For my English 250 class we are reading through Mary Rowlandson’s book ‘The Sovereignty and goodness of God’. This is a narration of her experiences in being held captive by Native Americans in 1676. Mary Rowlandson was a Puritan woman and relates her experiences with frequent reference to the Bible and Biblical truths.
I was surprised when I found out what kind of book this is not expecting to read about things I believe at a secular university. But alas, while I am not sure why the teacher picked this particular text, the way it is discussed seems to mock the puritan’s view and a lot of my beliefs. Never let it be said that Sally never earned her participation points, but I find that, in order not to be obnoxious in class, I must carefully choose what comments I should make and when to speak what comes to mind.
“But the Lord renewed my strength still, and carried me along, that I might see more of his Power; yea, so much that I could never have though of, had I not experienced it.” How can you expect people to read lines like this and know what the author really meant if they have not experienced the power of God in their own lives? How much can I explain to someone who doesn’t even believe God exists, that it is only through His power that I am who I am? This is something that really needs to be experienced in order to knowledgeably talk about.
Well I know that I am called to speak the truth in love. To show what I believe by the way I live.
“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Rom 10:14)
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb 4:12)
