Last month, a neighbor organized and hosted a New Testament-based Socratic potluck. She selected the Parable of the Prodigal Son as the topic of discussion. This was a fun event. Group members have said they are interested in other events like this. So she has selected the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) as the topic for the next event.
For anyone not familiar with the concept: "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.
The event organizers provided the following discussion questions, but other questions might be discussed, including questions that guests suggest:
1. What motivates someone to look past prejudices, as the Good Samaritan did?
2. Was the priest truly converted to his religion if he passed by the man on the road?
3. Look at the characters in the story: the priest, the Levite, the Samaritan, the man who was beaten. Who might these people be today?
4. Jesus concluded his telling of this parable by telling his listener "Go and do likewise." Do people in 2023 do likewise? Why or why not?
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 10 people. Bring a main dish, salad, side dish, 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.
IMPORTANT: This is a limited seating event. If you would like to attend, be sure to RSVP before space runs out.
Items guests have signed up to bring:
A. W: Brownies
A. G: Veggies
D. K: not sure will check other's
E. M: I'll pick up some pasta saLad
L. K: salad
P. H: chicken broccoli casserole
S. M: Dessert
S. W: meat pies from Baiz market
C. W: ?
D. K: ?
G. T: ?
R. T: ?
V. J: ?