Andrew Gillsmith
Great question!
I'll try to answer this in a few ways.
First, this is a novel and not a book of Doctrine. As such, characters may say, do, and think things that are questionable from a Catholic perspective, though I have tried to minimize this.
Second, the Church has, since V2, formally acknowledged that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, though there are obvious and significant doctrinal differences that prevent full communion.
Third, my conception of zikr is as a private, contemplative prayer as opposed to a sacred rite. It means in the literal sense "remembrance." Namono is called to "remember" God. The movements and rhythms of the zikr prayer help her cope with her addiction.
It reminds me in many ways of the hesychast controversy and thr debate between Gregory Palamas and Barlaam over the Jesus Prayer. This will be an explicit theme in the sequel, in fact.
Hope that helps!
I'll try to answer this in a few ways.
First, this is a novel and not a book of Doctrine. As such, characters may say, do, and think things that are questionable from a Catholic perspective, though I have tried to minimize this.
Second, the Church has, since V2, formally acknowledged that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, though there are obvious and significant doctrinal differences that prevent full communion.
Third, my conception of zikr is as a private, contemplative prayer as opposed to a sacred rite. It means in the literal sense "remembrance." Namono is called to "remember" God. The movements and rhythms of the zikr prayer help her cope with her addiction.
It reminds me in many ways of the hesychast controversy and thr debate between Gregory Palamas and Barlaam over the Jesus Prayer. This will be an explicit theme in the sequel, in fact.
Hope that helps!
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Gene
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Andrew Gillsmith:
Just purchased Our Lady of the Artilects (Kindle version) and will read it sometime next year, I hope. I think enough of your writing to go ahead and get a sci-fi book, when it's not usually "my thing." All the best. Happy Thanksgiving. Do you want me to keep an eye open for typos?
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