Читать книгу Bad Boys of the Bible: - Barbara J. Essex - Страница 12

1 What is your reaction to the fact that there are two creation stories? Which do you prefer? Why?

2 What kind of person is adam? What are his strengths? His weaknesses?

3 How is authority exercised in each of the two creation stories? Who exercises authority? In what ways?

4 How do you exercise authority? When? Where? Over whom? For what reasons and toward what ends?

5 What message do you think the shapers of these stories wanted to send to those who would hear them?

6 What advice do you offer adam about his life? About his leadership skills?

7 God created humans in the divine likeness and image. How, then, should we behave in our relationships at home? At work or school? In our communities?

8 Under what conditions are you self-assured and most self-confident? Explain.

9 Have you ever hesitated or failed to express your opinion when you disagreed with someone? What can you do to be more assertive?

10 How do you understand God from the two creation stories? What are God’s strengths? Weaknesses?

11 How do you handle fear? Embarrassment? Explain.

12 Have you ever been a scapegoat? How did you feel? What did you do?

13 Have you ever blamed someone else for something you did? What happened?

14 Is there someone you need to forgive? What prevents you from doing so? What support do you need in order to forgive someone?

15 Is your work a blessing or a burden? Explain.

16 What is your mission in life? Be specific. Are you fulfilling your mission? If so, how? If not, why not?

17 Does God’s punishment of the serpent, woman, and man fit their “crimes”? Explain.

18 The man is silent in the face of the woman’s power and strength. Does this happen today? Explain.

19 How are you created in the image and likeness of God? Where do you fall short? Explain.

20 In Paul’s first letter to Timothy (1 Tim. 2:12–15), he explains why women should be silent: “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.” Explain how Paul misinterpreted the Genesis texts.

21 There is little interaction between the man and woman in the text. What advice do you offer them concerning a healthy marriage?

22 How do you develop and strengthen your own leadership? The leadership of others?

23 What is mentoring? How are you mentoring others in the various areas of your life?

24 Adam does not question the woman’s choices or her understanding of their “world.” What does this suggest about his leadership abilities? What advice do you offer him?

*In this book, “YHWH” designates the Hebrew for “LORD” and “YHWH Elohim” designates “LORD God.”