Discussion guide for May 2025 issue

The power we hold to make peace by Teri McDowell Ott 

Questions:

1. What do you think of Walter Wink’s interpretation of Matthew 5:40 where Jesus speaks of giving shirt and cloak?
2. The Liberian women’s nonviolent resistance brought peace after years of civil war. How might their nonviolent resistance be relevant to situations in our nation today where injustices need to be addressed?
3. What can you do to learn more about Leymah Gbowee, the 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, and the Liberian women’s peace movement?

The principles of Kingian Nonviolence by Teri McDowell Ott

Questions:

1. What are your memories of the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
2. How were you and/or your church impacted by or involved in the Civil Rights Movement?
3. The article included six principles of nonviolence, with questions related to each. In your group, select one or more questions to discuss.
4. How can your church communicate the six principles and help the congregants to adopt and practice them?

Nonviolence, fear and hard questions by Laurie Lyter Bright

 Questions:

1. The opening three paragraphs state that one of the reasons people act with violence toward others is because of their fears. To what extent do you agree or disagree with that assertion?
2. The article focuses on conscientious objection. What are some of your affirmations of, disagreements with or questions about the author’s analysis of that subject?
3. A resolution approved by the PC(USA)’s 1992 General Assembly regarding conscientious objection is quoted. If you had been a commissioner to that General Assembly, would you have voted to approve it? Why or why not?
4. The author’s closing words are, “Risking nonviolence is the only way violence stops.” What is your response to that statement?

In response to the lion’s rampage by Alejandra Oliva 

Questions:

1. In the third paragraph, the author writes of her angst when communities and friends she cares about are “targeted for discrimination.” In what ways do you identify with her observations and concerns?
2. The article references nonviolent actions by African Americans at a Woolworth’s lunch counter, by AIDS activists disrupting Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and by Oscar Romero. What do you remember
   of those events?
3. What do you think are the motivations of persons who put themselves “on the line” by nonviolently advocating against oppression and discrimination?
4. What are the necessary characteristics or qualities of those who commit themselves to nonviolent resistance against suppression of their human rights?

Revelation for active nonviolent resistance by Timothy Reardon

Questions:

1. What was your first thought when you read the title of this article, suggesting that the book of Revelation might be a good resource for imagining nonviolent principles and actions?
2. What subject would you like the author to explain further or expand upon? What is one question you would like to ask?
3. The author quotes Martin Luther King Jr., “The old order ends … when the enslaved, within themselves, bury the psychology of servitude” and relates that quote to John’s affirmation that the “dominated one is revealed as the Lord of all.” How does that help to understand the Lamb’s nonviolent resistance?
4. Reread the paragraph that begins, “Pursuing nonviolence is often difficult, accompanied by vilification and rejection by the purveyors of power.” What comes to your mind after this reading?

I am a witness by Dartinia Hull

Questions:

1. Have you ever knowingly used “nonviolent direct action” to attempt to defuse a situation? What was the outcome of that event?
2. The photos on the walls at Union Theological Seminary tell a story that Wade Burns fears will be lost. What stories do you have that should be passed along?
3. The families of those attacked and murdered at Mother Emanuel immediately forgave the gunman and pleaded for peace. What feelings arise as you consider this nonviolent response?