When I go to the library (almost once a week), I check the new releases on the fiction display. My favorite genre is historical fiction and mystery. But lately I have been thinking that I should be picking some non-fiction books to read.
Last week I checked the new releases on the non-fiction display. The Kingdom of Cain: Finding God in the Literature of Darkness caught my eye. The author, Andrew Klavan, is a crime novelist. On the inside cover I read the first two sentences. One of the clear commands in the New Testament is for believers to “rejoice always.” But how is that possible in a world such as our own, filled as it is with sorrow, cruelty and pain.?
Intrigued, I picked this book along with some fiction. I have read halfway through The Kingdom of Cain. I am enjoying the reflections of a writer, a one-time atheist. The examples of actual violent murders that gave rise to novels and horror movies is dark. Klavan explains that without God there is no basis for morality.
Through faith in God, realizing Jesus’ sacrifice for us, we are able to see other people as valuable. We are able to love. I look forward to finishing the book as I anticipate the author’s reason to rejoice.
Andrew Klavan has written two other books that I will look for: The Great Good Thing: A Secular Jew Comes to Faith in Christ and Truth and Beauty: How the Lives and Works of England’s Greatest Poets Points the Way to a Deeper Understanding of the Words of Jesus.
Kate’s prompt for Five Minute Friday is: PICK
Sounds like an interesting book, as does The Great Good Thing. I’m going to see if our library has them.
Sounds like a great read Carol. I’m going to have to look into that. Good “pick”.
Visiting today from FMF #10
Paula, I enjoyed your insights on the word, “pick”. We need to speak truth and avoid escalating disagreements. More time in prayer.
That Klavan book looks really interesting. Finding hope within difficult literature and in life in general is a challenge and it’s fascinating that he is pursuing this.
Jeannie (I’m next to you at the FMF linkup)
The book clearly presents our need for faith in God–and the resulting joy. Thanks for visiting, Jeannie!