Monday, February 24, 2020
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
The Pope and China: Fiction Beats Reality ... Unfortunately
Wall Street Journal columnist William McGurn wrote about the Vatican’s secret deal (“The Vatican’s Unholy China Deal”) with the communist government in China. That act by Pope Francis certainly stands in contrast to the fictional Pope Paul VII, and a discussion amongst clergy in Deep Rough: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel.
Here’s part of what McGurn wrote:
The Catholic Church in China is being “murdered” while the Vatican stands idly by. So alleged Cardinal Joseph Zen in an appeal he sent to the world’s 223 cardinals in September but only recently made public...
“You can never compromise with a totalitarian regime because they want everything,” Cardinal Zen says. “Would you have encouraged St. Joseph to negotiate with Herod ?”...
[On the still-secret 2018 agreement between Beijing and Rome:] On Capitol Hill last week, Cardinal Zen likened it to the 1933 concordat Germany negotiated with the Vatican soon after Hitler became chancellor. Like the Nazis, who violated the concordat almost as soon as it was signed, China under Xi Jinping has only stepped up persecution since the deal was struck. Meanwhile, the price extracted has been high: the pope’s silence.
Shame on Pope Francis and the Vatican.
Here’s what I wrote via faction in Deep Rough related to this matter:
The conversation moved from personal updates to bouncing around on an assortment of topics, including golf, the upcoming baseball season, theology, church politics, and some good-natured ribbing of Tom Stone about being the only non-Catholic and non-Lutheran on the trip. But the topic of discussion that lasted the longest was about Xin Chen and his father being arrested in China.
At one point, Bishop Carolan noted, “I know that Pope Paul VII would never go down this path, but there is a significant push in the Catholic Church, from the diplomats more interested in statecraft rather than soul craft, to simply acquiesce in China, and have the Church officially recognize the bishops appointed by the communists.”
Ron asked, “What would that mean for the underground Church, its bishops and parishioners?”
Peter replied, “I would say that it would mean the end of the underground Church, that is, the faithful, independent Church that has been beyond communist infiltration and control.”
“I pray that never happens,” commented Ron.
Brett Matthews added, “So should we all.”
Zack asked, “Why do you think the Chinese government lets certain underground churches persist, while arresting others, like Pastor Chen?”
Stephen answered, “While there’s always state control in China, the severity tends to vary according to the preferences of who is in charge. It’s becoming increasingly clear that President Liang is a hardliner, and he’s begun to cut off strands of hope that were allowed to spread a bit. He’ll start with where it fits his immediate agenda, such as Pastor Chen. Then, it’s my assumption, he’ll hit more independent Protestant churches, and then when he feels invulnerable, Liang will come down on the underground Catholic Church.”
Peter said, “I think that’s a fair assessment – unfortunately.”
Stephen continued, “When you look at what’s going on in China, the Middle East and other Muslim nations, and a host of other countries, along with some rumblings even in the U.S. and Europe, it provides a reminder of how much work the Church broadly has to do in the world, in the public square. I’m the last person to claim that substantive disagreements don’t exist among Christians. Those differences matter, and we need to be working to resolve them. At the same time, those differences should not impede us from working together where we can and should, like unifying in fights against persecution, and for the protection and expansion of religious liberties.”
Peter said, “Pope Augustine understood that.”
Stephen, as well as others in the van, knew that firsthand, given the late Augustine’s “Public Mission for Mere Christianity.” Memories flooded Stephen’s mind. He replied, “He most certainly did.”
Peter added, “I know Pope Paul VII understands this as well.”
Tom commented, “I think you’re right, Peter, but I have to say it would be helpful if Paul VII was more overt about such matters.”
Stephen added, “I was disappointed that there was no follow-through on Augustine’s ‘Public Mission for Mere Christianity.’”
Those observations generated nods of agreement in the vehicle, including from Peter and Ron.
The conversation about persecution continued for a while. Stephen made a mental note that Richard merely listened. That conversation was followed by some reflective quiet.
Check out Deep Rough: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novelwith paperbacks and for the Kindle at Amazon.com, and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com.
Monday, February 17, 2020
5 Reasons to Read the New Second Edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL by Award-Winning Novelist Ray Keating
With the action running high, Stephen Grant, pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on Long Island, former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative, confronts a mix of drug traffickers, politicians, the CIA and FBI, a shadowy foreign regime, envy and greed. Here are 5 big reasons to read ROOT OF ALL EVIL?...
