The Gospel According to Lost

good read

i really enjoyed this book. it gave some good insight to how lost compares to the bible.. it wasnt what i thought it would be as far as more in depth,but worth reading.

The Gospel in Lost

The Gospel according to Lost is one of those books centered on a phenomenon that almost makes you embarrassed to be reading it. But this isn't a Spice Girl's biography, this is the real deal. This is a commentary on a television program that reminds us all to think, feel, explore and most importantly love. Author Chris Seay hit one way out of the park with his remarkable observations and comparisons between the characters and dynamics of a show with the love of God.

The Gospel is a well written book that breaks down each character on the hit series Lost and points out the uncanny similarities between what they are going through and the struggle to accept God's love. As Seay writes, "One of the most beautiful parts of Lost is the attention paid to the shaping of personalities and development of individual modi operandi." Take for example Sawyer, the resident bad boy through and through, he's convinced himself that he cannot change but as with God anything is possible if we believe. "The miracle is that his love extended to us in our angry, hateful, and shirtless state-not offered as a carrot on a stick for the person we each might become. Looking at Sawyer's sly grin, I think he's gotten a glimpse of this truth."

One of the most enduring chapters to me dealt with the character Eko Patron Saint of Warlord Priests. I'm not going to go through the Eko's history, if you're considering purchasing this book you're a Lost fan and already know it. I will point out that like many Lost characters Eko's life-changing moment came when he was a child and forced to kill a man to save the life of his little brother. Seay writes, "Children are a sacred trust, a blessing from God to be nurtured with love,.The world is filled with stories of not only neglect but also the abuse and exploitation of those we regard as the leaders, the innovators, the mothers, the fathers-the caretakers-of tomorrow." Pure Wisdom.

In discussing the crazed Benjamin Linus the Patron Saint of Dutiful Tyrants Seay writes, "But Ben is relying on karma (you reap what you sow)-if he's been ruthlessly faithful to Jacob, Jacob should reward him faithfully." However, as Seay goes on to write, life in Lost is like life in the real world and karma just doesn't pan out. This was probably the one part that I disagreed with; I do believe that you get what you give. But let me point out, just because you give in this life doesn't mean you'll get in this life, your reward may be on the other side.

Regardless of everything this is a book I read within a day.yep it was that good. Just like Lost it made me think, it made me feel in touch with myself, my world and my God.

Lacking Depth

The following book was provided to read and review by Thomas Nelson (http://booksneeze.com/). I also gave this review of my blog (http://puttinggodfirstplace.blogspot.com/2010/04/gospel-according-to-lost.html)

I am a LOST fan. So, when I saw The Gospel According to LOST as a book available to request, I jumped on it! I thought that it must be interesting and wondered where the author would take it.

I loved the back of the book overview of what to expect. It seemed like a good read and I was excited to open it up!

I had a hopeful attitude, especially after reading the Prologue. I had hopes that this quote gave a glimpse to the rest of the book (pg. xxiii)

In the midst of all of its action, mystery, suspense, and romance, Lost is a story filled with substance. The focus on faith and truth is never more clearly explained than in the words of John Locke as he questions Jack Shephard. "Why do you find it so hard to believe?" Locke asks. Jack shoots back, "Why do you find it so easy." Locke then patiently and succinctly sums up his faith, explaining, "It's never been easy." This tension between faith and reason is what drives the story line.

I am sad to say that I am quite disappointed in this book. I felt like the back of the book should be an overview for a different book. A book that had depth and created discussion with the reader.

What I have in bold above is why I love LOST. The story line is so intriguing and keeps me thinking, not only about what is going to happen next, but also about me and my story of faith and how it affects how I live everyday.

I had hopes that this book would help me to think even more about how LOST is a great story that should force all who watch it to think about faith and reason. Maybe it was my own fault for having high expectation of this book...I'm not sure.

As an additional warning, I found it to be very surprising that in the first 50 pages I will read two instances of foul language. While watching LOST, a secular show, I have come to expect some language issues. While reading a Christian book, however, I don't expect it at all. This just added to my disappointment.

I am sad to say but I would not recommend this book, at all.

Chris Seay elucidates biblical/philosophical implications

The Gospel According to "Lost" explores some of the spiritual, biblical, and philosophical references within the TV show, Lost. Seay analyzes fifteen different characters of the show, explaining how we can find biblical messages in each of the Losties' personal life journeys, and reveals the truths readers can take from this show to apply to their own lives.

