Christian spirituality is both overwhelmingly communal and intensely personal. As you read slowly and carefully through this book, we encourage you to think deeply about the questions and ideas presented. Following are some questions for discussion in a group, personal reflection, or both.
Chapter 15 – Love and Community
* In contrast to becoming a “zero”, we observe that self-love is good and appropriate in the context of being loved by God. What do you think this self-love looks like? How do you imagine that a healthy self-love would bring about transformation in your life? Transformation in your community? What are some of the criteria for distinguishing between healthy vs. unhealthy self-love?
* Can you think of some instances in your experience that the church, or you, expressed living Christian love? Times when it was not expressed? What were some of the factors that influenced the ways those situations played out?
* Can you think of ways in which Christian love can/should function beyond the individual level and move into the corporate/structural level of society and culture? How, as an individual, can you strive for those things?
* In learning to greater appreciate the differences between people and cultures, how could one adopt a posture of learning?
* Are you a part of a community like the one described here, engaged with scripture, culture, etc.? What can you do to find/develop such a community?
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-- Romans 15:5-6
Suggested Map Reading:
For Further Study:
Life Together, D. Bonhoeffer
The Disciplined Heart, C. Simon
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