The Seed: A True Myth
God’s
grand narrative — the only ‘true myth’
Author’s debut novel is
rich in Christian theology and symbolic imagery
At some point everyone will have a moment
where they simply know something is
missing in their lives. Attempts to fill, ignore or dull this void are never
successful and only end up leaving them exhausted, confused and alone. These are
themes explored by author Erik Guzman in his debut release, The
Seed: A True Myth (New
Growth Press/May 16, 2016/ISBN: 978-1942572794/$17.99). This parable
uses symbolism and vivid imagery to help readers think critically about the
great lengths they go to in order to avoid the pain of living in a broken
world, rather than accepting the peace and freedom the Gospel offers.
Guzman’s
“true myth” takes the reader on an unforgettable journey that captures the
grand narrative of God’s redemptive work in the world. “The word ‘myth’ is
derived from the Greek word ‘mythos,’ and that word simply means ‘story,’”
Guzman explains. “Tolkien famously used the idea of a ‘true myth’ to lead C.S.
Lewis to accept the Christian faith. The Christian story is similar to pagan
myths. However, what Tolkien argued was that in the case of Christianity, the
story we see everywhere in cultures across time actually happened in the person
and work of Jesus. Therefore, Christianity is the one true myth . . . the one
true story. And my book tells that same story.”
The Seed introduces
readers to Madeline and Roark, two young people who are desperately running
from the shadow that destroyed their home and is threatening their lives. One
day, they encounter Tatus, an older man who has sworn to avenge the death of
his family at the hands of the shadow. As the three form an alliance, Tatus
promises he can keep them safe from the shadow if they help him build a
fortress. So they build.
As
fortress-building consumes their lives, Madeline and Roark are increasingly
filled with anger and fear, and unknown to them, an unseen evil threatens to destroy
them. When they finally face the shadow, they are presented with an unthinkable
offer that will reveal the shocking secrets of the forgotten past, the unseen
present and the unimaginable future.
Without
using overtly Christian terms, The Seed deftly communicates the heart of
Trinitarian theology and reinforces biblical themes such as God’s character and
man’s true identity and calling. Writing with theological accuracy was critical
for Guzman. “I went to seminary to write The
Seed. I read lots of books and attended lots of lectures. It took years of shooting
ideas around with friends and a number of talented editors to get the story
right. I didn’t do it alone.” This page-turning fantasy tale is packed with
mystery and drama, and readers will feel the weight and power of redemption as
they journey alongside Guzman’s characters in their epic battle.
Guzman
hopes the imagery, characters and events in The
Seed will truly become an actual seed in readers’ hearts that will blossom
into a lifetime — and an eternity — of freedom and joy.
Advance
Praise
“It’s
rare, but sometimes one reads a book that is so absorbing that one can’t put it
down, so filled with truth that one can never ‘un-see’ it, and so profound that
one will never forget it. The Seed is
that kind of book. The ‘experience’ of reading The Seed will haunt me the rest of my life. I don’t even have the
words to describe that ‘experience.’ Experience it for yourself and then
give this book to everyone you know.”
~
Steve Brown, Author; Key Life radio broadcaster
“There are
stories that we know so well they lose their power to overwhelm, transform,
warm, and enlighten us. The story of God’s love for sinners is sadly one. But
here, in this beautifully written fantasy, Erik Guzman has done what many
writers try to do without success. He’s made that old story come alive in a
new, illuminating way, the way of Love. The Seed will both remind of the
old story and teach you new truth about the repeating ‘pattern of Love in the
world’ and how we are loved, not for what we do but because we are His. Buy
this book. Share it with your family.”
~
Elyse M. Fitzpatrick, Author of Home: How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy
Our Deepest Longing
“A colorful,
right-brained feast that satisfies the soul and stimulates the
imagination.”
~
Frank Viola, Author; speaker; blogger at frankviola.org
About
the author
Erik
Guzman is
Vice President of Communications and Executive Producer at Key Life Network.
He’s the co-host of the nationally syndicated talk show Steve Brown, Etc. and
announcer for Key Life. Guzman’s writing has been featured in the
organization’s magazine and website as well Liberate.org,
Burnside Writers Collective and Sojourners (sojo.net). He has a BA in mass
communication and an MBA and is perpetually working toward a Master’s in theological
studies. He is also the author of the soon-to-be-published book The Gift of Addiction: How God Redeems Our
Pain.
Guzman
is also a Lay Eucharistic Minister, a drummer and a fifth-degree black belt in
Aikido. He lives near Orlando, Florida, with his wife and their three children.
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