"Just one more page," I resolve as I glance at the clock. The night draws on and on as I delve deep into another world, oblivious of the passing time. I find myself in a distant land and faraway time. The sun bakes the dry sand which whirls with each step I take, parching my throat and scratching my eyes. My mind is set upon one goal and as I gaze ahead, my eye catches the glint of metal reflected off Roman soldiers' armor by the sun. Where there are soldiers, there is a village, where there is a village, there is a well. I quicken my pace and break into a run - water!
In a well-written book I am able to place myself in the main character's position - I grieve when they sorrow, I rejoice in their triumphs. I have found that some of the most captivating and worthy books I have read lay in the category of Biblical fiction. For me, a good Biblical fiction novel is like a step back in history. Life in that time is not only described - it is lived. We come to realize that the people then had the same thoughts and ambitions that we have today.
It seems that the majority of history is romanticized. We know more about the daring conquests and great buildings than of where and how the common people spent the majority of their time. I have always had an interest in finding out the nitty gritty things of past life - How did they prepare their food? What did they do in their spare time? Did they celebrate birthdays? How did they tell time? Naturally, Biblical and historical fiction alike appeals to me since they explore in-depth a life in a past era.
The time periods which the Bible covers span thousands of years. Most of the novels which I am familiar with are centered on the time of Jesus' birth, death and resurrection. Although there are a few in Biblical settings that I am aware of other than that (such as books by G.A. Henty), I plan to feature those which are set in the New Testament time. This era is perhaps one of the most important in Christian history - the time of Roman rule. There was a time when the tyranny of Roman rule was severely strong and Christians were persecuted and forced into hiding. We can almost experience this first hand through the eyes of the characters that we read about.
I enjoy Biblical fiction because it is a glimpse into the life of someone who was there, someone who experienced all that we read of in history books. I greatly encourage you to delve into the world of Biblical fiction and discover the mysteries of that which was long ago and far away. |
