Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

Happy New Year, everyone! Thanks for your patience as I slowly set up the book discussion threads! :)

The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue

Goodreads Summary: At age forty-two, Allison Chamberlain is still making a half-hearted attempt to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. Although she has been a pew-sitting member of a church for seven years, “prophet” has never been on the short list of possible careers.

Then one Sunday Allison senses a divine nudge to buy a Harley motorcycle and go wherever it takes her. Soon she is wondering if she is called to present the reality of Christ to one of society’s darkest corners—and challenge her own church to look beyond their fears.

The first in a brave trilogy from seasoned writer Nancy Rue, The Reluctant Prophet shows how one person’s response to God’s call can change a community forever.

Discussion Questions:
(I pulled these from the discussion questions at the end of the book, but didn't post the full questions because they are long! If anyone would like to add anything or discuss anything at all, please feel free)

1. Nancy says that before she begins to write a novel, she always forms a question she hopes to answer in the course of the story. The question for The Reluctant Prophet was: What would happen if you truly did "the Jesus thing" and obeyed God--whether you wanted to or not? After reading the book, what do you think is the answer to that question?

2. Consider these point of view issues: Can you see Troy Irwin's point at all? How about the Reverend Garry Howard's?

3. Do you think Allison was right to basically leave the church? Do you think she'll go back? Does she need to?

4. It looks like Allison has fallen in love with Chief. What kind of problems might this create for her?

5. What do you think Allison gave up, risked and yet gained after being "Nudged" by God?

I just finished this book. When I started it, I didn't think I was going to be able to get interested in it, but after just a few chapters, found it more and more intriguing.

I really found Reverend Howard rather strange. It bothered me that he didn't seem very caring and acted much more like a pharisee focusing on the letter of the law than like Jesus and loving the sinner.

Just started, but I loved the beginning! I actually laughed out loud. Really looking forward to seeing where Nancy Rue takes me. It is great to be challenged by a book.

This was actually my first Christian Fiction book and I really liked it. I think it really hit home with me because I read it at a time when God was calling me to risk it all and step out in faith in obedience. I didn't agree with or particularly like Reverend Howard, but I can see why his character was included in the story. I see Christians just like him in every church. It seems they are just going through the motions. They think they are on the right path because they are going to church and, for the most part, are trying to live right. They are missing out on that personal, deep relationship with Christ. It is more about the religion, rituals, and check lists rather than having a relationship with God and being Christ to others. They are not bad people, they just don't seem to get it. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series, I just haven't got around to it because I am new to this genre and trying to read as many different authors as I can.

Kalena wrote: "Just started, but I loved the beginning! I actually laughed out loud. Really looking forward to seeing where Nancy Rue takes me. It is great to be challenged by a book."

I thought it has some very humorous, yet realistic moments! Glad you're liking it :)

Missy wrote: "This was actually my first Christian Fiction book and I really liked it. I think it really hit home with me because I read it at a time when God was calling me to risk it all and step out in faith..."

Very well said, Missy! Their hearts are in the right place, they just don't use their faith or do anything with it, at least to my way of thinking. I'm glad you liked it. I definitely think you picked a good one for your first Christian fiction book. There are some wonderful ones out there, and of course, as with anything else, not so great ones.

Nancy Rue's writing really is a notch above in my opinion, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I really want to know more about Chief! Did anyone else feel left wanting to know more about him?

Beth I ageee that Nancy Rue is one of the better Christian fiction authors and I too am looking forward to reading the next book. I loved Chief and am hoping we find out more about him in the next book. She definitely left us intrigued!

I'm at 41% but not enjoying it. If it wasn't a BOM, I would have quit it a long time ago.

I don't read much current-day fiction, unless it's Amish or a mystery. I prefer historical fiction.

Alegnab wrote: "I'm at 41% but not enjoying it. If it wasn't a BOM, I would have quit it a long time ago.

I don't read much current-day fiction, unless it's Amish or a mystery. I prefer historical fiction."