I found this book not only edifying but extremely fascinating. I am a huge Lost fan, and I am currently waiting patiently for the sixth and final season to finish and come out on DVD. I will probably be waiting a while, so I decided to read Seay's book in the meantime.

I had always recognized the existence of biblical references within the show's script, but Seay elucidated some of the harder topics I had previously struggled with. Some of his characters analyses really hit home with me; specifically, his discussion of Desmond and Penny:

"Nothing dissuades her [Penny] from dropping everything to find
Desmond--not even Desmond himself, who runs away in the first
place because he's scared of the implications of accepting and
returning her love. It's only when he has lost her that he
realizes how transforming love can be. This separation proves to
Desmond that true love is unmerited, inexplicable, and fiercely
magnetic. He finally sees that he does not, and indeed cannot,
earn Penny's love . . . Nothing can stand between us and the
love of the living God: not our fear or reluctance, not the
disapproval of others, nothing. And even then, for as long as it
takes for us to accept it, his love will bear all things,
believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things.
Love never fails." (p. 172-174)

This is just one example of Seay's simple yet profound messages within The Gospel According to "Lost". For anyone who enjoyed the show, this book is a great tool for understanding some of its implications in terms of faith and God's immeasurable and unmerited love for us.

The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay - the review

Chris Seay, the author of The Gospel According to Lost begins his book with an explanation of the phenomenon of Lost. He discusses how the show isn't just a TV show. It's an experience; it's a common experience that Americans can share with each other. It's a way to communicate and bond with co-workers.

He then takes the reader on a tour of the show. He writes about the mystery behind the island. He discusses how the viewer really doesn't know what the island is about and how the plot twists and turns makes you think you know but then a new episode will dispel any thoughts you had and you begin back at ground zero again.

All the while he's interspersing gospel concepts and using the story of Lost to explain them. For instance, in his chapter on the mystery of Lost he poses questions for the reader to ponder about violence, free will, love and self-sacrifice and other moral questions.

He spends several chapters discussing characters from Lost. It would be more accurate to say that bulk of the book is discussing characters. Out of a total of seventeen chapters only three deal with something other than the characters. If you love the characters, then this is the book for you!

His technique is to first do a sort of character sketch in each of the character chapters. Then he reaches back into scripture to find religious figures to compare and contrast with the Lost characters. I admired his conceptual model but found the actual execution to be a bit thin. In parts he seems to be imparting far too much importance to television characters and in other parts he seems to have missed opportunities to discuss religious historical figures.

The book is an easy read and fairly lightweight. You needn't worry about having to think too very much while you read it. I suppose that might have been the author's intent. After all, it's based upon a television show and in our culture reading is nearly a lost art in itself.

It's not the sort of book that would warrant space in my home library, but then again I'm not a fan of Lost. If you are, then it could well be a must have book for you. As a frugalista this is a book I'd highly recommend checking out from your local public library before you decide to invest in it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Gospel According To Lost

The Gospel According to Lost was written between the fifth season and the current 6th and final season of the wildly popular ABC television show, Lost. This book does not contain spoilers, it is the authors ideas of how the characters and the story of Lost fit in with Biblical principles. Oceanic flight 815 took off from Sydney, Australia and crashed over 1000 miles off course, which introduced us to a band of castaways whose lives are intertwined in small and amazing ways. But, is Lost more than just a TV show? Is it really about the struggle between good and evil? What can we learn from it?

My Thoughts:

Author Chris Seay is quick to let the reader know that there is more to meet the eye with this television show. It has been kept very quiet and guarded about what the final outcome will be. Millions of people around the world have speculated, formed theories, argued over the lunch table and become a part of the Lost experience. It has revolutionized how people view television and yet all along the creators may have had something very different in mind. Seay, likens the characters to patron saints and lets the reader explore their feelings about the story of each one.

Any fan of Lost would enjoy reading this book! It gives deeper insight into what might be going on in this series that has taken the world by storm. I loved the book and came away from reading it with more questions than answers, which is what Lost seems to be all about.

