The JudgesWeek of March 21-25Pages 192-258

Orleanna, Sanderling Island Orleanna’s guilt Why didn’t she disobey Nathan's

command and take the girls home? No money, no friends, no power, she

tells us. She was "an inferior force." Had really come to believe that God was

on his side.

Nathan & Orleanna Meet She was 17: beautiful, happy, nature-

worshipping Tent revival meeting Handsome young preacher,

immediately drawn to the task of "saving her soul."

Serious but capable of joking, being a loving man.

Marriage & War Drafted to serve in WWII. 3 mos. In, was wounded and separated from his

regimen. While recovering, learned he had avoided notorious

Bataan Death March -- his entire regiment killed. Instantly changed by this news

Felt himself a coward despised by God. Became obsessed w/guilt: personal mission to save

more souls than had died on road from Bataan. Convinced God constantly watching him; refused to ever

bend from the service he believed God demanded of him

Nathan’s Treatment of Family Believes that he must never move from path God

has set out for him. Includes sexual lust among the deviations that he is

to avoid Enraged by own sexual urges. Turns his rage on beautiful wife – “tempting” him,

and on daughters – reminders of lapses in willpower. Seems to hate these women:

His endangermentof their lives Constant pattern of physical and emotional abuse Complete and utter lack of tenderness.

Leah Prices have no money, no food. Only legless Mama Mwanza takes pity on them,

bringing them oranges for nothing. Explains that those who have plenty are required to

share with those who have nothing. Leah shocked -- goodness coming from non-Christian. Orleanna, Ruth May rarely get out of bed

Nelson convinced they’re cursed. Leah thinks of chicken bones Tata Kuvundu placed

outside door; but expresses only contempt for idea of voodoo.

Adah Learns that father's church populated

entirely by outsiders in their own religion: twin-prone mothers, lepers, and two men who committed accidental murder.

Villagers take practical view toward religion Trying out new one if old one bringing bad

luck Leaving Christianity just as quickly if

something bad happens again.