M.L.S. Weech's Blog, page 36

Musings on Christianity 42

The Choice That Ultimately Determines Other Choices

We’re approaching a discussion on what is expressly forbidden by the word of God. That is where the rubber essentially meets the road. One can not truly discuss Christianity without eventually discussing those things that are expressly forbidden.

Before I begin considering this matter, I must first take a step back and ask why any organization would need rules. It seems silly for me to have to do this, but it is actually necessary.  You see, when a college star joins the NFL, he agrees to follow the NFL Code of Conduct. No one blinks.  When a young person decides to join the military, they swear to uphold the Constitution and obey the Uniform Code of Military Justice. No one blinks. My point is that people freely join groups, and they accept the boundaries that group places on them. When one decides to work somewhere, there are rules and policies in place that everyone at that place of business is required to follow. No one blinks.

But ask a Christian what is right in accordance to their faith, and suddenly people climb out of the wood work to talk about how right or wrong these rules are. I won’t deny that some people who claim to be Christian make this situation more difficult. This is because the Bible doesn’t exactly have a long list of expressed sins. It really doesn’t! I’m not even talking about those sins that are currently hot debates in today’s society. I’m currently talking about people adding to faith, which ironically is a sin in and of itself. That’s right. Adding to the word of God is a sin, so anyone who adds a burden to the faith that isn’t expressly forbidden by the word of God is actually a violation of the word of God.

It frustrates me when people try to use my faith as a platform to push their own agenda. It’s ugly. A Christian’s primary duty is to love God. Then there are those who seek to be God’s avenger. God doesn’t need an avenger. Vengeance belongs to him. He’s perfectly capable of meting out justice, and He’s even ordained the day when he will separate the saved from the damned. I don’t have any business punishing people for what they do. However, those God places in authority are responsible for upholding the law. God granted them full authority to judge and prosecute offenders. He ordained this in Exodus and confirmed this ordinance in Romans (among other sections of the Bible).

I’m just a guy, so it’s not my job to judge anyone—except myself and my family. This is because I am the head of my family, and I am responsible for my own actions. No, I won’t attempt to punish anyone who violates an expressed Biblical command unless that person is a member of my family, and even then, just as God has granted me mercy through Christ, I too may be merciful if I deem it appropriate. Any parent can punish a child for, say, not doing homework. Or a parent could simply rebuke the child and leave it there. This is an example of my point.

When I sin, sometimes my wife (or another brother or sister in Christ) lovingly rebukes my sin. It’s never fun, but I respect those rebukes because I respect the faith. People sometimes balk, and rightly so, at some of the “rules” churches put on their congregation. For me, the rules a church has should be based on the word of God and nothing else. This is one reason I love my church so much. It takes Biblical discipline very seriously. It’s also very careful what rules it enforces.

What might scare some people is that some organizations have rules and forces others to follow them. They’re called cults. But there is a difference between a cult, which seeks to dominate and possess people, and any other sane organization. A cult seeks to possess and own. I can leave my church tomorrow, and nothing would change except the place in which I choose to worship. Even Christ gave people the choice. They could choose to follow Him or not.

What happens, however, is that even non Christians understand the implication of those words. Christians, as I mentioned in an earlier chapter, believe that Christ is the only way to Heaven. Therefore, those who don’t follow Christ aren’t going. It’s as simple as that.

If I’m wrong, I’m doomed anyway, and what does it do to anyone else? I’ve mentioned this several times, so it’s time to look at it from another perspective.

Ultimately every person must decide what he or she believes. Is Christianity right or wrong? One must choose.

Those who choose Christianity is wrong can do whatever it is they want. They can choose another religion, but they must then submit to the rules of that religion. One day, we’ll die and figure out who was right. My point is, if one decides Christianity is wrong, they are completely at liberty to do whatever it is they decide to do within the confines of the civilization in which they live. Of course, no American is free to walk around murdering people. That’s against the laws of this nation. But they may choose to do things that violate Christian law so long as it doesn’t violate state or federal law. 

If they’re wrong, they’re doomed just as I am doomed if I am wrong.

Those people who choose Christianity is wrong may simply choose to follow no religion at all. They can do whatever is right in their own eyes. They’re still at the mercy of the state and federal laws of wherever they live, but the rest is a decision they hold the right to choose.

If they’re wrong, they’re doomed just as I am doomed if I am wrong.

Those who choose Christianity is right must then submit to the rules established by God’s word. How can one say, “I truly believe Christ is the only way into Heaven,” and then do things Christ expressly forbids? The one who makes this choice must realize and accept that following Him is a decision they’ve already made.

