A Guiding Light Called Conscience

A fast-paced world, devoid of values, governed by self-serving reason than real consideration, and a world deluged with allurements in all its forms - this perhaps sums up the new millennium! This high tech world, replete with the latest electronic gadgets, has got people into a weird mould. They are made to think faster and view things from an analytical perspective. They live in a world where there is little time for God. The new millennium needs God - is what can be deduced from the fiction of John Updike (1932 - 2009).

Through his characters, Updike focuses on mainstream American Protestantism which tends to be critical of the forces of life that were threatening the fabric of society. His preachers have decided to serve God, but in some inexplicable way, they are torn by the corporeal world. The power of discernment is perhaps the greatest gift anyone could have on earth. God's gift of the conscience helps people discern good and evil. The gift is lost as one grows insensitive to the voice of the conscience. Layers of guilt and remorse can block this guiding light called conscience, and make men more resentful, jealous, vile and cruel.

Short Stories of John Updike

John Updike has defined the ethos of the new millennium very aptly in his short stories. The world today needs people who could be more compassionate, more understanding, wiser and more balanced in their attitudes towards their fellowmen. According to Benedicta Cipolla, "Updike's studies of theology and Scripture have led him to form strong opinions, though he remains reluctant to position himself as an authority on anything except his own oeuvre".

Pigeon Feathers

In his "Pigeon Feathers", he takes the readers to the countryside, where things slow down and people have much time for thought and reflection. The story is about a boy called David whose sensitivity to the supernatural takes him through an unexpected spiritual journey.

The fear of death haunts David all the time. One day, during his stay in the countryside, his grandmother asks him to shoot all the pigeons in the barn. Without a moment's hesitation, David shoots all the birds ruthlessly. Later, when he is asked to clear up the mess, he takes a closer look at the dead pigeons. At that moment, the beautifully, crafted feathers of the birds strangely strike a chord in David's heart. He is reminded of his creator who happens to be the birds' creator too. He realizes that God who lavished such care on him would definitely care for him.

The death of the birds brings David close to the heart of compassion. It refines him and reminds him of his vulnerable nature and of his need for God. This is reminiscent of the death-scene in Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace. This is the scene where Prince Andrew softens and sees something of the supernatural when he has a close brush with death. He senses the overwhelming presence of God and asks in wonder, "Is this death?"(2103). The thought of death which could be frightening to most people is pleasant to Prince Andrew, because he has learnt obedience already by being sensitive to the voice of his conscience.

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Hearing the Master's Voice: A Book on Celebrating the Lord in All Nations | The Moral Vision - A Misnomer in Today's World? John Updike and His Stories | The Nature of Fruit as the Product of Abiding in Christ in John 15:1-17 | Principles and Concepts for International Teaching Ministry | Waiting for God - Three Poems | Zac Poonen - A Leading Evangelist from India | Religious Freedom in Two Most Populous Nations of the World China and India | The Greatest Evangelist of India - Brother D.G.S. Dhinakaran | On Christian Literature | HOME PAGE of November 2009 Issue | HOME PAGE | CONTACT EDITOR