November's Book - The Road Less Traveled

"The Road Less Traveled", by M. Scott Peck, MD

This riveting classic is packed so densely with life lessons and tools for self-understanding that it is difficult to have a quick discussion of any single aspect of the book.  More than merely a self-help book, it is transformational.  We focused our discussion in particular on the role of discipline in living a Christian life, and also the role of love: self-sacrificial versus "romantic" love.  We also talked about the way in which Peck links spirituality with psychological health, and in particular the importance of doing the work of self-discipline and character-building in our interactions with others and in raising our children. 

See the excellent review and video review below from http://tenboominstitute.com:

 

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Ten Boom Institute

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck is controversial with good reason; Peck struggled to live what he taught and went on to write things that some consider heresy. But in The Road Less Traveled we find a younger, more balanced man seeking truth and often, in our opinion, hitting upon it. Peck wants to show us the connection between our psychological and spiritual health and we believe there truly is an important interdependence there. As with any valuable book, we recommend you read it for yourself, embrace the truth you find and discard the rest.
Principle: “When we teach ourselves and our children discipline, we are teaching them and ourselves how to suffer and how to grow.”
Themes: discipline; truth; love; growth; neurosis; grace; worldviews; responsibility
Favorite Quote: “By casting away their responsibility…they have ceased to grow spiritually.”
Read with: Parenting with Love and Logic; Man’s Search for Meaning; “Education and the Pursuit of Happiness”; The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People; Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin; Toward a Psychology of Being
Read: Psychology Today Interview with Peck
Discussion Questions:
1- How does Peck define: discipline, truth, responsibility, love and grace? Do you agree with these definition? How does defining these words help you better understand yourself and how to live?
2- What does Peck say are the connections between the mind and the spirit? Do these really exist? How do you know? Why does these connections matter?



October's Book - Things Seen and Unseen

"Things Seen and Unseen: A Year Lived in Faith", by Nora Gallagher

"I came to this church five years ago as a tourist and ended up a pilgrim," writes Nora Gallagher, speaking of her year at Trinity Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara. It started with an occasional Sunday visit, a shy toe dip into the Episcopal Church. Eventually she delved into a yearlong journey to discover her faith and a relationship with God, using the Christian calendar as her compass. What  Kathleen Norris did for the language of the church in  Amazing Grace, Gallagher does for the Christian calendar--finding contemporary meaning in an ancient calendar that is often misunderstood or overshadowed with oppressive dogma.

Starting with the chapter titled "Advent," and ending with "Ordinary Time," Gallagher speaks to the biblical and historical themes of the church's calendar, then offers a translation for living in America at the end of the millennium. Most touching is her raw honesty, whether writing about feeding the homeless in the Community Kitchen or the unglamorous job of caring for a friend with AIDS. Indeed, it is Gallagher's humble interpretations of faith that make her seasonal wisdom so trustworthy. "I learned something about faith, its mucky nature, how it lies down in the mud with the pigs and the rabble," she says when writing about the darkness of Advent. "...God is not too good to hang out with jet-lagged women with cat-litter boxes in their dining rooms, or men dying of AIDS, or, for that matter, someone nailed in humiliation to a cross." 

Our book club member enjoyed this book, but in particular were interested in the challenges that this church faced in creating and sustaining a Community Kitchen.  We were inspired by the dedication and compassion with which the church faced the difficult realities of running this ministry in a residential area and with incomplete support by the community and congregation.  We discussed how God is calling our own church to step outside its comfort zone in mission and outreach to our particular community.

See below for an additional review of this book by "Christian Book Review":

 

September's Book - Leaving Church

"Leaving Church", by Barbara Brown Taylor

"Leaving Church" is a surprising and honest memoir written by an Episcopal priest.  Our group felt that this book challenges us as laypersons to give some thought to the lives, dedicated to God, lived by those who have been ordained to the ministry: their dreams, hopes, and often frustration, when they seek to serve God in a broken world as fellow seekers.


