Cathy’s Comments (group member since Feb 04, 2017)

Cathy’s comments from the Sweeney's on the Creek group.

Here are the topics/questions we can discuss related to the section on Tanzania:

1. The mode of transportation in Tanzania seems to be, primarily, walking. How does walking connect you with God?

2. Notice and discuss: much of Christianity in this location appears to be twofold: worship and humanitarian. How do those connect and enhance your relationship with God?

3. Page 92 - there is a story about the offering plate, and the little girl who looks diligently for the lost coin (which isn't lost). What's the purpose of offering in a worship service? Is it important to share something each time? Why or why not?

4. Paul Carroll shares the two schools of thought regarding aid to Third World countries: paternalism and indigenous. Are these mutually exclusive? What are the benefits of each? {Recommended Reading: "When Helping Hurts" by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett.]

5. In pages 96-100, Hudson describes many activities, some which could be interpreted as culture, and some as religious. Describe how some of the activities interact - the dust storm with the worship service, for example. How is it that the locals can pray through it?

6. Hudson's descriptions of the safari, the crater, and all of the life within it, use the word "splendor." On p. 104, she states the "Immersion [into the crater] is a privelege." Consider how Hudson's words compare to creation, and our role in it. Read Psalm 8, then evaluate against the discussion of the animals.

7. Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and 12-25. (The Apostle) Paul writes about gifts, that we are all given unique gifts, to be used for the common good. And each of those gifts work together to form the Body of Christ. Now read p. 107-108 in our book; discuss the similarities between Hudson's commentary and Paul's writings.

8. Read page 116, focusing on the questions posed by Hudson (moral obligations). Now read Micah 6:8. Can this be part of the answer, and if so, how?
Coffee, Tea, and Holy Water: One Woman's Journey to Experience Christianity Around the Globe

Here are some discussion questions for section 2 - Wales:

1. Hudson's experience in Wales includes a small group experience around the Alpha program. Alpha is a program designed to ask and answer foundational questions about Christianity. If you could ask any question about Christianity, what would you ask? (see p. 56/57 for suggestions)

2. How does language impact the worship experience? Does language also impact your faith, and if so, how?

3. Have you ever attended a revival? What are the goals of a revival? If you were to organize one at your place of worship, what would you include?

4. When Hudson attends a service at a smaller church in Mumbles (p 54), she talks about being distracted by certain elements of the sanctuary. What, if anything, distracts you in worship? How are you brought back to the moment? How do you adjust?

5. Discuss this sentence from p 58: "While people might like to attribute their doubts to more intellectual motives, most people's objections to God aren't actually coming from answers to the Alpha questions - they're coming from a reaction to the church, which many see as a lifeless institution."

6. Hudson admits that we all see God in different ways (p. 65) - some see God as Father, some as Uncle, and some as Santa Claus. What are your primary images or experiences of God?

7. There's a fair amount of discussion about the Prosperity Gospel in this section of the book. Read the quote from Rick Warren on p. 67 and offer comments.

8. Bible passage: Read John 9, the story of the man who was blind since birth. Hudson writes some about suffering. She asks why we suffer and whether this is a punishment for sin, or whether it's just part of life. How does Jesus answer those who question him about the blind man? Can we distinguish between God redeeming tragic situations and God causing tragic events? If so, how?

9. The mode of transportation in much of the Wales section is by walking. How might walking be a spiritual experience?

10. Is the church about advancing the gospel? (p 71) How does tradition interact with innovation in advancing the gospel? Are those concepts mutually exclusive? Does one have benefit over the other when speaking to those newer to the faith?

OK I've made a few changes, and added a folder with the name of the book. Name of book is also in the main group page under "currently reading." In the folder will be sets of questions related to various parts of the book.

I must be doing something wrong. When you go to this group, so you see the book "Coffee, tea, and holy water" ?

1. Find a picture of Rio de Janeiro's famous statue of the Christ (Corcovado's Cristo Redentor), and study it for a short time. How does this statue contribute to a positive or negative view of Christ?

2. Page 8 - "The fog swirls around the mountain's tip, making him visible one moment and invisible the next." Now read the passages of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9, and discuss similarities.

3. Discuss: "It is a grim job, this looking out over humanity." (p 8).

4. "Spiritual experiences are not up here. They're down there." (p9) What does this say about where we will find Christ?

Have you worshiped outside of your native country? If so, what observations did you make?

If you were to choose a few places to visit for the purpose of attending worship, what places would make your list and why?

What's your earliest memory of church? (p. xii) What kept you participating, or going back, to church? (p. xiii)

Hudson ponders on p. xiv what 'normal Christianity looks like.' What might we learn as we redefine 'normal' in our journey through Hudson's book?