Discussion Questions for "And Toto, Too: 'The Wizard of Oz' as a Spiritual Adventure"

Chapter 13 At A Crossroads

1. Think of a time when you followed your joy. Were you glad you did?
2. When have you done work for which you were very ill-suited?
3. "Where did Dorothy's earlier apprehension go? It melted away in the presence of a new companion on the journey." When has something like this happened to you?

Chapter 14 Echoes of Eden

1. The apple tree didn't want to feed Dorothy but it is very willing to hurl its fruit at her like missiles. When have you behaved like that?
2. Can you think of a time when a healing word changed you? When have you offered a healing word?
3. Tin Man blames his creator for his lack of a heart. What have you blamed your creator for?
4. When have you ever been made to feel subhuman?
5. Did anyone ever love you at a time you felt unlovable?

Chapter 15 Fear And Courage

1. Have you ever talked yourself into being afraid? Or joined your voice to a chorus of doomsayers?
2. Have you ever been bullied? Or been a bully? What did the experience teach you?
3. What has made you most fearful? What has made you most courageous?

Chapter 16 Playing Witch's Advocate

1. Is there anyone you'd like to hate that you haven't properly met?
2. Do you believe it's true that everyone has some good in them?
3. Have you ever loved an enemy?

Chapter 17 Sleeping And Waking, Dying And Rising

1. Do you believe you will survive your death?
2. "Lots of people want to believe in a listening God who hears their prayers, but are unsure that their prayers matter at all, especially in life-and-death situations." What do you think?
3. The Scarecrow cries "Help!" and is heard and helped. When has this happened to you?
4. How do you feel about the hope of being reunited with loved ones upon your death?

Chapter 18 The Title Character

1. Have you ever acted within a role that became your identity?
2. Do you think there's a little of The Wizard in all of us?
3. Have you ever had to admit that you're a very good person, but a very bad wizard?

Chapter 19 Pilgrims

1. If you went on a pilgrimage where would you go? What would you seek?
2. Whom in your life do you feel bound together with on a common journey?

Chapter 20 If I Were King

1. Was there ever a time when you longed to be respected - to be given a second look? Did it happen?
2. Was there ever a time when you craved a leadership position for the status it would give you? Did you grow into something deeper?
3. Think of a time when someone encouraged you before you had your own courage. What was that like?

Chapter 21 Caution

1. When have you had to override a cautiousness you were taught?
2. Think of a time when you had to find the courage to initiate a difficult conversation. How did it go?
3. Have you ever been relieved to hear a difficult truth?
4. Is there anyone, living or deceased, you'd like to have an important conversation with?

Chapter 22 Unholy Encounter

1. What experience have you had of being turned away rudely by someone who was supposed to represent the holy?
2. Were you ever moved to compassionate action unexpectedly?
3. In what scary places has your life landed you?

Chapter 23 Regathering

1. Do you think it's possible for humans not to hate? For you not to hate?
2. Can you look back upon a time when life got hardest right when you had nothing left to give? What did you do?
3. What do you do when you need to regather?

Chapter 24 Using Words

1. Recall a time when someone was present with you in a dark time or place. Would you consider that a time of love becoming enfleshed for you?
2. Do you believe your being is a gift to the world?
3. Were you ever in a circumstance in which you wanted to do something to help but your presence was all you really had to offer?

Chapter 25 Nobody's Home

1. Have you ever known someone who wanted "more of the same" in a way that only made them feel lonely? Have you ever been that person?
2. Have you ever craved more of something even if possessing it would harm those around you?
3. Dorothy rejoices when Toto runs away, leaving her more alone than ever.
   Have you ever known such a moment?

Chapter 26 On A Mission

1. When have you brought too much stuff on a mission?
2. When have you been in a community where gifts emerged right when they were needed?
3. Have gifts you never knew you had emerged right when they were most needed?

Chapter 27 Not So Fast

1. Has your life had its missions? When were there times when you were sent to accomplish an important task?
2. Who were your companions? What gifts did they have or lack?
3. When have you had to rely on others who weren't always sure of themselves?
4. Recall a time you had to go up against long odds feeling that you lacked something essential. What was that like?
5. Have you had to move through disappointment and defeat, only to move on to the next chapter of your life?