Discussion guide for October 2025 issue

Gustavo Gutiérrez, ¡presente! by Leo Guardado

Questions:

1. If you have read any of Gustavo Gutiérrez’s writings or heard about him, what key things have you learned from his life and work? What insights have you gained from this article?
2. If this article is your introduction to Gustavo Gutiérrez, what are some key things you have learned? What more would you like to know about him and his work?
3. Gutiérrez is known as one of the founders of the liberation theology movement. What do you understand to be key features or emphases of that movement?
4. What are some actions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that you see as affirming central tenets of Gutiérrez’s theology?
5. In his concluding paragraph, the author writes, “Living and thinking about the God of the poor invites us to enflesh our faith according to the Spirit of God, who leads us in following Jesus.” What are some thoughts that statement evokes in you?

God, change and suffering by Monica Coleman

Questions:

1. Before reading this article, what was your understanding of process theology? After reading the article, how has your understanding of process theology been confirmed, expanded or questioned?
2. How do you respond to the author’s assertion, “People might rightly be called human ‘becomings’ rather than human ‘beings’ because we’re constantly changing”?
3. In the first paragraph of the section “God in process,” the author states, “We impact and influence God, and we also become part of who God is. Thus, God is always changing … ” What are your thoughts or questions about that statement?
4. In the section “Understanding suffering,” the author writes about an all-powerful God granting humans the power of free will. What are some questions and/or affirmations you have about the author’s theories?
5. If you had the opportunity, what questions would you like to ask the author? Or, what of the author’s statements would you like to affirm?

Jürgen Moltmann: Theologian of hope and transformation by Steffen Lösel

Questions:

1. If this article is your introduction to Jürgen Moltmann, what are some of your impressions of or thoughts about his theology?
2. If you have heard about Jürgen Moltmann, or have read any of his writings, what stands out in your mind as his contribution to Christian theology?
3. Reread the paragraph that begins, “In Theology of Hope, Moltmann sought a theological response to …” What insights have you discerned regarding the nature of Christian hope?
4. Of all of Moltmann’s writings that are mentioned in the article, which one or two intrigue you enough to want to learn more or read the book?
5. Skim the article and select a sentence or paragraph that strikes you as memorable and worth exploring further. 

Embracing a vulnerable, independent life by Lisa Powell

Questions:

1. The author uses the phrases “Disability theology” and “Disability theologians.” If these are new concepts for you, what are your first thoughts about their meaning?
2. What do you understand the author to mean in her use of these terms?
3. How has your church addressed the needs of persons with disabilities, considering both architectural and attitudinal barriers?
4. What are some ways your church could increase its accessibility as well as its inclusion of persons with disabilities?
5. Reread the paragraph that begins, “Thus, disability theology often confronts the impairment metaphors … ” What thoughts or concerns do these words raise in your mind?