Fire is both a life-giving and a destructive force in this world, albeit certainly more destructive. How does fire, or the threat of fire, shape people’s destinies in Parable of the Sower?

Throughout the course of this book, Lauren Olamina is developing her own religion—one that focuses on the idea that “God is Change” but that people shape God and not the other way around. What do you understand her religion to be about, and how did her environment shape her philosophy? Is it a good framework by which to survive in this world?

Bankole believes that such a straightforward idea of religion won’t work, that religion must be more “mystical,” “comforting,” and ambiguous to truly catch on. Do you think this is true? How do religions take hold, and what makes them so appealing to so many people?