On God's Side, Last Post

In the last three chapters of the book, Wallis lays out his views on the Biblical basis for justice, the importance of our personal households, and our need to see the "world as our parish." What particularly resonated for you in these chapters? Did any of your ideas change as you read this book? Did any of Wallis's views surprise or disturb you? In his epilogue he lays out ten commitments for the common good. Are any (or all) of these your commitment?

On God's Side, December 13, 2013

In this chapter, Wallis lays out his arguments for a moral economy. Do you think such a thing is possible? Were you surprised to learn how much of corporate profits came from the financial sector (p. 207)? Does that statistic trouble you? How did you respond to the quotation from Luke Bretherton? How do you respond to his characterization of our economy as unfair, unsustainable, unstable, and producing unhappiness? Are you ready to make (or already have made) lifestyle changes that lead us to a more sustainable economy? Should parishes be encouraging more reliance on the local economy?

On God's Side, November 26, 2013

In Chapter 9, Wallis continues his discussion of practices for the common good. He begins by providing a theology of democracy based on the imago dei, the assertion in the book of Genesis that human beings are created in the image of God. After criticizing the movement to politicize voting, he then argues that the last great barrier to democracy is money. Were you surprised to learn that running for political office is more expensive in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world (188)? Do you agree with his assessment that Citizens United "was one of the most disastrous judicial decisions in American history?" Do you agree with his argument that our political process is dominated by the rich who thereby corrupt democracy (191)? If you accept his argument that our system desperately needs reform, what kind of a movement would it take to bring about such reform?

On God's Side, November 14, 2013

In Chapter 8, Wallis begins discussing specific practices for addressing the common good. Did you find his characterization of conservatives and liberals convincing? Where would you place yourself? What has been more important in your life, personal morality or working for social justice? Or have the ethics of personal and social responsibility been complementary for you? Can you give any specific examples of how this has played out in your own life? Did you find Wallis's suggestions about strengthening marriage and ending poverty convincing? Would personally sign on to the Covenant for Civility?

On God's Side, October 31, 2013

Did you find Chapter 7 to be challenging? As we wrestle with loving our neighbors -- and defining who those neighbors are -- Wallis now suggests that Christians are also to take seriously Jesus' commands to love our enemies and to be peacemakers. In this chapter, in the wake of the tragedy of 9/11, he develops two threads: our call to respectful interfaith cooperation, and his condemnation of the "war on terror" as ineffective and counter-productive. What has been your experience with interfaith cooperation? Do you know any Muslims personally? What do you know of their religion? Are there ways our churches can cooperate with Muslim communities (or other faith communities) in our midst? As we view the outcome of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, how do you respond to Wallis's challenge: "Shouldn't we at least have a debate about what the words of Jesus mean in the new world of terrorist threats and wars of occupation?" How would you answer Wallis's question about whether Jesus' words are authoritative or not? How can our churches reach out to the victims of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including our own returning servicemen and servicewomen?

On God's Side, October 24, 2013

In chapter 6, Wallis asks us where we find our primary identity: "in nation, culture, class, race, gender -- or first and foremost in God and a new international community of God's people?" How would you answer his question? Do you agree that, "Jesus' followers in the United States are called to be Christians first and Americans second"? Why or why not? What do you think of his critique of "American exceptionalism," and his suggestion that "If we're Christians, we critique America by our Christian principles -- not the other way around"? Towards the end of the chapter Wallis cites Paul's letter to the Romans and suggests that "our cultural conformity is an obstacle to our true worship of God." Would you agree? Why or why not?

On God's Side, October 17, 2013

In Chapter 5, Wallis uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to argue that there are now no "non-neighbors," that this "radical concept is absolutely essential to the idea of the common good," and that "it is a spiritual foundation for the common good." He goes on to say that "we are all neighbors now, whether we like it or not" (p. 98). Do you find his argument convincing? Would you agree that we have a responsibility to treat all people as the Samaritan treated the man in the parable? He ends the chapter talking about the supply chains for our consumer goods? Do you know where and under what conditions your cellphone, computer, television, or shirt were produced? Do you know where your strawberries, chocolate, or coffee were grown? Have you ever bought a fair-trade item?