Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

This discussion guide contains more chapter-by-chapter bonus questions at the end, for those who want a more in-depth study.

Introduction

1. As a child, what were you afraid of?

2. Luther quotes two famous philosophers: Seneca, who wrote homo homini res sacra (“man is something sacred to man”), and Plautus, who wrote lupus est homo homini (“man is a wolf to man”). Who do you agree with? Have you seen more people treating each other with care or with cruelty?

Chapters 1–3

1. Were you surprised that Matt wanted to protect the werewolf after it attacked him? Have you ever felt compassion for someone without knowing much about that person’s situation?

2. When Borut says his crossbow is “the only cure” for the werewolf, what do you think he means?

3. When the woman tells Matt that her husband is a “monster,” what do you think she means?

4. The zombies that attack Matt and his friends aren’t typical monster-movie zombies. How are they different? What do they want?

Chapters 4–5

1. When Matt says, “We all have little mutations,” what does he mean? Do you agree with him?

2. Do you know any Christians who celebrate Reformation Day instead of Halloween? What do you think about Christians celebrating or not celebrating Halloween?

Interlude

1. Do you think guilt is a result of “cultural programming”? Why do people experience guilt, and what methods have we developed to cope with it? When you feel guilty, what do you do to resolve those feelings?

2. “None of us desire to remain wolves. All of us desire to remain wolves.” What does this paradox mean? Do you think it’s true?

Chapters 6–7

1. Matt’s neighbor explains his condition by saying, “I turn into a wolf when I’m angry.” Are there aspects of your personality that appear when you get angry, depressed, or upset?

2. When Matt finds out his neighbor has read Imaginary Jesus, Matt assumes he wants to learn about being a Christian. Is that what Luther says he wants? If not, what is the difference?

Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

3. Do you agree more with Matt’s or Dr. Culbetron’s definition of what it means to be a Christian? Is there more to Christianity than what a person believes? How does being “born again” figure into the equation?

4. Write your own definition of a Christian. How does it compare with Matt’s and Dr. Culbetron’s definitions?

Interlude

1.    Luther’s father tells him, “Good theology domesticates our baser instincts.” What does he mean by that? Do you think Luther’s father is correct or misguided on this point? Why?

Chapters 8–11

1. Do you identify more with Matt or with his wife, Krista? Do you find yourself saying, “I’ll be home later,” or are you the one asking, “How much later?” When you spend a lot of time away from your family on other activities, how do your parents/spouse/children react?

2. Dr. Bokor says that real change “can be accomplished through hard work, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the truth in this book,” the Dr. Bokor Study Bible. What do you believe people need to experience true change?

3. Do you think it’s better for people to be exposed to danger so they can learn discernment or to simply trust their leaders and be sheltered from danger? Why?

4. Is it true that “Jesus wants [your] brain, not [your] heart”? Is the expression “ask Jesus into your heart” literal or just a figure of speech? How would you describe what happens at the moment of conversion?

Interlude

1. Luther says, “I want payment now. I want to know that my life will be better today.” Is there anything wrong with that desire? Does the Bible say anything about the rewards in this life for following Christ?

2. Do you agree that “belief gets us into Heaven regardless of behavior”? Is there biblical support for this idea? Is it true that “Satan’s theology must surely be as informed as the most learned Christian scholars”? What bearing does this have on Satan’s eternal destiny?

3. What’s your reaction to the quote by Gandhi? Have you or people you’ve met ever felt similarly? How would you approach a conversation with someone who felt this way?

Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

Chapters 12–15

1. Lara says all monsters can be cured “if they want it badly enough.” What do you think she means? Give an example of a disease or condition that requires the patient’s cooperation in order to cure.

2. Lara describes the pain from Borut’s crucifix as “some internal heater in my blood, and it was starting to boil.” What do you think that means? Why do you think people have adopted the crucifix as a symbol of protection against vampires?

3. Explaining why vampires avoid mirrors, Lara says, “If you never see yourself the way that you really look, it’s pretty easy to be satisfied with your life.” Do you agree with that? What “mirrors” do you avoid looking into?

4. Lara says Borut will have to leave Luther alone if he overcomes his lycanthropy because “it’s one of the rules.” What rules is she referring to? Why does Borut want to kill Luther?

Chapters 16–18

1. When Lara says Borut is “more a force of nature than a man,” what do you think she means?

2. As “a vampire with a tan,” Lara is a walking paradox, still fighting to overcome her thirst. Are there areas in your life that make you feel the same way? What behaviors and desires do you routinely struggle against?

3. Luther tries to follow Dr. van Pelt’s instructions “to remain a werewolf but not behave as a werewolf.” Why doesn’t this work when Luther becomes angry? How is this behavioral modification technique different from the cure Lara offered?

