We’re back with week 5 of the second Religion + Fiction Book Club, the final week! Thanks for your interest and for joining in the religious fiction fun. I’ve enjoyed it, and hopefully it has benefited your own spiritual journey.
If you missed the introduction episode to more of the background behind the book, including my own spiritual journey that led to me writing it, you can listen to that episode HERE. Catch up with the first week and feel free to join in anytime, even though it is technically the last week.
Here are links to past episodes:
Below are some of the questions I posed in the book club episode that I hope get you thinking about Peter Daniel Young’s story — and your own. Comment below or use the questions in a group or individual study to deepen your engagement with the story.
Week 5 Thoughts + Questions
After a sort of crisis of faith is sparked in Peter after being confronted with questions from friends he wasn’t prepared to answer, the tension and inner conflict is deepened with several relationships in his life — leading to a series of unfortunate personal events that take Peter back home.
Chapter 27–28
When have you had loss on the scale that Peter did—whether losing a job or relationship, perhaps your health or even your faith? What was that like, and what brought you through?
After his own loss, Peter questions, “What’s next, Lord?” When have you similarly questioned your life direction? Where did you find answers, and what was waiting for you on the other side?
The Labyrinth spiritual practice is a beautiful metaphor for our life with Christ and the life-journey he takes all of us on. There are no dead-ends, and the path always leads somewhere: to the middle, then back out again. Peter used this spiritual practice at a service at the Washington National Cathedral, something I myself had partaken of several times while living in DC.
What did Peter discover about his own spiritual and life journey while walking the spiritual practice? What might you learn from what he learned?
How about you: Take time tracing the contours of your own life, noting the highs and lows, the twists and turns — and the many ways Christ was with you through it all.
Chapters 29
Why did Bryan McLaughlin say he launched out on reimagining the Christian faith? What lessons can we learn?
When it came to Peter’s own journey, Bryan encouraged him to “Keep at it, brother. It’ll be alright.” In what ways are you struggling to “keep at it” in your faith? Why should you follow this advice, both for you and others?
Chapter 30–31
How do Bernie and Clint both represent two kinds of people that were part of this episode in Peter’s spiritual journey? Who have been your Bernies and Clints, and how did they impact your life?
Clint comes to a place where he recommits himself to Jesus. Have you come to that place yourself, like I did over 15 years ago? If so, what was that like? If you’re edging in that direction, perhaps Clint’s own self-confession in chapter 31 can help you frame your own.
Chapter 32–34
Peter came to a fork in the road, having to choose between two options of where he thought the Lord might be taking him. What was it he identified might get in the way of him following the actual path Christ had laid out for him, rather than the one he wanted? How does this same barrier often impact our own life with Christ and spiritual journey?
Before Peter left, he spent time reflecting in his barren apartment, and he prayed part of this prayer:
“Lord, you know how crazy the year has been. The questions and doubts, the struggles, the fear. But through it all, I know you’ve been with me, guiding and directing my path as much as caring for me while walking it. As I look back I can see how true that is.”
Looking back on your own life with Christ, how have you seen evidence that he has been with you, guiding you, and directing you while walking the path he has laid out for you?
At the end of this first episode in Peter’s story, what is the biggest thing you’ve taken away when it comes to faith or life?
Again, thanks for joining the book club. If you would like to continue Peter’s story, you can do that by picking up A Rediscovered Faith at most online retailers. Grab it direct from my bookstore at this link for less with a 25% discount using code BOOKCLUB25 at checkout.
You can still join the discussion anytime, going at your own pace reading the book and listening to the episodes. Grab it for all ereaders at most online retailers if you’d like to join, or get it direct from my bookshop at 25% off with code BOOKCLUB25. For easy links:
J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com.
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