1. "Root of All Evil? is an extraordinarily good read. Only Ray Keating could come up with a character like Pastor Stephen Grant... As trouble mounts in this page-turner, Grant will need both skills - martial and theological - to punish evil and save the good. Even though the Bible says that it's the love of money which is the root of all evil, Grant will find that even a casual appreciation of the U.S. dollar is enough to corrupt church men, government officials, and foreign agents." - Paul L. Maier, best-selling author of A Skeleton in God's Closet, More Than A Skeleton, and The Constantine Codex
2. Ray Keating has written an Author Introduction focused on some of the challenges of penning a political thriller, including maintaining an edge-of-your-seat feel while not annoying the reader with the petty real world of politics. Keating also talks about how some key characters fit into ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, as well as how his own experiences fed the story.
3. "... storylines converge in D.C. with Stephen Grant's CIA past. He is called back into service as an expert shot and has ample opportunity to provide pastoral care." - Lutheran Book Review
4. "I loved every second of it... I'm a fan. I'm hooked." - Rod Zwonitzer, host of KFUO's "BookTalk"
5. “Interesting characters. Compelling plot. Great pace. Theological discussions which are hard to find in any books. The fact that these are serious theological discussions is even more reason to love these books.” – 5-star Amazon review
Kindle and paperbacks from Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083TX7M9P
Sunday, February 16, 2020
5 Reasons to Read THE TRAITOR: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL – New Thriller from Award-Winning Novelist Ray Keating
Stephen Grant – former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative and current Lutheran pastor – looks forward to a time of prayer and reflection during a retreat at a monastery in Europe. But when he stumbles upon an infamous CIA traitor in a small village, Grant’s plans change dramatically. While a debate rages over government secrets and the intelligence community, a deadly race for survival is underway. Here are 5 reasons to read this page-turner...
1. “With a gripping plot that feels torn from last week's headlines, Keating knows how to capture his readers immediately and never let go. Pastor Grant continues to surprise as a character and the dialogue hums with authenticity, making the newest Pastor Stephen Grant Novel another hit in this ever-growing series." - Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½
2. “If you like thrillers, suspense, and theology read Pastor Stephen Grant novels including The Traitor.” – 5-star Amazon review
3. "Yet another hop, skip, and jump into the exciting life of Pastor Stephen Grant, former CIA agent, now Lutheran pastor who happens to be in all the right places at all the right times! This was an enjoyable read... Still, timely. Gives you something to think about... This one is sort of Snowden vs. a European pastoral retreat at a chocolate-making monastery! So it'll be sure to have you googling 'chocolate' and 'monastery' in no time." - Mary J. Moerbe, Meet, Write & Salutary blog and author of Ecclesial Poetry: Volume 1
4. “I couldn't put it down once I started reading... I would love to be Paige Caldwell when I grow up. No, actually I would love to be Jennifer Grant. Two awesome characters in this series. Keep writing these thrillers Ray and I will keep purchasing. Love, love, love this series.” – 5-star Amazon review
5. “Love me some Stephen Grant stories. I look forward to each story, from the ‘Warrior Monk’ to ‘The Traitor.’ All well written and just a fun read. Keep them coming.” – 5-star Amazon review
Friday, February 14, 2020
New Edition of "Root of all Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel" Just Published!
This Thriller/Mystery from Award-Winning Novelist Ray Keating Arrives with a New Author Introduction
Long Island, NY – Ray Keating has just published a second edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL. The new edition of this gripping political thriller not only features an outstanding new cover, courtesy of Tyrel Bramwell, but a new Author Introduction.
Stephen Grant, pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on Long Island, former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative, came on the thriller/mystery scene in WARRIOR MONK: A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL(a second edition of Warrior Monk arrived early last year with a new Epilogue, new Introduction and an exciting cover). The tale continues to develop in page-turning fashion in ROOT OF ALL EVIL?
In ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, Keating asks: Do God, politics and money mix? As the reader comes to realize, the combination can turn out quite deadly. This breathtaking thriller features drug traffickers, politicians, the CIA and FBI, a shadowy foreign regime, the Church, and money. Charity, envy and greed are on display, with the action running high.
In this second edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, Ray Keating has written an Author Introduction focused on some of the challenges of penning a political thriller, including maintaining an edge-of-your-seat feel while not annoying the reader with the petty real world of politics. Keating also talks about how some key characters fit into ROOT OF ALL EVIL?, as well as how his own experiences fed the story.
Keating has penned 12 Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and received widespread praise. For example, the Lutheran Book Review has declared, “I miss Tom Clancy. Keating fills that void for me.”
The publication of a new second edition of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? is part of a yearlong celebration throughout 2020 marking 10 years of Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries.
