Eyes Wide Open

On the one hand, understanding both Dekker's background and his continuous desire to branch out on the Gospel narrative started in his Circle series (not really a trilogy anymore), you have to appreciate the level of development with which he involved himself in this text. Furthermore, the ways in which he develops his perspective on how society impacts our point of view is truly a remarkable point, one that we tend to overlook if we are not careful. Furthermore, there is presented a great challenge to hold firmly to our fellow brothers and sisters when they become blinded or forget their identity in the process. Yet, the global challenge for individuals to stand for the truth behind the deception is truly an inspiring one which Dekker does a great job of presenting in an albeit dark spiritual fiction. SPOILERS CONCERNING PLOT My one complaint for which I would probably give this text a 3.75 is the degree to which psychology is presented in a negative light. I recognize the form of psychosis presented through society and its words is indeed a devilish one, yet at the same time, there is a level of extreme negativity which Dekker presents through those representing the mental health community. As someone who has studied the balance between psychology and biblical counseling, I find this as possible fuel to the fire of those who disregard what strong Christian social scientists have been attempting to do through their endeavors. In a bittersweet way, Dekker uses the Gospel to reach his characters through a missionary character named Outlaw, yet does little to reflect strong Christian psychology in an otherwise darkened psychological thriller atmosphere. At least in some cases where psychologists are used as the villains in the movies, there still tend to be strong positive examples of psychologists who are truly attempting to reach their patients. Again, I find this as a difficulty more due to the trend in Christian circles to project negatively toward all forms of psychology, yet I would direct attention to a Christian psychologist named David Myers who has written multiple texts addressed to both secular and Christian psychologists on how his faith has shaped his perspective of psychology. One book of his which stood out particular to me was "Friendly Letter to Skeptics and Atheists: musings on Why God is Good and Faith Isn't Evil," an excellent letter to his psychologist friends on why God has benefits even in a community which suggests religion was created by man for man.