Robin Hardy Online
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Robin made up these questions (which are also in the Reader Feedback section) to help readers gain more insight into the analogy of Ephesians 5:31-32--not as a test over the contents of the book. Therefore, she always felt that the answers themselves were secondary. But since so many readers have asked her for answers to one question or another, she agreed to provide a key. Below are Robin's answers to the questions on Streiker's Bride.
(All page numbers refer to the 2nd edition published by Hats Off Books and the 3rd edition published by Westford Press, 2003.)
1. What does the epigraph on p. 277 have to do with the book?
Everything.
2. Is the book primarily an allegory or an analogy? What is the difference?
I consider SB more of an analogy. Allegory and analogy are similar literary terms with only a fine distinction. An allegory is a story in which spiritual forces or abstract ideas are represented by concrete figures or images. Pilgrim's Progress is a good example: you have Christian, Hopeful, Doubting Castle, Slough of Despond, etc. In this allegory, the Giant represents Despair; the Giant IS Despair.
An analogy is a little less dogmatic. It is a story in which spiritual forces or ideas are said to BE LIKE something else, something concrete. All of Jesus' stories are analogies: "The kingdom of heaven IS LIKE a mustard seed." An analogy recognizes that any comparison we make between the visible and the eternal is going to be limited, therefore flawed. Thus, in Streiker's Bride, God is like a billionaire who risks everything to give us everything. But Streiker is not God, nor is he an adequate representation of God.
3. What does the file folder represent (pp. 13-14)? Why are there no photos of Streiker in the folder?
The file folder represents the Bible. We have no images of God, and we're instructed not to make any, because they are all inadequate.
4. Keeping the analogy in mind, consider:
(a) What reason did Fletcher give for choosing Adair (p. 32)? Because he knew she would choose him!
(b) Why was it important to Fletcher for Adair to feel love for him (p. 42)? Hint: Matt. 22:37 He wanted her to love him completely--with all of her heart, soul, and mind--because this is the only way for her to enjoy him completely.
(c) What is the significance of Adair's dream (pp. 52-53)? That Fletcher is the end and purpose of all her ambitions and desires. Any talent, any ability she possessed would find its fulfillment only to the extent that it pleased him--and in so doing, would be the greatest joy of her life.
(d) What is "the tyranny of the unimportant" (p. 63)? When trivial things take up so much of our time and attention that they trump far more important matters.
(e) Who takes the initiative in Fletcher and Adair's relationship? He does. Who has the most to lose (p. 74)? He does. Who sets the parameters for the relationship? He does. Does that leave Adair with no choice (p. 105)? Or more choices (p. 177)? It leaves her with a far greater range of choice than even she realizes.
(f) What is the difference between "personal guarantees" and a "complete relationship" (p. 126)? People who don't trust God demand guarantees: "Give me everything I want or I won't love you." Only those who believe the best of God whether they understand everything that happens or not can fully experience all that He has to offer. Such a commitment requires utter trust despite setbacks and unfavorable appearances.
(g) What is the main reason Adair has so much trouble getting back into her apartment, where she is supposed to be (chaps. 8-9)? Is this Fletcher's fault? No, it's not his fault that she forgot what he told her!
5. What do the phone calls between Fletcher and Adair represent?
Prayer.
6. When does Adair begin to experience success and a sense of peace in her new life (pp. 193-194)?
When she starts doing what he asks.
7. Whom does Darren Loggia represent?
Satan.
8. Why does Fletcher never lie (p. 236)? What does this mean to Adair?
Fletcher never lies because he understands what a warping, debilitating effect it has. Liars separate themselves from reality, and Fletcher (God) is the essence of reality. This means that Adair's trust will never be betrayed.
9. Why does Fletcher give Darren access to Adair (p. 274)?
For several reasons: (a) to allow her to recognize Darren for the enemy he is (b) to give her practice in standing up to him (c) to enable her to see that he is only a monster on a leash, controlled by Fletcher. Also, I think Fletcher uses the opportunity to bait Darren to show up at the party.
10. Whom does Harle Kellum represent?
Adair's guardian angel.
Bonus question: In terms of the analogy, what is the difference between the Streiker Building and the Streiker Corporation?
The Streiker Building represents any particular church building. Everyone there supposedly works for the same boss to the same purpose, but in reality some are slackers, backbiters, or corporate spies. The Streiker Corporation, however, represents the eternal, timeless Body of Christ. Those employees work out of many different locations in many different jobs, some without any apparent connection to the Streiker Corporation at all. But they all answer to Fletcher, and are paid by him.