Paperbacks and Kindle editions of ROOT OF ALL EVIL? A PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT NOVEL are available at Amazon.com, and signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com.
Indeed, all of Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers/mysteries are available at Amazon.com and at RayKeatingOnline.com – THE TRAITOR (2019), DEEP ROUGH (2019),SHIFTING SANDS(2018), HEROES AND VILLAINS(2018), REAGAN COUNTRY(2018), LIONHEARTS(2017), WINE INTO WATER(2016), MURDERER’S ROW(2015), THE RIVER(2014), AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY(2012),ROOT OF ALL EVIL?(Second Edition 2020 – originally published2012), andWARRIOR MONK (Second Edition 2019 – originally published 2010)
Review copies, and author interviews and appearances are available upon request.
“Celebrating Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers & Mysteries for 10 Years – 2010 to 2020 – and Beyond!”
Contact: Ray Keating
Phone: 631-909-1122
Twitter: @KeatingNovels
Website: PastorStephenGrant.com
Blog: www.pastorstephengrant.blogspot.com
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Super Bowl Moment: Excerpt from REAGAN COUNTRY
Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel not only is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month, but this exciting thriller offers a (fictional) Super Bowl moment. (Long-suffering Minnesota Vikings fans should take particular note!)
Enjoy the entire book. The Kindle edition is on sale – the price slashed from $7.99 to $2.99 – as are signed books and sets.
Reagan Country Excerpt:
A Super Bowl Moment
A couple of hours later, Grant was sitting on the couch in the plane’s cabin next to Jessica West. On the other side of him, Chase Axelrod was in a separate seat. They were gathered in front of a large screen, with the Super Bowl kickoff just a few minutes away.
Axelrod asked, “Do you have a dog in this fight, Stephen?”
“No, unfortunately, I’m a Bengals fan.”
“Bengals?”
Grant nodded. “I grew up in the Cincinnati area. The Reds and Bengals are in my blood, you could say. What about you two?” He glanced at Axelrod and West.
Axelrod answered, “Lions. I’m from Detroit.”
Grant replied, “Ouch. That was a tough loss in the NFC Championship game.”
Axelrod nodded, and added, “And I lost a $50 bet with Jessica, and another $50 to Phil.”
“Two bets?” Grant looked at Jessica, who was smiling.
She said, “I’m from Minnesota, not far outside St. Paul. Growing up, each Sunday during the football season was an event. My family had season tickets to the Vikings. Home-game Sundays, it was church and the Metrodome. Away games, church – always church…”
Grant mischievously interrupted, “That’s good.”
“Right – you’d like that. Anyway, away games meant packing additional family and friends into the house for food and the game. It was the best when my dad was home.”
“Sounds nice.”
“It was.” There was a tinge of sadness in her voice. Grant knew much of the story behind the formidable former FBI special agent. Her beauty – tall, slim, bright blue eyes and long blond hair – led many observers, no doubt, to assume that life just works out well for people like that. But loss was a persistent partner for Jessica West – namely, her father and brother, both Marines, and her fiancé, at the time a fellow FBI agent.
“So,” continued Grant, “the Vikings in the Super Bowl – this is it for you.”
“It sure is.”
Axelrod interjected, “Not just her. Phil’s a Vikings fan. These two have been unbearable throughout the playoffs. And I’m guessing they’re going to be talking and texting throughout the game.”
This is, by far, the most I’ve ever heard Chase Axelrod talk. He played football in college, so I guess this is a passion.
West nodded. She picked up her smartphone, and began to type a text.
Axelrod added, “They’ve been inseparable throughout the season.”
That earned a raised eyebrow and brief stare from West. Axelrod was smirking.
Okay, it seems that Jessica West and Phil Lucena apparently are sharing more than a passion for the Vikings. Not two that I necessarily would have pegged as getting together.
Grant enjoyed watching the game. On one side, West was fully engaged as a fan – including texting and talking a few times with Lucena – and on the other side, the few things that Axelrod said were insights offered from a guy who had played football at a high level. As the first half came to a close, Grant found himself hoping that the Vikings would win for West and Lucena.
At halftime, Grant moved to another seat, away from the others, and called Jennifer. She was watching the game at Zack and Cara’s place, which was St. Mary’s parsonage. Jennifer answered, “Everything okay?”
“Yes. I’ve actually been sitting on a couch watching the game with Chase and Jessica.”
She jabbed, “And you call just as the halftime show is about to start?”
“What was I thinking?”
