Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved

At one point, Bowler is about to have two ribs removed to restore strength in her arms when a pregnancy test shows that Bowler is pregnant. Nurses stop the procedure. That evening, Bowler miscarries. How would prosperity adherents explain these events? What might Mennonites say? How does Bowler understand them?

Throughout the narrative, Bowler describes her interactions with dozens of people she refers to as friends. How do these friends impact her life after her diagnosis? In what ways do they compare to the Mennonite community?

How do ecclesial seasons mirror Bowler’s life post-diagnosis? Cite examples from the text.

Bowler weaves humor with pathos in describing her experience. Pick three passages from the book and analyze how Bowler does this, and to what effect.

Bowler contrasts the theology and actions of prosperity gospel believers with those of the Mennonites she knew while growing up. How do these two groups differ in their thinking and actions?

Bowler’s former Sunday school teacher, who has cancer, tells Bowler that she has known Jesus in the joys of her life and will know him even better in her suffering. What does she mean? What are some examples of shared suffering in the narrative?

What is circular reasoning, and what is an example of this in prosperity gospel thinking? How would prosperity gospel believers potentially use circular reasoning to describe Bowler’s cancer diagnosis?

How does Bowler’s outlook on life and making plans change as a result of being diagnosed with colon cancer? How do her priorities change?