The Knights of Rhodes, A Study Guide Bror Erickson and Ellie
CorrowIn trial the existential aspect of faith comes to its full
expression. The same must be said of prayer. Trial teaches prayer,
prayer overcomes trial. For that reason the Christian should
gratefully receive the trial as a gift from Gods hand. He is not to
reflect on the trial but experience it. Then the experience of Gods
gracious guidance will not fail to come in the end. All of this
will have made clear that trial is a concept of the theology of the
cross. It could be seriously considered whether the entire theology
of the cross might not be developed on the basis of this concept.
In any case, the three basic motifs of the theology of the cross
are crystallized in it: The view of the hidden God, the thought of
faith and the message about the life under the cross. Von Loewenich
Luthers Theology of the Cross pg. 139 Von Loewenich defines the
theology of the cross in the quote above. His book on Luthers
theology has had huge impact in the twentieth century causing
somewhat of a reformation within Lutheran circles, returning
theologians to the motifs in Luthers theology that drove the
Reformation. Today it has become popular to talk about the theology
of the cross, and yet we still dont always have a firm grasp on its
application. Bo Giertz wrote his novel, in the backdrop of a clash
between two theologies of glory in order to highlight the theology
of the cross in the vocation of soldiers and priests. Here, the
theology of the cross, the view of the hidden God, the thought of
faith, and the message about the life under the cross, are
illustrated and explored in narrative.
1. When you hear The Theology of the Cross what do you think
of?
2. What do you think of when you hear The Theology of Glory?
3. How is the third article of the creed in Luthers explanation
opposed to a theology of glory?
4. How do we understand trial? What is it? What is affliction?
Is it merely worldly? Spiritual? Or Both? How do they help us
understand faith in light of the third article of the Creed and
Luthers explanation of it in the Small Catechism?
--Prologue: The prologue provides an historical background to
the story. In fact, the second siege of Rhodes takes place during
some of the most turbulent years of the Reformation. Some
historians have even credited Islamic aggression, of the kind
illustrated in this book, for distracting the Pope and Emperor and
causing the success of the Reformation. 1. What stands out in the
descriptions of the most powerful European Kings and Emperors at
this time?
2. During these days, the New World has opened up. What effects
will this have on the Reformation? What difference will it make in
the fight with Islam?
3. What would you think of Christianity if Pope Leo the X was
your pope?
4. Of all the people described in the prologue, Suleiman is the
one who will have the most to do with this story. Do you think the
West should be breathing a sigh of relief with his ascension to the
Sultanate?
On Rhodes Fabrizio del Carretto dies early in the book. He is
introduced, mostly to set the stage for the events that will
unfold, and give some background to the conflict. 1. Do his dying
memories strike you as those you would picture a religious man
having?
2. He is in fact head of an order of monks, but monks who have
vowed to take on a vocation that is not typical of monks. These
monks were knights and warriors, who had taken on the job of caring
for the pilgrims but also to defend Europe from Islamic aggression.
Do you see any conflict between being a monk and being a
soldier?
3. Why does Rhodes matter? What is the significance of this
fortress as a remaining outpost of the crusades?
4. What happened in 1480?
5. What did Fabrizio do in 1480? What was he in charge of?
6. Why does he ask for the Sacrament? What does this tell us
about him?
7. What does he thank God for? Why does he thank God for his
experience and military success? Is God concerned with such
things?
8. Why does Giertz say he celebrated the happiest Christmas in a
long time?
9. Who are the Martyrs Fabrizio says he will soon meet? Who do
we usually consider to be martyrs? Are the fallen warrior-monks
martyrs? Why? Why not?
Shooter-Franz 1. How do the knights take care of the poor?
2. How did Shooter-Franz get his name? Pride comes before the
fall. Often, we find that our plans dont work out. Perhaps we
console ourselves saying that God has other plans. How is this
true? How has this played out in your own life?
3. What does Giertz tell us about Shooter-Franzs physical
countenance? His lineage? Why does he share this with us? What does
it tell us about Franz and how he is viewed by others?
4. How is Andrea DAmaral introduced? Have you ever known a
person like this? Smart, talented, and utterly incompetent for the
sake of not caring about others?
5. What qualities are they looking for in a Grand Master? Why?
What does this say about the priorities of the period? The
Religion?
The Chancellor 1. How sure is dAmaral of his election? Have you
ever been that sure of something?
2. What can a person learn from dAmarals depiction of Phillippe
Villiers de lIsle Adam on page 9?