Our group really enjoyed Taylor's lyrical prose and gorgeous metaphorical language.  She is a tremendous writer.  We discussed at length the meaning of her "compassion fatigue", near collapse, and subsequent exodus from the church:

• What do you think was the greatest impetus to her departure from the church?
• What did Barbara lose when she left?  What did she find?
• How do we choose between the many "good" things that we can be doing with our lives?  Are they all important?  Does God care which we do?
• Is there a difference between having energy to help others and being called to help others?
• What might have gone differently for Barbara if she had been able to build better boundaries around her Sabbath time?
• Think about the paradox of being a priest set aside for God, and the fact that this career made it hard for Taylor to find God and herself.
• Is it possible for clergy to really be "off the clock"? Why or why not?
• What does this book teach us about caring for our own clergy?
• Did Barbara move toward heresy when she began to embrace Native American practice, or did she actually deepen her understanding of what it means to be a Christian?
• Did Barbara's role as a clergyperson serve to integrate her more fully into the community or to separate her from the community?
• What steps can we all take to recognize and avoid compassion fatigue in both lay and ordained ministry?

There is an excellent interview of Barbara Brown Taylor by PBS Video.  See below:

You may also like to check this Reading and Discussion Guide for "Leaving Church": http://www.smallgroupguides.com/guides/leaving-church-by-barbara-brown-taylor/leaving-church-by-barbara-brown-taylor/

• 
  

August's Book - A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

"A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23", by W. Phillip Keller

As a group, we were enthralled by this book.  Its exploration of the biblical metaphors of sheep and shepherd resonated strongly with all of us.  It was particularly wonderful to learn that sheep are actually fairly stubborn, willful, dependent, and yet strangely ignorant of what is best for them (just like we are!)  It was also fascinating to discover the enormous lengths to which a shepherd must go in order to protect and care for the sheep so that they thrive and prosper.

One of the members of our group shared her photographs taken at an organic sheep farm in Wales, bringing the discussion to life as we examined pictures of ewes, lambs, sheep pens, upper fields, and even "Mrs. Gadabout" sheep who have strayed outside of their pens.

Much of our discussion centered on:

• How are we like sheep?
• How are we not like sheep?
• How is God like a good shepherd?
• What happens to sheep with a "bad" shepherd?
• What happens to willful sheep?
• What are the conditions necessary for sheep to lie down?  How are they similar to our needs?

In addition, there are great bible study questions and quotes from the book at the following link: http://www.wordwise-bible-studies.com/psalm-23-study.html.

Don't miss this book!  It's great!

July's Book - The Power of Half

"The Power of Half" by Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen

Co-written by a teen and her father, "The Power of Half" documents a family's project to downsize their lifestyle, and in particular, to buy a house half the size, donating the proceeds to benefit others.  The book is written with the expectation that others might learn from the honest description of the ups and downs of this family's experiences.

Discussion questions:

• What did you like best about this book?
• What did you like the least?
• Did this book challenge you to make downward changes in your own lifestyle?  Why or why not?
• Was this family's approach realistic? Or foolish?
• Did the book make you uncomfortable?  If so, why?
• Discuss the family's selection process for the target organization for their donations.  Was this a good approach?
• Do you think that this family was able to make a difference in the world?
• What was the real goal of this project?  Family unity or philanthropy?
• Did this family take too much risk in order to help others or too little?
• How does one decide how much to give for the benefit of others?  Is there such a thing as giving too much?
• What did each family member learn or gain individually from this experience?
• Although written from a secular perspective, what role did God and prayer have in this project - and especially in the sale of the family's house?

In the book, a video made by Hannah's younger brother, Joseph, is mentioned. You can see the video, called "Hannah's Lunchbox" below:

If you are intrigued by this family's experiment with downsizing, you may also want to check out this video interview of Kevin Salwen on Fox News: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xhmmxy_kevin-salwen-talks-about-the-power-of-half_news.

In addition, the family has a website, blog, and has created a "Power of Half School Initiative" to encourage student philanthropy across the nation: http://www.thepowerofhalf.com.  It is good to note that 50% of the book proceeds are also donated by the family.

Finally, there is a set of book discussion questions on the family's website at http://www.thepowerofhalf.com/readers-guide.

May & June's Book - A Chance in the World

"A Chance in the World" by Steve Pemberton

This book really moved the members of our group, most of whom couldn't put it down.  Our interest was magnified by the fact that the events in the book took place fifteen miles away in New Bedford, MA: a place with which we are all quite familiar.  This makes the book even more powerful for us, since we all prefer to believe that such things happen elsewhere - not in our own backyard.

