Fill the Stage

Daniel Dignan

Fill The Stage

“Character is Destiny”

home / start / about / archive

hero’s journey

 

terms / privacy

Subscribe via Email

Knowing God

by Leave a Comment

I read this book when I was about 19 years old. It quite literally changed my life, giving me a greater appreciation and respect for God. The book does exactly what the title indicates. It helps you get to know God. The author, one of the most respected theologians of the 20th century, utilized the Bible to help readers understand what God is like. He explains God’s attributes or character traits as they have been revealed in nature and Scripture.

The book matters because knowing God rightly matters for one’s happiness and freedom.

King David wrote: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, English Standard Version)

Jesus said: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

What did you find most helpful about the book? Comment below.

The God Who is There

by Leave a Comment

Francis Schaeffer was an influential thinker (i.e., philosopher) and Christian in the mid-to-late 20th century. He believed that God exists, that truth, goodness, and beauty come from him, and that they have been revealed in creation, history, and the Bible. He believed that living by the truth is necessary for happiness and dignity. 

In his books, he reveals how belief in objective truth has been lost, and the social and personal issues this has caused. Starting with philosophy, he explains how thinkers used to believe in objective reality, goodness, and beauty. And how truth began to be seen as existing only in the realm of science, while all other beliefs, such as religious ones, were deemed to be personal values rather than objective facts.  

He goes on to show how this affected art, music, and culture, providing specific examples. He shows how the loss of truth leads to despair.  

Ultimately, Schaeffer presents a compelling case for the existence of objective truth, revealed by God in creation and the Bible, providing those who embrace it an escape from despair.

Schaeffer’s classic trilogy has helped many people regain confidence and appreciation for true truth that frees one to live the good life and to make sense of it. 

Personal note: I read The God Who Is There and the other two when I was 16 years old. They were not easy to read; I had to use a dictionary to look up several words. However, his books educated me, and they changed my life for the better. 

If you read any part of them, please comment below and let me know your thoughts.

Pilgrim’s Progress

by Leave a Comment

This is a classic story about how to find happiness. Published one hundred years before the American War for Independence, it is one of the most widely read books ever. Some of the greatest writers read it. The greatest preacher in British history read it every year. Interestingly, the author, John Buynan, wrote it in prison.

Bunyan’s story has two parts. Part one follows a man named Christian who journeys to the Celestial City. Along the way, he faces many dangers and meets many people, some of whom help him, but many others try to stop him. Part two is about his wife and children as they make the same journey, facing many of the same dangers, as well as new ones.

The book, through its characters and events, represents two paths described in the Bible: the path that leads to happiness and the path that leads to destruction. The foundation and vision of the book is historical Christianity; the intent is to help the reader learn how to live and die well.

I recommend purchasing a book with illustrations.

Here is a map of the main character’s journey:

This conversation about the book will give you an idea of what to expect:

Did you enjoy the book?

To better understand the book, I recommend reading the Gospel of Mark. (It is the second book in the Bible’s New Testament.) It’s about how to be right with God and live the good life.

The Death of Ivan Ilych

by Leave a Comment

A successful middle-aged judge suffered a freak accident and faces a slow, terrible death. His family and friends can’t bear him. His pain, depression, and uncertainty grow.

Thoughts of his life — childhood happinesses, ambitions, what he lived for, and his behavior — crowd into his mind. Did he live his life as he should have?

This short story by Leo Tolstoy, often regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time, is a shocking read. It makes one think seriously about life. Am I living as I ought to live, or am I deceiving myself? Can things be fixed?

Spoiler alert:

Amid his suffering, Ivan experiences a radical change, dying in hope. His incremental yet sudden transformation makes sense in light of biblical teachings on regeneration and justification.

What did you like about the story? Please comment below.