Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com in honor of Ben’s 300th Birthday
In the spirit of Benjamin Franklin (b.January 17, 1706) and William Wilberforce, some folks in Roanoke, VA under the guidance of Mr. Dawn Treader have started something called Pigfest. I don’t care for the name, but I love the idea.
A Pigfest is a time to gather together to indulge piggishly on food and to feast on ideas. You might think of it as a modern day Junto society. The Junto society was the brain child of a young Benjamin Franklin. Franklin’s group met weekly in Philadelphia from 1727 until 1767. Their desire was to improve themselves, their community, and to help others. William Wilberforce had a similar group which met in England from 1790 to 1830.
I would enjoy starting a book club that met once a month to discuss the ideas in literature or a group that met to discuss ideas and issues. I’m just not sure I have the leadership abilities to start and sustain such a group. Nor do I think I really have the time. Do you meet with others regularly to talk about ideas or to find ways to improve the community together? What form does your group take? Is it a formal group meeting or informal? Does your church sponsor such community-building discussion groups?
Not in a book club, so can’t answer those questions. However, I’m in the middle of Franklin’s autobio. It’s very interesting.
Why don’t you care for the name Pigfest?
The book club is a great idea. I know of several book clubs in our area. Why don’t you do it quarterly if time is your main constraint?
I am glad you are asking about discussion groups. Far too few Christians these days are thinking along these lines. We need more pioneers who are willing to host opportunities for Christians and non-Christians to mix and engage in civil conversation about important ideas. The approach, which I am pursuing with Pigfesting, is to use Biblical hospitality as the context for making that possible.