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Questions to Help You Get the Most out of
His Strange Ways by Robin Hardy
1. Who is Fletcher Streiker?
He is an imperfect representation of Christ.
2. Why is Fletcher dressed in a similar manner to Paul at their first meeting? (p. 36)
This is the principle behind the Incarnation: to cross the gap between ourselves and God, He comes to us in human
form; i.e., as something we can recognize and relate to (Phil. 2:5-8).
3. Why is Fletcher so hard on Paul? (p. 38)
The first step in approaching God consists of conviction and repentance (Matt. 4:17, Acts 2:38). We must recognize that we are not all right as we are; we require being set
right. Faced with Streiker's assessment of the results of his actions, Paul repents and is able to receive Streiker's help.
4. How can Streiker say that everyone receives what they genuinely desire? (p. 40)
This is based on the biblical principle expressed in Rev. 22:17: "Let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price" (my italics). It is the same principle that C.S. Lewis expounds so beautifully in The
Great Divorce: "There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, 'Thy will be done.' All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened." (pp. 72-73)
5. Why does a Christian book quote from mythology and talk about "gods"? (p. 132)
Ancient people anthropomorphized cataclysmic events to bring order to an inexplicable universe. Even today, people who do
not recognize God talk about "fate" and "destiny" operating in their lives. Since Paul's understanding of God had become so warped, it was necessary for him to step back from the concept of "God" to the more distant concept of
"gods" until he could regain a more accurate picture of who God is in Jesus (represented here by Streiker. See Myth as Truth.)
6. What does the employment application to Officina Gentium represent?
(1) A prayer of salvation. It was waiting for Paul at the place that his research led him
to; although Streiker obviously knew all about him--even knowing what he would write on the application--it was necessary for Paul to fill it out in order to get the job. (See What Is Salvation?)
(2) God's Word. With the action of the Holy
Spirit on the reader, it is interactive paper.
7. Who is Vince Harrison?
He represents the believers who have lived before us, who leave us their testimony, instruction and encouragement.
8. Why does Streiker keep Paul's phone?
This should be obvious: Streiker saw that it was better for Paul not to have it for a few days. This is consistent with Matt. 5:29: we need to get rid of those things that hinder us, and if we are not strong enough to cut those things off ourselves, God steps in and helps us if we want it badly enough. On his employment application, Paul indicates that this is what he wants, even though he does not know what all it entails.
9. What do Paul's notes to Harrison represent?
A believer's prayers. Note that Paul does not really know who he is communicating with or who is responding to his notes.
10. What is Officina Gentium?
The believer's work in the world. It is a private endeavor between himself and the Lord, the public effects of which demonstrate his level of obedience. (See Matt. 7:16-20 )
11. Why doesn't Royce ever talk to Streiker?
She never tries. But her prayers, unfocused as they are (pp. 170, 174-75) prove to be sufficient because they express her genuine desire for what God wants
for her.
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