Site Map

 

Source Book Study Questions

Twelve Properties of a Lover (SB, pp. 164-70)

1. On pages 164-69, the structure of each section is the same: the first stanza of each property describes a quality that characterizes a youthful and fervent love; the second stanza applies that quality to God. Which of these properties seems most applicable to God as a beloved? Which seems the least applicable? Why?

2. Which of the other properties surprised you the most? Why?

3. The main idea of the second last stanza ("Wageless to serve...") might be summarized this way: If we were to receive no wage for our work, three things might motivate us to work anyway: First, if the work itself were desirable; second, if those we worked for were people we loved and enjoyed; third, if we were serving those who have done much for us, we wouldn't reasonably be grasping for more in terms of wages. Using this summary as an example, paraphrase the main idea of the last stanza ("Serve God for love...").

4. Compare the Utopians' view of God with the view of God presented in this poem by Thomas More.

5. Did Thomas More love God as the Utopians love God?