Reader's Club

Reader's Club promotes dialogue about books of interest and importance. Each school year, five different books are selected for discussion. Questions that guide those discussions are found below. The Reader's Club meets on the third Tuesday of the month in which it is scheduled, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the Village Center.  Below are the dates for the winter/spring meetings, as well as the books to be discussed. For more information or to register, please contact the Village Schools office.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009- The Shack, by William Young. This book, which has stirred controversy, was written by the author to help his young family come to grips with the meaning of death and disappointment. No, it is not another Pilgrim's Progress, but it will invite you to grab more firmly upon the foundation of your faith.

Tuesday, March 24 - What in the World is Going On?, written by David Jeremiah. This may be the best one-volume study of the relationship between the end times and current evetns available today. It is reader-freidnly. It is biblically and theologically sound. And it comes from one of America's trusted pastors. Look for a full review in an upcoming Philogian.

Tuesday, May 19 - The Reason for God, by Timothy Keller. (Review from the November 2008 Philogian.) This is a highly acclaimed answer to the questions of critics as to why the need for God in today’s world and what God is like.  I believe it may become the defining study for this generation on the person and character of God.

We look forward to having you join us for some lively interchange of ideas prompted by the books we are reading.

Please mark these dates on your calendar, be challenged with your reading, and then come and join in the discussion.

Discussion Questions for January 20
The Shack by William P. Young

This book has certainly raised a lot of controversy within evangelical groups.  Articles have been written either endorsing the book or condemning it.  A few have even claimed that the book is filled with heresies.  Anyway you look at it, this is a book that is worthy of a discussion group.  I am confident that our dialogue will be energetic and enlightening. 

1. What were your initial thoughts following the reading of this book?  If they were negative, why did you feel that way?  If they were positive, again, why did you feel that way?

2. Why did William Young write this book?  What message was he trying to convey to his readers?  Do you think he was effective in communicating that message?

3. One of the major points of controversy within the book is Young’s portrait of God.  Why do you think he chose the character of a large African lady to be his initial characterization of God?  If this was offensive to you, why was it?  How might you have portrayed God if you were writing a similar story?  If you thought this characterization was valuable, why was it? 

4. Another major point of controversy was the author’s portrait of the relationships between the members of the Trinity.  How did you respond to this portrait?  Did you believe it was a realistic one?  Have you ever thought about how God, the Father, and God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit interact with each other? 

5. What was the role between Mack and his father?  What had caused this broken relationship?  How was it healed?  Is there a biblical principle that could guide your life in such relationships?

6. Oh the joys of knowing that our sins have been forgiven.  Why is it so difficult to seek forgiveness?  Why is it so difficult to accept forgiveness?  Why is it so difficult to extend forgiveness to others?  How does the author help us to better understand what forgiveness is truly about?

7. What was your reaction to the way the story ended?  If you had written this story, how might you have written the ending? 

8. Is there any value in reading a story like The Shack?  If so, what is that value? 

9. One final question: After reading The Shack, would you recommend it to someone else to read?  Why or why not?

 

Discussion Questions for November 18
American Creation by Joseph J. Ellis

We are in the midst of an election year where the candidates are talking about bringing change to America.  Their focus is upon the recent past – namely the last eight years – and their projections for the next four years.  But, there is much to learn from a look back into the distant past of our nation; back to the days of our Founding Brothers, as Joseph Ellis describes them.  There is much we can learn from the mistakes that were made during those days as well as from the triumphs that were achieved.  This book will help to bring both the mistakes and triumphs into clearer focus.1.In the Prologue, the author defines six triumphs achieved by our Revolutionary Fathers.  Of those six, which one is most significant in your mind?  He also mentions two glaring mistakes that were made.  Which one is most significant?

1. One of the intriguing chapters describes the great debate whether the Colonies should separate themselves from England.  As you read this chapter, note the various positions offered, and the rationale applied to the decision that was made.  How might America have been different if a different decision had been made?
   
   
2. We hear much talk these days of “dirty politics” and “mud-slinging campaigns.”  As Joseph Ellis helps us to understand, these are not political inventions of the twenty-first century.  As you read of the campaign of 1800 between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, what were your thoughts concerning the conduct of the campaign.  If you had been present in those days, what kind of response might you have had?
   
   
3. Historians relate the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 as being one of the great administrative feats of all time.  Yet it almost did not happen.  Who was the driving force behind the Purchase?  Why did it succeed?  What if the Purchase had failed?  How might that have reshaped the Western World?
   
   
4. If you have read other books by Ellis, you know that he often mentions events or circumstances that just happen.  You and I might say that it was the “hand of God.”  As you read this book, see if you can notice those “hand of God” moments that helped define the character of our nation during these formative years.  What lessons can we learn from those moments?   Have you seen any of those moments in this year?

