Synopsis
Daring to challenge assumptions about God and the afterlife, the novel St. Peter's Choice arrives to an audience of those willing to think freely. It is Judgment Day.The "rock" of the Christian religion begins to change his mind about going to heaven after he decides to talk to those sent to hell. When he speaks to God later about the conversation, he finds he has a choice to make between faith and reason. This novel is unique in that it provides ample footnotes from the Bible and other works that analyze Christianity. An appendix also gives background to issues raised by the characters in the book. A bibliography shows books of influence to the author, most notably "Open Tomb: How and Why Jesus Faked His Death and Resurrection" by David Mirsch.
About the Author:
Dean Hartwell keeps pursuing the truth about those who govern us. He has authored various books, namely, Truth Matters, A fan's folklore, Dead Men talking, 9/11, among others.
My Review:
As a person who is trying to figure out the "rights and wrongs" of life, such topics and books have always intrigues me. So, it goes without saying that this short novel too, managed to interest me. Rightly so, it has been able to make me rethink and revisit my concepts, notions and perceptions of truth, heaven and afterlife.
This is some really revolutionary stuff, what with the renewed conceptions of The Judgement day, Heaven and hell. Even so, it touched upon fragile issues regards belief. Obviously, there's always been an unchallenged interest and uninhibited speculation about human afterlife. We might keep arguing as to the segregation of people into compartments of heaven and hell, yet it is only a surmise until we reach the threshold. After hearing arguments from three people that they would rather rot in hell while clinging to their beliefs than be a pretentious sycophant and poseur who accepts established blind beliefs thoughtlessly. It reminds me of the quote about the unreasonable man trying to adapt himself to the world, the reasonable man trying to adapt the world to himself, and the whole progress depending on the unreasonable man, therefore.
It left me contemplating for a while about the extent to which people are hypocrites. We argue about trying to challenge the conventions and yet end up convinced that whosoever does so deserves to rot in hell.
One of the parts of the book deals with this theme only, wherein the author implicitly implores the readers to reason out their beliefs instead of living with blind faith.
At one level the book also delves a little deeper to suggest that heaven and hell are fictitious places, and one might as well stand up for his/her ideals and remain in hell. It is also highly disturbing that heaven is being populated by people who we don't deem befitting.
This novella is a great charger for one's dormant thoughts and dull beliefs, it is the penultimate food for thought, followed only by self-introspection.
Verdict: So, if you are on for a book to provide you food for thought, then grab your copy NOW!
Rating: 4/5
This is some really revolutionary stuff, what with the renewed conceptions of The Judgement day, Heaven and hell. Even so, it touched upon fragile issues regards belief. Obviously, there's always been an unchallenged interest and uninhibited speculation about human afterlife. We might keep arguing as to the segregation of people into compartments of heaven and hell, yet it is only a surmise until we reach the threshold. After hearing arguments from three people that they would rather rot in hell while clinging to their beliefs than be a pretentious sycophant and poseur who accepts established blind beliefs thoughtlessly. It reminds me of the quote about the unreasonable man trying to adapt himself to the world, the reasonable man trying to adapt the world to himself, and the whole progress depending on the unreasonable man, therefore.
It left me contemplating for a while about the extent to which people are hypocrites. We argue about trying to challenge the conventions and yet end up convinced that whosoever does so deserves to rot in hell.
One of the parts of the book deals with this theme only, wherein the author implicitly implores the readers to reason out their beliefs instead of living with blind faith.
At one level the book also delves a little deeper to suggest that heaven and hell are fictitious places, and one might as well stand up for his/her ideals and remain in hell. It is also highly disturbing that heaven is being populated by people who we don't deem befitting.
This novella is a great charger for one's dormant thoughts and dull beliefs, it is the penultimate food for thought, followed only by self-introspection.
Verdict: So, if you are on for a book to provide you food for thought, then grab your copy NOW!
Rating: 4/5
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