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Encounter Messages  /  The Shepherd of Hermas: Hope for Repentance  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 4
The Shepherd of Hermas describes white, round stones as people who had faith along with the riches of the world, and who denied their Lord under persecution because of their riches and business affairs. How might money and business weaken a Christian's loyalty to Christ today, even before any persecution comes?
Another way to ask: The round stones are people who had faith and riches, and who denied the Lord under persecution because of their money and business. How can money and business pull a Christian away from Christ today?

Direct Answer

The transcript does not describe modern cases. It does show that faith and riches can sit side by side until a test exposes which one holds the heart.

Support from the Message

- The white, round stones do not fit into the building. They are people who had faith "but also the riches of the world." - When persecution comes, they deny their Lord because of their riches and their business affairs. - A round stone has to change before it can fit. It "cannot become square unless it is trimmed and loses part of itself." - Their story does not end at failure. Hermas asks whether they can still be used, and the answer points to repentance bringing them back into the tower.

Discussion Follow-up

What would be hardest for you to lose if following Christ cost you income or standing? What might need to be trimmed from your life now, before any test comes?

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