The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith
Week 1: Introduction — Changing Our Narratives About God
Read the Introduction of The Good and Beautiful God. Key Scripture: Matthew 11:27; John 1:18.
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Before we can receive anything new about God, we need to honestly examine what we already believe — and where those beliefs actually came from. Take these questions slowly and personally.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Smith opens by arguing that everyone operates out of 'narratives' — stories we believe about God, ourselves, and the world that shape our behavior more than our conscious beliefs do. How would you describe the narrative about God you grew up with? Where did it come from?
2.Smith draws a distinction between 'false narratives' and 'kingdom narratives.' In your own words, what is the difference? Can you think of a false narrative about God that you've encountered — in church, in culture, or in your own heart?
3.The book's central method is to look at Jesus in the Gospels as the clearest possible portrait of who God is. Why do you think Smith emphasizes Jesus specifically, rather than, say, the Old Testament or systematic theology? What does it mean that Jesus 'exegetes' the Father (John 1:18)?
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