Monthly Archives: February 2016

The “5 Step Plan” and the Gospel: Part 1 (of 5)

Posted by Caleb Coy on

Growing up in the Churches of Christ, it was advertised to me as long as I can remember—in sermons, in Bible classes, at camp, in outlines and tracts, on bulletin boards, on websites, and in personal Bible study with someone about to become a Christian. God had a plan for us to be saved, avoid Hell, go to Heaven. It was obtainable in five simple steps: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, be Baptized. It was easy to memorize, easy to count. It was a bullet point plan to perfection. It was a reachable solution that I myself could perform to be a good Christian. And for a number of years in my youth, I assumed it was the best way to view the operation of being saved by God.
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Reading Dave Eggers’ “Your Fathers”: Room 53—Christ

Posted by Caleb Coy on

Room 53: Aggravation, Christ, and Congress [see previous post on the West]

—I saved you for last because you were the only one Thomas saw as a mentor and I think you complete the religious imagery that is there abut would have been more there if Eggers was religious and had a more religious agenda.

—I understand, son.
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Reading Dave Eggers’ “Your Fathers”: Room 48–The West

Posted by Caleb Coy on

Room48: Cannons, The West, and Dream Girls [see previous post on radicalization]

—I can see why you looked like his dream girl.

—Thanks?

—Not hitting on you. Just saying you’re an important character, an embodiment of an ideal.
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Reading Dave Eggers’ “Your Fathers”: Room 55—Radicalization

Posted by Caleb Coy on

Room 55: Radicalization, Apocalypse, and Mothers [see previous post on Conspiracies]

—I’m sorry to visit you like this, but as Thomas’s Mom you have some things to teach us about his background, why he did what he did.

—You’re here to lecture me on how his actions are my fault?

—No. But they do play a part. It’s not so much about you as what you saw in him. How he turned out.
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Reading Dave Eggers’ “Your Fathers”: Room 60–Conspiracies

Posted by Caleb Coy on

Room 60: Conspiracies, Bureucracies, and Hospital Mgt.
[see previous post on illiterate law enforcement]

—I brought you in for a topic that frustrates me as much as it does the protagonist.

—Fair enough.
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Reading Dave Eggers’ “Your Fathers”: Room 57–Illiteracy

Posted by Caleb Coy on

Room 57: Illiteracy, Profiling, and Cops [see previous post on morals]

—I know you’re tired of people picking on cops, but we have to interrogate you too.

—Asiomerican lives matter. Carry on.

—There’s a bit from when Thomas is talking to you and he has this theory that the reason you shot his friend was because “you and your buddies can’t read.”

—That’s right. Kind of an unfair charge directed at a cop.

—I think he has a point.

—That we’re a bunch of ignorant redneck bullies?
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Reading Dave Eggers’ “Your Fathers”:Room 54–Morals

Posted by Caleb Coy on

Room 54: Morals, Principles, and Pederasts    [see the previous post on Promises]

—This is embarrassing. Do I have to do this again?

—Yes. This is your punishment, pederast. Let’s talk about gray areas.

—I know where this is going, and I don’t want to go there.
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