3. Why cant dAmaral stand Phillippe Villiers? What traits dose
Phillippe Villiers possess that dAmaral ridicules?
4. Why does dAmaral think he is the best candidate? What
qualities does he possess?
5. What kind of man is Ibrahim? Why does dAmaral admire him even
though he is a slave?
6. How does Ibrahim catch dAmarals eye? not everyone brings
flowers with them to hell. What does this say about Ibrahim?
7. How does Ibrahims behavior compare with these Colossians
3:22? Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly
masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with
sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. (Col. 3:22 (ESV)
8. How does dAmarals actions toward Ibrahim coincide with Col.
4:1 (ESV) Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing
that you also have a Master in heaven. (Col. 4:1 (ESV)
His Own Undoing 1. How does DAmaral react to his
disappointment?
2. Compline is an ancient service of prayer and word typically
prayed by monks before going to sleep. DAmaral does not go to
Compline with his friend the night he loses the election. What does
this signal? Anything?
3. DAmaral says that they must take up what the order of St.
John had promised to do: fight the unbelievers as they cannot
peaceably co-exist with the Turkish threat. Is this true? How do we
reconcile this with faith in Christ as the Prince of Peace?
4. DAmaral says Did not the Sultan have more faith than those in
Rome? What does he mean? Ought Christians go to arms for the sake
of faith? What kind of faith is it that the Sultan has?
5. What might it say about a man when he would rather sulk in
disappointment than find solace and comfort in the Word of God and
prayer?
6. What all had dAmaral done for his order? DAmaral becomes very
embittered about his loss, calling the voters dimwitted and
unthankful (presumably of him), what does this say about his view
of his service to neighbor in his vocation?
7. Should he feel so entitled? Why or why not?
8. What does dAmaral fear is the future of Rhodes given the
vote? Why? He sees himself as the savior of Rhodes. What does this
say about himself? His faith?
9. DAmaral believed the astrologers when they said he would do
well if he just did the right thing at the right time. How does
this reflect a theology of glory? How does it contradict the
theology of the cross? How does it contradict itself?
The Hospital 1. The sick Greek Boy wants to see a priest. How
does he describe a true priest? Why does he do that? What does this
say for the value of wearing a clerical collar?
2. The Greek Boy wants a priest who speaks Greek. Why is
this?
3. Why does the boy like Br. Franz? What does this say of the
value for a pastor to learn Spanish today? Or to have Spanish
services?
4. What might one learn from the administrative faults of Br.
Franz?
5. Even though Br. Franz is very concerned with doing things
correctly, and fearful of mistakes, he goes out of his way to find
a priest for the Greek Boy. What does this tell us about Frans?
6. Who is Dr. Apella?
7. Who is Brother Gierolamo?
8. How do Dr. Apella and Br. Gierolamo get along? Why do you
think there is no rivalrybetween them? How do they view their care
for the sick? Giertz refers to them as healers and not merely
doctors, why is this?
9. What does this indicate about their care and treatment of the
sick?
10. Why is Father Gennaios called? Why is Brother Franz worried
about enlisting him?
The Unfathomable
1. What is Chancellor dAmaral upset about?
2. Why does Ibrahim think he will go to paradise? What does he
mean by by a better faith?
3. What is right about Ibrahims description of God? What is
wrong about it?
4. Why cant God be God if he were like us? What does that do to
the incarnation? What does that mean for Jesus Christ?
5. Lord, we would never say that the infinitely exalted would
have a son with a woman. Says Ibrahim. Why should anyone venture to
say anything about what God would and would not do? But another
question needs to be asked concerning this. Did God actually have a
son with a woman in the same way a human father does? What does
Luke 1:35 say? Is it the conception of Jesus that makes God the
Father Father, and God the Son Son?
6. That the glorious and divine, the blessed and unspeakable,
whom we cannot find a word for-that he could be found in a
wretched, sweaty human body that is susceptible to sores and colic,
has to stuff itself with porridge and go to the bathroom like we
do. Do we think of Jesus this way? Should we? Yes. But how would
that be blasphemy? In reality this is an old parlor trick, to
fashion a god
according to your own fancy and play the attributes of God off
one another. Can you give some modern examples?
7. Why is it Christs humanity, seeming weakness, which so
offends Ibrahim?
8. Lord it is blasphemy. Therefore God has given us victory. How
does this typify a theology of glory? Have you ever thought like
this? How does this compare with the Chancellors superstitious
tendencies?
