Further Thoughts on How the Bible “Becomes” the Word of God
In Michael Ende’s wonderful fantasy tale The Neverending Story, Bastian is a young boy at loose ends. His mother has recently died, both his dad and his schoolmates bully him, and he finds himself alone and isolated at school. In a word, in a world full of loss and pain Bastian feels hopeless and helpless to do anything about his plight. The one refuge he has is an old bookshop and its cranky proprietor, Coreander. Bastian loves to read great adventure and fantasy tales. One day, while talking to Coreander about these great stories, Bastian’s spies a special looking book the old proprietor holds in his hands. Here’s their conversation: Bastian: What’s that book about? Coreander: Oh, this is something special. Bastian: Well, what is it ? Coreander: Look. You’re books are safe. While you’re reading them you get to become Tarzan or Robinson Crusoe. Bastian: But that’s what I like about them. Coreander: Yes, but afterwards you get to be a little boy again. Bastian: W...