Bücher von Steve Case

It's alive. Oh God, it's alive.Can a monster pray?The creature invented by Mary Shelley was not the shambling mumbling monster from the movies (apologies to Mr. Karloff). Shelley's creature learned to reason and speak with his ear to the cabin wall of a family who lived in the woods. He learned to read when he discovered a leather satchel full of books in that same forest. What if one of those books was a Bible?He had no memories, no sense of identity, and his only understanding of people came when they ran screaming from his face. How would this creature understand the word "father?" How would he comprehend "creator?" How would Frankenstein's monster pray?Wouldn't this being of rage and pity ask all the same questions of God that we do? Who am I? What is my purpose? Do you love me? How can you possibly love me?Imagine unearthing a collection prayers written by the monster and somehow hidden behind the wall of a rectory in England. The Frankenstein Book of Prayer follows Shelley's original tale and invites us into the soul of one of literature's most tragic and misunderstood characters.

The Psalms are not fluffy poetry read by a Shakespearean actor in tights and a puffy shirt.Picture David as the old bluesman in a smokey New Orleans bar. A whiskey and cigar beside him as he makes his instrument weep. Picture David in the dark eyeliner screaming out emo lyrics. Picture David on the back of a flatbed truck stage in the county fair parking lot.Some are from a dancer so filled with joy he can't help but move his feet. Some are from a man who screwed up so badly he's kneeling by the dumpster in the pouring rain, screaming until his throat is raw. Some are from the warrior praying before the battle, unsure if he will see the sunrise.Through a Psalm Briefly aims to take the book of Psalms off the pulpit and put it in the glove compartment, in the backpack, and in the hands of those who need to hear the words in a way they haven't before. These new interpretations of centuries-old lyrics are meant to be sung, danced, painted, played, and most of all...heard. Are you listening?Use the book as a coaster for your coffee mug. Crease the cover. Dog ear the pages. Use these psalms as a starting point for your prayers or as a way to ask God to grant you a quiet night and a peaceful end to a busy day.The stargazer, poet, warrior, dancer, adulterer, and king is just waiting to sing you a song.

You are allowed to laugh.Too often our faith is like wearing a T-shirt that’s two sizes too small. We keep trying to pull it and tug it and all the while it feels like we are slowly suffocating.You are allowed to laugh.The finger pointers and the self-appointed judges of what’s appropriate and what isn’t sit in the back row and scowl. They sing “Joy to the World” as if it were a funeral dirge. They say, “Stop that laughing. You are in CHURCH!”You are allowed to laugh.Jesus did. He must have. How could any human being (or divine being) made of love and joy spend all his life being a scowler and fun-spoiler?Most people don’t know, just prior to his career as an itinerant minister Jesus took a shot a sketch comedy. Long before Abbot and Costello or the Pythons or any of those people on Saturday Night Live—there was Scott and Jesus, traveling around Jerusalem playing wedding receptions and open-mic nights. (Well there was no “mics” but you get the idea.)So what if it didn’t last? Jesus and Scott took a shot. Now Jesus has moved on and we must take a look at the bits Scott saved so that some day you could hold this book. Someday in the midst of all the arguments...you could laugh.Laugh. God is not judging you. God loves you. Sit back. Relax. Oh, and it’s probably best not to drink coffee sitting across from someone you love while reading this book—just fair warning.Oh, and did we mention? It’s okay to laugh.

If you believe the Book of Revelation is a detailed and accurate account of the End of Days and how God will choose the righteous and leave the rest behind and anyone who makes fun of this sacred work is committing blasphemy...buy this book anyway. You're in as much trouble just for reading the book description as I am for writing the book.If you are a fan of that author who is famous for his work about green holiday haters and felines wearing head apparel...you will enjoy this book. If you are one of those rare individuals who understands that religion is sometimes just flat out ridiculous...salvation lies within.