The Gathering

[black333lightning]

I so wish these where movies!!

[TLSoulDude]

That...was...AWESOME.

Ted Dekker is my favorite author and this shows WHY.

[TheaterMarine88]

I read Green but I didn't get the one with an alternate ending. Does anyone know how it ends?

[FlyingAce1016]

AND GREEN,

[4WheelerCrasher]

he fell after he was shot in the head in the alleyway. Then after that he dreamed.

don't know if i like "Showdown" more or "Red"...... 8-)

[TLSoulDude]

@4WheelerCrasher

I know how ya feel...

[4WheelerCrasher]

yah he did, he fell off the building after he was shot in the head, he fell in the garbage can. Then he dreamed after being knocked out. I love ted dekker's books, don't know if i like showdown or red more..... 8-)

[bobybobbison]

Thomas didnt fall from a building he dreamed

[FlyingAce1016]

@bobybobbison he did fall when he was trying to escape and he hit his head

[jordanissoawesome]

and of green....

[grantb747]

Anyway, Ive read all of those books and i guessObsessed got weird in the middle and my friend ruined the end of Skin andThr3e, (I was mad) sothose wern't my favorites.But overall I love TedDekker especially his twist endings, which I think may be what is turning you off? And I would agree that he writes in a more "juvenile" style, but that's what keeps his books so fast paced. All said, I love these books and would recommend them to anyone,especiallyHouse, Showdown andBRW&G (srry storypeddler :)

[HvEProductions]

We need these books to be movies, The cirle series, lost books, showdown trilogy and House/Skin. These would make the best movies ever:DD

[dudeman6249]

Someone needs to make the circle series in to a movie. I love how the series goes and then it leads u to some of his other books

[MrColinBos]

Ted Dekker is truly an inspiration to me.

Green rocks!

[DEMODICK35]

Elyon didnt forbid humans from crossing the bridge. he said they always had the choice of light or dark

[ThunderWolf20081]

Are these videos spoilers for the books?

[MattStappJesusFreak]

yeah, there are a couple of major spoilers.

[XxMelodyofHeavenxX]

i can't wait for green to come out! I'll have it read in literally 2 hours, if i have no interruptions. I'm so glad my Grandma is ordering it for me! Grandma's rock, haha!

[storypeddler]

Well, apparently I inadvertently stirred up a hornets' nest among Dekker fans with my comments. That wasn't my intent. I simply expressed an opinion of his writing and explained why I don't like it. I'm sure he is a devoted Believer and I never questioned his relationship with the Lord. I said I don't like his writing. It amazes me how little tolerance some Christians have for anyone who has a different opinion than they do. If Jesus had fans this rabid, the world would already be evangelized.

[hogtipper]

I've spent some time reading over your comments and I think I may know what you're trying to say. To be honest, when I first started reading Dekker's books, I was greatly confused by some things. But, where you saw holes in his stories, I was just more intrigued to learn of his way of presenting the salvation story in a way that is understandable to our generation. What I have found is that his books intertwine and in areas where one may seem a little bit skimpy, the others "fill in the gaps"...

[hogtipper]

Basically what I'm saying is that overall, his stories make more and more sense as you read more of the books. It seems to me that the reason you don't like the way he writes is that you've been taught that writing should be done a specific way. I admit that there are certain concepts that all good writing should have, but where you refer to these as "Rules", I like to think of them as more of guidelines. But hey, what do I know. I'm just a 17 year old going into my senior year of High School.

[hogtipper]

There is, however, one argument that you presented earlier, involving Thr3e, that I found some trouble in. You say that you don't believe that Ted when he says that it all boils down to one man's struggle between the good and evil in himself, and that it is rather a "cop out" technique, by using the whole schizo thing. I think the point he's trying to get out there is...

[hogtipper]

that Kevin's mental illness was caused by a traumatic childhood, where his mind created two alternate beings, one being good, the other evil. It was Kevin's own struggle with good and evil that caused his mind to "split" into the three personalities; good, evil and himself.

But I do somewhat see what you're trying to say.

[storypeddler]

Okay, here's my problem with THR3E. The book is set up as a building struggle between Good and Evil. But it isn't that at all. It isn't a confrontation between those two polar opposites---it is a man with a mental illness doing crazy things people with mental illness sometimes do. That's not evil. It is unbalanced, but it isn't evil. What lesson about God and Satan am I to take from THR3E? Nothing. Because this isn't Satan---though the reader is led to believe it is. I felt cheated. Still do.

