I have always had a certain ambivalence towards explicitly Christian culture whether it be music or literature or art. I find much of it forced and cheesy; lacking depth or layers. Don't get me wrong it isn't the underlying message I reject or feel odd about, I enjoy Christian music in certain settings for example. Although, I have always been a bit of an classicist when it comes to music in church, preferring hymns and avoiding "Christian Rock" in worship services. I also enjoy Christian authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, etc. I enjoy works that explore issues like faith and belief but I have trouble in that middle ground between worship and allegory - something that is explicitly Christian but entertainment too.

All of this was in the in the back of my mind when I came across an interesting novel that looked to combine Christian themes with an entertaining story. Flabbergasted is the debut novel of Ray Blackston. It is the story of Jay Jarvis a single investment broker relocated to South Carolina. Jay asks his realtor what singles do for fun in Greenville South Carolina. Her response: church. Not being shy he heads to North Hills Presbyterian Church and as a result ends up involved in the singles group there. In short order Jay signs up for a weekend trip to the beach and meets someone who will turn his life upside down. I won't spoil the ending for those who want to read the book, but it involves a missionary and a trip to South America.

There are many ways in which I can relate to this book. I was raised in a Christian family and I have attended Church almost all my life. I have been involved in dozens of church trips and short term missions; and in fact recently took a vacation with my church to the Carolina shore. On the other hand I have not experienced being single as a full fledged adult or at least not in the way Jay does. I started dating my wife when I was senior in high school and she was a sophomore. I never really had any other serious long term relationships and we have been married for nine years.

All that being said, Flabbergasted is an entertaining, if light hearted, story. It is easy to like and sympathise with Jay. He is likable, sincere, and yet irreverent and confident. He doesn't approach church with any strong dispositions or biases. He makes friends easily and enjoys their company; especially the intriguing Allie - a missionary on vacation. Given his disposition and his lack of friends in his new town, Jay falls into hanging out with the men from the church singles group. The supporting characters are interesting and unique enough to seem real and provide a good backdrop for Jay's search for deeper meaning in life.

The farther you move into the book the more explicit this search becomes. Jay's search for meaning and his search for a meaningful relationship with someone of the opposite sex follow parallel tracks. A freak accident on a boat provides the turning point. A hospital visit by a black Baptist preacher leads Jay to accept the gospel and that same preacher plants the seed that leads him to question his profession or calling in life. From this point on the story leads towards a joining of Jay's relationship and career decisions.