Helen Butler Chapter 1 Analysis

Like he does with the previous two parts of the novel, Butler beings “Part 3: The Hope of Holy War.” This anecdote is about Rachel who has faced criticism from her parents and peers for being a Christian when “unjust” holy war is happening. Although Rachel knows that knowing absolutely everything is not essential to be a Christian, it is still a very important topic and considered a “the greatest skeleton in [God]’s closet” (208). Thus, Butler begins to explain holy war’s significance. In “Chapter 13: Weak vs. Strong,” Butler addresses the caricature that God helped a mighty Israel conquer Canaan. Many people have, therefore, believed to be an example of God helping the already strong overcome the weak. Israel, however, is far less prepared and weaker than

As Butler states in “Interlude: Raising the Bar,” many are concerned with the justification of holy war. They, however, fail to see injustice in modern war, where innocent civilians are killed. We must see the error of our war before we judge holy war. Humans have a tendency to judge others instead of themselves. “In Chapter 15: The Great City,” Butler recounts how Americans often view modern-day Babylon as antagonistic, sinful countries that are doomed when Jesus returns. We, however, share many characteristics with ancient Babylon and will be confronted with much of our country’s evil when holy war occurs. Not only does holy war allow for our evil to be confronted, but it also allows us to live more peacefully. In “Chapter 16: Agents of Wrath,” God’s coming holy war will drive out the evil forces that are corrupting the earth. Therefore, we will live better lives instead of wallowing in sin and misery. When holy war is understood, the often caricaturized lake of fire is able to be explained. Often, the condemned are believed to be thrown into the lake of fire so that God can torture them. God, however, does not torture