Sorry you're not enjoying it. Don't feel like you have to finish just because it is a BOM. Everyone has different tastes and like different genres and that's quite OK.

Alegnab wrote: "I'm at 41% but not enjoying it. If it wasn't a BOM, I would have quit it a long time ago.

I don't read much current-day fiction, unless it's Amish or a mystery. I prefer historical fiction."

Not every book is for every person, so don't feel like you have to continue just because it's a group read! Like Loraine said, everyone has different tastes. :)

Nancy Rue was one of the first Christian authors I ever read, I believe, with Tristan's Gap back in 2010. I'm looking forward to joining in with this discussion once I get started on the book!

I wanted to read as many of the BOM books as I can this year, but I've decided to quit reading The Reluctant Prophet. I just don't like many of the characters. I don't like Allison or any of her church friends. I've even started disliking the pastor. I like Chief and Hank, though.

Alegnab wrote: "I wanted to read as many of the BOM books as I can this year, but I've decided to quit reading The Reluctant Prophet. I just don't like many of the characters. I don't like Allison or any of her ch..."

Yeah, don't worry about it :) I didn't read a couple of the group reads last year and I'm a mod, haha. One was even a much beloved "classic" in Christian Fiction, and I didn't like it.

As for TRP, I think readers are supposed to dislike the church friends and the pastor ;) That's part of the point of the story - Alison's frustration with them all.

I did find Alison prickly in the beginning, but she really grew on me & by the end I liked her a lot.

Allison has an abrasive personality, and I just can't get past that. If she were a minor character, it wouldn't be a big deal.

Alegnab wrote: "Allison has an abrasive personality, and I just can't get past that. If she were a minor character, it wouldn't be a big deal."

Here's to hoping your next read will be more to your liking :)

Here are my initial thoughts on the discussion questions.

1. Nancy says that before she begins to write a novel, she always forms a question she hopes to answer in the course of the story. The question for The Reluctant Prophet was: What would happen if you truly did "the Jesus thing" and obeyed God--whether you wanted to or not? After reading the book, what do you think is the answer to that question?

I think in things big or small, when we obey God’s “nudges,” it brings Him glory & strengthens our faith. Of course, most of my “leaps” of faith are very small compared to what Allison did, but I still find myself feeling bolstered when I do obey.

2. Consider these point of view issues: Can you see Troy Irwin's point at all? How about the Reverend Garry Howard's?

Troy Irwin’s point, not so much. His heart was not in the right place, but instead came from a place of greed and self-service. Reverend Howard’s point was a bit more complex. I definitely didn’t agree with his actions at the funeral service for Genevieve’s father. He shouldn’t have brought condemnation and judgment, as he had no idea what happened in the final moments before her father died. That’s not for him to judge. I felt he came across as very hypocritical, and Allison had every right to be upset with him.

During their conversation later on, I could somewhat see his point. Jesus did love others, but at some point, he did seek true repentance from His followers. You can’t just love them and go on, there has to be true repentance and turning away from their old life. I wanted to see a bit more evidence of that from the inhabitants of the home, perhaps just a scene or two showing that they understood who Jesus was and that they believed. That’s something to important to just assume the readers knows they did it at some point.

3. Do you think Allison was right to basically leave the church? Do you think she'll go back? Does she need to?

I think she was right to leave – it definitely shook her close-minded friends up. However, I think going back would also show an example to them, that she could love those close-minded friends as well as the former prostitutes. I think her friends need rescuing as well, just perhaps in a different way.

4. It looks like Allison has fallen in love with Chief. What kind of problems might this create for her?

Well, since Chief is still figuring out what he believes, that could cause some points of contention in a future relationship. Also, as she gets more “nudges,” which I’m guessing she does since there are two more books, that could give rise to complications as well. I also thought that for a love interest, we get to know very little about Chief, and I wanted to know more! Hopefully in book 2 :)

5. What do you think Allison gave up, risked and yet gained after being "Nudged" by God?

I think she gave up complacency and being comfortable all of the time, and she also literally risked her life in those dangerous situations. She gained a family and deeper friendships too.