That creates a lot of pressure from one point of view, but we remember that Christ isn’t just our master. He’s also our advocate. When we sin, just as any sin must be paid for, we can realized that Christ has already paid for that sin. When we’re tempted, we can turn to Christ for strength because He also was tempted (see Matthew Chapter 4). Even when we fail, we can still turn to Him for mercy and forgiveness because He understands what it means to be tempted. We don’t sin without remorse because we want to be like Him, but we rejoice in his forgiveness because He has paid for our sins and speaks on our behalf with the Father.

All of this is only relevant if one chooses Christianity as their faith. That single choice demands the rest of these ideals also be accepted.

If Christianity is wrong, Christians are doomed just as others are doomed if they are wrong.

I have to establish this before I can discus other, more emotionally charged, topics. If you are one who passionately believes Christianity is wrong, then the rules of a Christian life are naturally going to be equally abhorrent to you. But if one takes a step back and says, “He’s a Christian, so he’s going to believe these things,” one can choose to either listen for understanding or walk away because they already know they disagree with the principle any Christian should stand on.

However, if one chooses Christianity is right, then those things Christ expressly forbids must be accepted and avoided.

I don’t know how many atheists really balk at Christian values. I really don’t. But I’ve seen plenty of Christians argue over Biblical law. That’s the thing I don’t understand. If you don’t want to follow Christian laws, then don’t be a Christian. I’m not casting anyone out of anything. I’m not “kicking you out” of the club or “turning my back” on you.

Two people sit down to a game of cards. The game goes on for a while until a man makes a play that’s illegal.

“You can’t do that,” the first man says.

“Why not?” the opponent asks.

“Because it’s against the rules,” the first man explains.

“That rule is stupid! I’m not playing anymore.”  The opponent gets up and leaves.

Anyone who chooses a way of life must then live in accordance to that way. In this, Christianity isn’t any different. No one is forcing anyone to be Christian, not even Christ. However, anyone who chooses to do anything must do so in accordance to the rules.

Just like that game of cards above, the rules to Christianity are in a very-easily located rule book, The Bible. You can read it and decide you want to do what it says (as well as any fleshly person can), or you can read it and decide you don’t want to do what it says.

Again, that is the first choice that determines every other choice. But if people can simply understand that is the most important choice, maybe they could at least accept those differences and live in peace.

I’m a Christian. I’m going to vote in accordance to my faith. I’m going to raise my children in accordance to my faith. I’m going to treat my wife in accordance to my faith. I’m going to work in accordance to my faith. I’m not perfect. I’m going to make mistakes. So I have fellow Christians who can guide and correct me when I make a mistake just as anyone I play cards with might remind me of a rule I have to follow. They don’t do this so that my game is less fun. They do this so that I can keep playing.

The guy at work who comes to me and reminds me I should be working isn’t trying to ruin my life. He’s trying to keep me from getting into trouble or even getting fired.

The same is true of Christianity. Discipline, which is training, not punishment, isn’t to hurt the individual, it’s to help them. The more we remember that, the more we appreciate those who keep us in line.

For our panel: Why is it people are so passionate about debating what Christians should and shouldn’t do? Why are some people so ready to claim to be Christians and yet still so unwilling to obey clearly-expressed laws of God? Can people have it both ways? Can people say they’re Christian and still do whatever the feel is right? Why not? Are Christian rules put in place to control us or make our lives miserable?

Good Books or Bad Sermons?

Greetings all,

First, I’m sorry for missing Wednesday. Honestly, the wife and I spent the week moping over our sons being away on vacation. I’ll have a review ready for you all on time next Wednesday.

[image error]The cover for this book was taken from its Amazon buy page for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine.

I was reading narratives today, and I noticed a trend that I see even in some of the greats. Some writers tend to get a bit preachy. I don’t know that I argue anyone who says I do this on occasion either.

I think any writer has the right to write in a way that supports things they believe in. It’s not something I actively do too much, but it happens.

However, some writers focus on their philosophy or beliefs, and that leaves the reader to slog through thousands of words that have way more to do with the author’s views than the character’s growth or development.

The comparison I’d like to make is the difference between Speaker for the Dead and Children of the Mind, both by Orson Scott Card. 

Speaker for the Dead is a wonderful book and by far my favorite in the series. Everything that happens in that story is related to the characters and how the choices they make affect each other. Yes, it’s clear the view Card has, but it’s far more about the characters than the author.

Children of the Mind, I feel, is the complete opposite of that. I remember reading that story and feeling like the story came to a screeching halt so I could read a commentary on philosophical principles.

Now, Card is one of the great science fiction writers of our generation. He can do whatever he wants, and my opinions won’t affect his life at all.

While I feel those introspective tangents drag down stories that would otherwise be amazing, it doesn’t mean the technique is “bad.”

[image error]The cover for this book was taken from its Amazon buy page for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine.