4. What’s your reaction to Matt’s dream, described at the end of chapter 18?

Interlude

1. “Is not love based in some way upon the excellent qualities of the object of our love?” Do you agree with this claim? What types of love do you think Luther is describing?

2. God’s sending Jesus to earth to save humanity is compared to a man adopting ants as his own children. Is this an accurate analogy?

3. How would you answer someone who argued that “we must choose between no God or a loving one”?

Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

Chapters 19–21

1. Our culture frequently encourages us to accept ourselves as we are. As Luther says, “Shouldn’t I embrace me and be at peace with who I am?” What do you think of this? Do you love yourself the way you are, or do you think you need to change?

2. When the Clockwork Jesus is asked for the answer to eternal life, are you surprised that he doesn’t mention faith or belief? How would you answer the question, “What must I do to be saved?”

3. Despite the answer from the Clockwork Jesus, Matt reasons that our actions alone can’t save us if we don’t believe Jesus is the Son of God. Then he asks, “But could our beliefs alone save us?” What do you think? Can they?

Chapters 22–23

1. Reverend Martin says Luther can be cured of his lycanthropy and find salvation—“not only salvation in the sense of some future heavenly kingdom, but salvation today.” What does he mean?

2. “When someone says he loves you, you need not always ask why. Sometimes it is enough to know that he does.” Does this mean God’s love for humans can’t be explained, only accepted? How does this relate to salvation by faith?

3. What did you think about Luther’s father sacrificing himself for his son? Would you take a bullet (or an arrow) for someone you love? How about for someone you hated? Who would take one for you?

Interlude

1. How does Luther know his father loves him?

2. When the burning man asks Luther, “Do you believe?” why does Luther say belief is “too easy”? Do you agree with him?

3. How does belief being “too easy” relate to the burning man’s requirement that Luther give up everything to follow him?

4. If someone asked you to give up everything, what would be the hardest thing to surrender? What would you want to hold back?

5. The burning man and Luther’s father both say, “Unless a seed fall to the ground and die, it cannot live.” This is a paraphrase of John 12:24, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Why is this message important enough to be repeated? How does it apply to Luther’s struggle with lycanthropy?

Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

Chapters 24–26

1. What is the significance of Luther’s new scar?

2. Have you ever been tempted to think of your faith as “fire insurance”? Why do our deeds still matter if faith is what saves us?

3. Describe your beliefs about the image of God in humanity. What does it mean to be “made in the image of God”? Do our evil actions remove that image or just tarnish it? Is it possible to restore it? How?

4. If you were in Clarissa’s position, would you have done the same thing she did? If you were in Luther’s position, how would you have reacted to Clarissa’s news?

Chapters 27–28

1. How are newborn Christians like newborn babies?

2. When Matt folds up his mad scientist’s lab coat and puts it in his trophy box, what is he really doing? What do you need to leave in your own trophy box?

3. Why does Luther tie his wolf skin back on?

4. How is a baptism ceremony like a wedding ceremony?

5. Like Luther, do you ever focus too much on the “how” of salvation, forgiveness, the Second Coming,

6. etc., instead of just grabbing on to those things and holding tight? What questions would you most like to have answered? Do you feel it’s okay to not know all the answers?

7. Read 1 John 1:5-7, the passage Luther’s father reads at the end of the baptism. Why is following Jesus described as “walking in the light”? How can leaving the darkness and walking in the light “make us human”?

Summary Questions

1. Why do children like to sleep with a night-light? Why does Jesus call himself “the light of the world” (John 8:12)?

2. Did this book challenge you or make you uncomfortable? What questions did it raise in your mind?

3. What was your favorite scene in the story? Go back and reread it. Then discuss why that moment resonated with you.

4. How would you explain the book’s overall message or bottom line?

5. Read the “Are You a Monster?” guide in the back of the book. Which monsters sound familiar? Have you seen them in person? Do any of the monsters remind you of yourself?

Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

Bonus Discussion Questions

Introduction

1. How does Luther define a “true monster”? According to this definition, do monsters exist? Do you agree with his definition, or would you change it at all?

Chapter 1
1. Matt repeatedly denies the existence of monsters, saying “there’s no such thing as ____.” Have you ever denied a problem existed rather than dealing with it? Why can this be a dangerous tactic?

2. When coming face-to-face with monsters in his neighborhood, what surprises Matt about them? How do stereotypes play a role in our first impressions of people? When is this good? When can this be a problem?

3. Where is Matt’s secret lair? Do you have a place where you go to get away and “hatch secret plans” (p. 13)?

Chapter 2
1. Do you think it’s ever okay to intervene in a family argument? Why or why not? Does it make a difference if children are involved?

