Sept-Oct 2011 study questions

PRISM STUDY/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 PRISM Islamophobia (page 4; see also “What’s So Radical about Loving Muslims?” below) 1. This essay makes the case that the fear that Islam inspires in many Americans is not rational but instead fueled by rhetoric, especially via the media. What are some of the labels and/or complaints that you have heard applied to Muslims and Islamic organizations? Has anyone in your discussion group ever had the chance to interact with or get to know a member of the Islamic faith? How does your own experience compare to the image projected by newscasters and politicians?

2. The fear mentioned in this essay is that Muslims will somehow “take over” America. Consider the political and religious climate of our nation today. In your opinion, is this fear limited to Islam? What other religions or organizations are, or have been in the past, the target of similar fears?

3. Candace Tizon Martinez makes a connection between the treatment shown to Muslim Americans and that which is shown to people who are disabled. Think about the times when you encounter a person who is different from you, whether the difference is one of ability, faith, class, race, etc. Does this happen rarely or often? What is your gut reaction in these situations? Do you ever react with suspicion, fear, pity, or distaste? Why or why not?

4. There is an old saying: “The best way to conquer your enemy is to make him your friend.” What do you think about that statement? How does it compare with Christ’s call to love our enemies, or Paul’s comment to the Romans, in which he quotes from Proverbs 25: “‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:20-21). Discuss how this might look, for each of you, today.

Nigerian Christians Seek a Theology of Conflict (page 8) 1. Take some time to wrestle with the questions posed by the author that Nigerian churches and missionaries find themselves faced with: Should Christians fight back or flee when attacked?

What does the Bible say about protecting yourself from physical harm?

2. One of the theories discussed in this article is that of the “Just War,” a war which

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is waged in response to injustice and oppression. Given the violence and brutality of any war, do you think that any war can ever be truly just? If so, why? How is it possible to differentiate if a war is just or not? What part does propaganda, whether from politicians, television, or news articles, play in this decision?

3. Nigerian Seminary professor Rev. Tersur Aben claims that “global terrorism is nothing but the war Islam is waging against Christianity.” Do you agree? In what ways might this generalization be an oversimplification? Rev. Aben also notes that “Christians cannot fight for God. God rather will fight for his people.” Have you personally ever faced a situation where you felt you had to defend or fight for God? Why did you feel this way? How might Rev. Aben’s words challenge our perspective of what God requires of us?

4. “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles,” says Jesus in Matthew 5:39-41.

Can he be serious? What is he really saying? For some great insights into this and other hard sayings by Jesus on nonviolence, watch together Evangelicals for Social Action Public Policy Director Paul Alexander’s talk on “Jesus’ Third Way” and discuss: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 Passionate Politics (page 9) 1. Take a look at Romans 13:1 and the call to submit ourselves to the governing authorities. What relevance does this verse have in a society where we elect, insult, idolize, and deprecate our political leaders? In what ways can we best follow this verse in today’s political climate?

2. Heidi Unruh tells us that involvement in politics should be driven by a vision, a yearning for “society as God intended it.” Discuss what such a society might look like. What are some of the ways we can see God’s Kingdom on earth? What are some of the issues you believe Christians should be passionately fighting for today?

3. Has fear or distaste ever caused you to shy away from political involvement?

How can you overcome your hesitations? Is it important that you do?

4. What issues are you most passionate about, and what fuels that passion? How can you ensure that your motives are informed by Christ’s example instead of “The Man within” (see the editor’s reflections on page 2)?

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Crossfire (pages 10-17)

1. How do the statistics included in this article affect your position on handgun laws and gun control? What facts stand out to you or give you the most food for thought?

The author posits five reasons that Christians are uniquely positioned to advocate for responsible gun policies and to end gun violence. Which of these speaks to you most, and how can you use these concepts to effectively counter the Goliath-sized gun lobby?

2. What are some of the symbols that the faith community can use to counter the gun lobby’s false and misleading claims?

3. The author shares several personal stories from those whose personal life or community has been affected by gun violence and who are now working for practical and responsible gun policies. Which of these stories is most moving to you? How can you follow the example of these Davids in your own community?

4. Consider joining Heeding God’s Call and taking the Code of Conduct to your local gun shops to speak to the owner about responsible engagement in violence prevention. If your discussion group feels too small or only some of you are willing, who else can you bring on board to support you in this effort?

A Costly Thing to Waste (pages 18-21) 1. Is there any risk or down side to putting a dollar figure on a single child’s “cost” to taxpayers? What are the potential benefits?

2. Is there a difference between spending money to send an affluent child to a private school or summer camp versus spending that money on an underserved child? Why might the author’s donor have said that UrbanPromise programs are too expensive? If you were in the author’s shoes, how would you respond?

3. How can members of the faith community respond, knowing the financial toll that “at-risk” youth can take on society?

4. What can you do to help the “Angelos” in your community?

5. Do you have experience working with underserved youth? Talk about it with your group.

Found and Standing Firm (pages 22-25)

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1. Have you ever been surprised at the blessings or lessons you’ve personally received/learned in what started out as “mission” or “outreach” work? Discuss how this changed your outlook on service.

2. Are there practical needs in your community that your church could help fill?

What are they, and what would that help look like?

1. Identify groups in your area that are doing Kingdom work—whether or not they’re faith-based organizations—and discuss ways that you could partner with them.

Freed to Speak (pages 28-33) 1. Should Christians seek justice when they or a loved one is wronged? How might they do that? What is the line between justice and vengeance, and on what do you base your response to this question?

2. Discuss Juan Melendez’ summary of capital punishment: that is does not deter crime, that it is expensive, that it is racist, and that we can never release an innocent person from the grave.

3. How do the exonerees’ stories inform your reflection on Jesus’ unwarranted arrest and death sentence, and on his ultimate sacrifice?

4. How can the church aid both those who have been exonerated and those who are still on death row? How can you?

What’s So Radical about Loving Muslims? (pages 34-38; see also “Islamophobia” above) 1. According to this article, 58 percent of Americans claim they do not know a single Muslim, and 86 percent of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists worldwide do not know a single Christian. Share how those in your discussion group know and interact with members of a different faith. What do these interactions look like? Are they at all like the “genuine relationship” mentioned in the article? What kinds of conflicts emerge because of the ignorance members of different faiths have of each other?

2. As Christians, we are called to share the Good News about Jesus Christ. We are also called to love our neighbors as ourselves. Do these two callings ever feel conflictual? Why or why not?

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3. How would our churches be different if we truly lived Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves? How would our family lives be different? If you practiced this love for a week, what would you be forced to change?

4. How can you practice radical love in your life? Where is Christ calling you to refuse alienation and seek reconciliation?

5. Think about and discuss a time in your life when seeking to build a genuine relationship that may have been uncomfortable or unusual paid surprising benefits and enriched your faith.

6. Did you know that the average international exchange student in an American university spends four years in the United States and never once steps foot in an American home? Pledge to invite an individual or family living in your community from a different ethnic background to your home for a meal. Then, enjoy!

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