a study guide for the book
by JVS on Sep.14, 2010, under 2010, Writing
Now finished, ready to download for free – http://ow.ly/2WwOr
For the past few months I’ve been working on a study guide for the book; a companion booklet with questions for every chapter, and an exercise for application of the core idea of that chapter. (I say that “I” have been working on it, but really a friend/teacher/fellow New Hoper named Zaak did most of the work – drafting questions based on his experience in a small group that went through the book, chapter by chapter, earlier this year. ) Full disclosure aside, I’m wondering if this kind of a thing would be of value to book readers. Do people still do this kind of thing? Let me know. And if you have any better ideas… Here are the first round of questions we’ve developed for chapter one…
Chapter 1 – The Day Metallica Came to Church
- How would growing up in a Christian church impact your openness to the idea of God speaking through a band like Metallica? If you didn’t go to church would you see things differently?
- In your experience, have you ever been surprised by a seemingly spiritual truth that came from outside the church? Describe that experience. Did that truth encounter draw you closer to God?
- Do you feel wary about looking for God in unconventional places? How do you know when it’s the right or wrong thing to do?
- If the truths about justice, denouncing hypocrisy and forgiveness found in Metallica’s lyrics are already in the Bible, why bother recognizing them in the band’s songs, especially given the fact that many people would object to the band’s overall lifestyle.
- Can you think of reasons why God would choose to speak to people through means other than the Bible or the church?
- Theologian John Calvin wrote, “If we regard the Spirit of God as the sole fountain of truth, we shall neither reject the truth itself, nor despise wherever it shall appear, unless we wish to dishonor the Spirit of God.” What motivates us to “despise wherever it shall appear,” or “reject” something as being unworthy of bearing God’s truth?
- What process brought the author to the point where he was able to recognize God’s voice in Metallica? Do you think the same thing could happen in the realm of online gaming, the import/export business, slasher movies, or tattoo parlours?
- Why would a church embracing the messages of Metallica’s songs draw so much attention?
October 1st, 2010 on 4:03 pm
Thanks Andy. Many people have shared a similar sentiment. It’s quite affirming actually. At times I wondered if I was the only person who thought this way. john
October 1st, 2010 on 12:41 pm
I just want to say that this book put into clear words something that I have been feeling for a couple years now- ever since I was asked to write an article about brokenness, redemption and healing in the TV show “House.” Thank you for writing it and for being a kindred spirit.
September 15th, 2010 on 10:59 am
working on it Cory
September 15th, 2010 on 10:54 am
Although I haven’t yet received my 2 copies from Amazon, I intend to suggest John’s book for our Christian mens breakfast book club here in Whitehorse.
My suggestions have never been chosen, but perhaps I might have an edge this time if I can present a study guide along with my book choice….
September 15th, 2010 on 9:39 am
Yes! The book was wonderful! It opens up the possiblity of new discoveries for the reader in ways that they (I) never thought of before. The study questions would take it to another incredible level.
September 14th, 2010 on 7:26 pm
I say “hurray!” (or Yes, please.) I’m lobbying to study your book with our small group at our church this year. Study questions chapter by chapter would be just the ticket.