a great book

I'm reading The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell for the 2nd time. It is a marvelous book that raises some very difficult questions.

The story takes place in the middle of this century... researchers have received radio signals of music from a planet in a nearby galaxy. The Jesuits mount a mission to the planet. The story plays off optimism and faith verses deep disappointment with God, religious ecstasy vs. horrible pain. It shows how easy it is to have preconceptions and expectations get in the way of real understanding and that misunderstanding a culture can bring about disastrous results.

In the paperback edition, there are study questions for a group to discuss and an interview with the author. She grew up Roman Catholic but converted to Judaism in her adult life. She says, "When you convert to Judaism in a post-Holocaust world, you know two things for sure: one is that being Jewish can get you killed; the other is that God won't rescue you." With that theology in mind, the main character becomes a sort of Jeremiah who feels as if he has been used and abused by God.

I think it should be required reading for church leaders.

There is a sequel too - The Children of God - that I'll re-read after I finish The Sparrow.