The Knights of Rhodes, A Study Guide Bror Erickson and Ellie Corrow

In 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 rivalry
between 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 spy
among 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 holy
things 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 worse
treatment 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?