Enjoyable and Moving

I've been a fan of Lost since the very first episode aired many years ago. What drew me to this series were the people. They weren't shallow, they weren't fake, They were real people with real issue like the rest of us. Sure they are stuck on a mysterious island where a lot of pretty strange things happen but despite not knowing all the answers, the growth of each characters is what keeps me watching.

Author Chris Seay does an excellent job interpreting how each character can some how relate to those in the Bible. I enjoyed the fresh look on this widely watched show compared to the Word. I can't help but think to myself that taking pop culture and comparing it is much like how Jesus gave visuals to the disciples through many well known parables.

A story that truly touched me is found on the last two pages of this book. I don't want to give away exactly what it is because I want others to experience it them for themselves. I know this much and if you have a heart you truly will be touched, challenged, and broken after completing this book. Note that The Gospel According to Lost is more than just thoughts and comparisons about the show Lost but it's a tool to look within yourself to live more like Christ.

The Gospel According To Lost Book Review

I just finished reading a book called, The Gospel According to Lost, by Chris Seay. This book was sent to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers by my choice.
To be fair, I am not a fan of the show Lost. To me the best part of the show will be at the end of the season when it ends without an ending and everybody will remain lost and sitting there with the feeling of having wasted years of their life. With that being said I was impressed with Chris and his ability to make something that I'm not a fan of engaging. I did find myself intrigued at his ability to draw out real world comparisons with each character.
I like how he said in the prologue that, "The narrative of the show asks more questions than it answers." In reality that seems to be the story of life and I loved the parallel. What a great leadership principle as well to ask more questions than you answer. For me the most intriguing quote of the book was on page 47, "The island has a way of recognizing each castaway's Achilles' heel and bringing about a healing journey as each confronts his or her weaknesses." A healing journey as they each confront their weaknesses. That statement stuck out to me in my own life.
Overall it was an okay book. I do think he wrote this book because of his love for the show, not so much because of the gospel. Each person will have a different view on this. I am passing this book on to my wife who is extremely excited about it. Great writer, engaging in his approach, the topic just did not resonate with me.

The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay

Ok, I admit it. I am a BIG fan of Lost. It is one of the few dramatic series shows I watch with any type of regularity. So, when I heard about this book by Chris Seay, I knew I wanted to read it.

I found it to be a very easy, enjoyable read. Drawing parallels between the story and characters of Lost, and real life, Chris brings out some very fresh insights on faith, community & our own tendency to find ourselves feeling "Lost" from time to time.

If you have not watched any of the Lost series over the past several years, you may have a difficult time following some of the examples in this book. However, I would recommend it to anyone even slightly intrigued by the show.

Kit is a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program. Find out more here: http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

The Gospel According to Lost - Not representative of Either

The Gospel According to Lost By Chris Seay

Nearly everyone in the modern word has heard of LOST, and many have been captivated by the plot , and the characters and the novel situations of the hit TV show , now someone has found a way to relate quite probably the greatest Network TV show to The Greatest Book Ever composed. The Bible.
Chris Seay Really tries to relate the two trying to delve into the mysterious events in the show and come up with answers according to the bible.

I was really excited to get this book , I was interested in seeing it examine both the bible and the Lost series , and to see some of the beautiful things I thought I had seen , though mine only remotely touched on anything other than essential faith.
When I got this book, I was somewhat surprised at the level of blasphemous allegory that I saw in the comparative illustration. I will not lie , it would be offensive to believers and neutral non believers as well.
I gave the book a spin, and I must say I have had an easier time reading the smudged scribbling on the back of a receipt. This book was horrible, downright brought shame to mind. Your better off asking your 9 year old to make up stories to represent allegory. I really found it blasphemous and not exactly representative of the bible , nor of lost.
The writing seems forced , and twisted. I just did not enjoy it , it made fun of both LOST and The Bible. That , just is not funny.

A tie in for Lost

The Gospel According To Lost by Chris Seay, delves deep into the many mysteries of the hit show Lost. Mauling over the many occurrences that has happened on the show this book provides an in-depth guide to unlocking the mysteries of faith. Using the show as a steeping stone, Chris Seay chronicles the characters many layers from their guilt, deceptions, theories, and fate, and shows how they go hand in hand with faith. A truly unique guide that will spark thoughts and discussions. Not only does this book help readers to connect with the show it also helps readers to connect with their faith. We are suppose to grow as we learn from the mistakes of the characters.

