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Book Title: Mercy, Mercy, Me
Reading Group Questions
The following list of questions is designed to enhance a group or individual's
thinking about or discussing some of the issues we hope you will consider after reading this book. This is designed as a starting point only and is not meant to limit the discussion.
- Dr. Dwayne Grandison is "at the center of a scandal" that
may implicate his father's church, his career and the reputations of
family and friends. With what spiritual issues has Dwayne been grappling
in his relationship with his now deceased wife, Yvette? What appears
to be some of his motivation behind his pursuit of education? Matthew
6:33, James 4:1-4
- Although Dwayne was not "able to determine the source of dissension
in his marriage," begin to reflect on what issues are at the base
of his current dilemma. Matthew 6:24, James 2:1-9
- Nina Jordan, former actress, Beverlyn Boudreaux, televangelist, her
uncle, L.W., and Sean Wiley, gospel singer were persons who had become
closely involved in Dwayne's life. The following statements were applied
to them:
" . . .the kind of adulation that was reserved for secular artists."
"Together, with Beverlyn Boudreaux, this relentless self-promoter has built
a multi-facted empire, that had in turn, boosted his own profile in black religious
circles."
"She had created the kind of excitement in religious circles that had been
reserved for secular superstars."
A. How do these phrases intersect with the following scriptures? Exodus 20:4-6,
Acts 5:12-15, I Corinthians 1:10-13.
B. What is the line between admiration of gifted individuals and their ministries
and idolatry?
- Dwayne's brother, Lafayette, was the pastor of New Covenant Assembly,
a church their father had founded. In spite of his responsibilities,
Lafayette was determined to continue the family tradition of Sunday
dinner. How do the expectations of congregations sometimes make it
difficult for pastors to have a nurturing, stable, family life? How
can pastors and church members help? Acts 20:28, Psalm 127, Psalm 128,
Deuteronomy 1:9-18
- Chapter III begins to delve into some of the problems faced by both
Nina and Dwayne. Most people will face these problems at some point
in life. How does God's grace facilitate growth and progress as we
deal with:
A. the grief process --- I Thessalonians 4:13-18, I Corinthians 15:51-58
B. how to receive bad medical news --- II Kings 20:1-11, II Samuel 12:15-23
C. marital discord --- Titus 2: 1-5, John 13:34-35
D. hard times --- Psalm 42, Psalm 22
- Chapter IV focuses on Beverlyn and L.W. who are experiencing a similar
crisis in values as did Dwayne and his former wife, Yvette. Is it counter-Christian
to be ambitious or to seek material wealth? Matthew 6:25-33, Luke 12:34,
James 3:16-17, I Timothy 6:10, 17-19
- Name the various levels of relationship that were going on between
Dwayne and Nina. Layered relationships can become messy. Should co-workers
date one another? How can dating an employer or employee cause confusion
and grief? Why? Do these scriptures help you understand the dynamics
of power in these kinds of relationships? Genesis 39:1-20, II Samuel
13:1-19 Do they apply in the cae of Dwayne and Nina?
- Beverlyn Boudreaux was utilizing Dwayne as part of her line-up for
a new religious TV station. An interesting showdown occurred concerning
the title of his show. How does one negotiate the line between worship
and entertainment, ministry (miracle) and magic? Matthew 16:1-4, Acts
8:14-24
- Sean Wiley was suffering from a terrible illness. What was the difference
in the way Dwayne handled this news and in the way L.W. did? How does
the discovery that someone is suffering from a dread disease may reveal
more about the spiritual health of those who discover it than of those
who suffer? Luke 4:1-4, Jeremiah 8: 21-9:1, James 5:13-20
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