Discussion questions:

• What was the best part of this book for you?
• What disturbed you the most?
• Who was the best "parent figure" in this book?  The worst?
• Who bears the greatest responsibility for failing to protect Steve during his childhood?
• What do you think was the greatest source of strength for Steve?
• What role did literacy play in Steve's life?
• What role did poverty play in Steve's life?
• What really defines a home for a child?  What defines a parent?
• Was Steve "successful" in reuniting his family or not?  Why do you think so?
• Which people were "the face of Christ" for Steve during his life?
• How has this book changed your perspective?
• How is God calling you to respond to the events described in this book?

After reading this book, you may want to watch the following clip by Steve Pemberton as an inspirational and motivational speaker in his adult life:

April's Book - Silas Marner

"Silas Marner" by George Eliot

Most of the members of our book group fell in love with this sweet story of Silas Marner, who was
transformed from a man who had built strong walls around himself after being grievously wounded by society into a man who was loving, nurturing and selfless.  In the process, he also transforms the lives of those around him.  We especially enjoyed the scenes such as the argument in the Rainbow tavern that seemed to just capture human nature in all of its most entertaining forms.  We also liked the almost legendary character of the story that allows it to transcend time and place.

There is an excellent study guide available online from penguin books at: Silas Marner Study Guide (PDF).

Some of the questions that we might consider in studying this book are:

• How was Silas injured by religious people?  Was there a positive role played by religion and religious beliefs in the book?
• Can you find any significance in the fact that Silas is a weaver?
• How is the community of Raveloe like our own community?  How is it different?
• How did Silas' miserly habits arise?  Did he pay a price for this?
• Explore the relationships and characteristics of the dysfunctional household of Squire Cass, Dunston and Godfrey.  Do households like this still exist, or have our problems changed in the 21st century?
• How does the robbery change the villagers' opinions of Silas?
• How is the arrival of the child like finding gold?  How is it different?
• How does Eppie's presence change Silas?
• How does Godfrey's character change over the course of the story and why?
• What does Silas value most in each time segment of the story?  How does this change over the course of the story?
• If you were writing a moral for this story, what would it be?

_________________________________________

George Eliot's own favourite novel centres on Silas Marner, the linen weaver of Raveloe, a village on the brink of industrialization. Once he was a respected member of a narrow congregation, but the events that took place during one of his cataleptic fits led to the loss of everything that he valued. Now he lives a withdrawn half-life and is an object of suspicion to his new neighbours; he exists only for his work and his golden guineas. But when his precious money is stolen and, shortly after, seemingly and mysteriously replaced by the child Eppie, Silas is awakened to life by the redemptive power of love.

George Eliot's affectionate but unsentimental portrait of rural life combines irony, humour and sharp social comment. Above all, she demonstrate a profound and enduring knowledge of the human mind and heart.

Review found at fantasticfiction.co.uk


March's Book - Through Gates of Splendor

"Through Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot

This heartbreaking and now-classic story of missionary work in Ecuador during the 1950s has profoundly influenced, inspired, and mobilized a generation of Christian missionaries from all denominations.  It is a story of unwavering dedication to bring the gospel to even the most remote corners of the earth.  In it, five young men are murdered by the very tribe that they are attempting to evangelize.

While the book explores thoroughly the motivations of the five men and their families as well as an account of the events leading up to the murders, it spends somewhat less time in recounting the longterm impact and eventual result of the evangelization effort on this particular tribe: the Huaorani.  Subsequent to the murders, a continued positive contact was maintained with the tribe in order to let them know that there would be no avenging of the deaths.  Eventually, several female members of the tribe made contact with the widows of the men and two women, Rachel Saint, the sister of slain pilot Nate Saint, and Elisabeth Elliot went to live with the tribe, bringing about their eventual reconciliation and Christianization.

The "elephant in the room" in terms of all discussion of this book is clearly "WAS IT WORTH THE COST"?  Obviously, even the briefest consideration of Christian theology allows us no answer but "yes": the gospel of Christ is the Pearl of Great Worth and is worth even the price of our lives to obtain it.  For the more pragmatic and matter-of-fact folks, however, we commend to you the excellent movie narrated by Steve Saint, son of Nate and nephew of Rachel Saint: "Beyond the Gates of Splendor (2005)".  Along with original video footage and images of the events, the movie explains to us that by the 1950s, the Huarani tribe was on the brink of collapse due to the endless cycle of violence within the tribe that had robbed them of so many of their people, particularly the young men.  Had the missionaries not introduced the idea of forgiveness as opposed to violent retaliation and the concept that the killings were hurting them both physically and spiritually, it is likely that this portion of the tribe would have disappeared entirely;  it is certain is that lives were saved and a path of peace introduced.

