ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE DECEMBER 2023 VOL VI. ISSUE XXXVIII | LITERATURE
Article Published on: 06TH JAN 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
"FROM MERCY TO JUDGMENT" - BY AUTHOR THOMAS ROWAN
This book endeavours to aid individuals seeking deeper insights within the scripture's pages. While acknowledging the Bible's self-sufficiency, it occasionally proves beneficial to juxtapose personal reflections with one's interpretations, facilitating a more profound comprehension and definition of truth. Despite lacking a Doctorate in Theology or formal ordination as a pastor, I firmly advocate that each Christian possesses the capacity and should aspire to become a proficient theologian in their own right. Understanding the Bible as God intended for every saint in Christ remains a fundamental pursuit.
Over the years, I've marveled at the way God unveils truth to us. As a child, I grasped the story of Jonah with a rudimentary understanding, focusing primarily on the narrative of the great fish and obedience to God's directives. However, it wasn't until much later in life that I discovered the profound depth underlying this narrative. Within this exposition, I've intertwined the narrative of the Minor Prophet Nahum with that of Jonah, recognizing their historical connection. Jonah epitomizes God's unwavering mercy toward the repentant heart, while Nahum symbolizes God's impending judgment upon the proud and unrepentant. Over a span of a hundred years, Nineveh underwent both experiences, receiving God's mercy followed by His judgment.
The fusion of Jonah and Nahum's narratives presents a dual lesson in divine attributes—God's enduring mercy and His righteousness in judgment. Through these interconnected stories, we witness the juxtaposition of God's grace and warning, urging individuals to embrace repentance and humility. This intricate tapestry of lessons underscores the consequences of pride and the beauty inherent in genuine repentance. It serves as an enduring testament to all believers, illuminating the multifaceted nature of God's character and teachings.
The story of Nineveh's evolution encapsulates an enduring message—God's unyielding grace offered to the repentant and the inevitable judgment awaiting those who spurn His call for repentance. It stands as a timeless lesson for all seeking a deeper understanding of God's profound attributes and His redemptive purpose for humanity.
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JOURNEY OF THE AUTHOR THOMAS ROWAN
Thomas' literary journey commenced in his early thirties with the debut of his novel, "Love is Blind". However, the roots of his passion for reading and writing were firmly established in his formative years. As the eldest among eight siblings, books served as an escape from the bustling chaos of his daily life. Over time, his deepening connection with faith and the philosophical underpinnings of his martial arts training ignited his inclination towards penning poetry and short essays, articulating his everyday musings and emotions. These early compositions laid the groundwork for his subsequent literary pursuits.
During his early adulthood, familial responsibilities and military commitments, coupled with a return to college, eclipsed Thomas' writing endeavours. Yet, the embers of creativity and imagination persisted within him. Following a phase marked by a divorce and the conclusion of his military service, Thomas found a resurgence in his writing. Initially, he delved into crafting short essays centered around biblical themes. However, an innocuous text message from a friend sparked the kindling of a short story idea within him, reigniting his fervor for expanding his thoughts and narratives on paper.
Since then, Thomas has ventured into diverse literary realms, birthing an array of books spanning multiple genres. From mystery thrillers to whimsical tales inspired by video games, from emotionally evocative poetry to a distinct brand of horror, each piece in his burgeoning collection represents a unique facet of his creativity. His repertoire extends further, delving into the immersive worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and an exploration of biblical truths contextualized in a manner that offers comprehensive insight.
Thomas' adeptness in seamlessly navigating various genres is indeed remarkable, ensuring a literary landscape that appeals to a broad spectrum of readers. His versatility and proficiency in crafting narratives that captivate and resonate with audiences underscore his ability to cater to diverse tastes, offering something compelling and engaging for everyone within the vibrant tapestry of his literary works.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF AUTHOR THOMAS ROWANÂ WITH DE MODE
Q: Your upcoming book, "From Mercy to Judgment: The Story of Nineveh," takes a unique approach to biblical study. Could you tell us what inspired you to delve into this particular narrative?
