Mission with Prophetic Power: The Journal of John Woolman (SRSC 12)

Chapter 1: Choosing a Life of Integrity (1720–1748)

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Discussion Questions

The first discussion question in this chapter (and with every chapter you read) will be to ask yourself, “What was a big insight or takeaway from your experience of reading this portion of John Woolman’s Journal ?”

John Woolman tells the story of his early years in this chapter, especially some of the challenges he faced in coming to a committed faith, and

some of the graces that God gave along the way to lead him to a deeper faith. Compare the “vanities,”* “loose company,” or attitudes that drew Woolman away from faith with the challenges you or others face today. What events, experiences of God, or relationships drew you closest to God in your critical years of moving to faith?

Woolman frequently mentions “truth” as he tells of his early years. He speaks of being “alienated” from truth, and “drawn from the

pure truth.” He also tells about an “opening”* of truth and truth as a “support” for him. How have you understood truth throughout your life? What insights might you gain from learning about Woolman’s understanding of truth?

One aspect of Woolman’s faith we notice right away is his emphasis on the “inward” life. We hear of his inner conflicts and of his need

to attend to the inward principle* (the Holy Spirit). He notices God’s Spirit moving inwardly upon his heart and learns to be inwardly acquainted with the language of the Shepherd. What part does the inward life play in your own relationship with God? Have you experienced an