Title: In the Beginning: The Early Days of Religious Beliefs
Author: Jaime Reyes
Publisher: Wordhouse Book Publishing
ISBN: 978-1643618289
Pages: 154
Genre: Historical Fiction / Spiritual
Reviewed by: Ephantus M
Pacific Book Review
In the Beginning: The Early Days of Religious Beliefs is a riveting read regarding the origin, development, and conceptualization of religious bodies as perceived through the wide lens of Author Jaime Reyes’ keen eye and sharp judgment. Reyes looks to unravel an old saying that suggested the genesis of belief ideologies and practices to have had its root in avaricious individuals who greedily strived to gain control over gullible and unsuspecting populaces.
The storyline revolves around a self-proclaimed priest, Og, who has discovered the prodigious returns he can gather after manipulating the village chief and his subjects with a highly deceptive spiritual performance in their most troublesome moment. He claims to possess a rare gift that gives him the means to communicate with the spirits presumably responsible for dreadful storms such as the one currently looming over his village. Unaware, the deeply apprehensive inhabitants can’t help but cling to the elderly cave-dweller’s wisdom and spiritual prowess which promises hope for survival against the gods’ destructive rage. Og’s artifice would later see him bestowed with singular honor and admiration as his status and influence substantially shifted from the biting threat of obscurity and misery to a glorified seat at the Chief’s high table.
Reyes’ imagination in this fictional work will have readers amused by the levels of susceptibility characters who lack strong critical thinking may find themselves fading into. As has been plotted out in the text, today’s society is equally wrapped up in similar snares where desperate individuals have found themselves entangled in deceptive spiritual circles through shrewd figures who disguised themselves as promoters of peace and as spiritual guides, without careful consideration of their origin and doctrine. I find the author’s sentiments adaptable considering his deep research that brings awareness to the naturalness of falling for the protagonist’s charismatic and charming nature in employing hoaxes and seduction to lure people.
In the Beginning: The Early Days of Religious Beliefs is conclusively a must-read text that will not only challenge its readers’ belief system but also compel more vigilance against persons and sects who claim to offer safety and healing for emotionally vulnerable people. Reye’s elating publication can be read in one sitting and will have you informed, satisfied, and longing for another of his thought-provoking reads. Highly recommend!
