Mike Duran: Resurrection
After the resurrection, there are two extreme reactions: misguided belief manifesting itself in iconic worship of Ruby, and even more disturbing, the hard-hearted unbelief of professing Christians, even the Board of Elders of Ruby’s church. They grapple with the best method of “damage-control” so their church doesn’t seem fanatical. These faithless elders control Pastor Clark making him an ineffective puppet.
The same day of the resurrection, Pastor Clark meets with Professor Keen, his mentor at seminary, who has since embraced syncretism and the exploration of pagan religions. Professor Keen actively recruits Ian to join his “secret” group, Orbis of Scientia which is Latin for Circle of Knowledge. Ian is now at a crossroads.
Meanwhile, Ruby’s life has been turned upside down. People are coming to her house in need of a miracle, protesting that she is a devil and even leaving a pagan idol on her front lawn. In a meeting with Pastor Clark, she also sees Mr. Cellophane. Both she and Pastor Clark begin their own research on this strange turn of events and eventually team up to investigate the Stonetree curse and what parts they play in reversing it. The ensuing spiritual battle to seize Stonetree from this evil domination begins!
While I don’t believe in cities being “under a curse,” there do seem to be ones that have spiritual oppression. Stonetree reminds me of a town I lived in that the spiritual oppression felt like a heavy blanket. Many people from outside of our area comment on the spiritual darkness in New England. This is an interesting idea to ponder.
Reviewer: Lisa Norsworthy