Chapter 3
1. The zombies that attack Matt and his friends aren’t exactly typical monster-movie zombies. How are they different? What do they want?

2. When Matt says he feels “less like an adult” around his high school friend Lara, what do you think he means? How do you feel around friends who have known you for years?

Chapter 4
1. According to Hibbs, Jen is “just a computer program,” but according to Dr. Culbetron, she is Hibbs’ “secret shopper.” Who/what do you think Jen really is?

2. How do you feel about Matt’s trophy box? Why do you think Matt is so proud of the objects inside?

3. What does Matt mean when he says that everyone has mutations? In your opinion, do these make people monsters? If not, what does make a monster?

4. Do you think Matt is qualified to be a monster hunter?

Chapter 5
1. What was Matt’s “new and ingenious” plan?

2. When Matt sees his neighbor’s sign that says “No Halloween Here, Happy Reformation Day!” he concludes that his neighbor is a Lutheran. Is this a logical conclusion?

Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

Interlude
1. “There is a part of me that pities those who say the wolf must be tamed” (p. 40). Can you identify with this feeling?
2. Why does the werewolf ask Matt for help? If you were in his situation, where would you go for help?

Chapter 6
1. “I know far too many Christians who are worse men as Christians than they were as pagans” (p. 46). Based on your own experience with Christians, do you agree or disagree with this statement? How would you respond to Luther?

Chapter 7
1. What is the story behind Luther Martin’s name? How much power do you think a name has in life?
2. Matt tells Luther, “If one church isn’t working for you, find another one. Or make your own.” He calls this “our proud Protestant tradition” (p. 51). What does Matt mean by this? Do you agree?

Interlude
1. “The male creature is singularly unfit for fatherhood” (p. 57). What do you think Luther means and why might he think this?
2. Luther says he does not hate his father, but rather that he is indifferent toward him. Have you ever felt this kind of apathy toward somebody, perhaps even a family member? What circumstances led you to feel that way?

Chapter 8
1. What’s wrong with the way the two men at the church resolved their theological argument? What’s the difference between lively debates and idle quarrels? How do you handle religious arguments?
2. Have you ever been in a church that was strange or eerie? What about it made you feel uncomfortable?

Chapter 9
1. Have you ever been in a church that emphasized one aspect above all others, such as intellectual growth, sacrificial giving, music/drama, community outreach, etc.? What were the benefits of this? What were the downsides?

Chapter 10
1. What do you think of Dr. Bokor’s reasoning that “undead” is synonymous with “resurrected”? What about his claim that unthinking zombies are protected from many sins?
2. Bokor’s song says, “Jesus wants my brain, not my heart” (p. 74). When it comes to spiritual matters, do you focus more on your heart or your brain? Why? How can you take steps toward focusing more on both?

Chapter 11
1. How does Matt know the zombie in the parking lot is only half-dead? Why does Matt want to help save him?

Interlude
1. Do you agree that “man-made tools cannot change the basic nature of a human being” (p. 79)? Why or why not?
2. Why doesn’t Luther want to be called a Christian? Do you think he makes a good point?

Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

Chapter 12
1. Have you ever met people who were “infected” by a belief, either philosophical or religious? How was their belief contagious?
2. How can you fight being “infected” by the wrong beliefs?
3. “Sometimes the most helpful thing is helping someone else” (p. 86). In your experience, does this approach work? Give an example.

Chapter 13
1. When Matt says, “I’m home all the time,” his daughter, Zoey, responds, “It doesn’t seem like you’re home all the time” (p. 89). What do you think she means? How would you respond if a family member said this to you?
2. Why do you think Luther’s wife, Clarissa, called to warn Matt? Was Luther correct in thinking she did it “to get under his skin” (p. 90)?

Chapter 14
1. Luther reveals to Lara that he has been a werewolf his entire life. Does this surprise you? How does this affect your feelings about Luther’s condition?
2. What good news does Lara give Luther about his condition? How does she know this?

Chapter 15
1. How do you feel after reading Lara’s description of her ex-husband, Jake, and his treatment of her? What emotions do you feel toward Jake and toward Lara?
2. What were Jake’s last words? What would you want your last words to be?
3. What does Lara mean when she says, “Dead is easier than undead” (p. 102)? Do you agree with her?

Chapter 16
1. Lara tells Matt that she is still a vampire when she needs to be. Why does she say that? Does that mean she can never be completely cured?
2. Do you think there are certain conditions that are too serious to be treated with behavioral modification? If someone has a spiritual problem, can a psychologist be just as helpful as a pastor? How do you decide who is better equipped to help?

