One of the developing themes of the novel has to do with the distractions that color our perceptions. Each of us sees life through our own particular lenses, and we filter experiences through a unique grid. Hmmm... maybe that's why it can be difficult to match details of an event seen by several witnesses. They might have seen the same thing, but their interpretations and assumptions led them astray.
Maybe it's significant, then, when hundreds or thousands of people agree on the details. The first filter for truth ought to be something that has stood the test of time and cultures. Something that is proven both from within (no contradictions) and without (by other historical sources). It must be clear and understandable, even if it takes some study to grasp the finer points. It may have originally applied to a particular place and time, but must contain concepts that are universal and timeless.
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
3 comments:
What a great post. It literally gives me goosebumps to think about how our faith cannot be doubted. How Christ's death and resurrection cannot be doubted. It is documented too much! How awesome is that?
What do you make of the injunction to writers NEVER to begin a work with a telephone ringing? I read that in an article recently, and my heart sank. That's exactly how my book currently begins... :-(
Erin, I've been doing some thinking about this recently. I may post about it later, but it's really important to me right now to know that I can know. You know?
Miss K, my first novel (the one I'm *editing*) opens with an egg rolling off the kitchen counter. How lame is that? But I was thinking of spicing it up with a phone call from the character's mom -- really! Double lame? Maybe. I've heard that good writers know all the whys and wherefores of the rules, and therefore are allowed to break a few. The joy of writing fiction: Situational ethics are okay here!
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