I dream a world: Curiosity and the power of prophetic imagination by Winterbourne Harrison-Jones
Questions:
- Reread the sentence in the second paragraph that begins, “Brueggemann argues that the prophet …” What are some of your thoughts about that statement?
- The author uses the statement “We need not look far to call their names” to refer to the names of prophets in the contemporary American context. Who would you name as prophets in our recent past and today?
- The author writes, “Beloved, we, too, need a vision for a new world,” What is your vision for a new world that reflects the truth of Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness?
- During this season of Lent, what do you imagine in your hope for a new world? How will you engage curiosity as a spiritual discipline?
Curiosity: An innate gift and a lifelong pursuit by Kerra Becker English
Questions:
- The author begins the article with ancient narratives of two women, Eve and Pandora. In their respective narratives, the women’s actions are prompted by their curiosity to search for knowledge. What do you think about the author’s use of these two narratives?
- In what ways do you understand curiosity to be a spiritual gift?
- What experiences have you had where your curiosity led you to new insights, new commitments or new directions?
- Reread the section “Curiosity and discernment.” What do you see as the key points the author is lifting? What is something new you have learned?
- The author states, “Hope is the blessed gift we receive for cultivating our curiosity.” What do you understand the author to mean by that statement? How does hope lead you to the future? How does your curiosity lead you to hope?
The virtue in curiosity by James Calvin Davis
Questions:
- What insights have you gained from reading this article? What are some questions you would like to ask the author?
- What are some experiences you have had where your curiosity led you to new insights, new commitments or new relationships?
- How can we develop the habit of curiosity?
- Toward the end of the article, the author identifies “four aspects of a virtuously curious church.” Which of these aspects do you see present in your church? Which of the aspects do you think need further development?
- The author writes of Lent being an opportune time to “deepen our habits of glorifying God.” How will you, personally, and your church, corporately, encourage and enhance curiosity leading to spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth?
Lessons from Samwise Gamgee, the Constant Gardener by Whitney Wilkinson Arreche
Questions:
- If you have read J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, what are your thoughts about how the author has used the story to illustrate the importance of curiosity?
- Reread the section “The something beyond that sustains us.” To what extent do you agree or disagree with the quote from Stephen Cherry’s book?
- In what ways do you see the concept of curiosity playing out in Tolkien’s fantasy and in the Gospel narrative of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection?
- How has this essay sparked your curiosity?
