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.
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