There is an excellent movie discussion guide: Film Discussion Guide (PDF) available at www.everytribe.com.  We modified a number of the questions for our book study:

• What was your favorite part of this book?  And your least favorite?
• How did forgiveness impact the eventual outcome of the narrative?
• Did someone pay a price to impart the gospel to you?
• Have you ever paid a price to spread the gospel to others?
• From God's point of view, what do you think was going on in this situation?
• Do you think these deaths were necessary in order to bring about the Kingdom of God, or did God bring good out of senseless tragedy?
• Does this story change the way you think about the need to spread God's word and about all those who have paid the price of martyrdom in order to do that?
• Can you think of other situations where love and forgiveness have won out over violence?
• Do you think that this was worth the cost?

_______________________________________

Through Gates of Splendor is a 1957 best selling book written by Elisabeth Elliot. The book tells the story of Operation Auca, an attempt by five American missionaries - Jim Elliot (the author's husband), Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, and Roger Youderian - to reach the Huaorani tribe of eastern Ecuador. All five of the men were killed by the tribe. The book is Elliot's first book, and arguably her most well known work.

The title of the book is derived from the fourth stanza of the hymn "We Rest on Thee". This hymn was famously sung by the missionaries before the men left for Huaorani territory in September 1955. The lines read:

We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender.
Thine is the battle, Thine shall be the praise;
When passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
Victors, we rest with Thee, through endless days.

 

Elliot wrote the book while still a missionary in Ecuador. She wrote the book at the request and cooperation from the families of the five men. She was given copies of letters and other writings which were extensively quoted from in the book. The original edition of the book was first published in 1957, one year before the first peaceful contact with the Huaorani was made.

Review adapted from Wikipedia "Through Gates of Splendor"
 

February's Book - The Screwtape Letters

"The Screwtape Letters", by C.S. Lewis

Our book group has eagerly looked forward to reading (or rereading) this wonderful Christian classic of sometimes mind-bending satire.  Several of us felt it to be challenging job to keep in mind that the dialogue is written from the "other perspective".  Each letter (chapter), in spite of its chatty nature and short length, seemed packed with complex themes couched in everyday situations.

For our book discussion, we located at wonderful study guide that we commend to you: Screwtape Letters Study Guide (PDF).  The www.cslewisinstitute.org site has lots of excellent resources and programs to extend book studies of all of Lewis' works.

In particular, our discussion focused on some of the following points from the discussion guide:

• What are the "pressures of the ordinary" and how do they lead us to sin?
• How does "religious" behavior affect our family in beneficial and/or harmful ways?
• How do the devils use church and religion to lead us astray?
• How does a focus on feelings distract or confuse us in prayer?
• Why does the devil prefer that we pray to a "mental image of God"?
• Why do devils prefer death in a nursing home to death during war?
• How does a preoccupation with the future, obscure both our view of the present and eternity?
• What is the difference between gluttony of Excess and gluttony of Delicacy?
• Why would Screwtape call God a hedonist (one who lives for pleasure)?  What is the difference between pleasure that comes from God and pleasure that leads away from God?
• How do Novelty and Fashion (devilish smoke and mirrors) affect us?  How does the "demonic horror of the Same Old Thing" affect our ideas?
• Why would devils want us to believe that this world can be turned into heaven?
• How do devils twist virtue and good things to their advantage?
• Why does cowardice often prove problematic to devils?
• In Letter 31, how does Screwtape help us to grasp what death really means and why death is even beneficial?

This was a wide-ranging and lively discussion in which we were gradually able to expose the techniques and also the limitations of the devil's approach to winning our souls.  In many ways this is a chilling book, but one that has its lighter moments of insight into the comical side of our human nature.  The study of this book certainly helps to reinforce our need to look beyond the "ordinary things" of life to their far-reaching and eternal consequences, and raise our awareness of the spiritual struggle in which we find ourselves on a day to day basis.

 _______________________________________________________

A masterpiece of satire, it entertains readers with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below." At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation-and triumph over it-ever written."       