[InfiniteSky49]

but it represents a victory over his sin nature, not Satan.

[storypeddler]

Well, thank you for at least keeping the debate civil. LOL. I never meant to imply there are rules carved into granite somewhere that writers are legally required to follow. What I mean is that if a writer ignores all accepted protocols for writing and just does whatever the heck he wants to without regard for his readers, he will very quickly lose his audience. I find the plots implausible and having lots of holes. I've read 6 or 7. I don't like them. Never will. Sorry.

[xkaliber82]

im glad to see there are people who can debate with out bashing each other. im a HUGE Dekker fan and i can see how some can come to not like his stuf. jus to comment on the whole "3" thing. Satan can use our minds against us if we allow him too. we are flesh and bones and we make our own choices but to follow Christ it has to take sacrifice. anyway, im glad you at least tried to read some of his stuff.

[InfiniteSky49]

probably quite a lot.

[jesusfreaks40]

now that i think of it...these stories (even this vid) could be a powerfull enough witnessing tool

[Piemesan]

Who ever this is thank you I've been trying to find evidence of green for like ever now!!!

[Azvee]

Can't wait to go to this, it's almost here!

[Makefunofit1]

Ted dekker is a amazing author and I have read the Lost Book seires and The Circle Trilogy and The Paradise novels those were the best books ever... well The Door Within Trilogy is th best of all

[jesusfreaks40]

I love all the books in 'the books of history chronicles!' all i have left to read is the paridise trilogy and the new lost books! (then once it comes out green)!

[22ntzs22]

There's green? Sweet!

[killer5998]

its a computer party!

[InfiniteSky49]

No, its just normal Christianity.

I fail to see any racist overtones...

[crunkette]

It's about a book trilogy, for it's fan event. There are video descriptions for a reason. ;)

[silvershard24]

No the Gathering is an event where Ted Dekker fans come together and talk about his novels, meet Ted Dekker, and socalize with others. It takes place in Knoxville TN or Nashille TN (can't remember which)

[cuttinggale63]

its christian but the books are a great suspense series so anyone can read it.

[crazymic10]

To everyone, I've read Storypeddlers comment though i dont agree and i love dekkers book i would love to say he is wrong but i cant because that is his belief so guys dont get mad at him or her they thank wat they thank

[jollywhitegiant1]

To Storypeddler, I know that I'm no teacher, but I do not see where there are any holes or sleight of hand with any of his stories. Also, the story of Salvation is very apparent, true to Scripture, and out in front, at least to me, in The Circle Trilogy. It is much more evident than in Narnia or LotR, in my opinion. I had to kind of stretch my thinking at some points for those two works, whereas in Dekker's books it was always up front and easy to understand the parallels. Anyone agree??

[InfiniteSky49]

Yea, i agree. We need Christian authors who will show diabolical evil, and the infinestimable love that overcomes it.

[kuyuletul]

realy nice story dude

[12345random67890]

I hope they make this into a trilogy of movies. And that it isn't cheap or short but EPIC, like LoTR was. It would be amazing.

Ted Dekker is fantastic, favourite author.

[jehoyl0024]

I can't wait to go again next year! :D

[Geladrill]

Green is book zero in the circle trilogy. I hear it is wonderfully written but I have not read it yet. Ted DeKker is amazing!!And by the way the name ELYON is the hebrew name for God.

So may ELYON's peace be with you all!

[jacobs1019]

Did anyone notice at the end of the video, when they were showing the books,Black,Red,White, That the also showed Green? Is this a book to come? I hope so! Let me know what yall think about that!

[jacobs1019]

I actually just got on Ted's site and it says that he is working on Green. Cant wait for it to come out! :D

[Mark123USA]

So the Novels Showwon, Saint, and Sinner are a seqeul trilogy to those 4 books?

[12345random67890]

The wonderful thing about all of Ted Dekker's books after the Circle Trilogy are that they all connect up! I still need to read "Sinner". And Adam, actually...

I hope he makes Green; it didn't quite make sense that "Black" was actually Green, but the final two books correlated in colour...

[KindHrt77]

YEAH!!!

This so rocks

[conlantheconman]

I really enjoyed this trilogy. The CBA market needs more fiction of this compelling variety.

[RedeemedByGodsLove]

It is definitely good to write properly, but sometimes what makes a good book is when the writing style is free. It all depends. Personally, I love this series, and I understand it has some mess ups. Even with Justin, who is known for his love, but not as much his holiness and righteousness. But I still love the story. It still brings the gospel to a new light just like reading Narnia brought a new light. And you know, when Narnia first came out, some Christians were saying it was witchcraft.