The Gospel According To Lost is a thought provoking book that inspires readers to grow. I will admit I did have a bit of trouble getting into this book although it did get better as the book progressed. I think the context of the book is best suited for those who watch the show.


This book provided by Thomas Nelson

Another 'Gospel According To..."

Like all books that begin with The Gospel According To., I was hesitant to read. It has been my experience that these books are really just a stretch. But, being a fan of the show, I decided to give The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay a go. My fear was confirmed from the second chapter onward. Seay writes, "Yes, it is easy to look at lost as simply a good example of the most primal human conflicts, but doing so undermines the essence of the show." (13) No argument there. Seay continues, "Ultimately it is about good versus evil, black and white, the Creator and the Adversary." (13) I'll agree that the story is about good versus evil and as Seay points out, the characters in Lost often blur the lines between good and evil. But Lost is about the Creator and the Adversary? To me, that is where the stretch begins. That really wasn't made clear until the final episode of season 5 and it isn't entirely clear right now.

The character assessments told a lot about the character and their back story, but loosely tied into Scripture.

In the end, I was left wanting more. I don't think Seay pushed the theological themes far enough, especially in his breakdown of the major characters. I was left wanting Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins, but only got a passing reference to justification by grace through faith.

I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer:
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. Providing me a free copy in no way guarantees a favorable review. The opinions expresses in this review are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay

"The Gospel According to Lost" surprised me in the depth and theological solidity with which it was written. I was preparing myself for the Gospel being stretched to somehow fit Lost. I was pleasantly surprised. The author writes through each character in detail, and it was both enlightening and inspiring to read. Now, I'm not sure that someone who hasn't watched a good deal of Lost would really grasp everything that the author is saying, but for any avid Lost fan, this book will open your eyes to yet another layer of the already intriguing story. Definitely a must read!

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review of "The Gospel According to Lost" by: Chris Seay

I was very surprised with this book and how it related the tv show Lost to the real world and to God. I think this has become a very inspirational television show and book for me now. I view the show a little differently than when I first watched it. It's amazing to see just how correct the author is in all the statements he makes. It's a very easy book to read with short chapters and very nice illustrations of the "Lost" characters. I would recommend this book to all people, people who watch the show "Lost" and even to those who do not. Since the last season is coming up, I think this is the perfect time for this book to be out. Once people watch the show from the first season all the way to the last they can relate better to the book and the characters. However, the author does a great job of explaining the characters to anyone who's never watched "Lost" before. I review for Thomas Nelson publishing company as a book review blogger and I received a copy of this book for free to review it.

Not at all what I expected, but still great

"The Gospel According to Lost" is not normally a book I would blindly pick up. I am not a major fan of any of the "Gospel According to" books. To say that Chris Seay pleasantly surprised me would be and understatment. As an avid viewer of LOST, I generally enjoyed this spin on the show.

The book begins by explaining how LOST is different from other shows and why it has become an import influence to the people who watch it every week. After this introduction, each chapter examines a specific character by looking at the main philosophical theme they represent and how their character changes throughout the show in regard to their theme. He then compares the LOST narrative to stories found in the Bible.

I often found myself making the same connections that Seay did:

* Eko with his bible-stick of scripture
* Sawyer's bad-boy-seeking-redemption story
* Locke with his insistence on faith
* Shephard's stubborn anti-supernatural stance


On the negative side, Seay often took the easy road when reflecting on the characters--there are a lot of deeper connections that could have been plumbed. Also, the structure of the book was quite scattered. There was no unifying arc to the book as a whole. This book provides a great review of certain characters and mysteries the show has created, which is especially useful before the final season this spring.

"The Gospel According to Lost" by Sean Seay

"The Gospel According to Lost" by Sean Seay is a riveting read. It dives deep into the jungle that is Lost and does not even come up for a breather. The book briefly explains the concept of the show, its philosophical heritage, and its cultural repercussions. Subsequently, chapters are devoted to characters and their psyches, with the occasional chapter being host to two characters when they are a couple. Not all the personas from Lost are covered, but the main ones plus a few secondary roles are elucidated. Also, there is a full set of glossy pages with paintings of said characters in the middle, as well as black and white photos of these alongside their respective chapters. Seay refers to Scripture when necessary and is very simplistic in his explanations of such. While viewers of lost may be a bit partial towards this book, others will enjoy the ride as they find out what all the fuss is about whilst gaining a Christian perspective on it.

http://brb.thomasnelson.com/reviews/blogger/2503

LOST series gains a new fan!

