What would America be like if Christianity faded into obscurity? What would it be like to be the only Christian left in a godless nation? David Gregory explores these fascinating concepts in his latest novel, The Last Christian.
Synopsis of The Last Christian
Abigail Caldwell grew up in the jungles of Papua New Guinea as the daughter of Christian missionaries. She has only know the love God and the simplicity of life. Modern technology has taken a back seat to community and Christ.
At 34, Abby’s simple world stops turning when she is the only survivor of a plague that wipes out the village she calls home. She goes to the United States to be with her only living relative and try to find answers to the ever increasing mysteries. The culture shock is almost overwhelming for Abby.
It’s the year 2088 and the United States, and all other first world countries, have become enlightened. The people have moved on from the “myth” of God and now put all of their faith into science. Science and technology have even found a way for people to become “immortal” using brain transplants with incorruptible silicon brains.
Abby is forced to not only deal with the technological advances, she is also thrust into a place where her world view is considered archaic. If that isn’t enough, she is unwittingly in the middle of a sticky web of plans and plots that have her running for her life. With the help of history professor Creighton Daniels, Abby must get to the bottom of this mystery while trying to reignite the spark of the Gospel in America.
Is Christianity Endangered in America?
Gregory tackles a very real possibility in The Last Christian. While there are people that would applaud the end of Christianity in America, there are many that are worried about it. Many humanists and secularists think it is an inevitable outcome, and there are many Christians fear the same thing. Gregory paints a very realistic picture of the near future.
The role of technology is not at all farfetched in The Last Christian. People today are relying on technology more than ever. Gregory explores the very real possibilities if people rely more on technology and less on God. He goes into the subtleties of what the culture would be like without Christianity.
The Last Christian is a Moving Mystery Thriller
Gregory does explore the implications of a Christian free America, but he does it within the casing of a powerfully moving mystery thriller. The story builds on a foundation built on realistic characters. Gregory takes the time to introduce Abby and Creighton. The reader is involved in their lives and cares what happens to them.
As the mystery surrounding Abby builds, so does the danger. The Last Christian is a rollercoaster ride. It starts up the hill slow building tension and anticipation. When it gets to the top it takes the reader up and down hills, around curves leaving the reader to guess at what is around the corner.
Realistic Technological Advances
Gregory’s take on the future is interesting and believable. He has logical changes but doesn’t explain how they got their name. The internet is called the grid in 2088. The fact that everyone is connected by neural implants makes it obvious where the name comes from.
Instead of phone calls people tap each other. This is through the grid as well. Gregory’s take on transportation is realistic as well. Cars are all on auto pilot in his future but there are no flying cars ala The Jetsons. The future portrayed in The Last Christian is interesting but very realistic.
The Last Christian is More than a Story
Gregory wraps some serious issues with a structured, moving story that helps the reader think. The Last Christian is more than a novel, it is a hard look at the possible future.
For more information visit David Gregory and The Last Christian. Abby’s message that she recorded for the grid can be also be found on the web.
Shane Werlinger - Shane Werlinger has been published in anthologies and written reviews and articles for BuddyHollywood.com and reviews for Infuze Magazine ...
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