Through Loss to Love

Michael, who grappled with the truth of religious faith in the first novel of this trilogy, Through Fire to Faith, and with the personal turmoil brought about by the horrific massacre at his church in Through Horror to Hope, now finds himself confronted with the very meaning of life and death. In Through Loss to Love Michael must sort out and resolve the conflicting questions that spring from the suicide attempt of a major character, an unsettling visit from his best friend Tom, the birth of his son, the apparent conversion of his assailant Jonah and the distressing deaths of two other characters who are very close to his life story. Answers and insights grow from his own reflections and from another inspirational meeting with Fr. David. Michael then gets the opportunity to formulate and share his personal insights about life and death at a seminar entitled Religion, Psychology, Philosophy and the Problem of the Meaning of Life, but his point of view is once again seriously challenged by a fellow professional. Yet with all that he has gone through, Michael speaks confidently to this challenge and shares his hard-won personal insights about the true meaning of life and death, which differ markedly from his opponent's. Michael's personal odyssey finally comes to an end with his sincere commitment to be a person whose life radiates the virtues of faith, hope and love.