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Book review: Is Theo of Golden a Christ-figure?
I just finished reading the wildly popular book, Theo of Golden, by Allen Levi. I’m amazed that a book this good is the first novel he has written.
Rich in character development, surprising in the ending plot, this book is a delightful masterpiece. I was drawn in, enchanted, and inspired. There is something for nearly everyone in this book, especially for those who enjoy beauty, art, relationships, and particularly for believers. This book does not preach to us, “be like Theo,” it simply paints a picture that inspires us to humbly be like Theo.
SPOILER ALERT: This next part may give away too much plot, but for discussion with others who have read it, here goes…
I see “Theo,” which comes from the Greek for “God,” as a Christ-figure. Although Levi paints him as (like Christ) fully human and (unlike Christ) with faults and sin in his past, I don’t think we have to take him as an allegory for Christ but as a symbolic reminder of Christ. He suddenly appears among us for a brief period of time, he humbly shows us the way to live, he blesses us and gives to those who will listen, and he dies sacrificially. After his death, people are changed. This point is stressed in the funeral sermon for Theo in which the priest compares the wonderment of the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection with the wonder of the people of Golden at having met Theo.
If you read the book, what do you think?
Some of my favorite sunsets
Copyright by Bob Rogers
The greatest show on earth is in the heavens, and it is performed by God. No cinema is as stunning as the daily sunrise and sunset.
Here are five photos I have taken of sunsets. They cannot do justice to the glory of seeing them in person, but at least they capture the memories that I have of each one. Here are the photos, and the stories behind them. Please share in the comments which one is your favorite.
#1. SUNSET AT COOPER LAKE (above). I took this photo a few years ago at Cooper Lake, Morton, Mississippi, where I was with my wife’s family reunion. I like the reflection on the water, the silhouette of the cattails, and the framing of the tree above.
#2. SUNSET IN NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA (above). I was visiting my younger daughter, Lauren, who lives in Florida, and was walking in her subdivision, when this sunset grabbed my eye. I love the vivid colors, the reflection on the water, and the framing of the pine needles.
#3. SUNSET ON COUNTRY PORCH (above). This photo was taken on my sister-in-law and brother-in-law’s porch, who live in the country in Scott County, Mississippi. Although it is at sunset, this photo is more about other things: the long shadows, peaceful grass and gentle path, and the rose bush. The rose has a special memory, because it was planted and tended by their son (my nephew) Brian, who died this past winter. We think of him when we see the rose, and think of his sunrise when we see the sunset.
#4. SUNSET STEEPLE (above). For the past year, I have been interim pastor of First Baptist Church, McLaurin, Mississippi. One Wednesday night, I arrived at the church and I was awed by the sunset behind the sanctuary, so I quickly snapped this picture.
#5. SUNSET IN THE CLOUDS (above). This photo was taken from the swing in my front yard in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The tall pines prevent us from seeing the actual sun as it sets, but one evening as I was sitting in the swing, I was captivated by the sun’s reflection on the clouds.
I hope you enjoyed these photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them. So which is your favorite? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Bob Rogers 