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Author Robert Hicks explores these conflicting passions through the fictional story of Ari ben David Ammud, a modern-times highly decorated Israeli soldier, and that of King David. Caught in the same web as Israel's shepherd-king, Ari finds himself drawn to his late father's hero. What was it about David that allowed him to be used so mightily by God despite his struggle with sin?
Hicks' unusual novel suggests that it is a function of personality, that a man who cares passionately about life also cares passionately about God. This viewpoint may be best expressed by Michele, a Christian woman and Ari's love interest in the story, when she says: "Religion kills, but relationships bring life. What I found was a relationship with a God who is alive through Yeshua, my Anointed One. I believe He is the Messiah who came and will come again." Although Ari is not converted at the book's end, readers are left with the clear sense that it is soon to happen.
Apart from the theme it presents, Man of all Passions is a good read. Fast-paced, with specific details of scenes in Jerusalem, the story moves with assurance in both the modern timeframe and that of King David. Two separate timelines and a list of resources consulted vouch for the author's concern to be accurate.
Hicks is a professor, chaplain, and writer. He has studied in Israel and represented the U.S. Air Force at the first international conference on wartime stress in Tel Aviv. A frequent speaker on men's issues, he is the author of six other books and co-author of The Feminine Journey with his wife Cynthia.
Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com