The Shat t is not required that Christians be readers: faith comes by hearing. But it is often true that believers in Christ, born and reared by words of the utmost importance and beauty, will develop a love for literature that wants feeding. So, when you are not reading the Good Book, where do you turn for a good read? Turn to Howard Pyle’s Arthuriad.The tales of King Arthur and his knights "were never so finely told in prose before," wrote Mark Twain of his fellow American’s fourbook series.These are stories of knights and the famous round table, of queens and romance, of chivalry and courage. But even beyond the plots and characters, the themes in the stories can point us toward Christ. Lutheran readers accustomed to the liturgy and hymns of The Lutheran Hymnal will feel right at home with Pyle’s stately prose. Consider this excerpt from the first book:
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Then Merlin smiled upon the King, though not with cheerfulness, and said, "Lord, why art thou in such haste? Know that when this Round Table shall be entirely filled in all its seats, then shall thy glory be entirely achieved and then forthwith shall thy day begin for to decline. For when any man hath reached the crowning of his glory, then his work is done and God breaketh him as a man might break a chalice from which such perfect ichor hath been drunk that no baser wine may be allowed to defile it. So when thy work is done and ended shall God shatter the chalice of thy life."
Then did the King look very steadfastly into Merlin’s face, and said, "Old man, that which thou sayest is ever of great wonder, for thou speakest words of wisdom.Ne’theless, seeing that I am in God His hands, I do wish for my glory and for His good will to be accomplished even though He shall then entirely break me when I have served His purposes." Lutherans find here not only familiar elegant diction, but also an arresting word picture that helps us meditate on the Passion of our Lord.The Gospel of John teaches us that Christ is glorified when He
