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Abby Rice

abby@highrock.org
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Book Discussion Guide: Disunity in Christ

Ever wonder why we (i.e. people in general!) so often land up in echo-chambers, sometimes even despite an outward desire to build bridges between groups and follow Christ’s call for unity? Often the decisions we make that create isolation between “us” and “them” are not passive but active choices to surround ourselves with people who are like us and share our same beliefs. In her book, Disunity in Christ, author Christena Cleveland takes great care to weave her own story with well-researched social psychology about group behavior to explain how easily the mentality of “us” vs. “them” becomes ingrained and divides our communities.

Ever wonder why we (i.e. people in general!) so often land up in echo-chambers, sometimes even despite an outward desire to build bridges between groups and follow Christ’s call for unity? Often the decisions we make that create isolation between “us” and “them” are not passive but active choices to surround ourselves with people who are like us and share our same beliefs. In her book, Disunity in Christ, author Christena Cleveland takes great care to weave her own story with well-researched social psychology about group behavior to explain how easily the mentality of “us” vs. “them” becomes ingrained and divides our communities.

INFORMATIVE MATERIAL

Notes for Leaders

  • Group leaders may use the discussion questions as a starting point for meetings, but should also feel at liberty to follow the threads that emerge in the group. Group facilitators can find all the resources needed for this study below. Groups need to read chapters one and two for the first meeting and be ready to dive in.

    During your first meeting, you should also take a moment to greet each other and ask an opening question or two.

  • The questions this book asks are probing and invite vulnerability. As leaders, familiarize yourself with the Group Norms to foster an atmosphere that allows for authentic conversation and creates space for each participant to process the content in their own time and way. Throughout the book, Cleveland shares her own story of the journey she took to identify her own bias and what the divisions between who “right” and “wrong” Christian were for her. This should be an invitation for us to consider what this looks like for us. Groups leaders and members must remember not to make assumptions that people’s political, social, or theological views are all aligned. Approach each other with curiosity and respect.

  • Finally, conversation is a great place to explore, but it is not where we should stay forever. As you talk and examine what the Good News of the gospel is, remember that it is an embodied and lived-out gospel. What does it look like to take steps to remove these barriers in your own life? What kinds of support networks will help you in that journey? Keep returning back to the question: How does this change the way I live, love, and participate in the world?

  • Week 1: Chapter 1

    Week 2: Chapters 2-3

    Week 3: Chapters 4-5

    Week 4: Chapters 6-7

    Week 5: Chapters 8-9

    Week 6: Chapter 10

  • Once you’ve agreed upon your Group Norms and taken Week One to get to know each other using the Introduction Questions, you’re ready to begin!
    Questions are provided in a printer-friendly version for ease of use:

     

    Download the PDF

Spiritual Practices to Accompany Your Study

As you take on a new study and a new commitment in your life, it can be helpful to integrate spiritual practices as well. Below are two that assist with reading scripture and with integrating prayer in your daily life.

  • Lectio Divina is a way of reading scripture that helps you slow down and read God’s word prayerfully and contemplatively. Here is a concise description of the steps.

     

  • This concise guide to breath prayer is from Pastor Adele Calhoun’s book, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. Breath Prayer is exactly how it sounds, praying short prayers with the rhythm of your breath.