"Socratic Potluck" events are one of the neighborhood group's most popular type of events. A "Socratic Potluck" dinner looks like a regular potluck dinner, but it features pre-announced discussion questions. Discussion topics and questions can range from serious to whimsical. Questions may be philosophical, social, political, or about anything. The purpose is to foster an interesting discussion. Socratic Potlucks are not lectures or lessons. In fact, a discussion moderator will often introduce a question and then say very little himself or herself.
A number of neighbors in the group have asked if a Socratic Potluck event could include religious topics. A resident of the neighborhood has organized just such an event. She has selected questions based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, from Luke 15:11–32:
1. Could the unfortunate events described in the parable have been avoided if the father didn't give his son his inheritance?
2. Which son committed the greater sin?
3. What is the point of this story?
Note that this will not be a worship service. Neighbors of all backgrounds are welcome. Anybody who enjoys thoughtful discussion will have a great time at this event!
What to Bring: Guests may bring any type of food. Enough to feed about 11 people. Bring a main dish, salad, side dish, dessert, etc. Hosts will provide drinks, plates, utensils, etc.
About the host: Sister Murdock was born and raised in Paris, Texas. She attended Dallas College where she studied Speech Pathology. Since August of 2022 she has served as a missionary in the Arizona Tempe Mission.
NOTE: This is a limited seating event. Everybody will sit around a single round table. So attendance is limited to 10 people. If you would like to attend, be sure to RSVP before space runs out. (UPDATE: Due to popular demand, we expanded the event to two separate tables, so more people can attend.)
UPDATE: Because so many people wanted to attend this event, we expanded from one to two tables. There is plenty of room at the location to set up two tables. If necessary for the acoustics, we'll simply set up the tables in two different rooms. Guests will participate in a single discussion at a round table, with a group of people small enough to facilitate meaningful conversation, small enough that everyone can participate.
Items guests have signed up to bring:
C. W: cookies
D. K: TBD
K. P: dessert, like cookies or brownies
L. K: Salad
Marie: fruit
P. B: Flexible. Homemade pizza? Italian style pork sandwitches?
R. B: fruit salad OR coleslaw (whatever you prefer)
S. R: Salad
D. K: ?
G. T: ?
M. L: ?
N. B: ?