9. Ibrahim lists off many countries that have been liberated
does it shock you to know these places were once Christian? And
that they were converted by the Sword?
10. In the end it still comes down to how one lives. Says
dAmaral. People often think this way. Why is it a completely
inadequate answer?
11. How does Ibrahim respond? Would you find that
convincing?
12. How does this conversation illustrate a theology of glory in
both dAmaral and Ibrahim? What happens when that theology fails?
How is it opposed to Christianity which is the theology of the
cross?
13. Is it helpful to argue the merits of a religion based upon
whose adherents behave better? Which has a greater morality? Has
dAmaral been able to adequately contrast Christianity with Islam?
What has he failed to say? What makes Christianity distinct from
Islam apart from the bare fact of the Incarnation?
14. In the end, that which decided the matter was money,
weapons, cleverness and self-will. Wise as serpents and innocent as
doves (Matthew 10:16). To what extent is what dAmaral says true
despite Gods control over earthly things? Do we have free will in
these earthly things? Read the Article 18 of the Augsburg
Confession.
15. God works through means. What is the role of vocation in
Gods governance of earthly things?
16. To bring God in, makes the game more complicated. Why does
dAmaral say this? Is this true? Why or why not?
The Walls and Hands 1. Brother Antonio Bosio is a colorful
character in this book. At first blush, does his character
description seem consistent with that of a good Christian? Why or
why not?
2. Bonaldi thinks Bosio is gullible, is this warranted?
3. Why is Bosio so convinced the Turks are coming?
4. This chapter gives us a description of the fortress. Rhodes
was state of the art in its day, and you can still see these very
same walls and ramparts today. But they were always looking for new
ways to improve it. Why do the Venetians not want Martinengo to
help the Hospitallers?
5. Why did the earthquake of 1481 happen, what significance is
attached to this?
6. Do we still read divine meaning into natural disasters today?
Can we know the will of God from a natural disaster?
7. Bonaldi recognizes the dragon as a crocodile. What is Bosios
response? Is there validity to that?
8. Distinction between faith in the protection afforded by the
fortress and faith in relics? How is the cult of relics similar to
dAmaral's astrology? Here we see people trusting in Gods
protection, mercy, and provision based upon trinkets, is this any
different from Ibrahims claim that Allah is better because the
Muslims have won so many battles?
Dragon in the Marsh 1. What rumor did the Greek priests spread
concerning the crocodile?
2. How is this a theology of glory?
3. What is wrong with such speculation?
4. Have you ever been guilty of such speculation?
5. Where does this speculation occur today?
6. Brother Gozon breaks an order to kill the dragon, why is
breaking an order such a great offence?
7. Where does Ecclesiastes teach that wrath and forgiveness have
their time?
8. What happened with brother Gozon later in life?
9. How is Gozon reconciled to the Grand Master and his brothers?
Why did they have the greatest Feast of John the Baptist?
The Test 1. Why does the chancellor think it unwise to send
gifts to the shah?
2. Why are falcons a standard gift? 3. What does the report from
Constantinople suggest?
4. Why does the Chancellor not get along with Pomerolx?
5. Is it shocking to learn that Ibrahim would have been free if
it werent for a stingy old Uncle?
6. Why does dAmaral, the Chancellor, accept Ibrahims
request?
7. Why is Ibrahims request a test to determine which religion is
better? Is this a good way to test the veracity of a religion? Why?
Why not?
8. Why is the risk of possible swindle worth it to dAmaral?
August 1521 1. How does the Spaniard describe the new Grand
Master?
2. What do we learn about the Grand Master in how he handles the
situation?
3. Why does the Grand Master request to receive bean soup like
the others?
4. Why was the cook fixing him a special meal? Do we ever do
things to increase our own standing and have it go similarly
awry?
5. What is all this talk about luck?
6. One sailor looks to stars, the other to saints, what are the
similarities and differences in their approaches?
7. What happens to the Grand Masters sword? How is this
interpreted? Do we ever interpret occurrences as omens?
8. What is Brother Giovannis advice?
9. From where does brother Giovanni say the Grand Master
received his position? Why is this important?
10. One of the greatest theological discussions of this book
breaks out on page 47. How is the world and its happenings
described?
11. How does Brother Giovanni tell the Grand Master to
proceed?
