Small Group Discussion Questions
This document contains questions for your group discussion. It is divided into two parts: the first set of questions focuses on understanding the core theological and philosophical principles Bishop Barron presents in Chapter 1. The second set is designed to help group members personally reflect on these ideas to deepen their intimacy with Jesus.
Part A: Understanding the Core Principles
- Bishop Barron writes this book in response to a modern crisis of belief, where many people find the teachings of Christianity unbelievable. How does he redefine the act of “believing” to counter the common idea that faith is irrational or superstitious?
- Barron uses the analogy of getting to know another person to explain the nature of faith. How is believing in God similar to trusting a person who reveals themselves to you, rather than simply analyzing data about them?
- A key idea in the chapter is that faith is supra-rational (above reason) rather than infra-rational (below reason). What does this distinction mean? How does the image of a “dazzling darkness” caused by too much light help explain this?
- According to the book, what is the relationship between the intellect (our mind) and the will (our heart/desire) in the act of faith? Why is love the primary motivator for the will to command the mind to believe?
- What is the difference between saying “I believe” (pisteuo) and “We believe” (pisteuomen)? Why are both the personal and communal dimensions essential for a healthy Christian faith?
- Barron defines God not as the biggest being among other beings, but as the sheer act of “to be” itself (actus purus). What does it mean to say God is “non-competitive” with creation? How does the image of the burning bush illustrate this?
Part B: Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
- Think of your own faith journey. Have there been times when you treated belief more like a math problem to be solved, rather than a relationship of trust with a Person? How does viewing faith as a “trusting surrender” to Jesus, who reveals Himself to you, change how you approach prayer and scripture?
- Barron suggests that sometimes the primary obstacle to belief isn’t a lack of evidence, but a “compromised will” that loves a created good (like comfort, control, or approval) more than God. What “idols” or lesser goods in your own life compete for the love and trust that belong to God alone?
- When you recite the Creed at Mass, do you feel the personal weight of the words “I believe”? How can the “We believe” of the Church community support your personal faith, especially during times of doubt or spiritual dryness?
- Reflect on the idea of a “non-competitive” God. Have you ever feared that being closer to God would mean losing your freedom, your personality, or your own dreams? How does the truth that God’s presence “illumines without consuming” free you to invite Jesus more deeply into every area of your life?
The chapter explains that God creates out of a sheer, generous overflow of love (bonum diffusivum sui). How does knowing that your very existence is a pure, unmerited gift from God, who needs nothing from you, affect your sense of self-worth and your relationship with Him? How does this vision of a generous God inspire you to be more generous with others?
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post