The Fall Of The Prodigal - Discussion Questions
- Keith and Michael were estranged. Keith spent years in prayer for Michael to return home. God answered, though not in the way Keith expected. Have you ever sought God’s help for something but were unprepared for how He responded?
- Michael held on to past hurts, which made him bitter and distrustful. Forgiveness frees us. Is there a past situation in your life which you need to let go of? Share with your reading group.
- Recall how Michael felt when Gina touched him of her own volition. How did it make him feel? What did that touch tell Michael about Gina’s feelings even though she hadn’t said a word? Share a time when a touch brought you comfort.
- Keith called for a time of fasting and prayer. How did that help Michael’s case? Give other examples from the Bible where God fought man’s battle for him. Share a time when you may have fasted and prayed about a matter and the results.
- Mindy battled mental illness. She sought both psychiatric and spiritual help. Do you think it should be one or the other? Is it possible to be saved and still struggle with a mental illness?
- Verona felt God was punishing her when she learned she was unable to have more children. Does God punish women in this way? For instance, some women who have had abortions feel God punishes them by closing their womb or by giving them sick children.
- Verona was in love with Michael for years but kept it hidden. Share an experience where you had feelings for someone who may not have returned your feelings. What did you do about it? Do you regret your actions or inaction?
- Do you agree with Noel and Louisa Stach’s reasons for giving up Verona’s son for adoption? In your opinion, is there ever a good reason for adoption? What did you think of the idea of open adoption?
- Lauren brazenly stole Michael’s sperm and used it in artificial insemination to get pregnant. This was entrapment and highly unethical behavior. How do you feel about women who trap men into marriage and/or relationships through children?
- Michael felt the honorable thing to do was marry Lauren because she was the mother of the his children. Other than being in love, what are the necessary ingredients for a healthy marriage?
- Keith stated that there was no way he would marry someone other than for love. Do you share his belief? Would you marry a poor man you loved or a rich man who could provide you security?
- Looking at the title, The Fall of the Prodigal, explain how both Michael and Verona were kinds of prodigals. Talk about their journey “home”.