12. How is this good advice for all Christians?
13. Lifes events are described as a chess game between God and
the devil. Is this true? Do all trials come from the devil, absent
Gods presence and knowledge? (Luther: all trials come from God,
even if they come from the devil) It is said that the trouble is
that none of the pieces on the chessboard of our hearts are
entirely black or white. How is this true? How is this false? How
do we understand this in light of the reality that we are
simultaneously saint and sinner?
Kort-Oglu 1. Who is Andre Barel? Why is his genealogy so
important?
2. Who is Kort-Oglu?
3. What is a Grand Cross?
4. Who is Fonteyn?
5. What advantages does Kort-Oglu have? Why is the crew of the
Gran Carrack nervous?
6. Thomas Pemberton is rather opinionated about the worth of
other races. Is this sort of talk acceptable for Christians? But
how often does one find himself hearing, thinking or even speaking
such nonsense?
7. The knights gather for compline, do they need bulletins or
hymnals? What is the benefit of having such prayers memorized, why
is it nice to have a liturgical routine that can be counted on in
such times? Would you be able to worship in the dark with your
congregation at a time of danger?
8. Is it surprising that these knights would have the prayers
memorized? Why? Why not?
9. How does Phillippe Villiers show his prowess as captain?
La Mogharbine 1. Chevalier Chalant discusses how the Muslim
Turks have taken over the main land and are now all the way into
Hungary. Today it seems many are under the impression the Holy Land
was always Muslim and think we should apologize for the Crusades.
How does the realization of Islamic aggression change ones point of
view on this issue?
2. To whom does Chevalier Chalant give credit for the Religions
freedom?
3. The knights hear mass as usual. What does that mean? Is this
something you think of sailors doing?
4. The captain, Gastineau, takes time after mass for personal
prayer with no one to disturb him. Why is this a good idea?
5. To what does Gastineau compare capturing a carrack? How is
this true, how is it misleading?
September 11th 1. Just the title of this chapter is a bit
chilling. Bo Giertz wrote this book in 1972, at a time when
hostilities between east and west had simmered down, but were
perhaps ready for a resurgence. How has 9/11 changed your views of
Islam?
2. Why does the Grand Master find comfort in the epistle
reading? Who would think a person needs comfort on such a day?
Would we think such an epistle appropriate for an inauguration? Why
or why not?
3. Greek Christians were also present, when at this time there
was a bitter division between the Eastern and Western churches.
What has brought them together?
4. What does it say about the kind of leader he will be that he
seeks comfort on a day like today?
5. How is the epistle lesson chosen? Why?
6. Why is the Grand Master alone? Its lonely at the top, despite
all the festivities, how can this cause stress in ones vocation?
What does it say about him that he looks to the epistle lesson for
comfort?
7. How are they benefited by a liturgical calendar?
Hospitaller 1. Why do their crosses have 8 points? What do these
symbolize?
2. Why is Andre surprised at the strict order surrounding a
knights court? Why is this order necessary?
3. What do they call their hospital? What does this say about
the seriousness with which they cared for the sick?
4. What do the knights find more important, helping the sick or
fighting?
5. Those who do not learn to obey can never learn to command. He
who does not want to serve the sick is not trusted with any other
service either. What does this say about how the Hospitallers
viewed their service? Is this surprising?
6. Why do they watch how a person takes orders in the
hospital?
7. Antoine Golart and Andre Barel basically bar hop through
town, what do they find? How have things changed? How not?
8. Who interprets for them?
9. What is a Turcopoler?
The Alarm 1. What is a knights life? Why?
2. The Venetians were carrying cargo of pilgrims from Jerusalem.
What was a pilgrim? Why were they leaving Jerusalem? The captains
swore unchristian oaths What is an unchristian oath? Do they
provoke God? Can we know God is provoked because of unfortunate
circumstances? Why do they say a cargo of such pilgrims deserves
better treatment?
3. Why is it sometimes good traveling with a headwind? What does
this paradoxical statement mean? What benefits are there in the
figurative headwinds?
4. What do the Chancellor and Ibrahim talk about? Why does the
chancellor ask?
5. What is Ibrahims answer? How does this show the similarity
and dissimilarity to today?
6. What might your answer be if someone asked you how you know
there is a God? Can you know?
Belgrade 1. What is the significance of Belgrade?
2. What happened to the defenders of Belgrade?
3. When contemplating the fate of Sabacz and Belgrade, what is
your impression of Islam? Religion of peace? Or Jihad?
