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Divine Sparks
Divine Sparks presents practical and inspiring wisdom from the world's great religious traditions for men and women of all faiths—or none.
It does not propose any dogma or doctrine, but encourages inner exploration and study to help all readers truly know their own hearts and minds. In its pages, it offers transformational insights and practices from a variety of sources, along with questions for reflection, suggestions for creative activities, and original prayers and meditations.
Starr Regan DiCiurcio, MA, MS, is an interfaith minister in Upstate New York. She is also ordained in the Tiep Hien Order (Order of Interbeing) of Zen master Thich Nhất Hanh. Starr has facilitated retreats and days of mindfulness for over two decades. She teaches meditation and offers spiritual direction to individuals. Starr’s work is informed by her Christian roots, her Buddhist practice, and her Irish Celtic heritage. Her creative pursuits include writing and painting.
This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Dartfrog books.
Book club questions for Divine Sparks by Starr Regan DiCiurcio
Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.
Divine Sparks explores interfaith wisdom. What does the term interfaith mean to you? Are you influenced by more than one religious tradition in your everyday life? Do members of your family belong to more than one tradition? How can this book help you integrate a variety of teachings for yourself and others with whom you often interact?
What are the greatest spiritual challenges you face? What Divine Sparks practices, activities, prayers and meditations could best support you in meeting those challenges?
Many people find a source of spiritual strength in nature. How would you say this is becoming increasingly important in today’s world? What is your relationship to nature?
Each chapter of Divine Sparks offers creative stretches. These are activities anyone can participate in and shape to one’s preferences, creating a personalized experience. Why is creativity so important to spiritual growth? How can you nurture your own creative life?
When do you feel most alive? Where are you? What are you doing? What does this tell you about your true self?
We cannot make spiritual progress with a closed heart. Is there anyone you’ve been meaning to forgive, and do you think that delaying is creating any spiritual roadblocks for you? Do you think that you need to be forgiven? Do you need to forgive yourself? The Divine Sparkschapter on forgiveness offers a step-by-step guide.
The world is growing increasingly smaller. Do you notice that trend in your own life? How so, and how has it affected you personally? As we come closer and closer together, understanding one another becomes critical to peace. Has Divine Sparks influenced your understanding of others? How?
Have you ever written a prayer? There are no wrong words. Why not write one today and share it with a friend or your reading group? You can use the prayers and meditations in Divine Sparks as starting points.
Who are your spiritual heroes? Why? How do they inform and inspire your life?
What are your highest aspirations? How have they changed over time? What steps are you taking to stay on your chosen path, and how do these differ from what you might have decided to do at other points of your life?
Divine Sparks Book Club Questions PDF
Click here for a printable PDF of the Divine Sparks discussion questions