I don’t hide from my beliefs. Some of them are obvious in my writing. However, not everything I write is a reflection of my beliefs. I do, however, have to challenge myself to make sure I’m not committing the same offense. Every writer puts a tiny piece of himself into his characters. The trick is not to overwhelm the fictional character with a personal agenda (unless of course that is your goal).

Ayn Rand was very objective in her writing, and she’s studied in high schools and universities around the world. There is an audience for such writing. Some people absolutely look for writing that supports their beliefs.

The question I pose to this community is this: Does political or philosophical agendas have a place in general fiction?

I think it depends on the author. The reason I noted Card is that his books seemed to progress from stories with plots that lean toward an agenda (Ender’s Game) to agendas with a few story-driven interludes (Children). That shift felt odd to me. I probably wouldn’t have read the rest of the series if Ender’s Game was structured the same way. I honestly only finished Children because I had already invested so much into the saga.

That said, I’d probably read a sequel if it came out. I’ve seen a lot of books from that world, but to my knowledge an actual sequel isn’t out. If it is, let me know.

So I leave this as an opening to what I hope becomes a discussion on the matter. What are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading,

Matt

Musings on Christianity 41

Do We Have to Suffer?

In the last chapter, I talked about how we can endure suffering. But that leads to the question of our need to suffer.

I’m aware of a few viewpoints on this. Dr. John McArthur said, “God wants you to suffer,” in his book, Found, God’s Will.

I’ll admit I wanted to reject that statement, but I thought about it in a few different ways. I’m respectfully not wiling to go so far as to say what God wants is the suffering for its own sake, but I know that God wants us to follow Him, and in this world of sin and judgement, that path will lead to suffering.

Thus far in my reading of Acts, Paul has been stoned, beaten with rods, imprisoned, and beaten by a mob, and this was all after he was blinded by Christ’s radiance in his conversion.

Then there is our Savior Christ, who suffered, bled, and died on the cross for our sins. If we are to be like Christ, must not we pick up our cross and follow him( Matthew 16:24)? Does that not necessarily mean we must suffer?

However, this might lead people to make themselves suffer or foolishly place themselves in harm’s way in a misguided effort to please God, and that’s not the same thing.

Those who live a life dedicated to Christ are indeed going to suffer. They suffer in a fleshly way because they deny themselves temptations others may delight in. This discipline honors God because it shows we’re willing to choose Him over temptation.

Christians suffer for their faith. There are a lot of causes for this. Sometimes my faith is insulted because of something people claiming to be Christian do or say, and sometimes it’s because of some very well-known Christian views on sex, gender, abortion, and marriage. There are people who passionately disagree with these views and aren’t shy about how they express that. I personally don’t see the point in debating the issue. I think what I think, and I don’t expect I’ll change someone else’s opinion. They think what they think, and I’m not going to sow discord or anger over an issue where I’m not going to change someone’s mindset. But it hurts seeing those “witty” “Christians are stupid because” posts I see on social media every day.

To date, while I’ve absolutely suffered, I wouldn’t say I’ve suffered for the sake of Christ per-se. I haven’t been accosted or beaten. I haven’t been insulted or spat on. So does that mean I’m being disobedient to God? I think this is what causes a lot of confusion with people.

I don’t want to over think it. I’m positive that today’s troubles are sufficient for themselves (Matthew 6:34). So my theory remains. I think a person truly seeking God will inevitably suffer for their faith. How we endure that suffering is an opportunity to glorify God. I think that human beings, regardless of their faith, are going to suffer.

Twice since this book began, I’ve been exposed to COVID-19, and twice, thanks be to God and Gis mercy, I have been protected and free from that disease. For any thinking to misread that and say that no “Christians” catch COVID, that’s not what I said. If I did catch the disease, that would also be God’s sovereign will, and that would have been an opportunity to glorify Him. I’m not asserting that “Christians won’t catch COVID;” I’m only giving the glory to Him for protecting me and my family to this date.

My mother passed away. I’ve been separated from people I love for short and long periods, and periods that haven’t even ended yet. Suffering comes to us all, and this is because of sin. The curse of sin brought pain, suffering, and death to this world. All of that stems from our father Adam, who disobeyed God’s one command. His disobedience led to our curse.

It was Christ, the second Adam, who’s obedience grants us our salvation. That salvation is possible because Christ chose to lay His life down for us (John 10:18). He accepted that suffering for us, so when suffering comes in our lives, we endure it for His sake.

For our panel: Does God truly want us to suffer or is it just an inevitable part of life we face when we live as Christians? What parts of scripture prove or disprove this? If we are indeed supposed to suffer are we then supposed to seek that suffering? What is the reason for suffering (We know the cause is Sin, but for what reasons)? What do we gain from suffering?

