I read The Life of Pi. It was good.

Crooked Little Vein and Life of Pi (Photo credit: Rich_Lem)

I haven’t seen the film yet, but having read the book I’d quite like to. Before reading it someone said to me that it isn’t so much about him in a boat with a tiger as the adverts make it seem…but it really is, isn’t it.

Anyway, it was a good book. Gripping, interesting, perhaps a tad gory in places, with a disturbing twist at the end – incredible writing, although I’d probably have rather it finished in Disney style, because that’s the sort of guy I am.

But some of the most enjoyable moments for me came towards the start of it, where Pi is discovering Christianity for the first time. For a start, check out his first reaction when he walks into a church:

Something about a human sacrifice. An angry god who had to be appeased with blood. Dazed women staring up into the air and fat babies with tiny wings flying about. A charismatic bird. Which one was the god?

Well captured; how confusing must it be for non-Christians to encounter Christianity for the first time? A good reminder for us.

Then, Pi encounters a priest, who starts to explain things to him, and Pi begins to understand.

…the stories that came before it – and there were many – were simply prologue to the Christians. Their religion had one Story, and to it they came back again and again, over and over. It was story enough for them.

Preach it, Pi!

I can’t imagine Lord Krishna consenting to be stripped naked, whipped, mocked, dragged through the streets and, to top it off, crucified – and at the hands of mere humans, to boot.

Indeed; surely only a God with infinite power and self assurance would allow something like that to happen.

But once a dead God, always a dead God, even resurrected. The Son must have the taste of death forever in his mouth…there must be a certain stench at the right hand of God the Father. The horror must be real. Why would God wish that upon Himself? Why not leave death to the mortals? Why make dirty what is beautiful, spoil what is perfect?

A good question – what was the answer that Pi discovered?

Love.

Wow. And that’s the Good News. But the book explains yet more about Christianity, and how it differs from other world religions.

In a moment you are lost or saved. Christianity stretches back through the ages, but in essence it only exists at one time: right now.

Spot on. That’s called grace. Yes, God existed before time, and we’ll live with him for eternity, yet all that really matters is right here, right now.

Ray of hope

I don’t know anything about International Justice Mission so this isn’t an endorsement of their work, but this powerful movie will perhaps make you uncomfortable in a good way.

A tough question about social injustice

Ok, this is just a quote, and I don’t even know who said it. But it’s a challenge:

‘Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering and unjustice when He could do something about it.’

‘Well, why don’t you ask Him?’

‘Because I am afraid He might ask me the same question.’

Leprosy

Sometimes it’s good to read an extraordinary story:

He had an unforgettable face—half of his nose had been eroded away by leprosy. I began the interview with a statement. ‘We understand that in India it is believed that lepers are under the curse of a god. So how does it feel to know Jesus as your curse-bearer?’ After a long pause, the answer came back though the translator: ‘Jesus Christ is all I have.’ I nodded my head knowing it was literally true. Daniel owned nothing. Yet his eyes betrayed a deep contentment rarely seen in Americans.

To be honest, I was stunned and couldn’t think of a single follow-up question. But without being prompted, Daniel spoke again. ‘Jesus Christ is all I need.’ Six more little words that spoke volumes and I knew he was revealing authentic secrets of pure magic! He looked at me, waiting patiently for me to respond, but I was speechless. I started to pray silently, asking for God’s help. Just then Daniel began to speak a third time. My eyes were riveted on his face as the words flowed from the translator like magic arrows penetrating deep into my soul, ‘Jesus Christ is all I want.’

That night Brad and I talked into the wee hours. I told him I was jealous of Daniel’s faith. And that I was sad because I knew my faith could never be as pure as his because I have too many things propping me up.

Here’s where I took that excerpt from.