Chapter 17
1. Lara says that destroying the monster in her is “simple, but not easy” (p. 114). What does she mean? Do you think this is true?
2. How are vampires a “mockery of God” as Lara suggests (p. 114)? 
3. Lara argues that the vampirism of selfishness is evident in industries that use cheap labor to sell goods to the rich. Do you agree with her? She also asks, “Who is the vampire? The manufacturer? The stores that sell the product? You, the consumer?” (p. 116). How would you answer that?

Chapter 18
1. Who does Clarissa leave their daughter with? Why does this anger Luther?
2. Why does Clarissa leave the gun with Luther?
3. What symbolism do you see in Matt’s dream?

Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

Interlude
1. What Christian concept does Luther find offensive? Why?
2. Explain the analogy Luther uses about the anthill. What is his point? Describe this idea in your own words.
3. Luther says that “the fact of the human condition is that we are all more the villain than the hero” (p. 130). Do you agree? How do you see this play out in your own life?

Chapter 19
1. What is Matt’s take on the phrase, “Oh, that’s not like me” (p. 136)? How often do you find yourself using those words? Do you agree with Matt’s point?
2. Matt describes how he wants to show Luther the difference between zombified Christianity and the “real, vibrant, overflowing life” he has found in Christ. Give some examples of people you know who fall into both camps. What do they act like?

Chapter 20
1. If there was a real Clockwork Project, which famous person from history would you choose to speak with? What questions would you ask?

Chapter 21
1. When debating which Bible version to use, Hibbs makes the point that all the translations are Scriptures and can be used for different purposes. Why do you think many people get attached to only one translation? Do you have a favorite Bible translation? Why or why not?

Chapter 22
1. Based on Luther’s description of his father, did you expect Reverend Martin to act differently than he did?
2. Reverend Martin says Luther can be cured of his lycanthropy and find salvation, “not only salvation in the sense of some future Heavenly Kingdom, but salvation today” (p. 156). What does he mean?
3. Luther complains that many Christians aren’t any different from their neighbors, aside from their “insufferable arrogance” (p. 157). Do you agree that this is a common problem among today’s Christians? Why or why not? How can Christians avoid falling into this trap?
4. Do you feel Luther was justified in calling his father a traitor?

Chapter 23
1. Reverend Martin says that Luther “used the church as an excuse not to come to Christ.” Have you heard people say they won’t go to church because it’s full of hypocrites? What other reasons do they give?
2. Is love enough to overcome the church’s shortcomings? How can you help reach out to people like Luther who have been hurt by church leaders in the past?

Interlude
1. Have you ever had a complete reversal in your feelings toward someone? What caused the change? Was it something they did or something you did?
2. Describe the burning man. What power does he have over Luther? What is the cost for Luther to follow him? Do you think it is worth it?

Night of the Living Dead Christian
Matt Mikalatos

Chapter 24
1. Why is Luther still hesitant to go see his father?
2. Luther now has two reminders of his encounter with the burning man. What are those two reminders? How do you think they will affect Luther in the future?

Chapter 25
1. Lara says Matt has “all the classic signs” (p. 180) of being a mad scientist. Why do you think Matt didn’t notice these signs in himself earlier?
2. What’s wrong with how Robert seeks answers from a spiritual leader, such as Dr. Bokor or Matt? Aren’t we supposed to trust our pastors and mentors and follow their teachings?
3. Reread p. 112 where Robert quotes James 2:24. How does that verse relate to living a transformed life?
4. Have you ever had a moment of epiphany similar to Matt’s experience at the symphony? What was it like? When you feel most connected and at peace with those around you, where does that connection come from?

Chapter 26
1. What service does Luther’s father perform in this chapter? Why do you think Luther asked him to do it?
2. What does Clarissa mean when she tells Luther, “After all these years, you’ve finally changed, but I have too” (p. 192)?

Chapter 27
1. Where is Jesus’ only mention of being “born again” found in Scripture? Why is this significant?
2. “It’s not all wonderful. It’s worth it, but it’s not wonderful” (p. 197). What does Luther mean? Have you ever felt this way about your faith? Or about something else? When something is hard and painful, why is it still “worth it”?

Chapter 28
1. What does Luther’s dad say that reminds Luther of his conversation with the burning man? What do these moments have in common?
2. What does the book’s last sentence mean? 

Summary Questions
1. This book includes vampires, werewolves, mad scientists, and zombies. What made each of them monsters? Which kind of monster do you relate to most? Why?
2. In chapter 25, Matt says that sometimes we focus so much on our sinfulness that we forget we are also created in God’s image. Do you agree with this? How can we balance these two ideas? Should we focus more on one than the other?
3. The book explores the biblical concept that faith without works is dead. What can you do in your life to take steps towards becoming more alive and more human? What is God’s role in this transformation? What is our role?
 

Notes