novelxo Chapter 13: The God Squad
Chapter 13: The God Squad
The man in the yellow duster continued…
“See, I decided to believe in God. I have spent the last ten years, living ‘as if’ I were a believer. Acting ‘as if’ I were a believer. What I am suggesting to you is to you do the same… at least on weekends.”
“As if? Sounds like Richard Dawkins’ Darwinian explanation of Emotions. Are you part of his Atheist Cult?”
“No. No! But, we are building our faith from Agnostic foundations. We call ourselves, “The Pretenders.”
“What do you need me for?”
“Many in our division lack University education, you could give lectures at the campfires, perhaps?”
“You can’t be serious?”
“You caught me. No, I am not. Most folk’s minds are not open to the message of God, but their lives are full of anxiety. I see you as I was. I see you as I am.”
“So, are you a Man of God, or not?”
“I pretend to be.” At this point, the Reverend bit off a plug of tobacco, his face relaxed in a wave of satisfaction.
Olaf scratched his chin. “Are you part of these bands of Holy Rollers, wandering up and down the Valley?”
The reverend nodded, “What else are you going to do with no job? Go jet-skiing? We’re on a recruitment drive, son. Maybe we can use you as a translator.”
“Between you and the rest?”
“Exactly. We are massively misunderstood. We have no political agenda. But, we are missionaries…”
“What’s in it for me?”
“A break from this place. I’ve never seen higher concentration of constipated people in my life, have you?”
Olaf stared across the Quad. He had a sabbatical coming, no money, and nothing else to do.
“Look, the offer is open anytime. Think of it at a backpack trip.”
“You know. Tell me where your tribe will be next weekend, and I’ll drop by.”
“Division, Professor Division. We’ll be near the coast. Too hot inland right now.”