THE WORD
One candle illuminated the small cave, giving just enough
light for the priest to read. Shadowy figures listened intently to his words,
which were all the more precious for being forbidden, but then the lookout
hissed. Instantly the flame was extinguished, but too late – hatred and bloody
violence contaminated their place of worship.
Yelling men herded them into a truck, leaving the priest’s
battered body in his church. Looking back as they were driven away, a woman
cried, “They are burning the Holy Book!” but her father said, “We need no Book,
daughter – God writes His Word in our hearts.”
Chillingly timely ... I shudder at what times we are getting to... dangerous to exist today..
ReplyDeleteEven more dangerous to worship in a totalitarian country.
DeleteVery true, sadly.
DeleteReligious intolerance seems to be everywhere!
DeleteA chilling read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Shandra.
DeleteA very timely story. People can feel so threatened by other people's beliefs.
ReplyDeleteYes they can, but why? A belief per se never hurt anyone - it's what it makes them do that beggars belief!
Deletei find it an irony that people kill other people in the name of religion and praising god for doing it - the same god that they all worship.
ReplyDeleteSo do I - see my comment above. Tragic, isn't it?
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteThis is more horrifying than zombies or vampires. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
More horrifying because it's happening now. Thanks Rochelle.
DeleteVery well written, Liz. It's the "believe our way or die" mentality that some in our world practice today. Whatever happened to God is Love?
ReplyDeleteExtremism in any religion has a lot to answer for, probably since cavemen argued about whether to worship the sun or the wind. It's tragic that the 'live and let live' attitude of decent people doesn't prevail.
DeleteThat seems a completely different style of writing - and very apt for the theme and image.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen - I write as the mood takes me, and this photo made me think of burning books.
Deletegreat message - that spirituality resides within us.
ReplyDeleteWe are all walking examples of Holy Books.
Randy
The God within can't be burned.
DeleteHorrifying, but true in the end..God resides within us and so do his words.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have met you, Lizy!
You too, Shilpa!
DeleteA chilling reminder of what is happening in the world.
ReplyDeleteEvery day in the news - there are thousands of way to worship - live and let live.
DeleteChilling. Very well written..
ReplyDeletethanks for your comment, Embark.
DeleteVery thought provoking. An interesting take on the picture, convincingly told.
ReplyDeletethanks margirene
DeleteI like your story. An interesting idea, convincingly told.
ReplyDeleteAnd again!
DeleteGod writes His Word in our hearts. Perfect words to live by. Well done
ReplyDeleteThanks Alicia - though perhaps as a writer I should say we can do without books!
Delete