1. As Cole discussed the evolution of the ideas of individual personhood & the ways in which they became weaponized, Cole shared about how the Golden Age’s “titans of industry” became the patrons of the conversations & institutions that shaped America’s consciousness. 

In time, there was a shift away from “all people were created equal” toward “all people have equal opportunity.” Cole called out both the subtlety and immense significance of this shift. 

What do you think about the idea that all are created equal? How do you see that functioning or not functioning in society today?

Similarly, what do you think about the idea that all people have equal opportunity? How do you see that functioning or not functioning in society today? 

Are these two ideas mutually exclusive? mutually dependent? What, if any, is the relationship that exists between them? 

As a group, discuss the nature and impact of the shift Cole described. Where do you see the ripple effects of that shift? In today’s culture, how prevalent is the idea that all people are created equal? How prevalent is the idea that all people have equal opportunity? 

Are there shifts you see occurring right now in the discourse of America that have a similar potential to derail and distort a solid start? What & where?

2. Underscored throughout Cole’s sermon was the truth that we are made in the image of a triune God. He reminded us that we’re not made in the image of politicians, parties, readings of the Bible, influencers, celebrities, or anything or anyone else.

How does this idea speak to you? What does it mean to be made in the image of a triune God? What does the community-nature of God mean for us as we try to live as the humans we’re meant to be? What does it look like?

How often do you find that you are attempting to remake yourself in the image of other people, ideas, or concepts? What are the tell-tale signs that you’ve drifted in that direction? What does it look like for you? 

Conversely, what signals can you notice in yourself when you are, instead, living into your identity as a human created in the image of a triune God? What does that look like?