A year ago my wife and I were team teaching a class on Paradise Lost by John Milton. This is a piece of literature that at one time was a mainstay in American schools, but today is sadly neglected. I have to admit that the first time I approached Paradise Lost, it seemed a little daunting. After all, I was a scientist. What could I possibly gain from reading “ancient” poetry? I was sadly mistaken. It is an amazingly beautiful piece of artistry, and I am ashamed to think I may have never had the joy pouring over its pages, finding myself completely absorbed and in awe of Milton’s genius.
One of the most fascinating parts that captivated my attention was when Michael, the archangel, takes Adam on a journey into the future to see the consequences of his sin. One is left completely caught up in the emotional tension as Adam must come to grips with the consequences of his choice. It left me wrestling with the question of what if Adam had only known the actual consequences before he had actually sinned, what then?
This work affected me deeply as a writer. My most recent work, Justice, is a series of three novellas. The first one, Knowing, was influenced in part by Paradise Lost. The second, Providence, deals with the sovereignty of an all knowing God, and the third, Guardian, examines the human need for meaning and purpose. Although interconnected by the characters, each novella takes place at a different time and each can stand on its own story.
It is a work of science fiction, suggesting the possibility of time travel and the ability to see into the future. It is wrought with paradoxes which is a little ironic. Although I always map out my writing before I begin, this work began as nothing more than a sketch. I found myself in wonder as I encountered surprising discoveries on each successive page.
--Michael
One of the most fascinating parts that captivated my attention was when Michael, the archangel, takes Adam on a journey into the future to see the consequences of his sin. One is left completely caught up in the emotional tension as Adam must come to grips with the consequences of his choice. It left me wrestling with the question of what if Adam had only known the actual consequences before he had actually sinned, what then?
This work affected me deeply as a writer. My most recent work, Justice, is a series of three novellas. The first one, Knowing, was influenced in part by Paradise Lost. The second, Providence, deals with the sovereignty of an all knowing God, and the third, Guardian, examines the human need for meaning and purpose. Although interconnected by the characters, each novella takes place at a different time and each can stand on its own story.
It is a work of science fiction, suggesting the possibility of time travel and the ability to see into the future. It is wrought with paradoxes which is a little ironic. Although I always map out my writing before I begin, this work began as nothing more than a sketch. I found myself in wonder as I encountered surprising discoveries on each successive page.
--Michael
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