Discussion questions: “What do we have to do with each other?”

This issue is the fourth in a series of four exploring basic theological questions in ways designed to engender further discussion in your context. To that end, here are discussion questions that can be used with each of the feature articles. We hope these provide a catalyst for robust conversations that help us live our faith in the world.

Witness to the common good — read online

1. What is your experience of social media? Has it been a way to connect and build community? Does it deepen our divisions? How do you discern how to participate in social media?
2. What does the phrase “common good” mean to you? How has your faith community championed the common good? Where might it need to do so?
3. Christopher Edmonston writes: “The operative question that drives our theological consideration is: What happens to our community, our sense of God-inspired coming good, if we feel disgust towards those who have different political signs in their yard than we do?” How would you answer this operative question?
4. Edmonston concludes, “There is something holy and good that occurs when we pray for our opponents and reach across divides.” Have you ever experienced this truth? How are you praying for opponents and reaching across divides?

It depends upon where we put the emphasis — read online

1. Where do you most need to put the emphasis in the question: What do we have to do with each other? Where do you struggle with being connected to others?
2. Shavon Starling-Louis wrote, “Humanity needs humanity.” How do you see this truth evident in your life? Congregation? Community? How has the recent public health crisis revealed that humanity needs humanity?
3. Read again Desmond Tutu’s quote about ubuntu. Where do you see ubuntu demonstrated? How can you cultivate this trait?
4. Both Starling-Louis and Edmonston cite Micah 6:8 in answering the question: What do we have to do with each other? Does that Scripture help you understand our commitment and connection to each other? What other Scripture passages would you cite in helping to answer this question?