If you have any questions or comments about "A Novel Approach," please email me at cheryl@cherylokimoto.com
Chapter 2 |
On page 21, Mark tells Cait she's "a sad parody of who" she really is. She hasn't forgiven herself for past sins and is punishing herself. Cait thinks he's downplaying what she did. Do you think a person should be punished for their past even if they've repented? What does grace cover? There was a time when religious Christians would beat themselves with whips (self-flagellation) to punish themselves for their sins. Is what Cait's doing similar? What does the bible say about the punishment of our sins?
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Chapter 3 |
On page 28, Mark says "Nothing's really changed from this morning when you left for the dentist. God was in control then and he still is now." Do you have a hard time accepting God is in control when things are going wrong? Can you find any evidence in the bible that tells you that God sometimes allows bad things to happen? Why does he do that? Can he still be trusted? What can he be trusted to do? What if he doesn't make things work out the way we want them to?
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Chapter 5 |
On page 45-46, Brian goes up to Laupahoehoe Point because it's a place that helps him keep his own problems in perspective. Do you have something that helps you keep a healthy perspective on life? Do you understand that pain isn't greater for individuals who have suffered through a major disaster as compared to ones whose disasters are private? Do you ever feel unimportant because you've never been through anything newsworthy? Are you less important to God than missionaries and pastors you see on TV? What does the bible say? |
Chapter 7 |
*On the way to Paauilo, Cait tells Brian about her past. He tells her that he understands her a little better now. He realizes that she’s still punishing herself for what she did. Because of that, she’s missing a vital part of who God created her to be. Do you think it’s possible that God really does create some people to be vibrant and beautiful? If so, are they good stewards of God’s gifts if they hide their beauty? What does the bible say? Can you find indications that God expects us to boldly use the gifts he’s given us? |
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On pages 75-76, Brian confesses to Cait that he's rebelling against military standards because he's still bitter about being medically retired. It's an illogical choice on his part because no one is effected but him. Do you understand how Brian feels? If you could talk with Brian, what biblical advice would you give him? |
Chapter 13 |
*On page 94-95, Davin tells Brian that since he’s already in a relationship with Cait, he is going to hurt her at some time or another. Davin says it’s not as important that we don’t hurt someone as that we stick around and try to figure out what went wrong so we can do better in the future. Do you agree with Davin, will we hurt the ones we love? Is it possible to have a relationship where no one gets hurt, ever? What does the bible say? Can you find cases in the New Testament where believers were in relationships and got angry or hurt about something? What does God say about being hurt in relationships? |
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Chapter 19 |
*On page 139, Brian tells Cait that his parents taught him to remain a virgin for his bride, but didn’t emphasize that he should look for the same in a potential mate. Do you think that’s a good thing to teach a child? Do you think it’s important to expect virginity in your future mate? Can someone be sexually pure who isn’t a virgin? Can a virgin be sexually immoral? What does the bible say about sexuality? Where does sexual immorality start? Can sexual purity be restored? |
Chapter 21 |
*Cait is furious with Brian because she thinks he lied to her by not telling her about Phil (starting at the top of page 164). She rejects Brian but he not only continues to protect her, he is also willing to sacrifice himself so she can live. What do you think about that? Was Cait wrong? She indicates that she’s cutting him out of her life forever. Should Brian have accepted that rejection? Would you accept a rejection like that? Would you still love and protect even when rejected? What does the bible show us about God’s position on that topic? Can you find evidence of times when God or his representatives refused to let a rejection be the final word? |
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Chapter 26 |
*On page 206, Brian tells Phil that it doesn’t matter what he’s done, only what he’s going to give to God to wash away. Phil kidnapped Cait with every intention of killing her and/or Brian. Do you really think God can forgive something like that? Can people? Can you actually heal from something like that and live a normal life, even be friends with the people you attack? What does the bible say? According to the bible, can you be fully redeemed from something like a dissociative personality disorder? |
Chapter 27 |
*At the end of the book, Brian and Cait are on their way to talk to Grandpa about finding a justice of the peace to marry them. Do you think this is a good idea? What does wisdom say? Does the fact that Davin, Doug and Grandpa think they should get married have any influence on whether you think they should get married or not? What does the bible say? Does God ever ask people to do unwise things?
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