Questions

Copy these questions into an email, provide brief answers, and send to Fr Charles who will comment on them. After you have received you comments, then you can go onto the next lesson.

Questions for Lesson 1: Introduction

These questions are meant to help you understand where you are coming from so that I can better support you during this catechism journey. There are no right or wrong answers, and you are welcome to share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

1. Spiritual Background

  • What is your religious background?

  • Were you baptized as a Christian and raised in a Christian family, or did you grow up in a different religious or secular environment?

2. Spiritual Practice

  • How involved have you been in practicing your faith up to this point?

  • For example, have you been a regular church attendee, occasionally involved, or largely disconnected from organized religious life?

3. Scripture & the Christian Story

  • How familiar are you with the Bible—especially the New Testament and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ?

  • Please describe this in your own words.

4. Image of God

  • When you think about God, how do you tend to describe and experience Him?
    For example, does God feel distant or near, loving or demanding, personal or abstract? Feel free to describe this in your own way?

5. Prayer & Relationship with God

  • What has prayer looked like in your life?
    Has it felt natural or difficult, regular or rare, peaceful or anxious?

6. Interest in Orthodoxy

  • What has drawn you to learn about the Orthodox Church at this time?

  • Are there particular concerns, questions, or longings that led you here?

7. Expectations

  • What are you hoping to gain through this catechism process?
    For example, are you primarily seeking understanding, spiritual healing, a sense of belonging, greater clarity, or something else?

8. Questions & Areas of Uncertainty

  • What questions do you currently have about the Christian faith in general, or about Orthodoxy specifically, that you hope to gain clarity about?

9. Doubts, Wounds, or Obstacles

  • Are there any doubts, struggles, past experiences, or obstacles that have made faith difficult for you?
    This might include experiences of church hurt, disappointment, loss, confusion, or other challenges.

10. Life Context

  • Is there anything about your personal history, family life, work, or current circumstances that you think would be helpful for me to know as I accompany you during this catechism journey?

Note: Be sure to get your copy of Orthodox Way: A Catechism for Seekers as this will be required for the lessons.

Back to Lesson 1