The Theological Reading Circle
What’s the Reading Circle?
This group has been running for almost 30 years, reading substantial theological and philosophical texts which treat the spirit of the age, typically a chapter a month for discussion. The texts typically require some confidence with Christian theological tradition, the historical-critical treatment of the Scriptures, and the trajectory of Western thought more generally. It’s a great place to explore what the gospel might be for our current time and place, and to put professional study leave to good use.
What’s coming up?
From the beginning of 2026 (February+), we’ll be looking at Northrop Frye’s The Great Code (1982). Frye’s text is an analysis of how the Bible “works” — what it is “doing” — through categories of language, myth, metaphor and typology. Understanding what the Bible is doing, we can better understand what to expect from it (and not to expect). The Great Code should be on every undergraduate biblical studies course reading list, and probably read again every few years after graduation.
You can take a peak at the book here, and read a review here. The lecture series upon which the book was based is available here in marvellous archival footage — in some respects, a more accessible treatment of the subject than the book itself.
You might be able to borrow an e-version from a library, but it’s one of those books you need to write on, so it’s worth buying your own! (There are several editions of the book; check in to see which works so far as page numbering goes.)
When does it all happen?
The Reading Circle meets on the second Friday of the month, February – December, 10.00-12.00 at the Centre for Theology and Ministry (CTM), in Parkville, Victoria. For the first time, we’re experimenting with a gathered-online hybrid format for the circle, so it will be possible to “Zoom in” to join the discussion. That said, we encourage face-to-face participation for those who can get to the CTM. Those who can remain for lunch at the wonderful CTM café, Sage and Grace, after the meeting.
Interested?
Get in contact with Craig Thompson if you’re interested in joining us to consider Frye’s book.
