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 my notes from yesterday's discussions. Please feel free to chime in!
ReplyDeleteMorning:
- There was some discussion that the examples Wright offers of Capt. Sullenberger safely landing the plane and the father who saved his daughter are really examples of skill rather than virtue.
- On the other hand, we also mentioned the captain of the Italian cruise ship who allowed his ship to run aground as an example of someone who perhaps is lacking both in skill as well as virtue and character.
- We also discussed how much the next life - if there is one - really matters to our life here and now. Since it's unknowable at the moment is it worthwhile to give it much thought?
- One person strongly objected to the notion that he would make moral and ethical choices here and now in order to earn a heavenly reward. He noted that human beings (at least sometimes) have a remarkable altruistic impulse - an impulse that religions have "piggy-backed" on or perhaps helped to encourage and enhance.
- We spent some time talking about the story of the rich young man which is important for Wright. One person questioned if Wright should be preaching this story to his readers if he hasn't given up all of his possessions to follow Jesus.
- Rules vs. Free Expression: We noted that Wright seems to be looking for a "third way" but maybe following the rules is the most we can hope for?
Evening:
- Some people were very confident that they know why they are here while others said they are still sorting it out, or hoping for "more." One person talked about having a strong sense of meaning and purpose but still needing a lot of work on her "internal being."
- Much of our time was spent on the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives - paying close attention is crucial for the development of our own character as well as the character of our children and others.
- We talked about the importance of church community in the development of character and virtue - practicing over and over to be the kind of people we want to be and that God wants us to be.
- We talked a bit about transformation as something we've experienced in ourselves and in others. Sometimes transformation is a dramatic moment - a decision is made or an experience is had - and sometimes it's a much longer process, perhaps even over a lifetime
I concur that character and virtue are attributes we build, shape and nurture (in ourselves and in others), but I don't really buy into character or virtue falling into the same kind of disciplined habit-forming patterned behaviors as say, "being kind to others" or "eating healthy." They are much more complex and foundational than that. And are much harder to define or refine. I guess I make that comment in the context that Wright seems to lump character and virtue into that "good-habits" category (particularly in the stories of Capt. Sullenberger and the father who rescues his daughter). The manifestations of good character and strong virtue (i.e. the behaviors that result from them) are not that hard to recognize, but the the qualities themselves are a bit more illusive.
ReplyDeleteI would also note that I am frequently discouraged by the lack of good character and strong virtue out there, and I wonder what it really takes to foster those attributes (particularly as a parent who feels that is part of my responsibility to my children). I am a strong believer that forced behaviors or behavioral changes DO NOT foster character and virtue, but rather often have the opposite effect of replacing them. Said another way, good behaviors are the result of good character and virtue, but not the other way around.