The Purpose of Gathering Together in a Christian Worship Service...part one

As I continue to grow as a Christian, I am convinced of the need and benefits of attending church in a Sunday type service. I am equally curious of the true benefits and strength it gives on a corporate level to be a part of a local body of believers in Christ Jesus.
  Coming from a conservative liturgical type of service I have found a comfort in this type of format. Yet I have experienced charismatic type services of the Christian faith in both liturgical circles and those outside a liturgical format. I enjoy the stability of having structure within a service and yet enjoy an element of the unexpected; a time when a unique prayer is given or a prayer of the healing for another , a specific song of worship that identifies with a group in a particular service, a reading of a passage of Scripture with a fresh understanding to what is being read, or a message from a Pastor or teacher that stimulates thought to embrace and challenge our Christian beliefs. 

 We seem to live in a day and age where so may causes are at stake: 1) helping the poor 2) visiting the elderly or 3) assisting those less fortunate.  We are equally conditioned to be sensitive to the rights of others: 1) freedom of expression and our various views 2) alternative lifestyles and 3) leadership positions including the role of women in our Christian beliefs.
 As I gather thoughts on a Christian corporate service, here are a few thoughts I have in going to a Sunday service and experiencing the joy in doing so.

 First, avoiding some "toxic" vs. healthy formats are important to me:
1. Attending a service where simply following the process of the service rather than the purpose of the gathering is a "red flag" to me. In school for example, one that receives a "A" simply because an essay was 6 pages long while others receive a "C" because their essays were only 3 to 4 pages long, has potential to find a Sunday service boring and lacking depth.
2. An authority figure that dominates a service is often a turn off to me, especially when it becomes a control mechanism to keep others from freedom of expression.
3. When the form of a service itself involves primary focus on the procedures of the service rather than adapt to the current needs of the people participating in the service.  

 On the other hand, a healthy culture of a corporate body of believers are when:
1. The purpose of our gathering is clearly defined.
2. The quality of the service itself including the relationship of the service itself and how it invites a believer to participate, a realistic outlook on what a person faces daily as a believer, and an adaptability to allow the service "come to the participant" rather than "the participant having to follow the dictates of a service that may seem quite redundant.
3. A service that exemplifies unquestioned integrity, a fierce loyalty to do what is best for all, and an openness and willingness to learn from others.

 I do think our main purpose in life is of singular origin: that is glorify God in all we do, and that is only made able when we surrender our lives at the "mercy tree", the cross, of our Lord Jesus. 
  In Psalm 17 David writes some interesting observations. First, in the first five verses David desires God to look into the secrets that lie within his heart, then in verses nine through twelve David describes how hard this life can be and our enemies very real as well. Yet with all that David wants to see life as God sees it and to pursue life which will give glory to Him.
 In Psalm 17:15 it reads something like this: " As for me, my vindications as well as my innocence comes by seeing You, looking at You, full in Your face. My righteousness, justice, and the satisfaction of having purpose in life itself, is found as I awake and am beholding You, having a sweet communion with You." 

 Then, Peter has a stimulating thought as He considers the glory of God in these words: " My dear friends, we are even now His very children and yet the meaning of all this has not been fully revealed. What I do know is that when Christ Jesus returns and He is openly revealed, we will see Him, we will resemble Him, and we will be like Him, for we will see Him clearly, just as He is." 1 Peter 3:2

 For myself, the first purpose of gathering together is to give Him glory, and to surrender ourselves that we might be like Him.

Jesus and Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is described as an author's ability to reconstruct true events of the past through characters that may include fictional ones. Conversations within various scenarios of historical fiction are written with real characters and fictional characters. The goal is to keep the stories as real and as accurate as possible.
 For example, we often watch a movie or documentary that has the phrase " based on a true story," sometimes the movie is accurate while other times... the story may drift off course from what actually happened.
 It's been like this for centuries, some people even read the Scriptures this way, in a historical fiction frame of mind. The characters in a particular story may or may not be real, yet the story itself reveals truths and experiences in life that generate a betterment for the good of mankind.
  However, in reference to the Sacred Scripture, we are instructed to believe every passage we read as complete truth. Every person in the various stories are real. So, how has folk religion mixed with historical fiction changed the accuracy in the "greatest story ever told."  
  We were not there when Jesus related His life to His disciples for over 3 years.While it is true we read of certain events that happened or results of a particular event, we don't know how these conclusive moments actually arrived without an extensive research. This is where folk religion filled with historical fiction has influenced and changed the entirety of certain passages of Scripture. Certain passages in Scripture are sometimes hard to understand, relate to, or even comprehend. Historical  research of a past culture, lifestyles of that time period, and an understanding of a society that is foreign to how we live today, helps us to separate fiction from folklore. We need to create real "paintings" as we try and grasp what the author is conveying, including Scripture.

