The Power of Small Choices: A Lent Course

Hilary Brand looks at the power of the small choices we make on a daily basis and the role of faith in enabling or inhibiting choice. Many of us feel that our lives are very small. It is for others to make the big statements, the noble sacrifices, the grand gestures of faith. But within our humdrum lives lie a million small choices – any one of which could have huge consequences for ourselves, for those around us, and for the world. In this lively and thought-provoking course, Hilary Brand looks at the power of the small choices we make on a daily basis. She looks at what science and contemporary culture have to say about notions of freedom and responsibility, and the role of faith in enabling or inhibiting choice. She then applies this to the human scale, focusing on real life examples of people who have made a difference through the choices they have made. Group sessions are structured around examination of two films, The Shawshank Redemption and Babette’s Feast, which serve to highlight how choice can be exercised even in the most limited of circumstances. The course provides weekly session which include video extracts, questions and further readings to help stimulate discussion. The course also includes notes for leaders, and an outline to help structure each session.