Coming Back to Earth
Discussion Questions

Chapter 1 — handout

1. Why does Geering distinguish “faith” from “religion”?
2. In your own words define “cumulative tradition” and “path of faith.”
3. What three characteristics define the First Axial Age?
4. According to Geering, what human experiences find expression in the doctrine of the Trinity?
5. What historical events led to the Second Axial Age?
6. Why does Geering consider the doctrine of the Incarnation so important?
7. Why does he define “God” as a symbol of human values and aspirations?
8. How is the first paragraph of “Back to Basics” (p. 13) central to the overall argument of the book?
9. Find on page 16 the names of the first two elements of Geering’s Secular Trinity.
10. How does he label the third element? To what degree do the three together constitute what should be our “ultimate concern”?