Bait, A Novel : Discussion Questions for Christians

Bait Discussion Questions for Christians

Jax and her brother Danny grew up in the same family with the same set of values and core beliefs, yet they now belong to different worlds. How is each of them "in the world" of the other, but "not of it?"
What do the first several chapters of Bait reveal about Danny’s and Jax’es connection as sister and brother? Is it a healthy connection? Is it the sort of connection you’d want to have with a sibling?
What is the source of Jax’es loss of connection to the church? Does she miss it? How does she experience her separation from her family? Do you think she would have it any other way?
Sunday dinner is an important Madigan family tradition. Does your family have similar traditions? How are they kept?
The differences between Jax and her family seem insurmountable. Do you think they are? What do you think would help their relationship?
Jax has a habit of taking liberties with scripture, even "re-translating" certain passages to make them more pertinent to her life. So you agree with her approach? Is it appropriate for her to do so? Is it appropriate for her to insist she still has a connection with the Lord, given how she lives her life?
Discuss Jax’es conversion experience, and her later loss of faith. Do you think her conversion was valid, given her age? Do you think her loss of faith is justified?
The topic of salvation comes up repeatedly throughout Bait. What sorts of salvation are evident? What kinds of salvation do the different family members wish for each other? How do they encourage, or discourage, each other?
Danny repeatedly asks Jax for help in his relationship with Jenn. Do you think this is appropriate, given what he knows about his sister’s lesbianism? Do you think it’s right for Jax to agree to help, given what she finds out about Jenn’s past (and present)?
Is it helpful, for Jax to be around her family as much as she is? Is it helpful for them, to be with her? Is she really a "lost cause," as she tells Jenn, or as Danny says, is there "always hope?"
Will any of the Madigans ever be able to "live and let live?" What would doing so, mean to them?
Why do you think Jax lives her life the way she does? Why does she maintain her relationship with Lillian? What satisfactions and achievements does she enjoy in her present living arrangement? Do you think she’s really fulfilled in her life choices?
Why do you think Jenn hasn’t married earlier? Do you think she’s being absolutely truthful in her explanations? Do you think she’s hiding something? Do you think she’s intentionally deceiving Danny and the rest of the family? What do you think she wants from the Madigan family? From Danny? From Jax?
Jax’es mother surprises her at the winter cabin with some unexpected revelations. What do they reveal about her faith? Would you call her a pragmatist, or an idealist? Do you agree with her opinions? Do you think her opinions will stand the test of time?
What do you think will become of Jax? Of Lillian? Of Danny? Of Jenn? Do you think they will all be able to "stay the course" that they’ve chosen for themselves?

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