Books Jesus Read

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Books Jesus Read

Discussion Questions

Compare and contrast the transformation of Jewish culture by Hellenization to the impact of politics, globalization, and secularization on the church today.

What differences did you find between 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees?

In 2 Maccabees 12:39–45, we read about the physical consequences of some soldiers’ idolatry. What are the consequences of our idolatry today? What (or who) do we tend to idolize? What differences exist between the experience of Jewish martyrs as described in 1–2 Maccabees and the experience of Christian martyrs as described in the New Testament and early church history? How can habits of personal spiritual discipline and corporate Christian community help us identify and avoid the negative impact of secular culture?