The format of GMOT is that a group comes together, has a short round of introductions, then a presenter offers several different viewpoints on a great question of theological/philosophical/ethical substance (for 10-15 minutes), and then we open it up for lively discussion. Participants tend to vary widely in their religious affiliations (and non-affiliations) and the only ground rule of the group is "deep listening" which means we should voice our authentic opinions, but not try to cram them down anyone else's throat, and it means we all agree to try to learn something from one another.

We pay for our own drinks individually, but the sponsoring organization (Valley & Mountain) will buy some food to snack on.  V&M is a spiritual community/church based in the Rainier Valley.  It's foundations emerge from the progressive and liberation theologies of Christianity, but V&M is a community of practice more than a community of shared dogma.  It's participants vary widely in belief, but everyone is committed to three core actions/values exhibited in the life of Jesus: radical hospitality (community), deep listening (spirituality) and creative liberation (social justice).  More info available at www.valleyandmountain.org.

Past topics include:
-Suffering and a Loving God?
-Spirituality & Ecology
-Images of the Divine

-Human Nature
-War, Peace, and the ethics of responding to violence
-Interpretations of Jesus

-Feminism & Spirituality

-Economics & Spirituality

-Views on the Bible

-Meditation, Contemplation, & Prayer

-Theology and Climate Change

-The Purpose of spiritual community

-How Does Change Happen?

-How Much is Enough?