November's Book - Adam

"Adam, God's Beloved", by Henri J.M. Nouwen

"Adam, God's Beloved" is a moving book in which Nouwen, a renowned theologian, befriends a profoundly disabled and mute young man at a monastery where Nouwen is residing.  Nouwen is transformed by this relationship, and shortly after Adam's death, writes this book in which he explores parallels and contrasts between the life of Christ and the trajectory of Adam's life.  In Adam, Nouwen encounters the suffering and risen Christ.

In a wonderful discussion exercise, led by Judie, we made a column for Adam and for Henri on a piece of paper.  Then we explored pairs of opposite words, writing them under the name to which they most applied:

• Wordy vs. Mute
• Famous vs. Unknown
• Dependent vs. Independent
• Accepting vs. Searching
• Worldly vs. Unworldly
• Accomplished vs. Untrained
• Receiving vs. Giving
• Listening vs. Speaking
• Being Healed vs. Healing
• Seeking Grace vs. In a State of Grace
• Serene vs. Busy
• Patient vs. Impatient
• Part of a Community vs. Famous for Himself
• Wise in Theology
• Intrinsic Trust and Faith
• Dependent on Others for Physical and Spiritual Help

This led to some excellent avenues for discussing the spiritual gifts of both men and how those gifts intersected in the book.

October's Book - The Year of Living Biblically

"The Year of Living Biblically", by A.J. Jacobs

This was a very fun book, and a surprisingly insightful one, with which to begin our book club.  A.J. Jacobs undertakes an experiment to follow every command in the bible for one year, to see whether it can be done, and to experience what life might be like to live this way in the modern world.  He also explores a wide range of denominational practices in both Jewish and Christian tradition to gain a variety of perspectives on living according to biblical precepts.  Throughout the year, he is changed and challenged in unexpected ways. 

For this meeting, our group used a set of discussion questions adapted from the back of the book.  We especially enjoyed discussing which aspects of biblical living would be hardest for us and which "rules" from the book we might take up in our own lives.

1.      What did you like best about this book?

2.      Did you learn anything new about the bible?  If so, what?

3.      Did you learn anything new about other denominations?  If so, what?

4.      What is the role of prayer in this book, and how does it evolve over the course of the book?

5.      Why do you think Jacobs took on a new name and a new appearance (e.g. clothing and beard) during this project?  Do you think that he could have done without that?

6.      Did you like Jacobs’s approach to this project, or would you have done it differently?  If so, how?

7.      Did you see a change in A.J.Jacobs over the course of his year?  If so, in what ways did he change?

8.      Which rules did Jacobs struggle with the most?  Why?

9.      What does this book really say about following the bible completely literally, following every rule to the letter?

10.   What are your thoughts on how Christianity is portrayed in this book?

11.   What challenged you the most about this book?

12.   Which aspects of living “biblically” would be the hardest for you?

13.   Which one or two rules from this book could you implement in your own life?

14.   What is the value of Jacobs’s exploration for you personally? 

15.   What key lessons or insights will you take away from Jacobs’s experiences?

 

 

Saint Gabriel's New Book Club

New St. Gabriel's Book Club is Starting in October

 

St. Gabriel's will be starting a Book-of-the-Month Club in October.  This will be an opportunity for parishioners to read a book selection each month, and then gather at the end of the month over lunch for a discussion as we all share our insights and impressions.   The theme for this series will be "Living Our Faith: An Authentic Life".  We will begin by reading October's selection: "A Year of Living Biblically", by A.J. Jacobs.  On the last Sunday of each month, all are invited to meet at 11:15 am in the library for a light lunch and book discussion.  Attendees are asked to bring a sandwich plus a small snack or dessert to share.  Beverages will be provided.  All are welcome, regardless of church membership. Hope to see you there, and don't forget to invite a friend,   Karen Hotte & Judie Kleven Book Club Moderators St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church