T List #20

Rapture Practice by Aaron Hartzler

This is the first nonfiction book I have ever read from the TAYSHAS list. I was asked to read it and give my thoughts on it, which I pretty much do anyway with these books. Anyway, there was some concern that it may be more controversial because of the religious content, and the fact that it is nonfiction.

To be perfectly honest, this wasn't a dry read like many nonfiction books, even memoirs. This read like a piece of fiction, so it was easy to follow. I liked the story the man had to tell. The author is a year older than I am, so I don't know if that contributed to my liking the book or not. Also. I have experienced some of the same doubts that the author has, but, strict as my parents were, they didn't hold a candle to this guy's parents.

Aaron's dad is a minister. Nothing wrong with that-my grandpa was a minister, and one of the greatest people I have ever known. The difference between my grandpa and the author's father is that my grandpa believed that God knows we will make mistakes, but that we should still live and enjoy life. Aaron's father was/is one of those people who believe that Satan is in everything, and that you are hurting God if you partake in them. This includes music, movies, tv, books, virtually everything. Everytime Aaron slipped up, it wasn't enough for his parents to say he disappointed them, they told him that his choices we disappointing God. That's heavy, and a lot of pressure to live with.

I found myself feeling so sorry for Aaron. He was only trying to enjoy his life. I believe God gave us the ability to choose for ourselves, but also gave us an out when we screwed up by being saved. Aaron seems to have felt the same way, and it was hard for him growing up this way. I would be interested to see how his siblings saw their upbringing.

I was a bit disappointed in Aaron at the end. I wanted so much for him to stand up to his parents, and he never did. He just kept apologizing for his "rebellion."