 

Discussion Questions for September 16
Who Stole My Church? – Gordon MacDonald

Perhaps you are like me and have grown tired of the seemingly endless conflicts that have plagued the Church in the past several decades.  The watch-word has been “change.”  Yes, change is an integral part of the world in which we live.  And change has impacted the Church, but often to its detriment.  The Church that I knew as a young lad is not the Church that is present today.  So, who stole my Church?  That is the question the veteran pastor Gordon MacDonald seeks to address in his new book.  Although it is a fictional story, there is a strong sense of parable within. 

1. Why does the Church have to change?  What is the value of Church change?

2. List the elements of change that had occurred within the Church that Gordon MacDonald describes.  Now list the elements of change that are occurring within your own Church.  How do these two lists compare?

3. Suppose you are over the age of 50; try to verbalize just how you feel about what is happening in your Church?  How do your feelings mirror those of many of those who sat in the Discovery Group within the book?

4. Now suppose you are under the age of 40.  Try to verbalize just how you feel about what is happening in your Church.  How do your feelings mirror those of the young people who were invited to participate in the Discovery Group?

5. Of the major characters within the story, with which one did you most identify and why?

6. What were the keys that made the plan presented by Pastor MacDonald so successful? 

7. Referring to your responses to questions 3 and 4, describe your plan to seek to resolve the effects of change within your church.  What keys would make that plan successful?  What might cause that plan to fail?

8. How might this book, Who Stole My Church?, be used by a local church to help initiate changes within that fellowship? 

 

Discussion Questions for May 20
William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity – Kevin Belmonte

2007 was the bicentennial celebration of one of the most important decisions recorded in the history of the Western world.  In 1807, after years of perseverance, the Parliament of Great Britain passed a bill abolishing slavery within the British Empire.  The principle sponsor of this bill, and at times its only spokesman, was William Wilberforce.  In honor of the celebration of this milestone several new biographies of Wilberforce were written and a feature motion picture titled, “Amazing Grace,” was produced.  The life of this quiet man is worth a serious study.

1. The story of William Wilberforce is the story of individuals who greatly influenced his life.  Name several of this individuals and how their lives brought change or encouragement.

2. Among Wilberforce’s closest friends was William Pitt who became one of the youngest Prime Ministers in Britain’s history.  What made this friendship so successful? 

3. What were the events and people that God used to bring Wilberforce to the point where he desired to become involved with the movement to abolish slavery?  How difficult was his decision?

4. For a while Wilberforce questioned how he could serve both God and his own heart’s desire – politics.  What does it mean “to serve God?”  Must we always give up what our passion are in order to serve God?  Why or why not?

5. Perseverance is a characteristic that we don’t talk about today.  Yet, without perseverance the world would not know of Wilberforce today.  Cite examples of other people whose perseverance helped change the world. 

6. Why does the world seem to be lacking in leaders of the quality of Wilberforce today?  Where are these men in today’s world? 

7. Would you consider William Wilberforce to be a hero?  Why or why not?

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS for March 2008
The Fight for Jerusalem – Dore Gold

No other city in the world is as strategically important as is Jerusalem.  No other city in the world has had as many battles fought over it as has Jerusalem.  No other city in the world has received the attention of three major religious groups as has Jerusalem.  And, no other city in the world has received the designation from God as being the “center” of the world. 

The Fight for Jerusalem is as contemporary as the daily newspaper.  The future of any peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis is dependent upon what happens in and to Jerusalem.  Although Dore Gold, former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations and Foreign Minister under Prime Minister Netanyahu, is not a Christian, yet he writes with a style reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets.  This is a book that is important for our age.

1. There seems to be an assumption that if the Palestinian Crisis could be resolved, the world would look with more favor upon America.  How is this a flawed assumption?

2. Why is important that the Palestinians separate themselves from any historical evidence about the background of the Temple Mount?  And, how are they seeking to do this?  Is it working?

3. The author makes a very interesting statement on page 41 that the construction of the Temple is the only dated event in relation to the exodus that occurs in the Bible.  What is the spiritual legacy of Jerusalem? 

4. What is the Christian’s interest in Jerusalem?  How has it been exhibited down through the years?  What do you think is the Christians’ interest in Jerusalem today?

5. What is the Islamic interest in Jerusalem?  Upon what is this interest based? 

6. What does the Bible state about the future of Jerusalem? 

7. In your opinion, will the Bush “road map” plan for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians be achieved?  Why or why not?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS for January 2008
Simple Church – Thom Rainer, Eric Geiger
Published by B & H Publishing Group

It is no secret that the organizational church is on the decline.  One hears of the rise of house churches, emerging churches, non-traditional churches, etc.  It seems that churches have become like dinosaurs.  What can effect their change? 

Thom Rainer, CEO of Christian Resources, and Eric Geiger, executive pastor of Christ Fellowship, have researched churches large and small and have come to the conclusion: the more simple…the more effective.  Bigger is not necessarily better.   More programs does not equal more effective ministry.  Their suggestion is to “get simple.”

1. Describe what your own church looks like right now.  Then describe what your own church might look like if it were to become a simple church.

