READING GUIDE QUESTIONS
* Why does Jacobs embark on his year long
biblical journey? What does he expect to find at its end? How do the
questions he seeks to answer evolve as he immerses himself in the
project?
* Identify the formal and informal spiritual guides Jacobs consults
during his year of biblical living. Whom do you find most instructive,
most challenging to accept, and/or most spiritually compelling?
Provide examples for each of your responses.
* What are Jacobs’ primary challenges to living the Bible as
literally as possible? How does he attempt to resolve them? Is he
successful? Why or why not?
* Discuss the various religious groups that Jacobs visit during his
year. How are they similar and different from each other? What
contradictions does Jacobs uncover in their biblical living? What
lessons do Jacobs take away from his encounters with these groups?
* What role does prayer play in Jacobs’ yearlong journey? How does
his relationship to prayer evolve? What final meaning does he attach to
prayer? Do you agree? Why or why not?
* What specific issues arise as Jacobs shifts from the Old Testament
to the New? What implications do they have for his entire biblical
living project?
* What value does Jacobs attach to the idea of surrendering? Why is
surrendering such a challenge for Jacobs? Does Jacobs ever surrender?
Why or why not?
* What does Jacobs’ relationship with his neighbor, Nancy in 5I, and
the circumstances surrounding her death illuminate about Jacobs’
biblical quest? How does this particular situation support or challenge
Jacobs’ conclusions about the limits of literal interpretations of the
Bible?
* What conclusions does Jacobs draw about the Bible, its literal
adherents, and the nature of religious activity as a result of his year
of living biblically? What is the value of the experience for Jacobs
personally?
* What is the value of Jacobs’ exploration for you personally? What
key lessons or insights will you take away from Jacobs’ experiences?
How has his journey impacted your perceptions and understanding of the
Bible?
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