http://stephenbarkley.com/2010/08/18/the-zahir-paulo-coelho/ Reader, Writer, Pastor, Paddler Tue, 01 May 2012 19:47:23 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://stephenbarkley.com/2010/08/18/the-zahir-paulo-coelho/comment-page-1/#comment-1845 Stephen Barkley Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:29:32 +0000 http://stephenbarkley.com/?p=3219#comment-1845 I'm not sure I'd use the word, "crafty". From what I can tell, Coelho's faithful to his worldview, almost to the point of becoming an evangelist—which is precisely what Christians are. <em>The Zahir</em> was a good reminder that just because there's synergy between his worldview and mine in some areas, it doesn't make us the same. I’m not sure I’d use the word, “crafty”. From what I can tell, Coelho’s faithful to his worldview, almost to the point of becoming an evangelist—which is precisely what Christians are. The Zahir was a good reminder that just because there’s synergy between his worldview and mine in some areas, it doesn’t make us the same.

]]> http://stephenbarkley.com/2010/08/18/the-zahir-paulo-coelho/comment-page-1/#comment-1844 Greg Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:23:50 +0000 http://stephenbarkley.com/?p=3219#comment-1844 Well said, Steve. I also have enjoyed his beautiful and captivating writing style in the past. The Alchemist was an enjoyable read and there was nothing terribly upsetting about the book. Maybe that's the problem. The ease at which I was able to digest his philosophies (even knowing that his ideas clashed with the truth of the gospel) was unsettling afterward. I suppose it would have been easier to dismiss had his writing been less subtle, but he's a very crafty writer. He doesn't really come out and say, "Hey, look! here's what we should believe..." but lets the story become a more compelling device in relaying his views. That's actually why I like his writing, but it makes me wary of this book, the Zahir. Think I'll take your advice and just steer clear of it. Well said, Steve. I also have enjoyed his beautiful and captivating writing style in the past. The Alchemist was an enjoyable read and there was nothing terribly upsetting about the book. Maybe that’s the problem. The ease at which I was able to digest his philosophies (even knowing that his ideas clashed with the truth of the gospel) was unsettling afterward. I suppose it would have been easier to dismiss had his writing been less subtle, but he’s a very crafty writer. He doesn’t really come out and say, “Hey, look! here’s what we should believe…” but lets the story become a more compelling device in relaying his views. That’s actually why I like his writing, but it makes me wary of this book, the Zahir. Think I’ll take your advice and just steer clear of it.

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