 "Folk Religion"...it's been around forever. It is the passing down of information about a society's belief system and is primarily done so through writings yet even more so by word of mouth. It's in all facets of cultures, both past and present, including Christianity. We read or hear of the Greek god Zeus and his son Hercules, we hear of the mighty Odin and the sacrifice he made to give his followers knowledge, and we hear of stories from Native Americans and their relationship to the "Great Spirit".  
 Christianity is not excluded from folk religion. Until I discover the real intent of the writings of the Scripture, it does seem a rather bland book.  


  Here are some examples of what I mean:

  The Son of God comes to earth to become one of us, a human in every sense of the word. Yet  the idea He is God who now offers Himself to live in a human heart is mind boggling.
  In this story an announcement is made: a myriad of angels arrive shortly before His birth to a rather motley group of guys called shepherds. These guys were a necessary part of economic life, but their profession was not a highly respected one, especially those within the church community. It would be like being a garbage man today.  
 He is born in a stable, through a woman who became pregnant by the Holy Spirit, instead of her fiance. This opening scene is not only difficult for me to comprehend, I don't know enough about the background of this scene to appreciate its value. It definitely needs a historical "background check." This story does verify a young girl named Mary did indeed become pregnant before she was officially married. Then, some "wise men" from the Far East show up. I really do not know who these guys are, yet they seem to be respected. They have a deep desire to see this Messiah that has been born in a stable.  The story gets a little blurry here. Did the wise men arrive the night of the Messiah's birth, or did they arrive a couple of years later? The Scripture seems to indicate a couple of years later, yet folk religion tells us they arrived the night of His birth. As far as these wise men, were they kings? Historical evidence indicates they were not kings, rather "king-makers." Hmmm? Now the story takes on a mystery effect. And, where does it say in the Scriptures there were three wise men?  No where in the Scripture does it state there were three, yet every nativity scene you see in our culture today have three wise men on the night of His birth. As far as the nativity scene in a stable and the wooden manger, this too becomes a question. The whole first century lifestyle in Judah did not include wooden mangers, but I must admit it sure is pretty in our front lawns today! Right? 
 Then, this story tells us Jesus grew up with earthly parents, even though He is really God's own Son. By age twelve He explains to His earthly parents He must "be about doing His Father's business". In this scene, Jesus had left His earthly mother and father without letting them know where he was going, and they went on an all out search to try and find Him in Jerusalem.  It was almost four days until they finally found Him, at the Temple asking questions to a group of local Jewish religious scholars.  He not only seem unconcerned about his earthly parent's demise, He was surprised they were so panicked trying to locate Him. I thought we were suppose to "honor our father and mother," isn't that one of the "Big 10 Commandments"?  Hmmm?
 Jesus Himself grew up in the region of Galilee...in the country of Judah. Historical data reports this was not an area known for higher education or wealth. What this region was known for in reference to Roman rule of the area and to the Jewish hierarchy...it was a breeding ground for zealots and rebellious leaders who wanted Roman rule overthrown and even Jewish leaders brought down because of their formalized belief system. 
 As Jesus travels throughout this region extensively, He then personally chooses 12 Jewish men to join Him in what we commonly call...His disciples....the 12 disciples. The 12 men He chose were comprised of fishermen, zealots, and tax collectors...not exactly the "pillars of society" as we think of it...like scholars, wealthy businessmen, or religious leaders. For over 3 years, they are together, perhaps even traveling and living together as Jesus shares and demonstrates to them...He is the Son of God. Then, things begin to unravel....
 On the "night of the Betrayal", Peter, a disciple Jesus seem to consider a close friend, draws a sword of some type (some think it may have been a long fisherman knife) and cuts off a servant's ear when an attempt is made to capture Jesus by Jewish leaders because they consider Him a threat to their society...and the Romans would back the Jewish leaders in His capture. Were the other disciples armed with weaponry?...Hmmm? Jesus then tells His disciples this was not the action He wanted them to take...and then it happened...one of the very 12 disciples Jesus had chosen...singles Him out with a kiss...and Jesus is identified. Suddenly, all the disciples He had been with for over 3 years...run and leave Jesus there alone...to face the charges against Him. Peter later that night denied on 3 different occasions that he even knew Jesus while the others fled away seeking to hide from what was about to happen.
