If Grace Is True
by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland

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If Grace Is True coverREADING AND DISCUSSION GUIDE

CHAPTER 1: The Dilemma

  1. Do our theological formulas keep us from being gracious to the “Sallys” of the world, whose life experiences make it difficult for them to believe in a loving God?
  2. A friend once observed about another person, “He’s a better man than his theology.” Do you believe one’s religious beliefs could make him crueler than he would otherwise be?
  3. Are there instances when we might be more gracious than God? If so, what does that say about our understanding of God?


CHAPTER 2: Trusting Our Experience with God

  1. Can you think of any revelation from God that has ever happened apart from your own or someone else’s personal experience of God?
  2. Why do you think some people are reluctant to believe their personal experiences of God are trustworthy?
  3. Do you believe some people’s experiences of God are more valid than other people’s experiences? Why or why not?


CHAPTER 3: The Character of God

  1. Has your understanding of God changed over the course of your life? If so, what prompted those changes?
  2. If God is love, is it appropriate to reject any understanding of God that isn’t ultimately loving and gracious?
  3. Can our understanding of what constitutes holiness cause us to be ungracious at times?


CHAPTER 4: The Will of God

  1. What do you believe is the primary will of God?
  2. Do you believe God is the cause of every act?
  3. Do you believe God is free to reject our rejection? What might that mean?
  4. Is it possible to “wear out” God’s patience?


CHAPTER 5: The Salvation of God

  1. What does it mean to be saved?
  2. Do you think God required the spilling of blood in order to save anyone? Why or why not?
  3. Does it undermine Christianity if we no longer speak of Jesus as the sacrifice made on our behalf to appease God’s wrath?
  4. How else might we understand the crucifixion and the role of Jesus?


CHAPTER 6: The Persistence of God

  1. As a child, who were you told was going to hell? Why? Do you believe that?
  2. Do you believe death is the final word, or can God’s love transcend the grave?
  3. Who do you imagine will be seated next to you at the Great Banquet?
  4. Who do you need to forgive? What keeps you from that?
  5. From whom do you need to seek forgiveness? What keeps you from that?

 

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