Lost is NOT just a television show. It has become larger than that-a massive story filled with mystery that has garnered over twenty million participants. Some might call them viewers, but one does not just watch Lost, one participates in it. It demands that you dialogue with the story, seeking theories and comparing yourself to characters. Lost breaks all the formulas for television, and in doing so has drawn together millions of people on a shared journey that explores life, faith, history, science, philosophy, hope, and the basic questions of what it means to be human. It is the seemingly infinite ideas, philosophies, and biblical metaphors that make this story so engaging.

The focus on faith and truth is never more clearly explained than in the words of John Locke as he questions Jack Shepherd asking “Why do you find it so hard to believe?” Jack responds quickly “Why do you find it so easy?” But Locke declares “It’s never been easy.” This tension between Faith and Reason drives every episode and story line. Locke summed this up as he explained to Jack “That’s why you and I don’t see eye-to-eye sometimes, because you’re a man of science—Me, well, I’m a man of faith.”

I think we have all seen books like this around – they are based on a popular TV show or movie and then a book comes out about the faith story behind the show – or more often, the lack of faith and Christian theme in a particular show and suddenly there is a book telling why we should not be watching it… and certainly save your friends and family from the evils of said show as well.

For these reasons I usually avoid these type of books.  I enjoy movies and tv shows for the entertainment value in them and no more.  I do not want to be told why or why I shouldn’t watch a show.  But this one called to me….  for one it is written by Chris Seay and while I may not be familiar with his writing, I know he keeps good company with the likes of Don Miller (Blue Like Jazz) and secondly – and at the time, more importantly – this is about LOST.  And if you have had the opportunity pleasure of experiencing this phenomenon from season one…. you truly have to know that this show has something special going on….

But enough about the show.  This is about the book. And I have to tell you…. while I went in skeptical…. I came out the other side raving. Right from the start Chris Seay’s layed back way of writing made me feel very comfortable going forward in the book.

Chris brings each character to their own chapter and pulls out very real, very biblical traits.  Every character in lost is broken in their own way – damaged people – with their own story line.  As the seasons go on you see differences in the characters, whatever their baggage once was – they start to grow from it.

In almost a faith like way we see Sawyer start out as a hardened unlikable and annoying character who keeps to himself.  As the show progresses Sawyer learns that sometimes we need others in our life and turns out that being in community with others, is not so bad.

Jack is a man of science and John Locke is a man of faith….. While jack has to have an explanation for everything… John Locke immediately senses there is something about the island and whatever it is, by faith he is going to believe in it.  (*Information on John Locke of LOST and John Locke the philosopher was fascinating!)

Kate comes off the plane as a criminal being tried for murder.  As she grows, she comes to terms that everyone can seek forgiveness and begin with a clean slate.

Filled with plenty of Biblical references I found myself reading this book every chance I had.   Chris pulls the gospel out of a secular show and I found this to make for good reading. I feel now I will be watching this last season of LOST with new eyes.

After all Lost is all about the moving of an island…. is that so different from moving mountains?

If you are a fan of LOST and enjoy a good faith-based read – I recommend this book highly.

About Chris Seay:

Chris Seay is a leader in the emerging church discussion, church planter, author, and third generation baptist pastor. Currently, Chris is the President of Ecclesia Bible Society where he is orchestrating a Scripture project that seeks to retell the biblical narrative with the literary beauty of great poetry and story as well as historical truth. As Pastor of Ecclesia Houston, Chris leads a unique congregation that is living out the gospel faithfully in an urban environment. He is also the author of seven books, including The Gospel According to Tony Soprano, The Gospel Reloaded, and The Last Eyewitness.

My Amazon Rating

I received my review copy from Thomas Nelson Reviews