(Spoiler Alert: don’t read any further if you don’t want any details of the novel)
al·le·go·ry
[al-uh-gawr-ee, -gohr-ee]
–noun, plural -ries.1. a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another.
2. a symbolical narrative: the allegory of Piers Plowman
(taken from Dictionary.com)
In his Author’s Note, Bill Myers describes The God Hater as an allegory, with a few caveats. He warns the reader to examine scripture for theology and not rely solely on the pieces of truth expressed in his novel. So the question is posed: which area of The God Hater gives the reader a greater appreciation of an aspect of the original story — the Gospel of Jesus Christ (taken from the Discussion Questions at the end of the book).
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 NKJV
Our sin was placed on Jesus while He hung on the cross — a concept I understand and believe with all my heart. Yet a concept that is hard to visualize, until I read the passage in The God Hater in which the virtual Nicholas willingly makes payment on the Grid to free the Breakers from bondage to the Law. Nicholas doesn’t just take on their punishment, he becomes them experiencing the guilt, shame, pain involved with their sin.
Milliseconds becoming lifetimes in Nicholas’s mind and body, as he experienced the freedom of breaking, then its cost and death and bottomless darkness . . . until he became alive again with new energy and experienced another life and death. And another. And another. Hoping each time would be his last. But each time being wrong. (p. 285)
This scene, so wonderfully crafted by Myers, caused me to really see and feel what it meant for Jesus to take on the sins of those before Him and the sins of those to come, including mine. The sins placed on Jesus at the crucifixion are no longer concepts but a reality for me.
I found the scenes with the cyber-human were fascinating, especially in terms of how the society changed depending on the input. I found Myers’ philosphical and theological arguments fascinating.
That was a powerful scene, wasn’t it. I don’t think I can come up with just one scene off the top of my head. It’s a good question. I’ll have to think about it a bit.
[…] and vote for your favorite. √ √ √ Thomas Clayton Booher √ √ √ Rachel Briard √ √ √ Beckie Burnham √ √ √ Morgan L. Busse √ √ √ Tori Greene √ √ √ Bruce […]
Many of the books I review are provided to me free of charge from publishers, authors, or other groups in return for a review. The opinions expressed in the reviews are mine and mine alone. No monetary consideration is given. This disclaimer is in accordance with FTC rules.
I am an Amazon.com affiliate, which means that I earn a small percentage of the sales from products purchased through links on my site. I NEVER recommend a book in order to receive a profit. Proceeds from affiliate sales help to defray operating costs of the blog.
Giveaways are open to persons 18 years or older. All winners are picked randomly. No purchases are necessary to enter a giveaway. All giveaways are for US entries only and are void where prohibited.
GDPR compliance -- the email address you leave when you subscribe to the blog or leave a comment, is used only to notify winners of giveaways or to send an email whenever a post goes live. That's it.
For a more detailed privacy policy for Wordpress sites, go to https://wordpress.org/about/privacy/.
I found the scenes with the cyber-human were fascinating, especially in terms of how the society changed depending on the input. I found Myers’ philosphical and theological arguments fascinating.
That was a powerful scene, wasn’t it. I don’t think I can come up with just one scene off the top of my head. It’s a good question. I’ll have to think about it a bit.
Becky