StephanieThe bio on the back flap of many of his books says “Ted Dekker is known for novels which combine adrenaline-laced stories packed with unexpected plot twists, unforgettable characters, and incredible confrontations between good and evil.” This is certainly true of THR3E.
THR3E begins with a brief discourse on the nature of evil between seminary student Kevin Parson and his academic advisor. This conversation, which sounds boring, is actually quite interesting. Although brief, it sets the foundation for the entire story. “Can man remove himself beyond the reach of evil? Or is he condemned to live a life of evil?” From that first question, the author builds a picture of Kevin Parson, a young seminary student with what is referred to as a bizarre past. Throughout the story, we see him trying to ignore, forget and overcome his past, but events won’t let him.
Within moments of leaving his advisor, he receives a phone call. The man on the other end demands that Kevin call the newspaper and confess his sin. If he doesn’t, his car will blow up in three minutes. He gives Kevin a riddle, meant to reveal and remind Kevin of the sin and hangs up. Kevin frantically ditches the car in a greenbelt near an almost empty parking lot. A moment later, the car explodes. The ensuing investigation takes 300 pages of non-stop action as Slater taunts and teases and detonates more bombs. With each new event, Kevin is forced to admit and confront another piece of his past.
In the end, this entire story can be summed up in Dr. John Francis’ response to that initial conversation at the beginning of the book. Man is not condemned to a lifetime of evil, but rather “A lifetime struggle with evil.” Who knew a philosophical and theological question could be so gripping and compelling? No wonder it has been a public debate for millennia. And Ted Dekker’s “THE3E” just made it even more so.
Tags: positive, Stephanie, Ted Dekker, THR3E