2. The authors state that four factors make for a simple church: clarity, movement, alignment, and focus.  How can a church begin to cultivate clarity in knowing exactly who it is?  Why is this so important?

3. Most churches are very resistant to change of any kind.  Why does this resistance occur?  How can it be overcome?

4. Who is easier to persuade to become a simple church: the church’s leadership or the church’s membership?  Why?

5. If your church were to become a simple church, what steps would need to be taken?  Who would give leadership?  What kind of resistance would be met?  Would the outcome be successful or not?

6. Is it possible for a church to have multiple ministries and still become a simple church? 

7. What are some of the blessings that can come to a simple church?  What are some of the difficult hurdles a church must face if it desires to become a simple church?

8. Do you think the authors have just created another formula for church success that can be followed, or is this a pattern that can create a lasting change within the local church? 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS for November 2007
Christianity and the Constitution: The Faith of our Founding Fathers – John Eidsmoe
Published by Baker Book House, 1987

America’s heritage is under attack today.  Secularism has become the dominant philosophy of our time.  One of the goals of secularism is the elimination of God and religion from the human mindset.  And one of the targets of the secular-humanists has been the religious roots upon which this nation was founded.  Joseph Ellis, in his book titled Founding Brothers, states that the period of the American Revolution was the most unique period in American history.  He goes on to state that never before and never since has this country seen a collection of true patriots and leaders as was seen at that time.

The purpose of John Eidsmoe’s book is to help Americans understand the profound religious backgrounds of many of the men who helped form this great Republic; men such as John Adams, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Jay, and others.  He also desires that we understand that the foundation for the United States Constitution lies in the rule of law based, not upon humanistic principles, but upon the values predicated by a Judeo-Christian system of belief. 

The following discussion questions will guide us in our dialogue with the author as we ponder the foundational roots of our great nation.

1. Many of the founding fathers had strong Puritan roots buried deeply within the theology of John Calvin.  How did their view of the total depravity of man influence them in the structure of the government they were creating?  How was this a valid safe-guard?
2. Deism is often considered to have been a leading religious belief of the time.  What influence did this belief have upon the writing of the Constitution?
3. The author relates the stories of thirteen men who were influential in writing the Constitution.  Some names are familiar, some are not.  Select one individual whose story most appealed to you, and share what you learned from that person’s story.  How were his life and his decisions influenced by his religious convictions?
4. I found chapter 21 to be an exciting and critical chapter.  Eidsmoe relates several biblical principles that are foundational to Constitutional beliefs.  Could such a document be written today by the leaders of our nation?  What might a modern-day version of the Constitution look like?  Would it still have significant biblical foundations?  Or would it be built upon humanistic principles? 
5. What can American Christians do to prevent the further erosion of our Constitutional guarantees?  What course of action are you planning on taking?

I want to close with a quote from Pastor Martin Niemoeller:
“First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.  Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.  Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.  Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.”  If we don’t speak up now…we may not be able to speak at all later.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS from September 2007
The Truth War – John MacArthur
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2007

Interestingly enough, one of the most important questions asked of Jesus during His ministry here on earth came from the lips of Pilate, the one who wielded the final authority in Jesus’ life or death.  We read these words, as recorded by the Apostle John: “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.  Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king.  In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”  “What is truth?” Pilate asked.

That is the question being asked by many today even within the evangelical ranks.  And a second question is also being asked, “Why should I care about the truth?  After all, truth is relative.”  MacArthur begins his book with these words:The idea that the Christian message should be kept pliable and ambiguous seems especially attractive to young people who are in tune with the culture and in love with the spirit of the age and can’t stand to have authoritative biblical truth applied with precision as a corrective to worldly lifestyles, unholy minds, and ungodly behavior.  And the poison of this perspective is being increasingly injected into the evangelical church body. (p. xi)

The following discussion questions will guide us in our dialogue with the author as we ponder the relevancy of truth in our world.

1. How is truth defined for those within the new movement of the Emerging Church?  How does that definition of truth differ from what you hold to be truth?

2. MacArthur writes: The church has grown lazy, worldly, and self-satisfied.  Church leaders are obsessed with style and methodology, losing interest in the glory of God and becoming grossly apathetic about truth and sound doctrine (p. xvii).  What is your response to that statement?

3. How can a person fully know what truth really is?  What has God provided as resources to help us in this quest?

4. What is the definition of “modernity?”  What is the definition of “postmodernism?”  How are they related to each other?  What has been the impact of both upon the Church?

5. As MacArthur so clearly describes in his book, this battle for truth is not a new one, but has existed since the days of the Early Church.  As you read those historical sections of the book, how are we seeing history being repeated in today’s Church?  Can you think of some recent examples of where truth was questioned by those within the Church? 

6. Who do you think is winning this battle for truth right now?  Why do you feel that way? 

7. How is this “truth war” impacting your own local church?  How have you been made aware of its presence? 

8. For the Church today to successfully contend for the faith delivered to us by the saints (Jude 3), what must the Church do?  What steps must it take?  Do you think that those steps will be taken?  Explain.