[RedeemedByGodsLove]

...I may want my readers to read a sentence a certain way, but If a follow the rules of grammar, it will never be read that way. Maybe I need to add a comma were it's not supposed to be so that my reader will pause there....

[RedeemedByGodsLove]

And as karubaga said "As for the rules of writing: What Rules?"

You can look up in the Writer Ink. book and sometimes they will say that you can break this rule when writing a story depending on how you want it to sound...

[RedeemedByGodsLove]

...I love stories, and honestly I could care less if Ted Dekker used a sentence fragment. I actually like those sometimes because those sentences stand out to me and are powerful. What I love is the story. Now, we do have to write so that one understands us, and the message of the story gets through to the readers, but is Ted Dekker's story understandable? To me it is, and I know that it is to a lot of people who have read the series.

[RedeemedByGodsLove]

I think I know why some people don't like Ted Dekker's writing. It is loose. That's true. I love that! I also LOVE C.S. Lewis, and I can say that he is a very, very talented writer. But his books are classic and his style is different. Ted Dekker is a modern writer. He is different than C.S. Lewis. His audience IS NOT aimed at a generation that is dead. His audience is aimed at THIS generation, and to speak to this generation, one must write in this generation's language...

[OnskedromStudios]

Nice slide in of Green at the end there...:P

[AwesomeNiks]

I was at the Gathering and it was amazing, as was this video. I hope that one day it is made into a real movie, and it will be a classic for ages! Ted is amazing in person and in writing!

[5555r5557777y]

You can take the ending that way. I mean different strokes for different folks. Any book will mean different to anyone who reads the book. And if you really read the book you would know that it is somewhat obvious that he planned it. Once you finish the book you should realize that at about the half way point it was obvious. It is fiction so it also possibly going to have unscientific facts. You must know that when going in to Ted Dekker and C.S. Lewis anad similar authors.

[storypeddler]

I'm not sure I'm making my point clear, and for that, I apologize. I have no doubt Ted is a devout Christian and seeks to share the gospel message through his writing. My criticism isn't of him as a man but of his methods as a writer. I know writing---I write, myself, and I teach writing. I know C.S. Lewis inside and out---greatest writer I'ver ever read. Ok? Am I off the hook? I felt cheated by THR3E, thought House eas full of holes, and prefer my Christian fantasy tightly done. Sorry.

[storypeddler]

Also, THR3E was supposed to be Christian suspense. If "you should realize that at about the half way point it was obvious", doesn't that mean the suspense is dead? I resisted believing he intended to take me there because I knew it would be a huge disappointment as a climax. Sadly, he did and it was. Have you read Skin? Same thing; create a seemingly impossible villain and then create a nonsensical and unbelievable explanation for him. Sorry. Got fooled twice; not gonna bite again...

[5555r5557777y]

Dekker finished Green.  It is the beginning and the end of the history books.

[5555r5557777y]

Storypeddler if you fail to realize the meaning of Thr3e that is your fault. Thr3e isn't just a book to enjoy it makes you take a look at your own evil. The movie is really good. Same for House it makes you look at how you live. Dekker takes points that C.S. Lewis made and puts them in to understandable books. In my opinion Dekker is an incredible author especially in the line of Thr3e and House.

[storypeddler]

SIGH. You miss the point. THR3E doesn't show evil---it shows a man supposedly in the throes of mental illness. That's not the same thing at all. On top of that, the whole field of psychiatry has moved to a very skeptical view of even the existance of MPD. It was a cheap trick to get out of a tight spot---and, for a writer, it was cheating. You can write fantasy, but you have to build a consistent framework for what you subsequently do; TD doesn't. He is Dean Koontz meets the church.

[storypeddler]

I may be the only dissenter here, but I read THR3E and felt angry and betrayed at the mishandled ending. Started Obsessed, read halfway through it, and tossed it aside. Same with Skin. I read House cause I love Frank Peretti and was, again, supremely disappointed with the book. I get the idea Mr. Dekker feels it is enough to create a cool environment for a story and then let the plot limp along as best it can. In any case, no more of my money goes here.

[nimitz92]

you have no appreciation of a true plot, storypeddler. I couldn't put three down once i commenced it. :(

[jockeyjn]

I'm sorry you don't have an appreciation for such great reality. I think maybe you just need to search deeper in your heart and mind to find the true meaning of Ted's books. And I agree with nimitz, I haven't been able to put any of his books down after I started them! And storypeddler, have you read any of the Books of History chronicles? They are his greatest works as far as I'm concerned.

