Week 14: Chapter 14 — Verbs and Other Freedoms

1.Papa tells Mack that she is not a noun but a verb — not a category or a system but a living, active presence. What does it mean practically to relate to God as a verb — something dynamic and present — rather than a noun — a fixed concept?

2.Young argues that rules and obligations, when they replace relationship, produce either pride (if you keep them) or guilt (if you don't) — but never genuine love or freedom. Do you recognize this dynamic in your own faith experience? What has kept you motivated in your faith — love or obligation?

3.Papa explains that she has no expectations of Mack — only desires and hopes. The distinction matters enormously to Young: expectations produce conditional love, while desire produces freedom. Is this distinction meaningful to you, or does it feel like a word game? Why?