Verified Document

Safely Home Term Paper

Safely Home The book "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn tells the story of two very different men. One lives a life of God and persecution in China, while the other lives an empty life in corporate America. The book tells of their reuniting after 20 years, and its effect on both men.

"In three minutes,' Scarbrow said matter-of-factly, 'we will shoot every man and woman -- and child -- who does not declare himself loyal to the people rather than the gweilos, foreign devils'" (Alcorn 27). This is an extremely important passage in the book, as it indicates the depth of Christian persecution in China, and what believers face in the country. They literally face death for their beliefs. We take religious freedom for granted in this country, and often do not recognize what believers face in other countries, so this is important to bring this practice to light so that people can fight it and fight for religious freedom around the world. It is difficult to believe that practices like this still exist, and this passage is important to make more people aware of that fact.

"Do you not know Chinese history? The church in China goes back at least thirteen hundred years. We had Christian monasteries in the eighth century. Beijing had a bishop eight hundred years ago'" (Alcorn 87). This is an important passage because it shows how ignorant Americans are about other cultures and their beliefs. People assume that the Chinese are not Christian, and they do not bother to learn the truth. The truth is that the government has made the Chinese people anti-Christian, and has banned any faith but in that of the government. It is a tyrannical rule that is frightening and extremely controlling, and this passage indicates just how fearful the government is of anything that might influence or control the people other than themselves. It is a fearful passage to read.

"You're the King, not me. I'm tired of trying to run my life. I'm not qualified. I've messed up everything. I do...

I ask for the life you promised. I ask for your Holy Spirit inside me'" (Alcorn 309). This passage is extremely significant because it marks Ben's transformation from a non-believing businessperson who does not take many other people or things into consideration, into a Christian, devoted to God and to transforming the lives of others. He becomes an advocate for social change and the end of persecution, and he becomes a better, more grounded and happy person because of it, even though he can never keep Li Quan from meeting his fate, and he can never get him released from prison.
The tone of this book is profoundly spiritual and somehow comforting, even though it ends tragically (or profoundly), for Li Quan. The story is simple, and the dialogue is often simple, but its' meaning is extremely important, especially for the characters themselves and their understanding of the world around them. The style is a bit difficult to read at times. The author adds many details, such as "The next day, Saturday," or dates, that really do not need to be included, and some of the writing style is very plodding and hard to read. The writing style is also a bit simple at times, as if it is just describing things in order, instead of being extremely creative and challenging.

Ben Fielding starts out as a one-dimensional character. He is a typical American businessperson who lives for his work, has lost his family to divorce, and he really does not care about anyone else but himself. He spends most of his time working, and he has shallow friendships with the people he works with. It is really kind of amazing that he remembers his old roommate with such fondness, because he does not seem to be that emotional or caring an individual. For example, Alcorn writes, "Ben got the usual adrenaline rush. But he couldn't just jump in the Jaguar and head to the office. He was stuck in the comfort of first class, wondering if accomplishing…

Sources used in this document:
References

Alcorn, Randy. Safely Home. Carol Stream, IL: Tynsdale House Publishers, 2002.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Steps on Buying Home
Words: 2002 Length: 7 Document Type: Term Paper

Home Buying Process The first step in home buying is to understand what purchase price the much the homeowner can afford, how large of a down payment is required and what the monthly are likely to be given various mortgage options. Many home buyers begin the home buying process by looking for the 'perfect' house in their favorite neighborhood without really understanding the factors that contribute to being able to afford

Adults Moving Home Although the Practice Is
Words: 983 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

Adults Moving Home Although the practice is not new, it is becoming a common trend in twenty-first century America for adults to return home after college or even later in life to live with their parents. This practice breaks with the tradition of young adults living independently when they reach 18 years of age. While returning home after college has occurred since the early twentieth century, the numbers of adult children

Nursing Home Report on Conditions at Brighton
Words: 1554 Length: 5 Document Type: Essay

Nursing Home Report on Conditions at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust The following report is based on extensive observation of the conditions for patients living at the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. While some patients received moderate care, overall, the quality of care in this facility was appalling. All patients -- all people -- deserve to be treated with dignity, and this was far from the case. The

How Kids Can Play Roblox Safely A Guide
Words: 2075 Length: 7 Document Type: Capstone Project

A Guide on �How Kids Can Play Roblox Safely�Criterion A: PlanningLearning GoalI am a 15-year-old and learning to envision my future in different directions. However, I am concerned about my sister, who is seven years old and plays Roblox. Roblox is one of the most famous games played worldwide, which is a risk. When played worldwide, it provides an online platform for gamers to interact with anyone worldwide. The game

Stimulation in Nursing Homes for
Words: 1415 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

Before the plan was put into place data was collected so that the changes could be measurably recorded (Rosher, 2006). In addition, before the plan began Phase I, the nursing home staff was retrained and agreement and enthusiasm for the plan was attained. The culture change program was as success. Several residents were recorded as developing new energy and drive for life when allowed to pursue previous interests. One resident, who had

Pain Management Within a Nursing Home There
Words: 788 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Pain Management Within a nursing home there are many elderly people who have come to get care from the facilities. Most of the elderly people are suffering from chronic illnesses and due to these conditions they experience a lot of pain and discomfort. The pain and discomfort has a lot of negative impact on the lives of the elderly in the nursing home. These impacts are particularly felt on an individuals

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now