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I just finished this book. The impact of it is still sinking in to me. The author is BYU history professor, he has authored 5 or 6 other books. This one is the saga of two different men’s lives, in two different centuries, and their religious conversions and the effects they had on their families. It is non-fiction. Well written and for me had a powerful message. The beginning is a bit slow, but push on, it is worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/Conversions-Stories-Reformation-Directions-Narrative/dp/0300192444 Sounds interesting mom3. Could you give me some parts that where meaningful to you? The book covers two men’s faith crisis from different era’s, religions and lifestyles. The first is a boy named Jacob R0landus, his family is active in the Reformation Church in Holland. In fact his dad is the head guy in the area, Jacob though finds himself drawn to Catholicism and flees with goal of getting to Rome. His flight, his conversion, and devotion to Catholicism is insightful for any one who commits to a church. The other man is from our time, he is an evangelical who converts to Mormonism. It breaks his parents heart. But he sticks with it, until he discovers he’s gay. He tries to remain, but eventually he feels compelled to leave.
The book flip-flops, chapter to chapter, on each tale. Rolandus story is all from diaries and letters. It is heartbreaking in a deep sense. The author follows the tale until everyone has passed away. The living man’s tale is from personal experience the author has with him, they are life time friends. The author knows the story from Michael, the character, point of view, as well as his parents and living friends. The book carries the story to the present day. It is a more uplifting end then the Rolandus family, but the lessons both experiences teach were the most amazing for me. Craig compares the two, and the final results, and leaves an open ended question for the reader, about what kind of end to a story would we like to write, especially with friends and family in faith crisis.
I also found a review at BCC for it, if your interested.
http://bycommonconsent.com/2011/10/24/review-craig-harline-conversions/
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