Review from MacMillan Co. Publishers

"In this humorous and perceptive exchange between two devils, C. S. Lewis delves into moral questions about good vs. evil, temptation, repentance, and grace. Through this wonderful tale, the reader emerges with a better understanding of what it means to live a faithful life."

Review from HarperCollins Publishers

 

 

January's Book - Breakfast With Bonhoeffer

"Breakfast with Bonhoeffer: How I Learned to Stop Being Religious So I Could Follow Jesus", by Jon Walker

Our book study group enjoyed this book very much for its honesty and self-awareness, combined with its immediacy with regard to economic stress and social upheaval for families and individuals.  It contains tantalizing references to Bonhoeffer's writings that spurred a number of us to reread (or read for the first time) Bonhoeffer's classic treatment of "Costly Grace". 

Being predominantly Episcopalian, one or two in our group were slightly uncomfortable with the differences in cultural expectations, world-view and even Christian vocabulary between Walker's evangelical perspective and our group's more mainline church experience.  It is undeniable, however, that he beautifully articulates his faith journey and growing dependency upon God in the face of tremendous pain and seemingly insurmountable problems. 

This is ultimately a highly personal story that transcends denomination and successfully intertwines the wisdom of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer throughout.  We are thankful for the powerful and hard-won insights that Walker shares in this book, and for the sense of redemption, forgiveness, healing and grace that pervades it.

Questions that we asked ourselves at this discussion were:

• What parts of Jon Walker's struggles do we most identify with?  Least identify with?
• Did reading this book change our perspective on God's care for us, and if so, how?
• What is the Bonhoeffer quote that most resonates with you in this book?
• What does this book have to teach us about living a faith-filled life as we struggle with life's hardships and pain?
• What lesson from this book will you apply to your own life?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Reading like a non-fiction novel with a story both heart-breaking and heart-warming, Walker reveals how God used the writings of Bonhoeffer to push him past the Christ-less beliefs and religious thinking that had come to represent his faith.

While Jon Walker was encountering Bonhoeffer every day as he wrote the books Costly Grace and In Visible Fellowship, he found his world collapsing and his faith faltering. After almost twenty years in ministry, Walker was laid off twice, lost his home and savings, was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, and then his wife filed for divorce just a few days before their twenty-fourth anniversary.

Bonhoeffer saw the storms of political upheaval and pressure on Christians coming at warp speed, and he called believers to meet it head on by following Jesus, who bids believers to come and die. In BREAKFAST WITH BONHOEFFER, Walker brings to a new generation the timeless teachings of Bonhoeffer, especially the teaching that calls Jesus' followers to break free from the tyranny of popular culture and religious thinking. It also offers hope for those who face loss or have been hurt by the economic downturn."

Review adapted from Leafwood Publishers

 



December's Book - The Hiding Place

"The Hiding Place", by Corrie Ten Boom

This is one of the classic books in Christian literature, because of its powerful witness to compassion and forgiveness. 

Corrie ten Boom was a woman admired the world over for her courage, her forgiveness, and her memorable faith. In World War II, she and her family risked their lives to help Jews escape the Nazis, and their reward was a trip to Hitler's concentration camps. But she survived and was released--as a result of a clerical error--and now shares the story of how faith triumphs over evil.

For thirty-five years Corrie's dramatic life story, full of timeless virtues, has prepared readers to face their own futures with faith, relying on God's love to overcome, heal, and restore. The Hiding Place tells the riveting story of how a middle-aged Dutch watchmaker became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler's death camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century.  (Book summary adapted from Amazon.com book review).

We discussed this book on January 6th, and in particular discussed some of the compelling aspects of the book:

• When is it OK to lie? Corrie "lied" in order to save the lives of those whom she was protecting.  Her sister Nollie did not lie, resulting in the arrest of several people, trusting that God would honor her integrity and faith.
• What does this book say about forgiveness?  Does it come from an act of our own will, from the grace of God, or both?  Did Corrie's forgiveness free the man that she forgave, or did it free Corrie?
• Would we have had the courage to do what this family did under these circumstances?  Why or why not?
• What does this book have to say about a radical, minute-by-minute dependence on God?
• What was the blessing in the fleas?  How can we look for the blessing in even the worst of circumstances?
• How was it possible that Corrie's sister, Betsie, when watching a cruel beating, felt sorry for the perpetrator rather than for the victim?

This book was a joy (and a heartbreak) to read or re-read, and we each got something new and valuable out of this amazing story.