Keepers of the Earth

by Jerry Haughton

While teaching a philosophy class Dr. Haughton commented that "philosophers don't write textbooks any more, they write novels and make movies." Afterward, when a student challenged him to write a novel, he decided to write a fictional story about a young man in Montana searching for the meaning of life. He lives in the wilderness and traps for a living, preparing to become a forest ranger. As an outdoorsman, the author makes nature the theme of this book by contrasting the Animist, the Naturalist, the Eastern (Buddhism) views with the Christian view. Bret, the main character, is a young forest ranger coming of age in the Montana wilderness. He faces the challenge of a domineering father, an independent minded girlfriend, angry hunters, a philosophy professor, a wise Indian, and a grouchy old man, all attempting to shape his life. He finally resolves his problem when he discovers the connection between God, man/woman, and nature. Anyone who loves nature stories or is concerned about how Christianity relates to all aspects of life will be pleased with the book. The author presents the truths of Christianity in a fresh way that will engage the mind of the reader. With environmental issues of such concern, it is a timely book. There is no other book like this out there.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2011