I have heard a number of positive things about the film, Persecuted from Daniel Lusko. I have not seen the movie; so I was excited when I was offered the opportunity to read and review the book of the same name,based on the film, by author Robin Parrish. I also have a copy of the book to give away to one reader at the end of the post--so be sure to enter! What was my review of Persecuted by Robin Parrish?
I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in my review. All opinions are my own.
Quick Summary of Persected by Robin Parish. The Question Is Not IF Attempts Will Be Made to Limit
Religious Freedoms, But When. John Luther,
simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He
never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has
been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new
religious-equality bill see Luther's endorsement as critical. When Luther
refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan
bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he
stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive
left with only one dangerous option--putting everything he holds most dear at
risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him
face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very
fabric of our nation's freedoms.
Persecuted was not the book I expected--but, I did enjoy it. I cannot offer a comparison of the book and the film. As I've not seen the movie, I can only offer my opinions of the book. I expected the book to be more detailed in the freedoms endangered by the proposed law creating the "persecution" of John Luther. I expected to witness the religious persecution of the masses. Instead, I felt that I was to assume that Luther, and presumably everyone of faith, was to lose their religious freedoms to a generic, one belief system fits all people. While the book's plot evolved from Luther's stance against the political act, the storyline actually focused on the man's life (and the misfortunes) created by his speaking out in support of individual faith. It's more of a thriller/drama centering on a politically framed, falsely accused man than a book of religious persecution of the nation's faiths.
The scenario presented in Persecuted is certainly plausible. I have my own beliefs--and I own them. I do not; however, believe that my personal beliefs should be forced onto anyone else. As governments seek more and control over personal decisions and family life, I do see faith as a potential target--from both believers and non-believers. Would I be silent when forced to publicly change my religious views? Would we all face consequences of some sort for defiance?
Would I recommend Persecuted by Robin Parish? I wish the book had offered more details of the political Act's pieces and parts. How exactly would be Act be enforced--and what were the various legalities of the plan? I found this book more of a thriller about principle than about religion throughout most of the story. The concepts of a combined religion and loss of personal faith choices are troubling, and the persecution of the outspoken is unsettling--and, the author did a nice job creating a thriller with real world implications of religious freedoms. Fans of thrillers where characters face moral obligations--and suffer consequences when going against the flow of power--will enjoy the book. Those concerned about religious limitations and the potential of religious persecutions will enjoy the book.
Buy Persecuted: I Will Not Be Silent by Robin Parrish
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10 Comments
No, I haven't seen the film
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't seen the film. But I think you don't even see that there is not an immense deal of difference between "forcing one's belief's onto anyone else" versus "sharing the Gospel" by ranting via loudspeaker from the streetcorner; being awakened from a sound sleep by the muslim "call to prayer" at dawn via loudspeakers from a mosque; or being awakened at 6am by Angelus Bells ringing from a catholic church. All are forms of forcing.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen the film this book is based on.
ReplyDeleteNo, I have not seen the film yet.
ReplyDeleteNo, I honestly hadn't heard of it until now.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the film
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the film yet, no.
ReplyDeleteNo I haven't seen the film but I would like to
ReplyDeleteNo i haven't but will look for it.
ReplyDeleteNope, never seen it
ReplyDelete