Feb. 15 reading prompts

Read Chapter 10 before class on Tuesday, February 15.
Answer all questions in the prompt be the end of the class day on Tuesday.

On page 283 Jacobs tells the story of a guy who battled internally with his tendency to drive way too fast.  Remember and describe an inner battle you've had.  When have you caught yourself doing something you shouldn't?
What was the reason you thought you shouldn't do this?  Think about it.  List as many reasons as you can.
Analyze them.  Where do these reasons "come from?"  What core values, habits, and relationships in your life underly these reasons?

Name a second example of an inner battle you've waged and reapeat the process of examining it.

Class homework for the week of February 7

This week we'll be discussing topics from CHAPTER 10 of AJ Jacobs's "A Year of Living Bibically."

Homework due by end of class day Tuesday:

1. BEFORE YOU START READING.  Blog (or email, Jacob) 3-5 questions about Christianity.  

2. As you read, make a list of the resources from popular culture, advisors, other readings, etc... that Jacobs gathers his impressions from .  

3. After reading, blog (or email, Jacob) about Jacob's impressions of Christianity as he begins the New Testament phase of his adventure.

Who is God? #1

Alot of energy is generated speculating on what God does or doesn't do, and whether or not God exists.  Alanis Morisette and Joan Osbourne took a different line of questioning in this song.  How does it challenge or confirm your own ideas of who God is (or isn't!).

The Dogma finale is an odd juxtaposition of whimsey and violence.  Check out Alanis Morisette as God (pardon the overwrought agent of action's gritty language) and name the divine qualities being suggested in this scene.

In the movie Dogma, a long list of stars take sides on the fate of humanity: good vs. evil, destruction vs. hope, fearlessness vs. reverance.

Hillbilly Ten Commandments

Hillbilly Ten Commandments
1.  Just one God.
2.  Honor yer Ma & Pa.
3. No tellin' tales or gosspin'
4.  Git yerself to Sunday meetin'
5. Put nothin' before God.
6. No foolin' around with another feller's gal.
7. No killin'
8. Watch yer mouth.
9. Don't take what ain't yers.
10. Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.

catch up prompts

Your prompts are on the course website and you have hard copies, but for those of you who are relying on this blog, here's a catch up list:

Chapter 4 Prompt

Email me three things that interest you in this chapter (kmunson@kentshill.org)

And choose one of the following prompts and respond  thoughtfully to it.

Option 1). In chapter 4, Jacobs talks about some of his experiments with prayer.  What comes to your mind when you hear the word, “prayer?”

What is prayer?  Give your own definition and one that you look up.

Describe types of prayer that you’ve seen, heard of, or tried.

How does Jacobs get started with his prayer experiment?

What problems does he run into?  What doe he do about them?

What’s the difference between contemplative prayer and meditation?

What does Jacobs discover?

What does Jacobs say about prayer at the end of chapter 4?

Option 2.)  Describe Jacob’s “first real Sabbath.”  How do his feelings change during this experience?  Imagine yourself in similar situation and describe your reactions.

How would it change the structure of your life if you stopped everything for one day in every seven?  What would you have to plan differently?

What do you think about Jacob’s idea, “freedom from choice?” (p. 142).

Do some research on “Sabbath,” using the internet.  What do you learn? (Remember to cite your sources).

 Chapter Five Journal Prompt

            Choose one of the prompts below.  Be sure to answer completely.

Option 1 (see Day 126)            Imagine that you are at dinner with Jacobs and wife with their friends. 

What questions and thoughts would you add to the conversation?  What experience of “sacredness,” (or absolute wonder) could you share with Jacobs?  How would you describe the God that you do or don’t believe in?  How would you describe what you’d want God to be like? (Or, what would a God worth believing in be like?)

OR

Option 2.  Judeo Christian culture defines a person as mind/body/soul.  Name at least three things going on in Jacob’s life throughout chapter five.  Describe and react to some of the things going on in Jacob’s “soul” in chapter five.  How would you define “soul?”  What do you think is the strangest thing Jacobs tries in this chapter?

Chapter Six Journal Prompt.  Free Write on the topic you think is most important in this chapter!