I Got The Edits Back on Betrayed! I Have Some Work to Do

Greetings all,

[image error]I’m happy to report I got my developmental edits back for Betrayed from Sara. That means there’s a lot of work to do. This was probably among the more disappointing sets of revisions I’ve had in a while. That doesn’t mean that 1) Sara was mean or 2) she hated the story. It just means there are some developmental issues to work out. Sara is paid to be honest and constructive, and she’s earned her money this time around.

I’m not entirely surprised  in this regard. This is my first trilogy, and I expect the middle books to be challenging. I have to balance pace with development, and most of the things I have to address are in that regard.

In my last update post, I said I wasn’t sure whether I was going to finish Discovered or get right to work on Betrayed. Honestly, I’ve been struggling to get to the computer for the last few days. My expectation is I’ll be getting to work on Monday, and when I do, I’ll be attacking Betrayed.  I hope that before that, Sara and I can talk about things a bit more and ensure we’re on the same page. That depends on her schedule. I might plug a bit more time into Discovered while I wait for a chance to talk with Sara more, but I do intend to get the developmental draft of Betrayed done as soon as I can. I hope those revisions to wrap up by September. I’m feeling like Betrayed will be much closer to early 2021 than 2020, but Discovered should be close on its heels.

Thank you all for your support and your interest. I want to make sure I keep everyone up to speed on what I’m doing because I want readers to be a part of all of this. My hope is these little updates are informative and that they help you get excited about these stories. They are coming.

Thanks for reading,

Matt

Story Review: The Hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst from Unfettered II

 

 

[image error]Cover for Unfettered II taken from its Amazon buy page for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine.

Spoiler Free Summary:  The Hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst is the twelfth story in the Unfettered II Anthology.  Hannah’s visit to the hedgewitch for charms to protect herself from the spirits that attack the village turns into something much larger. What will she do when the duty to protect people becomes her duty? How will she handle that task?

Character:  Hannah is a decent enough character, and there is a bit of an arc here despite being a shorter story. Hannah is competent, but not very proactive. That is a plot point. active, which is always a plus. I can’t say I really bonded with them, but they held my attention. 

Exposition: This story’s exposition is solid. There’s some worldbuilding going on, and that always requires a degree of exposition. The only down side is that exposition is front loaded, so the story may be hard to get into for some, but if you’re patient, you’re in for a pretty nice story. 

Worldbuilding: This felt a lot like the Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett. It’s nice in that the concept is similar (nature-based creatures attack and kill humans), but I felt like the concept was too similar. Swap out a little boy with a little girl, and the general premise isn’t changed all that much. That doesn’t mean this story isn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it creates a comparison. For the record, anyone trying to compete with that story is at an unfair disadvantage. For all I know, Brett’s story started after this one came out (I really don’t know). Regardless of which followed which, Brett’s was far better. If you haven’t read either, I think you’ll love this story. If you’ve read the Demon Cycle, you might feel like this is just falls short. That’s interesting to note. Look, there are not original ideas, but we authors have to work very hard to provide some twist or angle that makes a story unique, and I didn’t find it in this one.

[image error]Image of Durst was taken from her website for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine. 

Dialogue: This was ok, but I’m not sure I was able to buy some of the conversation points and how things progressed. It wasn’t bad or wooden, but there was a lot of talking leading to thinking, and that sort of felt like Hannah was simply doing what she was told rather than growing. This is most notable during one particular scene. Outside of that scene, the dialogue was pretty sparse, which is why I remember that part so vividly.  

Description: This may be the strength of the story. The author does a great job providing vivid scenes. The description is probably better for locations than people, but I still had some great visual and audible cues for the characters.  

Overall: This is a good story. It’s a much cleaner (age appropriate) story than Demon Cycle. It’s a pretty nice set up for what would be an interesting longer story. It’s a nice glimpse into an interesting world. 

Thanks for reading

Matt

 

Musings on Christianity 40

Should We Avoid Trials?

These are challenging times we live in to say the least. I just learned July 15, 2020, that I have again been exposed to COVID-19. If I were hearing about a person being quarantined for the second time, I probably would have thought something crass like, “What is that guy doing?” or “Why is that guy putting himself at risk?”

The answer to both questions is my job. I and the other people who serve the government and a few other occupations must do our jobs. We’ve been trying to telework as much as possible. The good news is that the person with whom I came in contact was wearing a mask, and so was I. We made an effort to be socially distant, so all of us involved have a degree of confidence that these measures were enough to protect us. More importantly, we (both of us are believers in Christ) know that God’s will is always done.

And that statement brings up some interesting thoughts to ponder. If God’s will is always done, should we even bother? If God’s will is always done, should we ever be afraid? 

