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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe lesson for June 13, 2023 was “Science for the Church: Summer 2023 Reading Favorites,”<\/a> with one of the staff\u2014Greg Cootsona\u2014focusing on John Updike’s novel In the Beauty of the Lilies<\/em>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n “Though I highlighted it\u00a0previously in\u00a0Christianity Today<\/em><\/a>, the book is so good, my recommendation bears repeating,” Cootsona wrote. “Updike\u2019s novel explores how certain technologies\u2014particularly films\u2014have affected American perceptions of what is real and what is transcendent. In the first of four sections, (each follows a different generation of the same family), the early 20th century Presbyterian pastor Clarence Wilmot \u201cfelt the last particles of faith leave him. The sensation was distinct\u2014a visceral surrender, a set of dark sparkling bubbles escaping upward.\u201d This happens at the very moment that the silent film actress, the 17-year-old Mary Pickford faints while filming at local landmark\u00a0Lambert Castle<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Clarence finds he can no longer serve as a Minister of Gospel and literally cannot speak when he\u2019s called to deliver sermons. Instead, he seeks transcendence in watching the technological marvel of the silver screen. So, if you\u2019re ready for a bit of Updike\u2019s normal palette of sexual and other transgressions, I think you\u2019ll find that this initial episode begins an eloquent and challenging narrative of American life as the novel\u2019s characters seek to live out faith\u2014or perhaps\u00a0lose it<\/a>\u2014in an increasingly technological 20th century.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" According to their website, “Day 1 with host Peter Wallace is the voice of the historic Protestant denominations. Through sermons, blogs, and video & audio resources, Day 1 proclaims God’s hope for a hurting and divided world. Formerly ‘The Protestant … Continue reading