4. Why does the Grand Master think Rhodes is next?
War? 1. Anasthasia has two children with already developed
personalities, and they both understand her. What does their
behavior indicate about sin in our lives, and the need for infants
to be baptized?
2. Why does their papa want war? Have things changed in this
regard?
3. Both want marriage but arent married due to financial and
societal considerations. Are they sinning? If it is really society
that wont let them be married, are they perhaps married in Gods
eyes?
4. The introduction to this chapter is an insight to the
complete depravity of man, and how innocent and civilized and
practical sinful desires look on the surface. Here a man and a
woman are desperate enough for an earthly semblance of civil
righteousness that they desire war, forgetting the possibility of
death for each of them; they desire death not only of enemies, but
of friends and compatriots so they can climb a ladder of earthly
success and be officially married. Have you ever found yourself in
similar situations?
5. Suleiman has written a letter to the Grandmaster a Fethname
it is called, what is a Fethname? What is meant by the letter?
6. Why are they careful in how they answer it? Why wont they
send the Chancellor? How does the Grand Master rebuke them when
they claim the Muslims are simply a brutal enemy? What does this
say about human sinfulness across religious lines?
How does it contrast with the dAmarals various conversations
with Ibrahim regarding their respective faiths?
War! 1. Why does Pir Pascha want another envoy?
2. How do the knights come to the conclusion that war is on its
way?
3. One can certainly sympathize with Richard and Anasthasia, but
how does their excitement display evil and sinful hearts? How does
it reflect your sin that you can understand and sympathize?
Cures what ails you? 1. Fra Giovani and the Grandmaster talk at
the end of the chapter. What is the problem that Fra Giovanni
brings up? Why are they worried about calling in the reserves?
2. By what does Fra Giovanni judge righteousness?
3. How should they work? How should they pray? Is this good
advice for Christians?
4. How is it that robbers and evil doers will be found dying for
Christs sake?
5. Fra Giovanni discusses the reading from Jeremiah with the
Grand Master. Why would Jeremiah resonate with the Grand Master?
What are the themes of Jeremiah that would apply to Rhodes? What
would be a correct use of Jeremiahs warnings in this context? An
incorrect use? What is the danger of outward repentance with a mind
toward saving your earthly goods?
The Deserters 1. The Wolf, comes with bitter news concerning
affairs in Europe, why does he think there wont be any help? Has
anything changed in this regard today?
2. Who deserts? Why might they have deserted?
3. Who is Antonio, what is he doing on Crete?
4. Young men from different countries enlist to fight, why do
they care? How is this their fight?
5. Why does the signori forbid passage to Rhodes? How does
Antonio Bonaldi get around this?
6. How does Antonio describe the impending battle to Lord
Lodovico?
7. How does this draw on the parable of the kings feast. How
does it apply to the Christian life?
8. What is Bosios real mission on Crete?
Always Ready 1. Dr. Apella and Judge Fonteyne have a
conversation in Latin, where Judge Fonteyne seems more concerned
about grammar than the topic at hand. Bo Giertz could have kept
time with Fonteyne, he used to keep his dads surgery notes in Latin
when he was twelve. How does this conversation illustrate a bad way
of developing relationships?
2. How amazing is it that the knights figure they can take odds
20 to 1? Classical Just War Theory maintains that it is unjust to
fight a war you cant win, when the odds are against you winning.
How does this illustrate the futility of that point?
3. The rules of siege warfare of the period stipulated that a
city could surrender, and then the civilians would be spared, but
if the city did not surrender no one was spared. Should the knights
give up the city to save the civilians? How could they best serve
them, over the long term? By fighting and possibly dying? Or by
surrendering and trusting the benevolence and honor of their
enemy?
4.
Iaxi is taken hostage, and soon realizes he will be tortured. He
resolves to remain steadfast in the faith, but assumes he will
probably give up information. What does it say about Iaxis
commitment that he sees giving up information under torture as a
sin for which he must ask forgiveness? Why doesnt Iaxi pray for
deliverance from his capturers instead of forgiveness? Is there an
expectation of suffering?
5. What does this say about torture? Does it work?
The Archbishop 1. What is the ironic difference between Fra
Giovanni and the Archbishop Monsignor Balestrini?
2. If Fra Giovanni remembers Bible verses and the Archbishop
remembers philosophy, how might their pastoral care be
different?
3. How do the knights go about preparing for the kings wedding?
What is implied as the chief sin confessed?
