Plot Summary
A Tale of Three Kings walks a tightrope between narrative and instruction. The narrative part takes the form of a dialogue between its story's characters, in the instructional part, the narrator addresses the reader directly, using the second person pronoun.
A Tale of Three Kings is about the basis for spiritual authority. The narrator identifies two different types of spiritual leaders; leaders like King Saul and leaders like King David. The third king is Absalom, who the narrator identifies as a recycled King Saul. But Absalom is cast in the reactionary position and answers the question: "What would David have done, while he was under Saul's authority, if he was just like Saul?"
The subtitle of this book is: "A Study in Brokenness." And it is fitting. The narrator concludes that the only way right to exercise spiritual authority is through submission.
What I liked
I don't normally like this kind of book, the way it was written. I don't like books that walk a tightrope between narrative and instruction because they generally tend to do both poorly. However, reading this book, I felt like I was reading the transcript of a good sermon, and like a good sermon, it was relatively short. I was able to read through it in an hour and a half while I should have been sleeping. And it was interesting enough to keep me awake.
I feel I've learned from this book. I've been occupied with the concept of leadership lately, both because of the lack of it in my workplace and because I've been watching Star Trek and have been finding in it an exploration of the ideology of Leadership. (I do intend to blog on that later.) This book is like an instruction manual in spiritual leadership. And one that I appreciate very much.
What I didn't like
Nothing, really.
I don't usually enjoy reading a book addressed to the second person, but in this case, it worked. These addresses make up personal challenges to the reader that inspire reflection and inner seeking.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I will quote here the book's dedication:
To the brokenhearted Christians coming out of authoritarian groups, seeking solace, healing, and hope. May you somehow recover and go on with him who is liberty.
And to all brokenhearted Christians: May you be so utterly healed that you can still answer the call of him who asks for all because he is all.
I recommend this book to any Christians who have been brutalized by other Christians and to any who desire or feel they are called to positions of leadership.
If you are one who desires a position of leadership I don't think this book will encourage you to abandon that desire but it may inspire in you a desire to be a greater leader than you had ever before imagined you could be or wanted to be. I know it has for me.
A Tale of Three Kings walks a tightrope between narrative and instruction. The narrative part takes the form of a dialogue between its story's characters, in the instructional part, the narrator addresses the reader directly, using the second person pronoun.
A Tale of Three Kings is about the basis for spiritual authority. The narrator identifies two different types of spiritual leaders; leaders like King Saul and leaders like King David. The third king is Absalom, who the narrator identifies as a recycled King Saul. But Absalom is cast in the reactionary position and answers the question: "What would David have done, while he was under Saul's authority, if he was just like Saul?"
The subtitle of this book is: "A Study in Brokenness." And it is fitting. The narrator concludes that the only way right to exercise spiritual authority is through submission.
What I liked
I don't normally like this kind of book, the way it was written. I don't like books that walk a tightrope between narrative and instruction because they generally tend to do both poorly. However, reading this book, I felt like I was reading the transcript of a good sermon, and like a good sermon, it was relatively short. I was able to read through it in an hour and a half while I should have been sleeping. And it was interesting enough to keep me awake.
I feel I've learned from this book. I've been occupied with the concept of leadership lately, both because of the lack of it in my workplace and because I've been watching Star Trek and have been finding in it an exploration of the ideology of Leadership. (I do intend to blog on that later.) This book is like an instruction manual in spiritual leadership. And one that I appreciate very much.
What I didn't like
Nothing, really.
I don't usually enjoy reading a book addressed to the second person, but in this case, it worked. These addresses make up personal challenges to the reader that inspire reflection and inner seeking.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I will quote here the book's dedication:
To the brokenhearted Christians coming out of authoritarian groups, seeking solace, healing, and hope. May you somehow recover and go on with him who is liberty.
And to all brokenhearted Christians: May you be so utterly healed that you can still answer the call of him who asks for all because he is all.
I recommend this book to any Christians who have been brutalized by other Christians and to any who desire or feel they are called to positions of leadership.
If you are one who desires a position of leadership I don't think this book will encourage you to abandon that desire but it may inspire in you a desire to be a greater leader than you had ever before imagined you could be or wanted to be. I know it has for me.
i really liked this book. i like how the author points out wisely - gently - that the point of christianity isn't about being the best, about striving to meet goals and check off achievements.
ReplyDeleteit's about being broken.