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Online Seminar: The Bible as Witness not Word

Reclaiming Our Witness

Rethinking the Bible with Marisa Johnson and the Quaker tradition

What if the Bible isn’t the Word of God — but a witness to the Word of God?

For many people, the Bible has become difficult to hold. Not because it lacks beauty or depth, but because of the weight placed upon it — as something final, unquestionable, and often weaponised.

In this online event, Marisa Johnson, Executive Secretary of Quakers in Britain, invites us into a different way of framing scripture:
not as a rulebook dropped from heaven, but as a living witness to people’s encounters with the divine.

Drawing on the Quaker tradition, Marisa will explore how this approach:

  • honours the Bible without absolutising it

  • makes room for humility, disagreement, and discernment

  • frees faith from brittle certainty without abandoning scripture

  • helps us remain spiritually honest in a complex world

This perspective has been quietly present within Christianity for centuries — and may offer a way forward for those who still care about faith, but struggle with how the Bible has been used.

About the evening

The session will take the form of:

  • a short presentation (approx. 30 minutes)

  • followed by a moderated conversation and Q&A, hosted by Steve Ames

Questions can be submitted during the event, and you’re welcome to simply listen if that’s how you prefer to take part.

The event will be held online and recorded for those unable to attend live.

Who this is for

This event may be especially helpful if you:

  • feel caught between fundamentalism and walking away

  • want to read the Bible with integrity, not fear

  • are curious about Quaker spirituality and continuing revelation

  • are exploring faith beyond rigid ideas of authority

You don’t need to be part of Rewilding Faith — or familiar with Quakerism — to attend.

About Rewilding Faith

This event is offered as a bonus online session within Rewilding Faith, a year-long journey exploring Christian faith in more thoughtful, open, and spacious ways.

You’re welcome to engage with this as a one-off, with no expectation of further involvement.

Practical details

When: Thursday 19th February
Where: Online (Zoom link shared with registered participants)
Cost: Free
Registration: Required (to receive the Zoom link)
Recording: Yes

Earlier Event: February 4
Guided Discussion: Rewilding the Bible