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Introductory Talk: Rewilding the Bible from Rule-Keeping to Wisdom

  • Harbour Faith Community (map)

Rewilding the Bible

From rule-keeping to wisdom

Not sure what to do with the Bible anymore? You’re not alone.

For many people, the Bible has become a source of confusion, tension, or even harm — used to silence questions, enforce certainty, or shut down honest doubt. Others still feel drawn to faith, but don’t know how to relate to this book without intellectual gymnastics or emotional cost.

This short talk is an invitation to step back and ask a different question:

What if the Bible isn’t the problem — but our accumulated, exhausting expectations of it are?

Rather than treating the Bible as a single, flawless rulebook, this session explores what it means to approach it as a library of texts: shaped by history, culture, poetry, argument, faith, and disagreement — which is exactly why it’s so inspired and useful.

What to expect

  • A 30 minute, accessible talk (no academic background required)

  • An honest, non-defensive approach to scripture

  • No pressure to agree with everything

  • Space for curiosity rather than certainty

This talk is part of a wider project called Rewilding Faith, but you don’t need to know anything about that — or sign up for anything — to attend. You’re welcome to come just for this.

About the setting

The talk takes place within the Sunday morning service at Harbour Faith Community, so that regulars there can also engage with the theme.

If you’re wary of church spaces, please be reassured:

  • visitors are genuinely welcome

  • no one will single you out

  • no one will try to recruit you

  • you won’t be asked to say or do anything

You’re free to listen, reflect, and take what’s helpful.

If you can’t attend in person, or would prefer to engage from a distance, the talk will be recorded and shared afterwards.

Practical details

When: Sunday 1 February, 11:00am
Where: Harbour Faith Community, Carrickfergus
Cost: Free
Booking: Not required

A little context

This talk is the opening Spark in Rewilding Faith, a year-long series exploring Christian faith in more thoughtful, open, and spacious ways. Each month includes:

  • a short talk

  • a discussion space

  • and a contemplative practice

You’re welcome to explore more, or simply come along to this one event.

If you’ve ever felt that struggling with the Bible meant something was wrong with you, this conversation is for you.

Later Event: February 4
Guided Discussion: Rewilding the Bible