At times I'll be reading this and have to back up to make sure I'm following what's happening. Such was the case with chapter 4, where our character sees "the solid people" coming over, appearing as if each one was headed towards one of his kind. All the people on the bus, including our own character, are now pretty much refered to as "ghosts," as they are less solid than the things and people in this place. One of the rude men in line back in the beginning of the book, "Big Man," is now following our character into the woods, in a futile effort to escape the approach and gaze of these "bright people."
When one of these beings approached "Big Man" (who was then refered to as "Big Ghost"), he asked, "Don't you know me?" Our character looked at this being and felt the urge to dance -- "it was so jocund, so established in its youthfulness."
That's quite a beautiful sentiment. One a skillful writer might attribute to God. This is quickly glossed over as the action takes up where "Big Ghost" starts questioning this being about a murder he committed while on earth. The being states that he has "given up" on himself "after the murder. That was what it did for me. And that was how everything began."
"Big Ghost" protested and made himself out to be a much better man. "At least he wasn't a murderer," he basically protested. He was mad at this being for wanting him to go with him. And the being protested "Big Ghost"'s claims to be a decent chap. He says, "Of course (you were not a decent chap)... I tell you one thing to begin with. Murdering old Jack wasn't the worst thing I did. That was the work of a moment and I was half mad when I did it. But I murdered you in my heart, deliberately, for years. I used to lie awake at nights thinking what I'd do to you if I ever got the chance. That is why I have been sent to you now: to ask your forgiveness and to be your servant as long as you need one, and longer if it pleases you. I was the worst. But all the men who worked under you felt the same. You made it hard for us, you know. And you made it hard for your wife too and for your children."
"Big Ghost" retorted, "You mind your own business, young man. None of your lip, see? Because I'm not taking any impudence from you about my private affairs."
"There are no private affairs," said the other.
Wow. This is beginning to sound like a place of judgment, where the consequences of your sins on earth follow you.
The being invites "Big Ghost" to go work up on the mountain, which will be a joy, but still include plenty of work. "Big Ghost" refuses, as if he could, stating that he'll "just go back home."
I have a feeling he won't have that choice.
Am having fun reading this book. It's great to finally begin reading a title that's been on my "must-read" list for years and years. I have a couple other books like this, some of which I've purchased and sat on the shelf for that day (may it come soon). A couple titles would be Francis Schaeffer's How Should We Then Live, and Andrew Murray on Prayer. One of these days, I'd probably like to read Watchman Nee's The Spiritual Man. I was about to say, "Maybe it'll be released as an audio book someday, as I'd rather not have to wrestle through a million pages..." and then I stumble across this.
Deliverance has a new album coming out. I'm listening to it now. It sounds great. I've loved just about everything the band has done. I'm probably the only person on the planet that doesn't like Weapons Of Our Warfare, but I liked their speedier days and I also loved their transition to Bowiesque metal.
OOh!! You're a student of Nee!! He's controversial but I like his work. If you have a keen sense of discernment, I don't know why you wouldn't delve into his works. You know?
Posted by: Jacqui at April 3, 2007 06:22 PM