Question 1: Wright’ final chapter begins with an introduction to the “virtuous circle.” Virtue happens “as Christians find themselves caught up within a particular circle of activities and practices.” As he has said repeatedly, “the key to virtue lies precisely…in the transformation of the mind.” As with a bicycle (or better yet, a motorcycle!) you need to learn to operate several maneuvers at once to maintain your balance and move forward. The five elements of the virtuous circle include: scripture, stories, examples, community, and practices.
- Identify two of these elements that have served to draw you closer to the virtuous life of faith.
- Provide an example of the power and effect of each in your life.
Question 2: The reading of scripture is central to the virtuous life. Wright speaks of us not merely as readers, but as “actors within an ongoing drama.” This leads to the biblical story becoming “second nature” to us. He urges us to read it in large chunks and in small bites; but always to make it habit-forming. Live with the tension of encountering variations of complexity and diversity in the Bible. Give time an opportunity to allow scripture to work its way into our lives. No doubt, this has been the case for each of us throughout our lives.
- Trace your own footsteps through the scriptures…
- How would you describe your current position when contrasted with your understanding of scripture as a young adult?
- What have you learned over the years as you seek to get your arms around the Bible?
Question 3: “Scripture, then, is habit-forming and character-forming.” “Living within the world of stories increases – if we let it – the capacity for discernment.” “Wisdom, after all, is what we’re after; not rules, not templates, but a sense of understanding how the ways of God and humankind work…”
- How have you come to understand and appreciate the complex nature of scripture and its characters?
- How does scripture serve to guide you into the ways of wisdom and spiritual discernment?
Question 4: Wright gives examples of those who have developed the character of virtue. This is not limited to mere imitation, but like a spark that turns into a flame, is “led by the Spirit and can be a means toward something quite new.” Using powerful examples such as Maximilian Kolbe and Chesley Sullenberger, Wright points out that they didn’t have time to think, but they didn’t need to. “The thinking had been done a long time before, and the second-nature habits of self-giving love had been ingrained as a result. The moment came; the decision was made.”
- Recall of a time when you had no time to think, only to act…
- How did you know what to do at that moment?
- Recall a similar experience applied to some faith action…
- How did you tap into your well of Christian virtue at that point?
Question 5: Here, Wright moves from an individual to corporate context of faith in action. In essence, he lifts up the work of the church, in all its many forms and groupings. Our Panera group fits the bill here, too! Whatever the configuration, our common goal is to develop the fruit of the Spirit. This community of believers “is the forum within which virtue is learned and practiced.” “This is how virtue happens: whole communities deciding together, as Hebrews says, ‘to stir up one another to love and good works,’ and then working at it so that what might to begin with have seemed impossible (or at least very unnatural) becomes, remarkably quickly, second nature.”
- Examine your own such involvement with the church…
- Name those events, efforts, and connections that mattered.
- Where have you partnered with others to be the church in action?
- What were the specific “fruits of the Spirit” that resulted?
Question 6: Wright’s final section summarizes the central practices of the Christian faith, largely flowing out of the various elements of worship. These also flow out of our understanding of Word and Sacrament. The point is, we do this together…all of it!
- In conclusion, reflect on the whole of Wright’s book…
- What have you learned to appreciate about virtue?
- What has surprised you most about virtue?
- Where do you still seek to grow in Christian virtue?
- Finally, name one example – some person – of virtue for whom you can lift up and give thanks today.
*Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
*See you again January 13 as we read, Belief, by Francis Collins
No comments:
Post a Comment