Scripture, lives of the saints, and other spiritual readings are all ways to deepen prayer life and discover new intricacies of our faith (I’m slowly working through the Diary of Saint Faustina, and I love it!). However, sometimes it can be hard to work through those denser spiritual works, especially with less time. And the Lord knows, the older I get the less time I have!
5 Fiction Books to Spiritually Renew Your Soul
In the following fiction books, I have felt completely immersed in the story and refreshed upon completion. Whether it be a dramatic tale of conversion, an account of the Lord’s grace working in outer space, or an apocalyptic story, all these books have deep and mystical Christian and Catholic themes with which to meditate upon. So, without further adieu, let's begin!
Father Elijah: An Apocalypse by Michael O’Brien
This book is number one on the list for a reason! Michael O’Brien writes a thrilling novel which explores the state of the modern world. A Carmelite priest, Father Elijah Schafer, is secretly tasked by the Vatican with a mission of utmost importance; one which involves the fate of millions of souls. Traversing across the Middle East and Europe, Father Elijah encounters saints and sinners, men of power, mystics, journalists, and traitors, all while reflecting upon his own childhood of surviving Nazi Germany. This powerful book is filled with adventure and hope, and the reminder that even the smallest among us can accomplish great things with the help of the Lord.
The Spear by Louis de Wohl
Before this book, I had never even heard of St. Longinus, even though he was mentioned in Scripture. Longinus, I discovered, was the centurion who speared Christ’s side on Calvary. This dramatic story follows Marcus Longinus’ early life, from that of a prominent member of a Roman family to that of a slave who sold his freedom for his father. Although you can guess the outcome, it doesn’t take away from how deeply you feel Marcus’ questions and journey towards understanding this man everyone calls “The Messiah.” This story culminates in the supreme hope shared among Christians, and leaves one meditating on their personal journey to Christ.
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The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis
Surprisingly, I was long into my love of C.S. Lewis before I realized he had a sci-fi trilogy. And it is probably one of the best sci-fi series I have ever read (“Of course,” you say, “It’s C.S. Lewis!”). The three books contained in this trilogy are Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. It centers around Dr. Elwin Ransom, a university professor, who is taken to outer space. In the first book, he encounters life on mars. This planet has not fallen into Original Sin, and the beings he meets there reflect upon earth and draw striking contrasts. In the second, he reaches another planet where he meets two beings much akin to Adam and Eve before Original Sin. In the close of the trilogy, the now-beloved Dr. Ransom is fighting for earth with the dark forces that were present in both Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra. I would highly recommend this trilogy to anyone, Christian or not!
Ben-Hur
I originally saw the 1959 movie version of this book, and the on-screen rendering struck me so deeply that I had to find the book to understand the full picture. Although not necessarily an easy read, this book touches the very core of one’s heart, with themes of mercy and love contrasted with revenge and hatred. It follows the young Jewish prince, Judah Ben-Hur, as he is thrown from a life of aristocracy to a slave in the gallows after an accidental crime. After years as a slave, a turn of fate finds him once again in a high position, building his life up again in anonymity. Searching for his lost mother and sister, and trying to avenge the wrongdoings against the family, Judah Ben-Hur is ready for a fight. All the while, tales of a young Jewish rabbi float around and interweave, until Judah encounters him face-to-face.
The Father’s Tale by Michael O’Brien
We started with a book by Michael O’Brien, and we shall end with one of his as well. The Father’s Tale is a story of a middle-aged father whose life is upended when his young adult son goes missing. From England to Russia, this father travels in search of his son, who potentially was involved in a mysterious cult. This story is saturated with the truth of a father’s love and evokes images of the one sheep that strayed. If you are looking for a reminder of how much our Heavenly Father loves you, but in a fictional odyssey novel, I would point you to this book right here.
Maggie Agra is a junior theology major at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She enjoys learning all things theology, especially Theology of the Body. When she’s not weightlifting or watercoloring, you can find her enjoying a cup of coffee with friends or trying something new and adventurous.
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