Millstones

“Millstones,” an Adventures in Odyssey Club exclusive, is episode #892 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written and directed by Phil Lollar, and was originally released on July 1, 2020.

Summary

Renee learns that ethical choices take practice, while Connie's campaign to help a friend creates moral dilemmas.

Plot

This plot section is too short and should be expanded. »

Cast

Relative Importance / Chronological

Role	Actor
Wilson Knox	Gregory Jbara
Connie Kendall	Katie Leigh
John Whittaker	Andre Stojka
Renee Carter	Amy Pemberton
Jay Smouse	Whit Hertford
Astan Lebernis	Jamieson Price
Man in Room of Consequence	Dan Hagen
Nazi	Erik Passoja
Maisey Andrews	Justine Huxley
Pamela	Erin Fitzgerald

Relative Importance / Chronological

Role	Actor
John Whittaker	Andre Stojka
Connie Kendall	Katie Leigh
Renee Carter	Amy Pemberton
Jay Smouse	Whit Hertford
Wilson Knox	Gregory Jbara
Astan Lebernis	Jamieson Price
Pamela	Erin Fitzgerald
Maisey Andrews	Justine Huxley
Nazi	Erik Passoja
Man in Room of Consequence	Dan Hagen

Notes

This episodes features the reappearance of Pamela who last appeared in #134: “Pamela Has a Problem”, 30 years earlier.

Documentary

Root of the Problem

Gallery

The art
Phil Lollar, Jonathan Crowe
Andre Stojka
Whit Hertford
Amy Pemberton
Katie Leigh, Phil Lollar

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to tell the truth and be known as an honest person (Colossians 3:9, Ephesians 4:25, Proverbs 12:22)?

2. Renee reasoned, "So not telling the truth in order to follow the higher moral law of saving an innocent life is the best choice?" Whit seemed to agree . . . this time. What do you think he would say about these scenarios:

A) You are a special agent aware that terrorists plan to blow up a crowded building. Should you lie if that's what it takes to find and defuse the bomb in time?

B) You are a pro-life crusader trying to save countless innocent babies. Does that make it OK to lie about statistics or make up stories to strengthen your argument?

C) A friend is dying—of embarrassment—after singing off-key and forgetting the words at the school talent show. What do you say when she asks, "How was it?"

3. Clearly, deciding what qualifies as a "higher moral law" can be a challenge in itself. How can making exceptions become a slippery slope if we're not careful?

4. How should Romans 13:8, John 13:34-35 and 1 Corinthians 13:13 guide our choices? What does "loving others" mean to you? Can you think of a situation where the most loving choice might upset someone or make them uncomfortable?

5. Explore the meaning of the phrase "the ends justify the means." Think of situations where you might agree or strongly disagree. Why did the end seem to justify the means in Renee's Nazi scenario, but not Connie's fundraising campaign?

6. What did Whit say about Renee's motives when she refused to hide Professor Lebernis during the first practice session? Why is it vital to understand our motives when trying to make ethical choices? Based on Proverbs 16:2, why is it a good idea to talk through key decisions with wise people willing to hold us accountable?

7. Talk about how a person can have good motives and still make bad choices. Who in this episode fits that description? Would you consider Jay's motives good or bad? Why?

8. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. Which sections of that passage reflect Connie's unselfish love for Pamela? Which parts reveal her lack of love toward others as she tried to help Pamela?

9. In 2 Corinthians 8:21, the Apostle Paul wrote, "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." Why is it important to consider both? What can happen if we ignore one or the other?

Quotes

There are no quotes listed for this episode. ».