contemporary Favorites

Sacred Pulse by April Fiet
Why Religion? by Elaine Pagels
Inspired by Rachel Held Evans
What Is the Bible? by Rob Bell

Review Our Detailed Book List

1. Institutes of the Christian Religion, Vol. 4 by John Calvin
2. The Confessions by St. Augustine
3. The Word of God and Word of Man by Karl Barth
4. Theology for a Troubled Believer by Diogenes Allen – met with Prof. Allen at the
Nassau Club and PTS cafeteria.
5. Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
6. Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
7. Why Did Jesus Cross the Road? by Brian McLaren – Summer Read
8. Drawn to Freedom (Heidelberg Catechism) by Eberhard Busch
9. Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton – Summer Read
10. The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society by Lesslie Newbigin
11. Becoming Wise by Krista Tippett – Summer Read
12. Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
13. Falling Upward by Richard Rohr – Summer Read
14. Ishmael by Daniel Quinn – Summer Read
15. The Continuing Conversion of the Church by Darrell Guder – met with Prof.
Guder at the Nassau Club for lunch and discussion.
16. What Is the Bible? by Rob Bell – Summer Read
17. Strength to Love by Martin Luther King Jr.
18. Why Religion? by Elaine Pagels – Summer Read, meeting at Nassau Club for
lunch and discussion.
19. Christ of the Celts by J. Philip Newell
20. Rachel’s Cry by Migliore & Billman – Adult ed program over four sessions
(Winter Prayer).
21. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
22. No Man Is an Island by Thomas Merton – Summer Read
23. Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman (additional readings from Tolstoy
and Thich Nhat Hanh).
24. Heart and Mind by Alexander Shaia
25. What Do We Do When Nobody Is Listening? by Robin Lovin – Adult ed lectures
and men’s retreat.
26. Sacred Pulse by April Fiet – Summer Read
27. Introduction to the Theology of the Old Testament by Birch, Brueggamann,
Fretheim, Petersen
28. Inspired by Rachel Held Evans – Summer read

Authors We Have Met

We’ve also engaged in unique opportunities, such as meeting with authors like Diogenes Allen (Theology for a Troubled Believer) and Darrell Guder (The Continuing Conversion of the Church), and hosting summer reads that invite lighter yet thought-provoking discussions.

We’ve had the privilege of engaging with notable authors and theologians:

Theology for a Troubled Believer by Diogenes Allen – met with Prof. Allen at the
Nassau Club and then at the PTS cafeteria.
The Continuing Conversion of the Church by Darrell Guder – met with Prof. Guder at the Nassau Club for lunch and discussion.
Why Religion? by Elaine Pagels – Summer Read, meeting at Nassau Club for
lunch and discussion.
What Do We Do When Nobody Is Listening? by Robin Lovin – Adult ed lectures
and men’s retreat.

Whether tackling classic works like Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton or contemporary voices like What Is the Bible? by Rob Bell, we approach each book with curiosity, respect, and a desire to grow both individually and as a community.

Join us and discover the joy of exploring faith through shared reading and discussion. Together, we’ll journey deeper into the heart of what it means to believe, live, and share our faith.

Please contact Alan Smith to learn more about this opportunity.

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For adults trying to stay grounded…we’re here for you.

THEOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP

Looking for a place to serve?

We're here for you.

The Presbyterian Church in Westfield

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