Jennifer smiled, and replied, “I know. Sometimes I wonder.” She took a deep breath, and in a low voice, added, “I have been trying to keep an eye on the news out of Russia, but have not seen any major updates.”
“We’re not getting much in terms of updates or clarifications either.”
Her voice dropped even lower. “Please be careful.”
Stephen knew how many people were milling around her, and what a tight fit it would be at the parsonage. After all, he had lived there for the decade or so before marrying Jennifer. He said, “I will. I just wanted to call to remind you of something.”
“What’s that?”
“I love you.”
“You, too.”
“Enjoy the halftime show and the rest of the game. I’ll let you know when we’ve arrived.”
“You better keep me updated.”
“Count on it.”
After the call, Stephen returned to take in the second half with West and Axelrod. And when a Minnesota field goal split the uprights with time running out, he found himself on his feet, high-fiving with West.
She was then immediately on a call with Lucena, sharing their happiness.
As he watched and listened to West talk with Lucena, and looked at the fan reactions on the television screen, Grant reflected on the ability of sports to bring people together in different ways. Not exclusively about a community in a particular city or region any more. With technology, fans can watch and get engaged from wherever they are in the country, like Jen and me. Living on Long Island, Stephen remained a Reds and Bengals fan, while Jennifer was a St. Louis Cardinals fan. He focused on West’s reactions to her team’s victory. And then there’s the one on one. Did the Vikings play a role in getting Jessica and Phil together? One of the many things I certainly love about Jen is how much she loves baseball. Life’s interesting. It’s also good to see Jessica focused on something lighter, like football.
Grant looked back to the television screen, and took in the post-game party drenched in Viking purple. And the Vikings just won a Super Bowl. Life’s weird, too.
Saturday, February 1, 2020
REAGAN COUNTRY is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for February
REAGAN COUNTRY is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for February. The Kindle price has been slashed from $7.99 to $2.99. Signed books and sets are on sale at www.raykeatingonline.com.
This pulse-pounding thriller features Stephen Grant, a Lutheran pastor, a former Navy SEAL and onetime CIA operative, with conflict stretching from the Reagan Presidential Library in California to the White House to a Russian Orthodox monastery to the Kremlin. And REAGAN COUNTRY has received high praise, including…
• “Must read for any Reaganite.” - Craig Shirley, Reagan biographer and presidential historian
• “It was my great privilege that Ronald Reagan and I were good friends and political allies. This exciting political thriller may be a novel but it truly captures President Reagan's optimism and principles.” - Ambassador Fred J. Eckert
• “If political intrigue and expansive narrative threads fit neatly in your wheelhouse, then the writing of Ray Keating never fails to disappoint… Another deeply researched and action-packed gem from the author. While the details remain cloaked in secrecy for much of the novel - a specialty of Keating's, never giving away too much too soon - the artfully crafted suspense is palpable. If you're a political junkie, this book will not disappoint, but remarkably, REAGAN COUNTRY also works as an adrenaline-doused romp that any suspense lover will struggle to bookmark before the final page.” - Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★★
• “Keating … has accumulated an impressive assortment of characters in his series, and he gives each of them ample opportunity to shine… Tight action scenes complement the suspense (uncertainty over when the next possible attack will be)… The villains, meanwhile, are just as rich and engrossing as the good guys and gals. The familiar protagonist, along with sensational new and recurring characters, drives an energetic political tale.” - Kirkus Reviews
• “President Ronald Reagan's legacy will live on in the U.S., around the world and in the pages of history. And now, thanks to Ray Keating's REAGAN COUNTRY, it will live on in the world of fiction. REAGAN COUNTRY ranks as a page-turning thriller that pays homage to the greatest president of the twentieth century.” - Tom Edmonds, producer of the official documentary of President Reagan, Ronald Reagan: An American President
• "REAGAN COUNTRY is a story of unexpected adventure. I have come to expect adventure for Rev. Stephen Grant in and beyond St. Mary's Lutheran Church (LCMS), but I did not expect this kind of plot. In an America where a large percentage of college students naively prefer and/or promote socialism over capitalism, 'Russia's Reagan' shows the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the people who had been oppressed by socialism and communism. If only! ... Reflecting on the series to date, one strength is the knowledge and research of the author. He becomes, if he is not already, a subject matter expert on the topic at hand. Reagan. Comic books. Wine. Baseball. Everything comes off as authentic, accurate, and well-informed. Keating's creativity also avoids the formula of so much fiction in that we are not merely back to the 'status quo' at the end of each installment. He develops characters, relationships, and situations in believable, realistic, human ways. We are primed, wanting more." - Lutheran Book Review
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