 Jesus is then given a trial that was not adherent to Jewish law, scourged and beaten so badly He was almost unrecognizable, some historical evidence writes His back was ripped so bad His rib cage could have been exposed. Yet, in our Christian folk religion...we have fixed that...showing only a few drops of blood here and there...and other than the crown of thorns Jesus was adorned with...He was ok...right? The book of Isaiah writes He was unrecognizable...but Isaiah was probably wrong...you think?  Then, Jesus was given a common execution of that day by being sentenced to hang on a cross until He died...and this paradise thing...still hard to define this day. The End...right?
 Hardly...
 The plot thickens as the disciple who betrayed Jesus and turned Him in to the authorities...he ended up hanging himself because of his course of action. Some religious scholars claim it was ordained for this Judas Iscariot to carry out this action...yet in the book of John it writes how Jesus came to save all that were lost...and it doesn't say "except Judas". Hmmm?
 Then after 3 days 2 women go to the tomb where Jesus had been laid...and find the tomb open...and Jesus not there. These women had come to mourn His death...and now He is not even there. So, they go and find the 11 male disciples  who were deep in hiding for fear of their lives in knowing Jesus...which is kind of weird because if these 2 women knew where to find them...couldn't the authorities kind of figured that one out? Anyway, the door was locked, and when they opened the door and the women told them Jesus was not in His tomb...a couple of the disciples bust out of the room and go to the tomb to see for themselves. 
  Suddenly, everything starts to change. Now these disciples of Jesus start telling others He is Alive!...even though the fear of having their own lives at risk was very much real and evident.
 Then...comes the big moment (s)! Jesus begins to appear before others...after He had died on the Cross!
 In fact, one of His disciples called Thomas...this is the moment folk religion gives him a title for all of time..."Doubting Thomas". Yet, as I have read this over a number of times...I think Thomas may have gotten a "bad rap". When Thomas saw Jesus for the first time since He had died, he was with the other disciples...but this was the 2nd time the other disciples had seen Him...and in the first meeting where Thomas was not present, the Scriptures write Jesus showed them His scars from all the injuries He had received...to confirm it was really Him...yet when Thomas asked...he was given the title a "Doubter". Hmmm...and what makes this unusual to me...earlier in Scripture when Jesus insisted that He go to see Lazarus, all the other disciples thought He was crazy...for fear of death, yet the Scriptures write it was Thomas who spoke up and said "Hey, we have lived with this guy, we believe in this guy, let's go die with this guy (paraphrased)". Does that sound like a doubter to you?...or is that just our folk religion passing down historical fiction? Hmmm?
 Jesus appeared to a number of people for a 50 day period...and now the message is clear...He is Alive! Now, Jesus says it is time to return to His Father, and the Scriptures write of the disciples and perhaps other followers of Him looking up in the sky as Jesus leaves this earth to return to His Father...and an angel appears asking why they were still looking up...saying He would return.
 In the meantime, there is another part of the Godhead about to appear to all mankind...the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke and said it was necessary for Him to leave so the Holy Spirit to fulfill His part in bringing Jesus into the hearts of all men who would call upon Him. 
 There have been many stories of the Holy Spirit and how He operates in the heart of mankind ever since Jesus left the earth that day to return to His Father...and He is still to this day... a mystery to many.

 So...this is a synopsis of "The Greatest Story Ever Told". Far-fetched?...to some yes. True...Yes, I do think so.
 The thing about the Christian faith...you first must receive it by faith...not by our own logic or reasoning. Then, begin to research for yourself...what really happened...and separate the Scriptural content from Christian folk religion. As far as historical fiction...I would do my research...and create for yourself how this story developed...using the evidence you have discovered...that is what changes a boring passage of Scripture to one that is alive!...and gives it meaning! People will always try and frighten you saying you are "not to add or take away from what the Scripture states"...and I agree with that, but it doesn't mean you can't search out what was really going on, and create in your own mind the events that happened. It is the motive of your heart...that leads you into all Truth...we are simply made that way. Otherwise, we are like any other religion...trying to obey a set of rules to keep God from getting mad at us or attempts to better ourselves....which I find absolutely boring...and dead!

