I had read Hinds' Feet on High Places in 10th grade. I remember enjoying the story and was looking forward to reading it again. It truly is a beautifully written allegory of the Christian walk. The main character Much-Afraid meets the Shepard and desires to follow him. In turn he guides her on a difficult journey up the mountain to his kingdom in the high places. Much of the journey is difficult with detours through the desert, the lonely seaside, and forest. Each section is described with great sweetness and Much-Afraid learns much through the nature that surrounds her.
A little over half-way through this book I came across a conversation between the Shepard and Much-Afraid that made me uneasy. Much-Afraid declares that she would love the Shepard even if he chose to deceive her and he contemplates this possibility. Since the Shepard is meant to represent Jesus this truly troubled me. From reading God's Word I know that Jesus is the way, the Truth and the light (John 14:6). In Him there is no shadow of turning (James 1:17). It is absolutely impossible for God to deceive!
To tell the truth I have tried to finish this book, but each time I have begun a chapter, since reading that section, I find my heart is uneasy and I cannot continue. Hinds' Feet on High Places is considered a great Christian classic by so many and quite honestly as I read the first half of the book many of the challenges that Much-Afraid faced spoke to me. The way the author depicted her frailties was relatable. There was great comfort in reading about how the Shepard consistently cared for Much-Afraid despite her doubts and weakness.
I decided to do a little research about the author Hannah Hurnard; I was surprised and disappointed to discover that she became involved with the New Age movement in her later years. I can't help but wonder if her thoughts were always somewhat swayed by ideas that were in opposition to scripture.
*I received a complimentary copy of Hinds' Feet on High Places from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review*
My dear Sarah, how I appreciate your honesty and wonderful review! You may have seen on my blog that I, too, reviewed this book and gave it a raving review. I must confess that after reading your words I am ashamed for not catching this because our Lord and Savior would never ever deceive us. He is indeed the Truth and there is no sin in Him. I read this book when I was younger and when I received this to review I read through several chapters and skimmed over a few simply because I thought I knew the story. Thank you, Sarah. Also, I was sad to learn about the author's history.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
There was nothing to catch. She misinterpreted what she read. The shepherd never considered deceiving her, he was amazed by her answer showing how much she loved and trusted him.
DeleteYou really should finish the book. I waited until I was an adult to read it despite my mother asking me to read it as a teenager. In the passage of the book He (Jesus) is just kind of testing her to show her where she is on her walk with Him. He isn’t saying He will deceive her, because as you pointed out God can’t deceive us. We all have to go through the desert, the wilderness, the valleys etc of life, some get there faster then others because the light bulb goes on faster for them on who God really is! And that we can trust Him wholeheartedly. It points that out later in the book. As for Hannah dabbling in new age things she didn’t do any of that. This book is her testimony and she wrote it after she was saved and finally understood who the Lord was. He took away her stuttering problem ao she could help others come to know Him. Hence what happens at the end of the book. She did develop Alzheimer’s at the end of her life and some question that but hinds feet and mountain is f apices was already written years earlier. I am ashamed I never read this book until years after my mom asked me to do so because since the first time I read it myself being a much afraid in my past it is one of my go to books of course after the Bible. Again I hope u take the time to finish this book and then read it again and again and research the parts she adds scripture.
DeleteIt's me again, sweet friend {{smiles}} May I share a few of your thoughts in my blog post that is coming up on Wednesday? Thank you, Sarah! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this honest appraisal. I have not read this work--for some reason, these allegories are not easy for me to understand. I have it in my library. We all need to be more discerning in what we choose to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honest review. I received this as a gift years ago, but it made me uneasy. How we must pray for discernment AND hold everything up to Scripture!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Mrs.O
Hi Sarah! I've never read it before but I've heard some great things about it.
ReplyDeleteCOMO DICE LA PALABRA DE DIOS: 1 DE TESALONICENCES CAPITULO 5, VERSICULOS: 21 Y 23: ESCUCHARLO TODO Y RETENER LO BUENO........... DIOS LA BENDIGA RICAMENTE.
ReplyDeleteI just dowloaded a PDF version and will be reading through it very carefully. Thank you for your honest review Sarah!
ReplyDeleteYour welcome Regina! It is a beautifully written story. Despite my disappointment, I did feel encouraged by the overall theme of the book.
DeleteThank you for writing your review. I won't be reading it. It seems so many books and CD's these days are sold as Christian material, yet they are only wolves in sheeps clothing.
ReplyDeleteKimberly
Sarah, I am glad you wrote this. I read the book, or more correctly parts of the book, a few years back and was bothered about some of the things I read in it as well. I don't remember now if this particular passage was one that I read. If I read it I might remember. Anyway, thanks for putting this out there. I remember hearing of this book years ago spoken of as a good book. It seemed to be having a period of fame at the time. It's one that should be given a miss. Sadly, based on what I read and your observation here, the author's later involvement in the New Age doesn't surprise me much.
ReplyDeleteI read this book as a young girl and have read several times throughout my life - it really is such a good book and give you a whole new perspective on the verse. Love the title of your blog - two of MY favorite things, Lilacs and Springtime. I'm a winter-hater haha!
ReplyDeleteI read the book about a year ago and enjoyed it. I found it very helpful for me, with fears and struggles I was going through at the time and felt a kinship with the author. But like you I researched Hannah Hurnard and was disappointed when I found she had left the christian path.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful dresses.
ReplyDeleteFondly Michelle
You have misinterpreted the writing. He did not consider decieving her. He was pleased with her answer showing how much she trusted him.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how you could infer this and now some people won't read this amazing story for themselves, but instead will judge it as a wolf in sheep's clothing type of thing.
Rest easy, finish the story, and retract what you wrote.