1. As Dan journals about his response to his conversation with Neo, he imagines the potential responses and objections many of his Protestant friends might have: "We're not modern - we're biblical! We believe in 'sola Scriptura'! We follow the New Testament!" Did you have any of the same reactions, or others? If so, which ones? What do you think of Dan's analysis that the way we approach the Bible is severly conditioned by modernity?
2. Dan wonders if he can trust God beyond his own theological understanding. What does that mean? Is it possible?
3. Dan says, "I remember hearing a saying somewhere that he who marrie the spirit of the age is sure to be a widow in the next." What does that mean? Is this a good metaphor? Why or why not? Inherent in this quote is an assumption that there is a context-free position from which to assess the age in which one lives. Is there such a place? This quote also seems to imply, albeit subtly, that the preferable position from which to engage the world we inhabit is a place free of commitment and risk. Again, is there such a place, and if so, is it even desirable?
4. Reread the journal entry from September 7 (pp. 24-25). Dan highlights the differences between how we live and use language within the church (within a largely modern framework) and how we live and use language outside the church (the postmodern world). Do you agree there is a "disconnect" between how we talk about reality and how we live in reality? If so, where do you see the discrepancies?
5. The chapter ends with Dan sitting ona panel next to a prominent Christian thinker and leader for whom he has a great deal of respect. When asked whether they are optimistic or pessimistic about what they see coming in the new millenium, they have very different responses. How do you reconcile the two different worlds these people describe? Which story is more resonant for you? What story do you hear told more frequently in Christian circles? Why do you think this is so?
6. Reflect on and respond to the Native American dream catcher hanging by the cross.
7. Compare Dan's posture from Chapter One to Chapter Three. What has changed? Has your posture changed? If so, how?
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