Most of Gilead’s attraction for readers resides in the voice of the narrator, the Rev. John Ames, who is wise, witty, at peace with his life and with the prospect of his imminent death, capable of detecting beauty in everything, the epitome of a gentle and humble form of Christianity. The sudden return to Gilead of the young Jack Boughton after 20 years of absence triggers a sudden change in the tone of John Ames’ letter: self-defensiveness, guilt, envy, and even positive meanness. John Ames however remains honest in the acknowledgment of his inner turmoil and slowly becomes capable of the forgiveness he had excluded at the beginning. This growth can be attributed to self-knowledge and yet is meant to display the way God’s grace is at work in our lives.
The Saint Thomas Theological Education Program is at the service of those who seek a deeper understanding of faith and want to nourish their worship and their prayer. The teaching is rooted in Scripture, Christian tradition and spirituality. The lecturers are The Rev. Dr. Luigi Gioia, Theologian in Residence, and internationally renowned guest speakers who are committed to making theology accessible to non-specialists. The classes are held on Sundays at 10 AM on the Fifth Floor of the Parish House and are streamed online. Additionally, recordings and handouts are made available for those who cannot attend the live sessions. For more information about our theology program and to receive links for weekly Sunday Theology Talks, please contact Fr. Gioia and register online.
