What was the worse tragedy in your community or circle of family and friends in this last year. Was it hard to see God through that situation?

Let’s take the academics out of this: Have you ever gone through something so painful that you questioned God’s reality, intentions for you, or general sense of goodness?

Was the passage that Joe had us look at a new story for you, and did you agree with his conclusions about its significance? Would you argue for a different interpretation?

Talk about the role of sin in relation to someone’s suffering. Do you believe there is a connection? Have you ever felt like God was punishing you for previous wrong-doings?

Are you satisfied with Joe’s response to what God is doing about suffering? Would you add anything or offer a different explanation (theodicy)?

Through this series of FAQs, is there one concept that has stayed with you, or come up in conversation over these last weeks? Have you found yourself using some of these “answers” to talk with others?