 That's basically what I do on this blog...and have to conclude with Peter, when one day Jesus asked him: "Who do you say that I am?" Peter responded: "You are the Christ...the Son of the Living God!" 

                      I would totally agree with that! Long live Our King!

The Vikings on the History Channel....Season 3, episode 4 "Scarred"

The plots continue to deepen as this historical drama is revealed...and as a Viking fan...you gotta love it!

 I think as a Christian, the relationship Athelstan has to these Norsemen is quite challenging as to the real aspects of the Christian faith.
  Yet Athelstan's relationship is equally yoked by Floki's loyalty to Odin and his gods...and made clear as each episode unfolds, and challenges one even today... to be strong to the belief system you embrace...and to remain loyal to those beliefs.
 There is the scene where Floki is speaking with Rollo and he asks Rollo a question that appears to come from the very core of Floki's heart: "Where is your soul? What is your belief?" Rollo then answers in defense of Ragnar's choices to the alliance with King Ecbert of Wessex...by replying to Floki's question: " This is our future...we cannot fight everyone...". 

  In this episode...there is really alot happening...particularly relationship wise. There is King Ecbert and his unquenchable passion for Lagertha...which Lagertha seems to enjoy for the moment...and Ragnar while still nurturing a wound from his last battle...is comforted by "Queen of Mercia" (lol). 
 And of course...my "buddy" Athelstan...and his love for a princess who is married. The plot is thickening to say the least.

 Yet, the highlight of this episode is "Siggy", a great character and the wonderful actress Jessalyn Gilsig. According to what I have read, she had decided she needed to leave the show at some point in the last season, informing the producer Michael Hurst of her intentions. It was a shocking and sad moment...to watch her sink  into the waters with her eyes gazed upon "The Wanderer". Shortly before her exit, she saw her daughter "Thari"...and it became obvious her death was near... while saving the children as she left for Valhalla. I must confess, she was a wonderful character throughout the series...you just never knew whether she was good...or bad, yet her true identity came out during her final scene in the cold waters...sacrificing her own life for the needs of others.

 I also liked the conversation between King Ragnar and King Ecbert...asking one another if they considered themselves "good men"...and then to ask if they thought themselves corrupt? King Ecbert replies: "Oh yes..." and King Ragnar then says: "mm..hmm", both acknowledging their abilities to be so.
 Porunn...what a scene that was...and the feelings Bjorn portrayed when seeing the injury that had happened to her face.

 Pretty good stuff...wouldn't you say?

"Climb Every Mountain"...A Mystical Song

 In the 1959 musical "The Sound of Music", Rodgers and Hammerstein introduced a song that is forever in the memories of  many...the song "Climb Every Mountain". This soon to be classic was sung by "Mother Abess" played by actress and professional singer Peggy Wood. The words of this song had that "Hammerstein style" as it metaphorically challenges a person to evaluate each step in attaining one's dreams.

 Yet...the performance of this song wasn't all that easy...there were tough challenges awaiting before this song found it's place in this popular musical.

 First, this song when filmed had to have a lip sync...that is  Peggy Wood's voice being dubbed in as she performed this scene. It turned out a lady named Margery Makay had to "ghost" the high notes as Peggy was unable to "hit them". Along with this, because of the intro being lengthy, Peggy had a very difficult time getting her lips in sync with the words of this song...particularly at the beginning. The truth was Peggy Wood became so distressed over this...not only at the beginning of the song but various parts throughout that it actually took a number of "takes" before Peggy Wood became comfortable and able to complete this scene of the musical.
 One part where "Mother Abess" is looking out the window in a contemplation...had such a dramatic appeal that numerous members of the film crew felt an almost "mystical effect" as the song unfolded.

 While all this was going on, Peggy Wood herself was having a difficult time with the words of this song itself because she considered this song too pretentious... "blowing up" various life's decisions and making them bigger than what the words of the song were originally meant to contain. The words of the song "Climb Every Mountain" were actually inspired by letters from a Sister Gregory who was head of Drama at Rosary college in Illinois. She had wrote to Hammerstein (by his request) the parallels between a nun's choice for a religious life and the choices all humans make in finding purpose and direction in their lives.
 Peggy Wood ( Mother Abess) was born in Brooklyn NY on February 9th, 1892 and began singing as a young soprano at the age of 10. She was said to be a rather quiet beauty who projected little sex appeal yet found popularity as a young adult becoming an actress in her first and only silent film " Almost a Husband" starring opposite the popular Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers. Peggy Wood had a rich and very talented career , yet will always be remembered as "Mother Abess" giving Julie Andrews the much needed inspirational direction she had sought for. Peggy Wood passed away at the age of 86 in Stanford, Connecticut on March 18th, 1978.