The answer to the second question is simple: no. We shouldn’t be anxious (Philippians 4:6). God is sovereign. He rules over this world with a vision and wisdom that can’t be understood or reasoned out (Romans 11:33). This doesn’t mean we won’t face trials. If Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, God in the flesh, had to face persecution, humiliation, and death on a cross, we will absolutely face trials. All of us will die one day.

The reason, however, we should not be anxious is that because our ends on this earth are not our ends. Christ died but was raised again, without even seeing corruption (Acts 2:27).  Those who believe in Christ will see bodily death, but, as Christ is, so shall we also be resurrected on the chosen day.

Still, this doesn’t mean we should needlessly put ourselves at risk. Putting ourselves in needless danger and saying, “I don’t need to worry because I’m Christian,” is nothing more than putting God to the test, which we should also never do (Deuteronomy 6:16). I went into work because that was my job. In faith I submitted to my boss as we should submit to those above us (Romans 13:1-7). But I wore a mask, and I kept my distance, which are also instructions we have in place at work.

The balance, I believe is walking in faith and wisdom. Too often I’ve heard people saying something like, “If God wants me to be sick, I’m going to be sick,” or “If God doesn’t want me to be sick, I won’t be.” Well, God’s will is sovereign, but God doesn’t want us testing him. He wants us to be good stewards of what He’s entrusted to us. Among those entrusted things are our lives and bodies.

So what happens when we are truly afraid? What happens when we know we’re not only going to be in danger, but we’re going to be hurt or harmed in some way?

I’m reading Acts 15-21 at the moment. I think there is an example to follow when walking by faith requires suffering. Regarding suffering, I do not affirm that walking by faith always requires suffering. I do, however, believe that those who walk by faith will at some point inevitably face suffering. In this case, Paul was planing to return to Jerusalem. He knew that’s what he had to do, and he knew he was going to be imprisoned and afflicted (Acts 20:22-23). 

I see a few things to note that I hope to share with you as I face this trial.

First: When you truly believe what you are doing is what God wants, you must move forward even when there is risk. This was true of Paul who went to Jerusalem. This is true of the service member who goes into combat. This is true of the doctors who care for the ill. Only, in Paul’s case, there was no doubt of what he was going to face. He knew, if not exactly, he was going to suffer. The rest on this list only accept the increased risk. They have some hope that they will come through their trials unharmed. What matters is, they all move forward, doing what they know should be done.

I still think people should be cautious. Paul was an Apostle chosen by Christ. He received divine revelation. The rest of us don’t have that luxury. I’d advise anyone about to take a risk to seek guidance. The service member going into combat or the doctor in the hospital is doing their job. That, again, is a responsibility of their job, and a duty they must accept. These are simple situations, and we live in a much more complex world. I just want people to be aware that every time they think “this must be what God wants” isn’t actually always what God wants. For those more complex times, prayer and Bible study are important. Talking with pastors and mentors is important.

Second: When you truly believe what you are doing is what God wants, don’t complain. Paul did the opposite. He acknowledged the risk. He declared what he was facing, but he didn’t waiver. In stead, he said something truly powerful: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself (Acts 20:24). He wanted to finish his course.

Paul prioritized doing what God wants above even his own life and well being. That’s an amazing concept! How could one be willing to do that unless they were filled with faith. Even if Paul were to be killed, he would have been called into Heaven and eternal glory. If these promises are assured us in the future, what catastrophe could possibly frighten us on this Earth? 

I’m not suffering any symptoms. I feel fine. I honestly hope I’ve again been protected from this virus. But I’m worried. This chapter convicts me to set that worry aside. I have a long way to go in my walk of faith. My pastor has cancer, and he still works to study, preach, and teach the word of God. I want to lie in bed and eat soup if I have a cold. What this second observation does is convict me to keep walking, without complaint.

Third: When you truly believe what you are doing is what God wants, don’t change how you walk. In this segment of the book of Acts, we see Paul about to face pain, and maybe death. Who’d begrudge Paul a bit of distraction? Who’d be upset if he let a few things slip? We all have off days, right? But in this very segment, Paul declares his impending trial and walks without complaint. Then, he immediately goes back to what he’d been doing before. He teaches his disciples. He spends a measly two verses (two literal sentences) stating he’s about to go to Jerusalem and be afflicted. He says goodbye to his friends (verse 25). Then he offers testimony of what he had been doing (verses 26-28).  Then he offers his teaching. He was a teacher before his trial came, and when his trail became imminent, he continued to be the man he was by the grace of God.

He does again offer more testimony about himself (verses 32-35), but I feel that was more in comparison to the the people Paul knew would try to take advantage of his absence by pulling people away.