I really enjoyed the writing in this book--Allison's voice especially. And YES, I want to know about Chief. I hope we learn his history in Book 2, which is on my bookshelf waiting for me. :)

I would also agree with everyone who considers Nancy Rue's writing craft some of the best in Christian fiction.

I take issue with a bit of the theology & characterizations in this one. Details in my review, but I'll comment more in depth later, too. (On phone app right now!)

Amanda, I read over your review, very well said! I think some of that is what I was trying to hint at in question two. You just said it so articulately though - I wish I could review like you! :)

Books two & three are both only 99 cents for the Kindle version right now!

Unexpected Dismounts and Too Far to Say Far Enough

Thank you, Beth. :) I really enjoy writing reviews.

I just now read your question responses above my comment, and yes, #2 is what I was saying in my review. Totally agree with you. I understand that with the extremes present in some circles of modern Christianity, and especially among those who were raised in legalism, there's a desire to keep away from that and emphasize God's love. But we represent God wrongly when we ignore either His mercy OR His holiness, and this book, in my opinion, de-emphasizes God's holiness.

I really, really hope future books bring Allison back to church. Not that church necessarily, but Scripture is so clear that God wants us to be in fellowship with believers, and in this book, Allison largely was a "Lone Ranger Christian." I understand her motivations for leaving, but it would be great to see the character grow in a truth-grounded church family that will love her and challenge her.

Beth wrote: "Books two & three are both only 99 cents for the Kindle version right now!

Unexpected Dismounts and Too Far to Say Far Enough"

Thanks Beth - picked up both of them.

Amanda G. wrote: "Thank you, Beth. :) I really enjoy writing reviews.

I just now read your question responses above my comment, and yes, #2 is what I was saying in my review. Totally agree with you. I understand t..."

Amanda I agree that Allison became a "Lone Ranger Christian" (Love the way you used that) and agree we can only grow when we are in fellowship with other believers. I think that Allison needs to go back to be an example to the others that disagreed with her stand. No church or people are perfect. If there isn't someone there who disagrees with something they believe, to confront them about it, and make them think about another view of looking at it based on Biblical principles, then that church or group will never grow or change.

I am at about 20% but have to share some thoughts. I am working on my Sunday School lesson on Lazarus and the rich man as I read this. It struck me that Luke's whole point was illustrated by Allie's venture into the "bad" neighborhood. She commented that it seemed that there was much more separating her neighborhood and that one than just eight blocks. She had known it was there and full of unsavory people. but was always afraid to even have eye contact with any of them. Then she saw the woman carrying her laundry--such a "regular" thing to do.
WWJD? See Lazarus and the others as someone's child or sister or brother. It is not a coincidence that Lazarus is the only person whose name is given in any of the parables. In essence, like the rich man and most of the rest of us, we hesitate to interact with them, negating their humanity. Both the parable and this novel is giving me a lot to reflect on as far as my own commitment to our church's food bank and our turn at the soup kitchen. That said, I still would be afraid to go hunting Geneveve like Ollie did. God would really have to nudge me super hard.

ew--just read about Ed's funeral----how cruel. Hank and Chief were such blessings.

I finished last night--
#2 I think Gen had realized both God's holiness and her own reliance on Him in her last conversations with Allison--her need for the body and blood of Christ. .Baby steps perhaps. The other too I agree showed change but we aren't sure about repentance and conversion.

I was glad to see India and Mary lee exhibit some change of attitude and loved that they did the food,etc. for Gen's funeral. Bonner turned out to be an okay guy with the Sacrament House deal. I have to say I hate their lack of support earlier but I could understand their concern for Allison's safety--it is a shame it took Gen's death for them to show compassion.

I read this book and the two that follow. I love this author's writing. She has twists and turns that keeps one thinking. I also like her main character, Allison. This is a woman who knows God's voice when she hears it and obeys. I strive to be that kind of woman.