About a month ago I read a new book by Craig J. Hazen called Five Sacred Crossings. In which, Hazen works a thorough examination and defense of Christianity into a novel. The novel is set in southern California, where a middle-aged Christian college professor agrees to substitute teach a professional friend's religion class (at a secular college). The Christian college professor introduces a book to this class which he received as a gift from a tribal community during the Vietnam War. The book, The Five Sacred Crossings, teaches five philosophical/spiritual propositions which the reader must unpack through communal discussions and wise direction from an elder.
Hazen uses each "crossing" to address different worldviews, and to explain and defend the Christian worldview. Five Sacred Crossings addresses these issues through the questions and responses posed by the students at the secular college.
The only odd aspect of the novel was that Hazen had his main character, the Christian college professor be a smoker who enjoys watching the Simpsons. I am not sure why Hazen would go out of his way to involve his character in two semi-controversial actions when neither is important to the story line. Perhaps I missed some hidden reason.
Regardless, I found the work to be extremely helpful and informative (I learned quite a bit about eastern religious beliefs). Dr. Hazen is pioneering a new form of apologetics which I think, in a quality works such as this, should be embraced. This new book made a great addition to my library.
I highly recommend Five Sacred Crossings to any and everyone! I would add that Hazen's book might be particularly good for nonbelievers and young Christians.
Here it is (Five Sacred Crossings), may growth and enrichment ensue!
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