This pattern repeated itself in Acts 21:10-14. I think the repetition of this pattern is important, especially when it comes one after another. (Repetition in the Bible should always demand closer study and contemplation.)  Again, Paul walked forward in faith even after someone literally demonstrated how Paul would be bound (Acts 21:11).  Again Paul doesn’t complain. In fact, he asks his friends to support him rather than mourn for him (verse 13). His friends even tried to convince him not to go, but he knew what he had to do. Even after a second, more vivid warning, Paul walked as he had been walking since he was called.

When I got the call to tell me I needed to quarantine again, I didn’t handle it as well as Paul. I didn’t handle it as poorly as others might (if I may indulge in a little self defense). But my heart was filled with worry for about two days. I prayed and talked to my wife. What changed was my perspective on the events leading up to the quarantine. I was doing my job, a job I love, a job God blessed me to have. My sons are always watching me (which should convict me far more than it currently does). How I handle this situation will be an example for them. How do I want them to handle trials? How do I want them to face going to school if that happens? I hope they’ll be more like Paul than I was.

I get tested on Monday, and until then I should walk as God calls me to walk. I should walk by faith, doing the things I know God wants me to do: Love my wife. Pray. Study the Word. Raise my sons in God’s discipline and instruction. Bear fruit. Be loving.

I hope these words help you when you face your trials.

For our panel: Why do people tend to forget God’s promises when trials arise? Does being anxious immediately imply a lack of salvation? What do we do when we’re anxious even when we know we shouldn’t be? How do we gain the courage to walk by faith and in accordance to God’s teaching when trials arrive? What are some other things we should do when we realize a trial (no matter how difficult) is coming?

Writing Update: How are things going?

Greetings all,

Even by my standards, I’ve been behind in my social media updates. Plus, it’s been a little while since I gave an update on the projects I’m working on.  This felt like a good time.

[image error]Betrayed: Book Two of the Oneiros Log is still with Sara. I’m still not sure if I’ll jump on this when she sends her feedback of if I’ll finish this draft of Discovered first. The further along I get in that draft, the more likely I’ll finish that before I start revisions on Betrayed. I’m still hopeful for a 2020 release on that, but there are just so many factors that go into it these days. This is still my primary writing project though.

Discovered:  I’m all but 50% through the discovery draft of the last Oneiros Log book. It’ll be the first saga I finish and publish, so that’s super exciting! I expect things to slow down just a bit since I’m in the real meat of the plot. Things can expand and contract too as I draft this story. We meet at least five new characters in this, and I’m working to make sure the plot lines are well woven.  I’m pretty happy with how this draft is going. I am aware of a few things that’ll need work in revision, but I think this is a nice start.  It’s currently about 35,000 words. That feels a bit short to me. I anticipate the complete story to be somewhere around 90,000. One reason for this is because my percentages are based on chapters written rather than word count. It’ll definitely be the largest book in the trilogy (or quadrilogy if you count Kaitlyn’s little outrigger story, Repressed). But all of these stories were meant to be fast-paced pop-corn movie type books.

[image error]Images of Truth: This is officially Book On in the Perception of War series. Elele’s story, Sojourn in Captivity, was more like a prequel novella focused just on her, but it does introduce one of the many planets and alien species in this universe. Before I started work on Discovered, I was about 53% through the discovery draft of IoT. I still feel like it’s fantastic, but it’ll need some careful revision. This will become my main priority once I finish Oneiros.

So that’s just a quick update on my current workload. I think things are going nicely. I’m thankful for all of you who are reading and offering encouragement. It’s a real blessing just to be able to write and publish books. Of course I hope to make this my occupation, but even this is wonderful.

Thanks for reading,

Matt

 

Story Review: Magic Beans by Django Wexler from Unfettered II

 

 

[image error]Cover for Unfettered II taken from its Amazon buy page for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine.

Spoiler Free Summary:  Magic Beans by Django Wexler is the eleventh story in the Unfettered II Anthology.  A young man meets his girlfriend for what he thinks is a romantic interlude at her workplace. The intimate night turns comically nightmarish when that intimacy is combined with, you guessed it, the percolation of magic beans. The combination causes the small coffee shop to travel through time and space. The man and his friends are left with nothing to do but see what it would take to travel back home. CONTENT WARNING: The downside to anthologies is sometimes that you come across a story you wouldn’t read. While this is far from the most lewd story I’ve ever read (I’d imagine this story has an R rating as opposed to an X or NC-17), it turns sex into a joke-filled plot device. There is a message at the end that intends to build on the concept of sex as special, but I have a different viewpoint even beyond that.  That doesn’t mean that I’m unable to analyze the story. 

