I had the good fortune last week of being able to view the latest drama out on British television. It was a marvellously done version of “Going Postal” by author Terry Pratchett. Now, I have to admit that this genre of fiction has not been my favourite, but after viewing the two part series, I immediately ordered a copy of the book from our local library. The fact is that there were elements in the story that I found so appealing that I was almost compelled to find out if the television series was true to the original book.
This novel seems to have all the elements in it to draw the attention of modern readers. There is magic, fantasy, myth, and romance. However, the theme of the plot was most enlightening to me. Mr. Pratchett appears to have polarized “traditional” against “modern” so well in his story that it gives the reader food for thought. The main character, a former con-man, is given the task of re-opening the postal system.  The Post Office is truly in a poor state, as it has not operated for years. A system of signal towers that send coded messages in a similar fashion as ships send Morris Code by beacon has replaced it. The flashing messages are transmitted by a series of towers that dot the countryside. Thus, the speed of communication had drawn so many customers away from mailing letters that the old postal system collapsed. Yes, it was as if the Internet had replaced the Arthur Post Office.
I certainly don’t want to spoil it for you by giving away too many details, but in the end it was realized that each form of communication has its advantages. Only letters can be sealed with a kiss, or a lock of hair might be enclosed. The more modern system is unable to provide such a personal touch. Still, the modern system of communication has its advantages too, especially in matters of speed and efficiency. By now you must have guessed that a union of the two systems was to be paralleled by the romance of the two main characters, but you will have to read the book to find out how all this was accomplished.
It is often the case that a person can hear or see an event physically, and then be inspired to investigate the matter further. From a religious point of view, this situation happens regularly. One person can observe the amazing change of character in another person and wonder how such a positive transformation can happen. When a person witnesses how the grace of God has altered their life, it can inspire others to check things out for themselves. They, too, can go to the original book and read about it. For many folks, that book is the Bible. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament give us the good news of God acting and communicating in the lives of generations of people. This book contains letters, poetry, songs and great stories. It also contains prophecies of a time when we will also find true happiness, as we come together in loving-kindness. Therefore, it is important that we not become a polarized people. It should not be “traditional” versus “modern” in matters of faith. Instead, let our compassion for one another be a witness to the change that has happened in each of us. After all, it is the message of God’s grace that we wish to send out, and I am not sure that it matters if we chose one means over another. What is important is that the message is received.