 Here then are the "mystical words" to..."Climb Every Mountain"

Climb every mountain

Search high and low
Follow every byway
Every path you know.

Climb every mountain
Ford every stream
Follow every rainbow
Till you find your dream.

A dream that will need
All the love you can give
Every day of your life
For as long as you live...

{Repeat stanzas}

Understanding Our Past..."Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore!"

Recently I was sharing with a friend about the past, specifically how a past relationship has influenced the way we think...now.

 We both come from broken marriages, ones that were in trouble long before the divorce papers were signed. We both had held beliefs we need to "tough it out", how God will bless if we don't give up, or rely on a hope things would change.
 Then one day...I couldn't...and I initiated a divorce. This friend, although we did not know each other at the time...had made the same decision. For myself, it was a very tough decision, both as a Christian and as a person...yet I look back on this...I look back with no regrets.
 The reason was not one of infidelity nor reasons of  physical abuse...it was simply because I had died inside and all my dreams with it. My own life had become nothing more than emptiness...a tremendously deep emptiness filled with darkness.  Both my new friend (although years later) and I had tried a number of things in our marriages to resurrect a love that was no longer there. Were there feelings?...yes. Were there emotions?...yes. Was there hope?...no. Along with this, I had gone with my wife at the time to various marriage counselors, friends, and Pastors for help...and came out with the same drive...this relationship is over. My new friend, who went through this years after I had...found the same results. 
 Afterwards, I have often asked myself...Was it right what I had decided to do?. My conclusion: Yes...otherwise I would have not discovered myself...as I began to regain a life. As for my ex...she has remarried, and my new friend?...her ex has not.
 So, does this give everyone a "free ticket" to walk away from their marriage?... Certainly not! Yet, each of us are different, our situations are different, our lifestyles are different, and where we are in life...is also different. One thing I have learned from all this before you start to "cast a stone", we just don't don't know what people are going through...and only your heart can tell you when...it is enough. For me, it was control of the other, for my friend...a guilt ridden existence. And the bible and God...and all that...I can only confess from a transparent heart...and seek His Mercy and Guidance through times as this.

 So, what did I do?

My first decision was...I had to let go. the pain was just too much...and the pain was daily. I can still remember sitting in a rocking chair at 9:00 in the morning, when suddenly it just hit me..."It's over". I knew I was about to enter a world full of more pain, the feeling of failure, fighting the "victim syndrome", and the general feeling of emptiness...to God, to my wife...and to myself. I knew my Christian upbringing was about to be challenged, and I soon found out not all who calls me their "brother"...was really "my brother"..it was hard and difficult. I think the thing that gave me the most courage to go on in this direction was when my wife's church counselor said "I feel for you...and you have a rough road to follow". This came about when I had accepted the invitation to go see this marriage counselor at my wife's church, and I was determined to be totally honest and not try and defend myself...just tell him the truth and how I felt. After the meeting which my ex claimed in this meeting that she had done nothing wrong and I was the one to blame for all of this...and then stormed out of the room in anger...this kind Pastor...who had picked up on my ex-wife attitude toward me...simply gave me compassion and made the remark. As for my friend, she later went through a rough and in someways similar time. 
 Now, was I perfect or totally innocent in all this?...no! Yet, I felt so free to be letting the world know...we (my ex and I ) don't have it together and unless we get some help and support..."this ship" is going down. It was then I learned the meaning of the phrase..."a house divided...will fall". And...that is exactly what happened...to both me...and years later, to my new found friend.

 In the years that have followed, I have committed my heart and life to Christ in a deeper way...and although this divorce was tough and perhaps long overdo...I am so glad I went through with it. For a while, I had to fight those thoughts of "reliving the past", thinking if I would have done this...or if I had done that...I might have avoided this divorce. Then I had to learn new ways of welcoming "Joy" into my life...and the big one: accepting the fact it was necessary for this new found freedom and growth in my own life, I had to forgive my ex-wife...and to equally... forgive myself. 

