The Way to Truth on the Dangerous Road to Damascus (Review)
By Kathryn Eriksen
Guest Reviewer
The road to Damascus is forever enshrined in history as the transformation of Saul of Taurus to Paul, the great disciple. The dusty Damascus road also provides the metaphor that runs through the Acts of Faith series by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.
All three books are set during the turbulent time after the resurrection of Jesus, when persecution and uncertainty forced followers of The Way to leave Jerusalem for safer grounds. The same characters from the earlier books are still alive and well in the final book of the series, called The Damascus Way. The conflict has shifted, however, from whether Jesus really did rise from the dead, to whether the fledging church and its members can survive in the face of such animosity and hatred.
Each of the characters has their own struggles with their faith. Abigail must move on with her life after the death of her beloved Stephen. Her brother, Jacob, is now a young man ready to follow his dreams of adventure and glory. But he discovers that true glory lies in living as a follower of The Way. Linux, the Roman soldier who became a Christian, is challenged by the conflict between his heritage and his new found faith. But love for another and for the Master guides him on his journey.
Interspersed among the fictional events and characters are glimpses of historical figures, such as the Apostles, Peter and John. The Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well recounts her memories of that momentous event. The Apostle Philip plays a key role in the plot of the story and provides the context for his love of God, when he explains that he does not "stand in the way of the message." Acts of service and words of faith by the fictional and historical characters are so intertwined that you, as the reader, believe that you are there, watching these events unfold.
The way to truth is shown on dusty and dangerous road to Damascus. Total surrender of self in loving service to God is what saved the early church from extinction. It is also The Way for all of us to find peace in our hearts and immovable faith in the face of any adversity.
Read The Acts of Faith series, then reread it. You will see the early church in a new light, and you will look at any adversities you face with renewed hope and love. For in our hearts, we all walk the gritty Damascus road. Peace and salvation come when you set your own self aside for something much greater – God.
Kathryn Eriksen is an attorney who discovered a passion for writing later in life. The author of two books, "Walk With the Master," a Christian children's book about Jesus' life, told from a unique perspective, and "Images in America – Waxahachie." Eriksen is a teacher, speaker and writer about developing and growing in your personal relationship with Jesus and God. Learn more about her at www.WalkWiththeMaster.com and follow her blog at www.KathrynEriksen.wordpress.com.
