Week+6+Discussion

1) When the people of the Lake are angry at the Master, where and how does he redirect their anger? Such redirections is often called "scapegoating." The term originates from the Biblical ritual (see Leviticus 16:20-22) in which a goat bore the sins of God's people, and is used today when someone takes the blame for the guilt of others. From your knowledge of history, or from your personal experience, what examples of scapegoating can you cite?

2) When the men and elves go to the mountain and find the dwarves alive, Bard asks to negotiate the distribution of the dragon's hoard. He finishes his request with this statement: //**"Further in his last battle Smaug destroyed the dwellings of the men of Esgaroth...I would...ask whether you have no thought for the sorrow and misery of (the Esgaroth) people. They aided you in your distress, and in recompense you have thus far brought ruin only, though doubtless undesigned."**// How does Thorin answer Bard? Read Proverbs 11:24-25; James 2:15-16; and 1 John 3:17-18. How do Thorin's words and actions compare to these verses?

3) How might the Battle of the Five Armies illustrate the truth of 1 Timothy 6:10?

4) Review Bilbo's actions regarding the Arkenstone. The entire situation presents quite an ethical dilemma. Was Bilbo right or justified in what he did? Do you see a better way of handling the situation?