 Yet, it is true that even after you have comes to grips with situations such as these, and you now find yourself in a position to let go of the past...the fact still remains the past is a part of who you are.  Often times quality decisions we make today are often a result of lessons we have learned from the past. In psychology, they use a phrase called "effective use of our pasts". 

 Along with this, subconsciously our emotions play a part from our past as well. For example, if we are faced with something tragic, our brain will trigger a fear mechanism, simply because it wants to protect us from future harm. Our past thoughts can sometimes generate a stereotype mentality...like if a man continually makes you feel guilty...then all men want to make you feel guilty. 
 Likewise, your subconscious does not take into account the capabilities of growth within you...once you have made that choice to change within... one analogy being the baby elephant chained to a stake. When the baby elephant grows and becomes a large adult elephant, it now possesses the power to pull the stake from the ground and actually break the chain. Yet because of it's past, the now adult elephant makes no attempt to do so...instead, it remains in it's "baby state", and does not realize...it could be free.

 Life is full of twists and turns...and our decisions often determine our outcome. 

 A quote from Steve Mornbol goes :" Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are forever a part of your history, but...they may not be a part of your destiny."

 I also like what Saint Francis of Assisi once wrote: " Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly, you are doing the impossible."

Yet...in the book of Isaiah...he really "brings this home":

                                              A Gleaning from Isaiah 43:18-19

" It is now time...to forget what has happened...don't keep going over "old history"...like you could change it or something. Now is the time for your heart and mind to be alert...for this is the time I am about to create something entirely new in your life. In fact, this new work has already begun...and you really need to see this! I realize you have been through a wilderness, yet look now!...I Am creating fresh streams and rivers...right in the midst of your former wastelands!"
       

The Vikings,,,Season 3 Episode 2

It was of interest to me to see where this is all going...and the words that were said...

 I am recently overtaken by the words of Athelstan, the catholic priest who initially was held captive by the Vikings...particularly Ragnar Lothbrok, and now has developed somewhat of a close relationship.
 I liked the part where Athelstan is asked why he joined the Viking clan out of a voluntary measure and was asked by the English how he could be such a part of this pagan religion? His answer was quite thought provoking: "I love Odin, and I love Jesus Christ...they both hung on a tree you know". This comment alone will challenge you to dig into history and read for yourself what in the world was Athelstan talking about.

 Lady Judith, a married woman has seemed to find her utter most feelings for Athelstan, like in the scene where she kisses his hand for the stigmata that Athelstan has in reference to the attempted crucifixion. Awesome stuff! Then she goes to confession and Athelstan is the priest who listens to her confession...how she dreams of lying with someone sexually...and it is Athelstan,"
 I equally enjoyed the part of the confession where Athelstan replies to her "sins", for she had spoke and said: " I have sinned in thought but not in deed...". Athelstan replies: " Then your sins are not as great as they could be."  Awesome!
 This entire part is entitled: "Dangerous Fascinations". I have to wonder...is this what Christians today face in various scenarios of their personal lives?...Hmmmm?

 Another part of this particular episode was when one of the characters described his hope in life saying: "I want to be famous...to have poets write of me...to have the gods...show interest in me."
 This made me realize about my own Christianity..."Do I want God...to show interest in me?" Isn't that what many want...to have God on our side and show Himself by blessing, protecting, and guiding our lives?

 As this Viking season continues...the words, the characters, the unfolding events that are about to happen....are not some of the statements made...the very cries of our own hearts?
  Although The Vikings series is a historical fiction...it is fulfilling the 3 basic requirements:
1) the series is a culmination of events that actually happened 2) it includes people that are part of an event(s) that actually happened and 3) the dialogue of this historical fiction must create scenes and characters that have a plot...yet are fictional...separating itself from purely non-fiction.

 So, in reference to the Sacred Scriptures...is it historical fiction or purely historical non-fiction? For myself, I think every event written of is true...and every person in these events described in the Scriptures...are real. The bible is a book full of stories of the people of old, yet these people...were not fictional...they were real...including this One who proclaimed in Saint John 14:6 "I Am...I Myself and forever I Am...the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other path to righteousness, nor is there any other measure of righteousness, for the source of all life, whether physical or spiritual comes only through...Me. No one apart from Me...can approach the Father, you can only come into My Father's Presence...through Me." {paraphrased}

 There is no historical fiction in the statement of Christ Jesus...it is plain fact! My love for the Viking series on the History Channel is compelling...yet long before the Vikings were on earth...the I AM was already here...among us!