Part 2 Discussion, February 20

Up until the second portion of The Faith Club, Ranya has been somewhat quiet. Then in Chapter Nine, The Promised Land, she has a confrontation with Priscilla. Where you shocked at what she said? Did you think she was being too harsh? Do you think Priscilla over-reacted? Were you surprised that Suzanne had so little to say?

January discussion

How did the book's format in the three-way discussion contribute to the overall feel of the book? Is there one character you felt like you identified more with?

Women of Trinity Book Blog Winter Selection

The Women of Trinity Book Blog will read The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew – Three Women Search for Understanding, and will discuss beginning January 16.

The book follows the journey of three young women as they learn about each other’s religions while examining their own faith. They begin meeting as they try to write an interfaith children’s book after September 11.

USA Today says:  “The Faith Club reveals how very hard it was when they were spiritual strangers learning to lay down their guards and dredge up their deepest fears and prejudices. Through it all, they found insight into one another's beliefs and greater clarity in their own.”The book will be discussed in three parts: Chapters 1-7 on January 16, Chapters 8-13 on February 20 and Chapters 14-19 on March 19.

Questions, please contact Kim Shindle at kimstamps@comcast.net.

Forgiveness

I found the most interesting part of this section of the book is the discussion of forgiveness. The definition of forgiveness, and not being confused with pardon. I thought the quote from the Anglican Bishop N.T. Wright that challenges the notion that forgiveness implies indifference is helpful in understanding the Amish definition of forgiveness, "Forgiveness doesn't mean 'I didn't really mind' or It didn't really matter.' I did mind and it did matter; otherwise there wouldn't be anything to forgive at all." How do you think this differs from how others view forgiveness?

Amish Grace - Part 3

As you progressed through the book, did your thoughts regarding the Amish initial response to the tragedy at Nickel Mines change in any way?

Blogging change

We've moved the blogging date for the last section of Amish Grace to Monday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. We'll look forward to hearing your comments on the final portion of this book.

Part II of Amish Grace explores the history and beliefs of the Anabaptist Amish from the 1500's until today. Their beliefs are characterized by forgiveness, nonresistance, and humility. They place the decisions of the church and the community first before their individual desires and therefore are very submissive to the decisions of the church and community. It is harder for them, as for anyone, to forgive the wrongdoing of someone they have known, lived near, worshiped with, and trusted all of their lives than to forgive a total stranger. Their history shows they are conditioned to opt for martyrdom rather than violence when confronted by an enemy. The oldest of the Nickel Mine students offered to be taken first and showed her acceptance of being the martyr. Their parents forgave and comfort the murderer and his family.