Suppose your plane crashed and you were forced to survive on a desert island with a group of fellow travelers. How would it change you?
Fans of the TV series LOST will find similar questions to ponder in Chris Seay's recent book, The Gospel According to Lost.
Since I had never viewed Lost, you may wonder why I chose this particular book? It's because I'm interested in how the Christian message can be contextualized in programs such as LOST, which drew over 23 million viewers.
I rented forty-five episodes from my nearby video store-way too many. They didn't have Season One, but they did have Seasons Two, Three, and Four. I sampled a few episodes from each season, and then I read the book. I have to say it was a fun read!
Those who have enjoyed the mystery-filled television series will appreciate the book, because the author analyzes the various characters and attempts to show how they begin to change as a result of their island adventure.
The main character, John Locke, described in the book as a "man of faith," carries the name of a famous English philosopher who believed the search for truth to be the highest good for which a human being could strive.
The John Locke in the TV program vies with Jack Shephard, the resident "man of science" for leadership of the group of "Losties," who share the island with the "Others," who were already on the island when the fated plane crash occurred.
Various characters from the TV series are examined in the book. Hurley, described as the "Patron Saint of Blessed Losers," is said to be the "most morally grounded on the show." The beautiful Kate Austen is described as a true leader whom people choose to follow. James (Sawyer) Ford, the lovable "con man, " Eko, the warlord priest, Jin Soo Kwan and his wife, Sun; Benjamin, the mysterious Jacob and the others round out the cast.
"The island has a way of recognizing each castaway's Achilles' heel and bringing about a healing journey as each confronts his or her weaknesses," says Seay.
Those who found the many flashbacks in the televised episodes confusing will find the explanations in the book helpful.
In the powerful and enigmatic Jacob, the author sees parallels to the biblical character, Jacob, which provide clues that guide the story.
I'd have to admit that without reading the book, I wouldn't have caught the various biblical and philosophical insights the author sees. But then I only viewed a limited number of the episodes-perhaps a dozen out of over a hundred. Fans of the television series will more likely concur with the writer's thoughts.
I found The Gospel According to Lost a thought-provoking book that I'd recommend to fans of LOST, or to anyone who might want to tune in on February 2 for the 6th and final season-which promises to provide answers to the mysteries of the island and its inhabitants. I've marked my calendar!

Reviewed by Carole Ledbetter

Great for Lost Fans

The Gospel According to Lost by Chris Seay is an enjoyable and interesting read. Although I have never gotten into the Lost phenomenon, I am familiar with the show. I have seen a few episodes in which I have enjoyed.
Chris Seay is a Pastor, speaker and a wonderful writer. He describes all the characters of the series as "The Patron Saints of Lost." He also calls them Losties. The author delves deeper into the personalities of each character. He describes the flaws and quirks that each of the characters has, and he intertwines stories from the Bible to help describe them fully. Each chapter recaps the characters history in the show.

Chris Seay is definitely a Lost fan and I wonder what he will write about when the sixth season airs in February. I recommend the book to all Lost fans.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I received this book as a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program. http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

Even Dharma Would Approve

Every Christian Lost lover should spend a few hours with Chris Seay's new book, "The Gospel According to Lost". Filled with tidbits of plotlines, back-stories, and trivia for Lost connoisseurs, Seay's new book won't disappoint.

For the diehard fan who silences their cell phone, logs off Facebook, and forgets about Twitter for the entire 60 minutes or the one who doesn't mind missing a few episodes and playing catch-up via water cooler discussion or ABC's message boards, this book will entertain while offering valuable insight and application into Scripture and for our lives.

Several times during the book, I found myself being reminded of past storylines relevant to the program and even though I was intrigued, I never took the time to research certain trivia (such as every book, chapter, and verse on Eko's 'Jesus stick'). Thanks to Chris Seay, now I know.

Whether we get our Lost questions answered in Season 6 or not, life is about two types of people- those lost and those saved. Seay's book is a reminder that life is that simple. If only our favorite television show was.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program.

No text was provided for this review.