Christians, would you go to a Bible Study that used this book?

Question

Okay, I was invited to this women's Bible Study that will be using this book:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=732028&netp_id=481566&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

It's called "High Heels, High Places". From what I understand, it's about how loving shoes relates to growing spiritually.

I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the book.. I mean, being obsessed with shoes is really not so Christian. Most shoes are made in sweatshops, and buying lots of shoes is not being a good steward of God's money. Also.. the shoes on the cover are not modest.

Also.. shouldn't a Bible Study only use the BIBLE? I feel like other books might be appropriate for a small group of some sort.

I asked the group leader about this and she said that it was a last minute decision.

What do I do???

Answer 1

You present yourself as an spiritual mature person. Paul said that all things were legal to him (bound to nothing) but not all were edifying. That means - at least for me - I am free to make my own decisions without "answering to any elder or counselor", because I posses the freedom given to me by the sacrifice Jesus did. Yet, not all things I may do are constructive, edifying, glorify God's name, and - sincerely - do not provide good, sound, spiritual food, but simply, philosophical junk. What you observed is probably what you will get. The first thing that stroke as phony was your description of "women's Bible study". It sounds as a very social oriented view, and those vies usually - not all the time - only reflect the thinking of humans that have no spiritual guidance. It is so much better if it would make the Scriptures the main book, and man (women as well) the subject, not shoes!

But, alas, it i only my opinion.

  

Answer 2

stay away from there

Answer 3

Don't judge a book by it's cover.

Answer 4

I still don't understand people can study the Bible and not understand how it's a book full of violence, cruelty, bloodbaths, sexism, and racism.  How can people who study the bible use it as a source of moral guidance?

____

Answer 5

To drag out an old song and show my age,

"These boots are made for walking".

You should be able to do better than that.

I don't know where you are but, in my congregation we are studying the 12 "Minor" Prophets and what we can learn not only from their prophesies but how it applies to our dealings with friends, family and keeping in expectation of the Lord's day.

Here is a section from the book we are using that we will be considering in a few months.

“HE HAS HATED A DIVORCING”

3 A logical first area of interest is the bond between husband and wife. Until recent times, most people did not consider divorce as an easy solution to marital problems. Obtaining a divorce was usually difficult; in 19th-century England, it required an act of Parliament to obtain a divorce. Such views tended to protect families from disintegrating. Now, though, things are quite different. The Encyclopædia Britannica observes: “Divorce rates have markedly increased in many countries since World War II . . . Attitudes toward divorce have changed dramatically . . . with the general trend toward tolerance of the practice.” Divorce is becoming a social phenomenon even in countries like Korea, where until a decade ago, divorce was frowned upon. Today, people in many lands feel that divorce is a viable option for mates in a troubled marriage.

4 During Malachi’s day in the fifth century B.C.E., divorce was rampant among the Jews. Malachi told them: “Jehovah himself has borne witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you yourself have dealt treacherously.” Because of treacherous dealings on the part of husbands, the altar of Jehovah was covered with the tears of betrayed wives, “with weeping and sighing.” And corrupt priests condoned such cruelty!—Malachi 2:13, 14.

This is on the 125th page, we are way back on the 42nd page

If you are interested, look up Jehovah's Witnesses in the phone book and they can direct to a local study in your  area.  

Answer 6

It's a great book on Colossians. You 'll learn a lot about 'walking the talk".

Answer 7

Don't go!  A bible study is just that.  Has nothing to do with shoes.  In bible times they wore sandals.

Answer 8

I wouldn't like it either.  I like women who wear shoes with their cute little toes sticking out, not closed toed shoes!!!

Answer 9

I'm of the opinion that bibles should be used by bible study groups. Furthermore, I think Christians need to emphasize their study on what Christ taught.

Answer 10

It mentions in the synopsis that it is meant to be a humorous take on it.  I do agree that a Bible study should use the Bible, but often a guide can be helpful.  