4. What sort of advice does the Archbishop ask Fra Giovanni for?
What advice does Fra Giovanni give?
5. Fra G wants to preach Jeremiah, a call to repentance, the
Archbishop wants to encourage the knights to be victorious. Why do
they emphasize different things? What does each see as the most
pressing need? Do people need to be encouraged at the expense of
their souls? Do we see preaching today which simply tries to
encourage us in our human endeavors instead of giving us the truth
of Gods Word?
6. What does the Grand Master want to hear about?
7. How does the Archbishop confuse Law and Gospel? Why does he
confuse it?
8. Is the Archbishop correct when he states God forgives when
men begin to be better and more watchful of their obligations..?
What is wrong with this statement? Is it a correct summary of
repentance? What is repentance?
They Are Coming! 1. Why do the Germans and Auvergnats get into a
row over the wall?
2. The women and refugees are described as a funeral procession.
Why are they in mourning? How does this play off the previous
references to Jeremiah?
3. How does the Grand Master handle the fiasco, why doesnt he
get upset?
4. The war starts with pomp? How does Bonaldi answer the judge
when he comments on the beauty of the Turkish flotilla?
5. Why is the first page of a book often the most beautiful?
The Art of Survival 1. What does Dr. Apella remember of his
childhood?
2. Why was becoming a doctor his misfortune?
3. When Dr. Apella is instructed for baptism, what does he learn
concerning Jesus and the writers of the New Testament?
4. What belongs to his people?
5. How does the doctor soothe his conscience?
July 1522 1. How is joining the Hospitallers painted as an act
of self denial?
2. How does Martinengo make it to Rhodes? How long does it take
for him to identify with the Hospitallers? Why?
3. Why does the young boy from Bologna think Dr. Apella is a
true Christian?
4. Why does the doctor seem to be afraid to go home?
5. What does he ask the doctor?
6. What does the doctor think is the difference between
Christians and their Lord?
7. How does he answer the boys question and give him peace?
8. Why is it that the doctor, who is a traitor and perhaps a
false convert, is better able to comfort the boy than the
priests?
9. The doctor is, ultimately, seen as a true Christian because
he identifies with wretches. How should Christians view mercy? Care
for wretches?
10. Do you think the doctors guilt over his treachery affects
the way he views the mercy of Christ?
The Spades 1. Why is the Dr. embarrassed when Shooter Franz
talks to him?
2. What does John Buck thing of the new style of war? Do you
ever catch yourself thinking the same thing when watching the news
and hearing about drones, and IEDs?
3. Martinengo becomes a Chevalier. Why did he come
originally?
The Fire 1. Rostram gets hit by a cannon ball and dies in an
unlikely moment. The Spaniard sees it and realizes it can happen to
anyone. Two days later it happens to him. How is this true of
everyday life? What can we learn of our own mortality from
this?
The Sultans Cauldrons 1. The doctor sees a discrepancy in the
war judge who is a humanist and still barbaric enough to torture.
Do you?
2. The War Judge is shocked when Gasparo is killed so suddenly,
this seems betray a sense of entitlement, special protection from
the horrors of war. Is this unique to the War Judge?
3. Why does the doctor ask about whether or not someone would be
tortured if they confessed prior to the torture? He then prays he
would die in the war, when a few chapters earlier survival was
paramount. What has changed for him?
4. How does the doctor try to help with the information he
sends?
The Miners 1. Father Gennaios is not used to heavy labor, and
another worker harangues him for it. How are such sentiments
evident today? What is wrong with them? What is a pastor called to
do? What honor should be afforded them? Look up Titus 1:9. 1 Cor.
9:14, Gal. 6:6-7, 1 Tim. 5:17-18, 1 Thess. 5:12-13, Heb. 13:17.
2. What does it say about the level of desperation that they
have put priests to such manual labor? Why are they not saying
endless masses instead?
3. Martinengo blows up a tunnel and the men digging it, many of
who were conscripted. Father Gennaios is sick. Why?
The First Attack 1. The daily offices could be replaced by an
Our Father, yet the Grand Master has not ordered this yet. Why? Who
were the Janissaries? Why is this particularly troubling to
Anasthasia?
2. The daily offices could be replaced by an Our Father, yet the
Grand Master has not ordered this yet. Why?
3. Does it seem incredible that the Grand Master would finish
the Vespers psalm verse before inspecting the damage from the
explosion? Is this courageous? Foolhardy?
