Session 1: Introduction
1. In two previous books Wright asserted what he describes
as a basic principle of early Christianity: “…that God the creator intends to
bring heaven and earth together at last, and that this plan has been decisively
inaugurated in Jesus Christ.” (pg. ix) Without having read those earlier books,
what do you think of this assertion? Do you believe God has a plan for creation
and is actively carrying it out? Why or why not?
2. Here is how Wright describes the basic point of After You Believe: “Christian life in
the present, with its responsibilities and particular callings, is to be
understood and shaped in relation to the final goal for which we have been made
and redeemed. The better we understand the goal, the better we shall understand
the path
toward it.” (pg. ix) Have you thought of your (Christian)
life as having a “goal”? What might that be?
3. How would you define character? Virtue? Ethics?
4. On page x, Wright claims that God means for us to be
concerned primarily with worship and mission. How do you respond to that? Do
you think that’s really what God wants from us?
5. On page xi Wright declares, “I have assumed, for the
present purpose, that Jesus of Nazareth did and said more or less what the four
gospels in the New Testament say he did and said.” Can you agree with this
assumption? Why or why not?
Session 2: What Am I Here For?
(pp. 1-26)
1. Have you ever asked yourself, what am I here for? What
kinds of answers have you come up with?
2. Have you found it true that many Christians think that
you can believe in Jesus and then really do nothing else? Do you believe that
transformation is necessary and/or possible?
3. What does Wright mean by, “In the last analysis, what
matters after you believe is neither rules nor spontaneous self-discovery, but
character?” (pg. 7)
4. What do you think of the examples Wright uses to describe
the damage done when people lack character? What examples would you add to his
list?
5. How does Wright define virtue? What do you think of the
example he gives? Would you have thought of Capt. Sullenberger as virtuous? Can
you think of other examples of virtue in this sense?
Here are a few notes that I took at the morning and evening sessions - which were both great, by the way. I hope the notes will give you a sense of what was talked about and serve as an invitation to join in the conversation here on the blog!
ReplyDeleteMorning:
- We talked about some issues presented by the book's title. We consider "believing" to be the work of a lifetime, an ongoing process, so it's hard to accept the title if Wright means that there is some point in our lives when our "belief" is complete and we can move on to other matters. On the other hand, if Wright is suggesting by "belief" that we make a choice to put our trust in Christ, despite our doubts and misgivings, then we can consider the issues he raises.
- One participant asked if what Wright suggests about "life after life after death" is available to non-Christians. Most if not all of the group members were reluctant to accept Christian exclusivity.
- We were taken by the idea of developing character through practice and drew parallels to the arts. We also reflected on church as the place where we come to "practice" the virtues that hopefully become something like second nature to us when we're out in the world living our lives.
- We talked about being of good character by striving to live exemplary lives - especially to do nothing that would be a bad example for our children.
Evening:
- We spent a good bit of time talking about the "Goal" or goals of our lives. Some answers included striving to live out the Great Commandment to love God and to love our neighbors; to live an integrated life - meaning we are the same person at work and at home - being consistent in our values and behavior; to be thankful for what we have; to be content; "wanting what we already have"; not striving but open to the opportunities that present themselves.
- We agreed that in the world the big goals are "success," "power," and "happiness."
- In defining character, one person suggested that it's important to set a few basic values and work hard at practicing them.
- We talked about the importance of the family in shaping character, but that still need to commit ourselves to good values. We also talked about church as a place where we come to have those good values reinforced.
- We talked about being overwhelmed by the lack of virtue in the world - in politics, business, etc. Society doesn't seem to often reward virtue. There aren't too many books written about virtuous people.
Your comments are welcome!
Tom+
Don't forget the quote about striving to be the person your dog thinks you are:) !!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sumarizing these discussions, Father Tom!
Post by Geoff Brooks:
ReplyDeleteThe first bullet from the morning discussion resonates with me. One of my reflections on the book is its title. I would have titled the book "Beyond Belief: Why Christian Character Matters." Not only is that a clever double ententre (albeit used in other book titles), but more importantly it suggests (as the first bullet addresses) that there needn't be some lock-step sequential process of first (i) establishing a fully formed set of beliefs and then (ii) doing something about it, but rather Christian character is part and parcel of what we do IN ADDITION TO (i.e. beyond) simply believing, at whatever stage of belief we have formed.
Each of the goals you discussed during the evening session really speak to me. Each is a lifelong pursuit, and while we won't get them right all of the time, working towards them each day makes for a deeper and more meaningful life.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying reading this book with you all this summer! Thank you, Tom.
Katie Harter