A Novel for Lent

“We tend to associate this time of year with devotionals or books for study,” I wrote recently in Christian Theological Seminary’s CTS Connections newsletter. It was a piece reflecting on my recent novel, Kat’s Dreams. I continued: “In the case of Kat’s Dreams, though, I chose to set this story during Lent – and I envision it as a Lenten story – because it has to do with repentance. The fact that abuses of power do sometimes happen in our congregations is a structural sin that Christians are still coming to terms with. Much like the characters in this story, I think individuals as well as communities are still learning how to constructively and faithfully ‘turn’ from these experiences . . .

I imagine this novel speaking to anyone who’s had a love-hate relationship with The Church or a church. The main character, Kat, refuses to set foot in any church, and her story gives us glimpses into why. She’s only just beginning to practice trusting again after an experience of betrayal. It doesn’t take a situation like hers to resonate with a healing journey like the one she’s on.”  

Excerpted from my reflections in “CTS Alum Writes Novel for Lent” in the March issue of CTS Connections. Click here to read the rest of the article.

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