A. It’s an undersold narrative that really caught my attention the more I was studying the Bible. Many people know of Jonah, but few may realize the relatability of his story to their own. Additionally, the finishing part of that story in Nahum – which gives you the full scope of that picture.
Q: How did your experience in the Air Force shape or influence your approach to writing and storytelling?
A. I made connections with many different people from across the globe. The personalities and character traits and learning about different cultures and other groups of people and their perspectives on various things in life all played a part in how I translated my development of characters and feelings within the writing.
Q: "From Mercy to Judgment" seems like an intricate exploration of biblical chapters. Could you walk us through your process of expository writing and how you aimed to simplify complex themes?
A. I’ve experienced with many Christian works, that they are written too simplistic, with minimal Biblical teaching. Or too complex, making it hard for the average reader to fully engage with or understand. My goal was to find a middle ground, where the Bible is used often to support the points but written simplistically enough that anyone could read and understand.
Q: Being a father of three and having served in the military, how do these roles influence your writing, especially when addressing spiritual or philosophical topics?
A. That there is a time for everything. As a father and a military man, I can see that world needs people who love more, while also understanding that we must also be firm and well grounded to protect against those that would seek to harm those we love.
Q: Your hobbies include painting, fitness, and Martial Arts. How do these activities complement or inspire your writing process?
A. I believe that to be good at something, you must sample other things. I see the world differently through the colors I paint, I know that I must be strong, yet, controlled in my strength and fighting. The connection between the spiritual and physical is tremendous and if you are to excel in one, you must balance with the other.
Q: "Love is Blind," "A Walk… Through Romans," and "Poems, Sonnets & Short Stories" explore different genres. How do you navigate between genres and find balance in your writing?
A. I have always enjoyed reading many different genres, which is probably where most flexibility comes from. Because I enjoy many stories, I desire to tell and share just as many. At some point, I may be more well-known for one style over another, but I hope always to be able to write anything.
Q: Are there specific messages or themes you aim to convey consistently across your various works?
A. Nothing at this time that I can say is consistent. Each book is unique in the message it brings, which I think helps increase the value of what each story or poem can mean for the individual reading it.
Q: In your opinion, what role does storytelling play in imparting spiritual or moral lessons to readers, especially in today’s world?
A. Tremendous. People learn the best under two contexts – their own mistakes, or through the stories they read/see. Everyone learns a little differently based on their own experiences and personality. And often, the nuggets of wisdom come from a sentence or phrase that sparks a truth in their own lives.
Q: When working on an exposition of biblical narratives, what challenges do you encounter, and how do you address them?
A. Not writing all that I could on the text. With the Bible, there is so much that you can say about every text. You could write multiple volumes on just one book of the Bible. But my goal is to pull out the text, make the points, show the application, and move on the next section.
Q: Could you share a memorable moment or realization from your writing journey that significantly impacted your approach or perspective as an author?
A. When I finished Love is Blind my second daughter Arwen asked for a scary story for her, which is in my collection of poetry and short stories. It was at this moment that I realized the kind of impact and joy I could have in writing not just for me, but for all my children and beyond.
Q: What can readers expect from "From Mercy to Judgment," and do you have any future projects in mind that you’re excited about?
A. This book is a smaller one so, you can expect a shorter read, but I think you find lots of information about this story in the Bible that you had not yet considered. For 2024, The Man from Nowhere, a sci-fi novel is coming, Kralavia, a fantasy novel, and another Bible exposition on 1 & 2 Peter.
Q: Living in Wisconsin offers diverse experiences. How does your environment impact your creativity and writing style?
A. Wisconsin is generally quiet, haha. There is a beauty here that brings out the creative side. I can look out over the rolling hills and fields with seasons changing. But I am thankful for my military time, which allowed me to visit other places around the country and globe to appreciate the little things offered here.