Other Study Resources

All of the following videos are available to borrow from AVEL, the United Church Video Lending Library.

Parables: A New Look at Familiar Stories

This video offers four 15-minute segments on the following parables:

1. The Good Samaritan
2. The Talents
3. The Prodigal Son
4. The Unjust Steward.

The purpose of the material is to invite viewers to reconsider what the simple allegories meant in their historical, social, and religious context, and to gain a deeper understanding of their relevance today. The format uses artistic expression, scholarly debate, and expert commentary, as well as reflection questions.

The System Belongs to God

This is a seven-part video series by Walter Wink which is based on his books about "principalities and powers." In each, viewers are introduced to and invited to explore an aspect of the biblical understanding of principalities and powers, which Wink defines as the systems, institutions, and structures that weave society into an intricate fabric of power and relationships. Wink shows that principalities and powers are necessary and have the potential of working for good or for evil, or often both at the same time.

The videos begin with a reflection by Walter Wink on the subject at hand, followed by reactions from James Forbes and Janet Wolf. The hope is that group members will then continue the discussion with one another. For each video, the leader's guide provides an introduction, a list of Bible passages used, definitions and ideas discussed, topics that stand out, and discussion suggestions for groups.

What's the Use of the Bible?

The fourth 25-minute video in the Questions of Faith II series, explores the significance of the Bible through interviews with a variety of well-known secular and church writers and thinkers. Comes with discussion questions and programme ideas.

Whole and Forgiven

A Walter Wink Bible Study series with six segments, each designed to involve groups in discussion and study of biblical texts. The focus is on stories about Jesus and healing. The segments are packaged individually and each is approximately 27 to 33 minutes in length and is accompanied by a comprehensive study guide. The six parts are:

1. The Man Let Down through the Roof
2. The Bent-over Woman
3. The Woman with the Hemorrhage
4. Blind Bartimaeus
5. The Woman with the Ointment
6. The Compassionate Samaritan