4. What is Anasthasias soup kitchen?
5. What does the use of Janissaries say about the Muslim style
of conquest and warfare? Can civilians expect to be treated
fairly?
The Second Attack 1. Why do Richard Craig and Anasthasia throw a
party? What makes Anasthasia happy?
2. How is Dr. Apella conflicted? Why does he begin wondering if
surviving is the most important thing?
3. What does the doctor find remarkable about the Christians?
The construction of the hospital?
4. What does Dr. Apella find hypocritical about the
Christians?
5. Why doesnt he leave his New Testament lying around so others
can see it, like his other three books?
The Shadow 1. What bothers the Chancellor?
2. The Grand Master gives up his horses for the grinding mill.
Why is this such a great gesture? What might the Grand Master be
thinking if hes willing to let his prize horse go to such use?
3. Other than the obvious strategic reasons, why does it bother
them so that there is an spyamong them?
The Third Attack 1. What does Anasthasia want Richard to
promise? Why? What is she afraid of?
2. Is her request sinful? Does it indicate a lack of faith?
Courage?
3. Are these concerns valid?
4. What would you tell her? Why?
The Traitor 1. What does the Grand Master thank Dr. Apella
for?
2. Has God ever used a convert to stir repentance or kindle
fervor in your faith?
3. What verse does Dr. Apella stop at? Why does this one bother
him?
4. Why does sending the report this time trouble him so?
5. Does this verse or another verse ever bother you in the same
way?
6. What is the difference between consequences and
punishment?
7. What two manners of living does Fra Giovanni say play tug of
war in us all? Read Romans 7, does this describe you?
8. Who is never righteous?
9. Who is always righteous? Why?
10. How does Fra Giovanni want to die?
11. Why does he say the traitor (no longer the doctor) died as a
true Christian? Why would he envy his death?
12. The Doctor had prayed he would die in the war instead of
falling into the hands of the War Judge. It would seem his prayer
wasnt answered, yet this does not distress him. Why?
The Great Storm 1. The hole in the wall is called a wound in the
heart. Martinengo dressed the wound. Why is his work described like
that of a doctor?
2. What happens to Richard Craig? How does Anasthasia react?
3. What would you do? 4. The moat is covered with dead bodies,
the work of the Auvergne Langue, Andre Barel thinks this is a good
work in its own way. Is it? How so?
5. What does Sir Thomas learn happened with Anasthasia? Why does
she do this?
6. How is her reaction reminiscent of the fall of Jerusalem in
Jeremiahs day?
7. Why does this news bother a hardened soldier like Sir
Thomas?
8. The Greek woman refers to Richard as kyrios. Where do we hear
that word in the liturgy? What does it mean?
The Tower of Margat 1. A spirit of tension remains over the
victory, though Giertz says it was no any great Te Deum. What does
this mean? What is the Te Deum?
2. Why does the Chancellor react the way he does to the
possibility of victory for the Knights? Ever known someone like
this?
3. The Chancellor says they must only rely on the power of the
Will. What does this mean? What has he left out?
4. After shooting the arrow the Chancellor says he now knows
what he believes in. What does he believe in? How is he contrasted
with the Doctor?
5. What happens at the Tower of Margat?
6. Why does the old man tell this story now?
Victory or Death? 1. What does the Grand Master have to conquer
anew every day?
2. What does this awareness say about him? Does it make him
weak?
3. How is this true of the life of the Christian?
The Sharpshooters 1. Life often seems meaningless in the face of
death. What does Fra Giovanni think of Shooter-Franzs death? How is
this true?
2. How was Frans vindicated? Why does it matter that he was
vindicated in life? When can Christians expect vindication?
Harder than Dying 1. What does the Grand Masters family motto
mean?
2. How does this affect his thinking about death?
3. What is harder for the Grand Master than death?
4. Why can he not forbid the execution? What is at stake?
5. The Grand Master insists on better evidence of dAamarals
treachery than what he is offered. How would dAmaral have conducted
himself if the GM was suspected?
6. Why does the Grand Master pray that his life would be taken
instead?
7. What word does Father Giovanni bring to the Grand Master? How
does he apply it?
8. How is this relevant for our own lives?
9. The Grand Master is willing to die, but Father Giovanni tells
him first he must pick up his cross and follow him (Jesus). What is
he warning against?
10. Jesus tells us that we must pick up our crosses and follow
him. What are our crosses? How are they given to us?
