--- In wm-james@y..., "Lancelot R. Fletcher" <lrf@a...> wrote:
> In answer to the question posed on the subject line, I think it
would be
> more accurate to say that this group was never really alive. It is
one of a
> number of groups which I created but never actually announced
publicly
> because I did not have anyone to lead the discussion. If you would
be
> interested in being a discussion leader, I will make an
announcement which
> will increase the number of subscribers somewhat above the present
23.

What does "leading a discussion" require? I have started several
groups myself, with occasional success, but in no sense could this be
described as "leading a discussion."

I followed your link and was able to view your slow reading essay.
It seemed like a good essay; two points in particular stayed with
me. First was reading a sentence to students and asking them to
write down what they heard. Second was to assume the author of a
text is God. Both ideas seem quite valuable.

I would like to do a slow reading of the Conclusion section of
James's Varieties of Religious Experience. I consider this book the
most valuable reading I've ever done on religion, and I've read a lot
in this area. The entire book I think is too long for a first
attempt with this group, or maybe just too long for this medium. I
would also be open to other suggestions; The Will to Believe might be
a good choice as an introduction to James.

Would you like to participate? I think that I would be willing to
commit to leading the first discussion if we can get a reasonable
group together; after that I would want the option of bailing out, if
necessary. I do have a lot of irons in the fire and cannot commit
long hours to something like this, but will make the effort for one
discussion, at least.