Character:  The characters here are an interesting blend. This is essentially a coming of age story about a group of young adults trying to figure out where their lives are going. They’re proactive, but not remotely competent. There is a lot to be amused about in how earnestly but foolishly they try to get back home. This is the charm of the story. active, which is always a plus. I can’t say I really bonded with them, but they held my attention. 

Exposition: Told from a first-person perspective, you need to just be ready for the standard amount of exposition. With this perspective, there really isn’t any getting around a certain amount of it, but it’s no more than necessary. I didn’t notice it really, which is a good sign.

Worldbuilding: I’d say this was well done in that the author very clearly winked at the reader and said, “If you’re five pages in, and you’re still reading, you’re not really interested in the suspension of disbelief.”  The tale as a whole is built more on the concepts listed above, and the ridiculous plot mechanics are just a vehicle to move the story forward. It’s not a well defined world with clear rules and interesting facets. It’s a bit of nonsense that isn’t trying to be more than it is.

[image error]Image of Mr. Wexler taken from his website for review purposes under Fair Use doctrine. 

Dialogue: This was very well done. The characters had unique voices that revealed their character. It might be the second best aspect of the story. There was plenty of wit and characterization. 

Description: Once more I must stress the content warning. The use of sex as a plot device means I read about things I’d rather not read. It’s not nearly as descriptive and graphic as other stories I’ve read in the past, but I, personally, don’t need to be reading about it. Had there been simple “fades to black,” which 90% of the story actually does, I’d probably have less of a problem with it. That 10% was still 10% too much for yours truly. 

Overall: Wexler is obviously a talented writer. This story has charm, humor, drama, and meaning all rolled into a very concise format, but the content of the story is too contrary to my morals and belief system to recommend. 

Thanks for reading

Matt

 

Musings on Christianity 39

Why Can’t We Talk About Christianity

One glance at social media will offer you a lot of posts about religion. I don’t know about your pages, but I find that any posts about Christianity aren’t very kind.

Why?

People are more then willing to talk about God. People are more than willing to talk about how Christians are hateful. They post clever memes featuring depictions of Christ with phrases that usually don’t represent the actual moment depicted.

The occasional Bible verse is usually left alone, but defend the idea of salvation through Christ or state your belief in salvation through Christ alone, and the reactions turn heated or, at best, people politely tell you they’re not interested.

Why?

In fairness, I don’t see many posts explaining the doctrine of a lot of religions, but the vehemence with which people react to Christianity is only matched by the amount of false doctrine and unloving misrepresentation of Christ’s teaching.

There are those who are angry at the idea of Christianity. I’ve seen it. I’ve been told I was doomed because I have a Native American brother in law. I’ve been screamed at while trying to go to sporting events. I myself used to say things like, “I don’t believe in organized religion.”

After being screamed at for years by people claiming to be Christian, I simply assumed that’s what Christianity was. That treatment made me unwilling to listen.

This means the first reason people are unwilling to listen to Christ’s message is false teaching or false evangelism.

There are people who take the doctrine of salvation and twist it. They try to blend the Law and Christ when Christ is the fulfillment of the law. There are people who take the message of Christ’s forgiveness and want to forget that forgiveness is through Him, and those who don’t follow Him aren’t His.

All these mixed messages don’t do anything but confuse a very simple concept: Man sinned. The price of sin is death. The sacrifice of animals, introduced through Moses, could never cleanse man. This required a man to live a perfect life and then die a substitutionary death. This is the fundamental concept of salvation through Christ alone. Those who follow him, accepting Him as their savior, are redeemed. Those who follow Him turn from Sin for His sake.

That is Christianity. The term Christian was coined in Antioch (Acts 11:26). The very word means one who follows Christ.

I’m not, nor have I ever, told anyone what to do in regard to religion. That is, in fact, your choice. It’s the same choice Christ gave people. He gave it to the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-30).  When many left him, He even gave the apostles the chance to leave (John 6:67). The choice of whether or not you follow Christ yours. Christ, being God in the flesh, knew who would follow and who wouldn’t. He knew whom His Father chose and those His Father did not. I don’t have that advantage.

There are many who feel that belief in Christ alone as a way to Heaven is wrong. Again, that is their choice. The reason I need Christ is because I know I’m a sinner.  I know there isn’t anything I’m going to do to earn God’s favor. Therefore, I need someone to advocate for me. I need someone to pay the price I can’t pay.

However, the challenge is patiently inviting people to hear about who Christ is and what He’s done for mankind.

What confuses me is that people who are angry at Christianity often are scathing or judgmental because they think “all” Christians are scathing or judgmental. On a rational level, I can understand those who simply don’t want to hear the word. What I struggle understanding is why people would do the things they say no one should do. It gets even more baffling when people do the things they say no one should do in response to others doing those same things.

