Velvet Elvis, Introduction and Chapter 1

VELVET ELVIS
Repainting the Christian Faith
by Rob Bell

January 8 Discussion Questions

Introduction
1. Why did Rob Bell entitle his book “Velvet Elvis?”
2. What is “the challenge for Christians?”
3. How did Martin Luther repaint the Christian faith?
4. What is the difference between the words “reformed” and “reforming?”
5. What sort of reforms is Bell talking about?
6. How does the sentence “If it is true, then it isn’t new.” fit into what Bell is talking about?

Chapter 1 − Jump
1. What it the real question concerning faith?
2. What did Jesus mean when he said he was “the way, the truth, and the life?”
3. What are the “springs” on the trampoline of our faith?
4. How is the doctrine of the Trinity like a spring?
5. Why do you think God is called “I AM?”
6. Why does Bell say, “Doctrine is a wonderful servant and a horrible master.”?
7. What image does Bell use for how some people use doctrine? Why?
8. What reason does Bell give for not building his faith brick by brick with doctrines?
9. How does “trampoline faith” differ from “brick wall faith?”
10. What kind of faith is “scary” to Bell?
11. Why is questioning so central to faith?
12. What do questions help us discover?
13. Why does Bell use the quote, “The mystery is the truth?”
14. What is the difference between how you use a wall and a trampoline? What does this say about how to follow the way of Jesus?