11. What does a father not want to do? Why?
12. What does this analogy of a father to his children tell
about the role of the Grand Master? How he is viewed?
13. What does the Grand Master resolve to do?
Winter Rain 1. How has Brother Andres conception of chivalry
changed?
2. What does Brother Giovanni tell Andre concerning power?
3. Why is earthly power always doomed to fail?
4. How does Brother Giovanni explain that God works in this
world?
5. Why does God put off the Day of Judgment?
6. What can be changed?
7. What can be changed before the Day of Judgment? In
preparation?
8. What about God does Andre finally take comfort in while on
his sick bed?
9. Andre takes comfort in the Incarnation, the God with the
bloody hands and bloody chest, yet Ibrahim mocked such a God, how
does the Incarnation show us Gods mercy? How is it that the
Incarnation gives Andre trust that despite all he sees around him,
all is well, and peace shall come to him? Could Ibrahim, as a
Muslim, ever have this certainty about Allah?
The oath of Chivalry 1. What are the Hospitallers called to show
the world? What are they hopeful the Lords of Christendom will
awaken to?
2. Is the threat of a crescent flag flying over St. Peters real?
Should such things concern them? Jesus says his Kingdom is not of
this world, so should Christians worry when churches are lost to
unbelieving invaders? Why? Why not?
3. How is this a self-made cross?
4. Who does Andre think they should all be praying to? Why?
5. Andre is comforted by the assurance of Christs presence. How
is Christ present for us? Why does this bring us assurance? How can
we be sure we are also carried by an endless mercy?
6. What is the oath of Chivalry? Whose lives should the knights
be willing to sacrifice?
7. How does this apply to our own lives?
8. How do the citizens react to the belligerence of the knights
in the face of defeat? Are they right to react this way?
9. What does the concern over the relics indicate? Are these
valid concerns? How are holythings truly desecrated?
10. What must the Grand Master be willing to do according to Fra
Giovanni?
11. What does he quote to Brother Grand Master?
12. How does the verse from Isaiah encapsulate the theology of
the cross?
13. What are the final terms of the peace treaty?
14. The negotiations for the peace treaty occur in Advent. How
does this season mirror the general mood of the knights and
citizens?
15. Why does the Grand Master compare himself to Job?
16. Why does Brother Giovanni say there is honor in the ash
heap?
La Ritirata 1. Why does Father Gennaios insist on staying
behind? Why is this admirable?
2. Packing for the evacuation is hard on everyone, but harder on
the rich, and hardest on the church. Why? What is the churchs
treasure?
3. What does Brother Giovanni think they asked of the Madonna
from Philerimos? Why?
4. Chevalier Chalant learns that there can be victory in defeat.
What does that mean?
5. On what do the knights serve the sick? What does this say
about how the knights viewed the sick? Why should they honor the
sick this way? How does this contrast with how the Janissaries
treat the sick?
6. What happens to Dr. Fonteyn? Why is he furious? Bonaldi says
he has seen worsetreatment during perfect peace time. What does he
mean? Bonaldi says he has learned never again to be as bad off as
to be dependent on money. What does he mean? Is this a lesson
easily learned?
7. What happens on Christmas day?
8. Bidoulx and the Grand Master discuss the loss of Asia Minor
to the Turks. Who does the Grand master say have been defeated, by
what? Do we see this elsewhere? 9. How do the Turks attempt to
insult the Grand Master and the Religion directly? How does the GM
maintain the Religions honor. What does it mean that they were
besieged but could bear their defeat?
10. What happens to the baptized Turks and their families?
11. For the time being the knights live under the protection of
Suleiman, to what does Andre compare that?
12. How does the evacuation go on the day they are to set sail?
Why is it so chaotic?
13. What happens to all the churches in Rhodes?
14. What isnt as important to the Christians as it is to the
Turks according to Passim? Why is this?
15. Can we believe in God without Christ? What is Passims
Answer? How important is that?
16. Is Suleiman correct that Christians and Muslims worship the
same God?
17. What is the abyss that separates the Sultan and Passim?
18. Why does the Grand Master cry at the very end?
Epilogue 1. The Grand Master struggles with the will to live in
the face of defeat. In the end, he is able to know earthly victory,
by regrouping the Knights in Malta to stand in the face of another
attack. What might one learn from this?
2. Giertz wonders with us if these men were really so like us.
Are they like us? How? Why?
3. The concluding paragraph of the epilogue says there is a
faith that overcomes destiny. What does this mean?