Discussion Prompts for Letter XII: The Hanged Man

Questions for personal reflection (and, if you wish, communal discussion on our Course Forum):


1. On page 306, the author suggests that gravitation in its various forms “determines our freedom, i.e. what we are able and not able to do.” What do you believe is the relationship between faith and freedom? Does the gift of faith make us more free, or less free? In what ways does faith impact our freedom? How does the author’s idea of different types of “gravitation” help to explain both the scope and the limitation of human freedom?

2. Consider the distinction between “radiation” and “enfoldment” (page 314f). Radiation implies generosity and hospitality, while enfoldment implies withdrawal, seclusion and miserliness. But is there a way in which enfoldment is spiritually nourishing, and is there a “shadow side” to radiation?

3. By drawing a distinction between the “certainty of faith” and the “semblance of truth” (page 328), our author suggests that faith, as a supernatural grace, is beyond doubt. Does this make sense to you? Do you experience faith as the absence of doubt, or do you find that doubt is an appropriate companion to your faith?

4. On page 335, the author enjoins us to “be attentive to your heart and towards the nuances of intimate warmth which arises from its depths! Who knows who may go on his way with you without your eyes and your understanding surmising it?” How can we do this? Is this similar to the practice of Centering Prayer as a way to “consent to God’s presence and action within”? Can you think of other ways to be attentive to your heart?