After a hiatus of months from reading one of my favorite genres of literature – mysteries - I recently returned by reading a number of Brother Cadfael mysteries. Brother Cadfael, a medieval English monk, was made famous by the English author Edith Pargeter who wrote this series under the pen name of Ellis Peters. In my reading I was reminded of a number of Christian principles that are generally woven into a well-written mystery, whether or not the author is a Christian. Perhaps this is a major reason for the popularity of this type of book. Here are a few Christian themes that underline, in my opinion, this type of story.

Justice prevails. When we begin to read a volume we know that a crime has or will be committed. By the time we arrive at the final chapters we expect the criminal to have been caught and justice to be applied. At times it is difficult not to turn to the final chapter early in our reading just to find out who committed the crime. We live in a fallen world. Crimes are committed. They are not always solved. In part in the Old Testament civil law there was a procedure for dealing with unsolved murders (Dt. 21:1-9). However, we know there is a final reckoning before God. God is all-knowing and all-seeing. Generally, the conclusion of a mystery comforts the soul with the reminders that justice is real. God’s timing may not be as quick as the flow of events in the novel. God will bring justice in the fullness of time.

These stories remind me of man’s depravity. Jeremiah rightly wrote that “The heart’s deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it”. (Jer. 17:9)  I realize I am capable of committing any sin. It is very easy, as we read about the sins of others to think “How could that person have done that?” The thought, “I would never do that” might be in the back of our mind as we make that statement. The Bible reminds us of many sins that God’s people committed. David’s adultery and murderous plot (II Samuel 11) quickly come to mind as does Peter’s statement that there is no way he would deny Christ shortly before he denies Christ three times. (Luke. 22:33, 54-62). As the plot unfolds over many pages, the reader is often surprised when the culprit is revealed. Throughout the book that person is woven into the story in a way that he or she seems to be law-abiding. However deep-seeded revenge, jealousy or some other sin, propels an individual to unexpectedly rob or murder another individual. This provides the reader with the opportunity to reflect on the depth of depravity in one’s own heart. We need to repent of our own pride, selfishness, discontent or any sin. Unconfessed sin can lead to greater acts of sin committed by us. No doubt you and I have committed any number of sins that left us surprised at our actions afterwards.

There are no unimportant details in our life. All of life is planned by God (Ephesians 1:11). The other side of the coin is our free choice. In a well-written mystery big clues can hang on the peg of small events. It may be a fiber of cloth caught on a door near the murder scene. It could be an overheard snippet of conversation or a recall of events that earlier seemed unimportant. As Christians we need to be aware that our actions are being watched by others as we go about in public. We may never think about what we are conveying to passers-by in conversations with family members that may be in the context of our anger or stubbornness. We are responsible for how we live out each moment and event in our lives.

Mysteries can provide good insight into how often we can wrongly judge others’ motives. An author may develop a storyline by allowing events to lay the blame on the wrong person. Time after time I am sure that an ultimately innocent person has committed the crime that is the focus of the book. A person I have not even considered as being guilty is proven to be the criminal. What a reminder to me as to how quickly and easily I can judge the motives of others. Probably I am like you in that time and again my judgment of others’ motives in a particular situation is wrong. I do not know why the individual did not answer my email. I do not know why a person failed to attend an important meeting. I need to ask these people as to their reasoning as to what lay behind their actions. I cannot play God. God alone sees and knows the heart of others.

I am overlooking other principles that can be drawn out of reading mysteries. I do not know what types of literature you favor. Whatever the type, I believe it would be a rewarding endeavor to reflect on Christian principles that undergird your favorite category of books.

©2010 Byron Snapp, Hampton,Virginia