Publisher's Synopsis
2015 READERS' FAVORITE AWARD WINNER.
"This book definitely inspired me to trust more fully in God." -Pastor Doug McCoy, Columbus, OH
"A must read for anyone on a spiritual journey." -Richard Rohr, OFM, Founder, Center for Action and Contemplation, Author of 30 books
This book challenges readers to trust in God in spite of our fears and misconceptions. With memorable characters and vivid imagery, this story offers a compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking allegory of one's relationship with God.
In this radical retelling of the Garden of Eden story, Creator makes only one human, named Cherished. Instead of creating a second human to be a companion for Cherished, Creator desires to be that trusted companion. But Cherished finds it difficult to relate to the invisible Creator.
With the help of three Teachers, Cherished journeys toward understanding and trusting in his loving Creator, even though Creator's actions don't comply with his expectations. Cherished grapples with disappointment, frustration, doubt and failure, and with external dangers such as tigers and malevolent beings. He endures numerous challenges, while trying to learn from them, not knowing that they are meant to prepare him for his greatest crisis of all. In its underlying theme, this story presents life as a means for transformation when we entrust our experiences to God.
To aid contemplation and spiritual growth, Four in the Garden is divided into short thematic chapters. Discussion questions are provided at the end of the book and at www.rickhocker.com. On the book's web site, www.rickhocker.com, download a free transcript of a speech by the author on the topic of trusting in God, the main theme of his book, Four in the Garden.
