The Deadly Stronghold of Gender Dysphoria

 When a person suffers from gender dysphoria, they have believed a Lie about themselves. Because Satan is the father of all lies, when a person believes something so intensely untrue about the very essence of who God created them to be, they are under a type of demonic oppression. The more the lie becomes ingrained in their being, the further they fall into Satan's grip. This is called a stronghold and will lead to disastrous consequences if it is not broken. Satan comes only to steal, kill and destroy. The more a person falls into his grip, the more likely they will be to harm themselves. It may begin by drastic changes in appearance, then progress to mutilating themselves by surgery or cross-sex hormones as the demonic influence progresses. Ultimately, the victim is likely to kill themselves because Satan comes to steal kill and destroy. If you encourage and applaud their delusion, you are the very advocate of the devil in their lives, aiding him in his destruction of a human being. The enemy cannot stand the fact that human beings are created in the image of God and he will do anything he can to disfigure that image. The destruction that transgender ideology causes to a person's body is an outward picture of what is happening to their soul. If you really care about someone, then you must be lovingly honest. You must help deliver them from the bondage the devil has trapped them in. You must tell the truth. While Satan comes only to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly.

THE MYSTERIUM: A Christian Fantasy Novel

I am thrilled to announce that my latest novel, THE MYSTERIUM, is now available and the eBook version is ON SALE This Week for only 99 Cents!!! Enjoy a Free 4 chapter sample of THE MYSTERIUM

The heroes were inspired by The Swiss Brethren, a group of bold 16th century Anabaptists who were hated for their beliefs and hunted across Southern Europe during the Renaissance. 

I really enjoy books and stories with a magic school setting like Harry Potter and Wednesday. I spent a lot of time thinking about how such a school could fit into a Christian Fantasy novel. Then it came to me. Daniel and his three friends, who were renamed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were all sent to learn the language and literature of the Chaldeans at the original magic school, the training center for the magi in ancient Babylon. This is where I drew inspiration for The Mysterium Collegium, The College of Mystery. The Chaldeans possessed all of the knowledge of the ancient world. They were experts in Arithmetic, Architecture, and Astronomy. But they were also Zoroastrians, mixing the mystical, the supernatural, and the magical into everything they did. Imagine what it would have been like for Daniel and his friends to be taken to an institution where their beliefs and values were unwelcome, unwanted, and rejected with open hostility. 

Arthur Gilchrist is about to step into the lion’s den. 

Each year, the most exceptional students in the realm are selected to attend the prestigious Mysterium Collegium where they are tempted with luxury and privilege while training to quash an uprising of an ancient order known as The Path. Arthur has been chosen. This is his chance to escape the crushing grip of poverty and an opportunity to help his mother, but Arthur has a secret. He walks The Path. Join him on this quest through a land filled with danger and deception as he makes the treacherous journey to the seductive school. Stir in a dash of adventure, a spoonful of romance, a sprinkling of steampunk, a pinch of dark academia, a thimbleful of magic, a cup of intrigue, and you’ve got the recipe for a delicious fantasy with a zesty twist.  

Arthur and his friends are quite poor by worldly standards but rich in character.

Did you ever wonder why the Amish and Mennonites live the way they do? At the same time the fictional version of The Three Musketeers were battling the powerful French Cardinal Richelieu, in neighboring Switzerland, a trio of real-life heroes, The Swiss Brethren, faced the wrath of both church and state for nothing more than getting baptized, eating the Lord’s Supper, and preaching outside of the state-run churches. These brilliant young theologians were hated, hunted, imprisoned, plagued, and martyred. For centuries those who followed in their footsteps were hounded (both literally and figuratively) by Protestant and Catholic governments alike. Ultimately, they withdrew from society. For years I have wondered what would have happened if the originals had lived. So, I decided to create a fantasy world where they just might have a chance. Is it even possible to have a hero who never lies, does not steal, and will not kill? Easier said than done, I should think. So I took up the challenge…and indeed it continues to be challenging. But it was within such questions that the idea for Arthur Gilchrist found its genesis, the old English name Gilchrist meaning “servant of Christ". A combination of the musketeer D’Artagnan and George Blaurock of the Swiss Brethren, Arthur is the protagonist in my latest novel, THE MYSTERIUM, which in part derives its name from The Magisterium, the powerful church/state religious system present in Renaissance Europe that led to the persecution of those true in faith.

This is the backdrop for The Mysterium, a fascinating adventure filled with danger and intrigue. I hope you will enjoy this Christian Fantasy Adventure. Preview or Purchase THE MYSTERIUM on Amazon