ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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ABOUT THE BOOK
It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment-endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.
This group of immortals became the 13th Tribe, and they've been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since-by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans have ever seen.
Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he's hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The 13th Tribe, go HERE.
My Review
This novel looks exciting and is in my TBR pile. I look forward to reading it. Unfortunately, while skimming through it, I came across some language that would prohibit me from recommending it and makes me feel less excited about reading it. Regardless of how good the novel is, no Christian novel should depict one character telling another character to go to the place that burns forever and ever. Sorry. It looks like a great novel beyond that small but important flaw.
Note: Thank you to Thomas Nelson and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for a review copy.
Sorry you feel that way, Adam. If someone shot my nine-year-old son in the back, I'd say what Jagger says in the story. Maybe I'd think better of it eventual, but while I'm holding him and he's bleeding all over me, you can bet I would feel that way. Frankly, I can't imagine not cursing the person who shot my son. I'm afraid that makes me human. It is, by the way, the only language of any kind in the novel.
ReplyDeleteHi, Adam. I've been giving your concern a lot of thought and prayer. I realized that I consider the phrase that bothers you to be only an expression with no power to invoke an eternal curse on anyone (which is true, but I understand that words and thoughts do have power, so we have to be careful). Thinking of it as a mere expression, I've wondered why readers have no problem with a story that involves children being shot, vigilantes taking the law into their own hands, a women being kidnapped--but have an issue with an utterance of a grieving, angry, and frustrated father. It seems a bit legalistic to me.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I respect your thoughts on the subject: I fully understand how terrible it is to wish eternal damnation on anyone, and it's something that you can't abide, in real life or in fiction. I get that. Not all fiction has to depict the darker aspects of life simply to be "true to life." I care about people and don't want to offend them or grieve their hearts. While I can't possibly please everyone, this is something that I can address. I have submitted a revision to that line, making Jagger's response more of an innocuous grumble than a curse. It should be reflected in the next printing. I commend you for the heart you have for people, and thank you for nudging me to take another look at this line.
Thanks for your reply. Each believer needs to study the Scriptures and decide where he or she stands on this issue. Scripture is clear what God desires of His church. No corrupt communication should proceed from our mouths, and that would extend to our pens.
ReplyDeleteReaders are smart. They understand when deeds (such as thefts or murders) are presented as evil and not to be emulated. But bad language presented in dialogue form literally invites readers to "speak" those words in their minds. (The same could be true of a bedroom scene that evokes lustful thoughts.) Such communication can offend them and grieve their hearts, and God does not want us causing offense. If, in the pursuit of realism, you were to write, "He cursed," readers know he used bad language but are not invited to think the actual words. That's a big difference and perfectly acceptable.
I'm among many who are on the side of shunning any corrupt communication in literature that is labeled "Christian." In fact, many of us read Christian fiction for the very purpose of finding great stories that lack bad language. Thanks for your thoughtfulness in this issue. I think God blesses that kind of attitude. I still look forward to reading your novel; it sounds very exciting. Thanks again.