In the "for what it's worth" department, I'd give it a try, and then don't come back if it bothers you.  Who knows, you may be blessed by it.

Answer 11

Yeah, I think your right, it seems to want to reveal God in this materialistic way. I would find it as a distraction. I personally wouldn't join this time.  

I recommend this book:

"A Woman's High Calling: 10 Essentials For Godly Living"

By: Elizabeth George.

It's Amazing!!! and very inspirational.

It comes in a paper back book and a paper back work study book that only refers to the bible.

I highly recommend : D

Answer 12

Go and see how it is. You may find it a lot more informitive than you think. Many Bible study groups will use another book to lead the group to the verses in the Bible that relate. You have nothing to loose by going. You can always decline to go if you don't like it.

Rev. TomCat

Answer 13

Sounds like some unnecessary reading material to try to understand God. I believe a woman's foot looks more beautiful without being in a shoe.

Answer 14

I read the description online and it says that it is taken from Colossians, so it isn't a study about shoes.  It sounds like the author is taking the relevant passages from the Bible and relating it to her readers.

That said, if it doesn't appeal to you and makes you uncomfortable, don't do it.  Just explain that the study doesn't interest you at this time and tell her that it makes you uncomfortable.  Tell her you are interested in the next study and would love to join if the book appeals to you!

Answer 15

Since I've never read the book, I can't say for sure.  If it were being offered in my church at a time when I could attend, I'd probably go a couple of times (if it was a continued series) and give it a try.  Honestly, it sounds a bit silly to me, but then again I don't know because I haven't read it.

Have you ever heard Anita Renfro's "bit" on the way you can identify a woman by the type of purse she carries?  It is HILARIOUS.  It isn't meant to be spiritual, just an ice-breaker, but it is really great.

Answer 16

i doubt that a leader in bible study would just pick some random book. How bout read it, and look for metaphors and similes??? I doubt it's really about lots of shoes.....

Answer 17

Just don't go. If you don't agree or feel comfortable with it then you have the right to not go. Personally, that would be a little girly for me. And I agree with you when you say that the Bible should be used. I mean, it IS a BIBLE study.

Answer 18

HAha I suppose you wouldn't have to go. Thats interesting though even though I'm not so much into shoes, I'd like to know what it'd say. But yeah I hear ya, I don't know if I would attend unless I was good friends with someone in the group.

Answer 19

If you read the description, it tells that you are "taking steps" walking with God.

And , what is wrong with learning to take steps with God?  It sounds like it could be a good study to learn something worth while.

Answer 20

Without really knowing anything about the book the summary on that website you posted sounds OK.

"Whether you're partial to heels or flats, you'll adore this laugh-out-loud journey toward God. Using Colossians 1: 9-12, where Paul asks us to walk worthy of the Lord, Rhonda Rhea helps women take steps of faith and climb higher toward God. In her humorous style, she offers how-tos straight from the Word of God. So...what are you waiting for? Strap on those cute shoes and get those high heels in a higher place!"

It sounds like it is using the idea of walking/climbing as a platform to launch into a study on Colossians 1.  These types of studies can be good or bad and sometimes it is hard to know which way it will go before you start the study.  

There is nothing wrong with using other books in a Bible Study as long as it is done in conjunction with the Bible.  Obviously the Bible is the most important part.  This seems to be based on a passage in Colossians and you can certainly learn a lot by looking at things from another perspective.  Also humour can be a good way of making points at a deep level without things getting too heavy.

Personally I would say give it a go or at least have a closer look at the book if possible.  If you find that it is not focusing on the Bible at all or really is talking about having a love for shoes then stop going to the study.

BTW I hate shoes and really don't get the whole shoe obsession thing.

Answer 21

The next time you have an opportunity to talk to one of Jehovah's Witnesses, ask them for a free copy of "What Does the Bible Really Teach".

Concise, small paperback, with plenty of scriptures you can look up in your personal Bible.