Since the bookshop closed, over the years, it’s been great reminiscing with Sophie and Casper, and it’s helped Casper in particular, get over some issues that were emotionally draining for him at the time. Shortly after I left, the shop was relocated to another part of the town, but because it was a modern construction, with a larger floorspace, the sales targets were significantly increased to reflect this.
This in itself was overwhelming for Casper, but he was unable to voice his opinions because he knew the only reply he would receive was,
“Tough. Get over it. Buying this new building has crippled the company’s expenses and we’ve still got more shops to refurbish. It’s up to you to recover the profits, and quickly.”
Adding of course,
”We are a charity.”
Unfortunately, this made it increasingly difficult for Casper to fully enjoy his new surroundings, even with a cosy, new, self-service coffee and seating area.
He marvels at how I remember incidents and people so clearly and in such detail. Some events were so traumatic for him that he wonders if his mind blanked some things out. I am always amazed at how the brain adjusts in order to cope with traumatic situations and I am inclined to agree with his conclusion, because he doesn’t remember Hazel at all, yet she was our most regular and longstanding Saturday worker.
For me, there is an issue more serious to discuss. I’m going say something that might be controversial, but I have to be honest. If I was given the chance to work in a Christian bookshop again, either in person or online, I don’t think I would do it. My spiritual conscience tells me this is a bad idea.
I thank God for the authors who were a marvellous encouragement to me. Elizabeth Elliot has always portrayed a beautiful example of godly womanhood and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to recommend her as positive influence.
However, I am sad to say that over the years, I have discovered that a great number of Christian books do not contain biblical accuracy to the point that they could lead people astray. For example, there is a book out there written by renowned Christian teacher, who claims that God gives Cancer to people as a gift. Firstly, God doesn’t give diseases to anybody, and secondly, God does not gift anyone with anything nasty. Would you give your baby dog excrement to eat if you ran out of pureed potato? This is just one example of many extreme, erroneous teachings.
So many famous teachers and recording artists are coming out of the woodwork claiming that they don’t believe in God anymore and that everything they said previously is a lie. Why would I want to promote that person’s book or CD?
On similar note, there is this big debate going on in the ‘Christian world’ at the moment as to whether churches should play worship songs that have been penned by songwriters connected to certain churches that are blatantly heretical. They are not just misguiding people on scripture, but involving themselves in demonic practices and seemingly not caring when this is pointed out by others.
I am seeing video clips of pastors from mega churches finding it impossible to answer simple biblical questions and some even declaring in the middle of their sermon, “I am God!”. We cannot blame A.I. or extreme video editing for it all – most of it is real.
As much as I still love Christian music, I am not sure that I would be happy to promote some of the artists that I did back then, for that reason and others.
Lastly, there is talk about many bible versions having been corrupted, where it has been proven by biblical scholars that meanings have been significantly changed, and there are particular versions where verses have been deliberately omitted. I loved it when The Message was released because Eugene Peterson was not hiding the fact that it was a paraphrase. But today, certain translations that are not translations at all, have eased their way into existence and I don’t think even Louise would be able to hide them behind the Giant Print KJVs.
From a view of spiritual integrity, I could not bring myself to promote and sell questionable items.
It saddens me to think that nowadays, Hindu books sneaking in amongst the piles are the least of our concerns. It is the subtlety of evil things masquerading as good that concerns me, because it is far more deceptive and therefore, more dangerous.
But I should end on a happy note, shouldn’t I?
Despite everything, I still nurture feelings of fondness whenever I look back to my days at the shop. I do wish I could be given the chance to go back in time and put things right that I got wrong. Oh, there are so many things I would do differently! I would have focused more on the positive attributes of our customers, rather than whining about the negative ones. I would have made more effort to listen and been more aware of the needs of my colleagues.
I had the opportunity to read some great books that I would not have stumbled upon had I not worked there. My favourite being, “Soul Obsession” by Nicky Cruz. I also discovered, Phillips Craig and Dean and their album, “Let My Words be Few” is still one of my favourites.
All in all, I am eternally grateful to Archie for giving me the opportunity to work for the company and I can honestly say it has been the best job I have ever had.
