Rebekah

Since "The DaVinci Code" came out, there's been a lot of buzz on the internet, blogs, and in cafes about the role of women in society, in the Christian religion, etc. I'd love to talk about this, but I'm not much good on the subject, I only have my somewhat uninformed opinions. On a completely unrelated note, I read "Rebekah" this past week, a book by Orson Scott Card that takes the Biblical account and other sources to tell the story of Rebekah and Isaac.

I loved it. Aside from the fact that OS Card is an amazing author with a deep writing style and a profound grasp of his subject matter, I'm amazed at his grasp of the Christian faith (I know, I know, Rebekah was a Hebrew, but seriously, read the book and you'll see what I mean). Some six months ago I read another book of his called "Pastwatch", a book that also shows his grasp of what true Christianity looks like. You'll have to read it to see what I mean (most libraries should have it).

Anyway, I found this passage in Rebekah that I loved, and thought that I should share it.

"People don't understand what it means to be a Shepherd," Isaac said, "You aren't a master of the sheep. They're too stupid to have a master because they don't understand obedience - only imitation of the other sheep, and fear of predators. No, a shepherd is a servant of the sheep, protecting them, bringing them to food. And that's what we are to all our people ..."

I sit and wonder, where does this truth apply? Does it apply to missionaries? Does it apply to Christians in general (of course, if you know me, you know I don't believe there's a difference between the two). Does it apply to God and us as human beings? Is it totally bogus?

Discuss.