When we do evil, we are, in fact, being evil. One can not do evil for good. God can turn evil for his purpose, but He’s God. When we strike someone who strikes us, we’re guilty of the same offense.

So when when we judge others for judging, we are, in fact, being judgmental. This isn’t opinion. This is simple, rational truth.

This may cause people to be upset. They may defend or explain the reasons for their actions, but if a deed requires defense, there must be a reason it needs that defense.

What would happen if everyone in the world committed to the idea of treating others the way they would be treated? What would happen if this commitment wasn’t predicated on the belief that someone should treat them the way they want to be treated first.

The rule says treat others how you want to be treated. Even assuming most people want the same things, what two people want exactly the same treatment? So the rule can’t be, “treat others how you want to be treated, but wait until they treat you the way you want to be treated first.”

All this comes back to a question I’m struggling to answer. Why is it I’m not allowed to speak about my faith in Christ, but everyone who wants to bash Christians is free to do so? If I defend my faith, I’m evil. If I calmly, patiently offer to explain my faith, I’m, at best, turned down.

There is a double standard in the world, and it is sharply pointed at Christianity. It’s not the only double standard; it’s just the one I’m talking about today. It seems to me in some situations that a person can be anything except a Christian.

They argue this is because Christians are judgmental.

I want to cry out, “So you’re judging me because you believe my religion is judgmental?”

Now, this very book, posted originally on my blog, hasn’t come under any particular scrutiny. But what would happen if I post this same comment on something other than a blog visited by less than 40 people a day? 

The truth is no one has to listen. I’m not trying to make anyone. But it feels sometimes that speaking is in itself met with scorn and ridicule. At least once a day I see some sort of content that says why “Christians” are wrong or how “Christians” shouldn’t claim they have the only way to God.

The very nature of being Christian is to believe that Christ is the way (the truth and the life) to God (John 14:6).

If I’m wrong, I’m screwed, but that’s my problem. The irony is people claim they should be allowed to believe “whatever makes them happy.”

My reply is that they can. But not everyone goes to Heaven. Again, I believe Christ is the way to Heaven. If I’m right, good for me. If I’m wrong, bad for me. I don’t even know the number of other religions out there. I am, however, certain anyone who follows a religion does so because they truly believe that path is the right one. So how is Christianity all that different in that respect?

Another thing that doesn’t help is how politics warp religion. A guy can stand in front of a church or even in a church all day every day; it doesn’t actually make him a Christian. Christ himself proclaimed that there would be many who call on him on the last day, and he will tell them, “Depart from me, you workers of evil. I never knew you (Matthew 7:21-23).”

I don’t know the nature of anyone’s salvation. I’m not God. But looking at the fruit one bears is an indication. Even then, I leave it to the church to discipline its members (that’s a function of a church).  I leave to to the justice system to judge and punish crime. All I can really do is live like Christ as much as I can. He’ll judge me.

But when someone uses Christ or Christianity to tie it to a political agenda, it aligns Christ with a cause when Christ should be the cause. So people argue over this or that. Do some of the things people argue over (abortion) align with religious issues, yes. Do others? Probably not.

All of this debate makes passing the good news very hard. And Christians indeed need to do this. We’re commanded to go forth and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). The gospels and all of Acts show how this is done.

So we need to look at those examples. I intend to follow those examples. Offer the good news. If people hear it, rejoice. If people reject it, shake off the dust from your shoes. The current landscape makes that difficult, but it’s one I feel we need to navigate with patient persistence. I don’t feel it should be done with aggression or accusation, but it should be done.

For our panel: So why is it so hard to talk about Christianity? How should one respond when they don’t want to hear the gospel? How do we correct those who aren’t speaking truth? Should we defend our beliefs when they’re challenged on social media? If so, how?

A 4-star review for the Sojourn and Repressed combo paperback!

Greetings all,

[image error]    It feels like it’s been forever since I was blessed enough to share a new review, but here we are!

One reader was kind enough to share a 4-start review on Goodreads for the Repressed/Sojourn in Captivity paperback. I’m always thankful for people who take the time to provide feedback. She mentioned she’d like to see more for Elele, and I promise, more is on the way. I will finish the discovery draft of Images of Truth as soon as I finish Oneiros Log. If you’re a kindle reader or a KU reader, you can read either or both of these stories. Repressed is here. Sojourn is here.

I was also happy to see a 5-star rating for The Journals of Bob Drifter! There wasn’t a review to share with you all, but I’m more than happy for the rating.

As always, I’d like to humbly ask that if you’ve read one of my stories, please take a moment to offer a rating and review on Amazon, Goodreads, or both. They really do give me a boost, and they are helpful! A lot of people use them to decide if they want to buy it or not.

Thank you for reading,

Matt