[storypeddler]

Again, as I said to nimitz92 above, I have no problem with suspense or fantasy---but Christian fantasy should be something different. I find it very interesting that once a writer has one success, he is instantly declared a genius, though he previously wrote a lont time with no such recognition. I think Ted's writing fits a special niche market whose readers are typically not very critical as long as they enjoy a story. Fair talent, strong marketing, lenient audience---a Christian Dean Koontz.

[storypeddler]

Actually, nimitz92, I have a pretty solid appreciation of plot. I teach college writing classes and am a published writer myself. Here's my problem with Mr. Dekker... His novels are supposedly Christian fiction or Christian fantasy or Christian suspense or whatever. The key word, though, is Christian. Yet in reading his writing, I see little or no references to Christ, salvation, forgiveness of sins, redemption, or to anything similar. They may be fiction, but I see no Jesus in them.

[CalebCuff]

So you see no Jesus in Ted's books well read Black the first book of the trilogy and tell me still if you see no Jesus, God, or Redemption. Some of Ted's thrillers are to hook unbelievers to his work and when they read his more spiritual books they'll come to respect God. I don't think the purpose of his books is to get the reader saved after they read them. He's not writing a comic for Chic publications he's trying to just have people enjoy his books and help them find the deeper meaning.

[storypeddler]

It's pointless to argue about this. If you all think his work is something worth reading, knock yourselves out. There's an issue in writing called "deus ex machina" which I see a lot of in his books. You paint yourself into a corner and to resolve the problem you invent some miraculous item or event out of nothing. THR3E used a cheap, predictable, unbelievable tactic to explain a killer that defied all reason. I read 300 pages to get there and felt cheated by the author. No more.

[jockeyjn]

Have you read Black, Red and White? If you have, I cannot understand how you don't see Jesus in those books. I would explain for your benefit, but I don't want to spoil the story for anyone else. But trust me, anyone who knows the Gospel story will see it outlined in the Circle Trilogy. And portrayed in a very dramatic fashion, as it is in the Bible.

[storypeddler]

jockeyjn---I appreciate your sincereity here; I really do. If you like Dekker's writing, fine. I just don't like fantasy that shadows Christian truth. I want the real thing dropped into a fantasy realm. Dekker seems to want to blend fantasy and reality into some third "something" where he can play fast and loose with the rules of writing. Ok, his call, but I find it to be just that: loose. I don't see Jesus cause Jesus ain't there; some pseudo Christ-figure is, but that ain't my Savior.

[g0thman]

But it's the same thing with Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia...they're allegories.

[karubaga]

Storypeddler, you're not grasping the difference between Types and Analogies (such as those used by the writers and prophets in both old and new testaments) and strict Allegory (rarely used.) It appears you prefer the latter, and that's fine. But many Types of Christ are "fast and loose" to use your words. Same with Christ's fictional stories told to make one overall point. Doesn't make them pseudo anything, just truth for those who have eyes to see.

As for the rules of writing: What Rules?

[OneGirlRevie]

it's too bad you feel that way, because you really must be missing out big time

[jockeyjn]

So your Savior wasn't rejected by everyone around him, considered a traitor (or blasphemer), tortured, killed, yet completely innocent, rose again, and considers his followers his bride and loves them passionately as Justin did in the books? My Savior was and is everything above.

[jordanissoawesome]

@jockeyjn What? Are you saying that Elyon is an actual god? If so (I don't fully understand what your saying) but Elyon is supposed to be a representation of God, as was Aslan. Ted Dekker is Christian.

[legolious]

@jordanissoawesome Hey I'm not sure if someone clarified the "Elyon" thing for you but Elyon is not a representation of God nor another God. Elyon is a hebrew word that means "God Most High". Just hope this helps.

[FlyingAce1016]

@jordanissoawesome Elyon is another name for God in some language

[RedeemedByGodsLove]

Storypeddler, who is your Savior then?

Did not Jesus die for the sins of the earth, raise from the grave, and give salvation to anyone who would accept? Aren't His children His bride? Doesn't Jesus ask us to take up our cross and follow Him just like Justin asked Thomas and everyone else to die like he did...to drown? Don't we have to drown (die daily to ourselves and live in Christ)?...

[RedeemedByGodsLove]

Did not Jesus tear the temple current in two the day He died(just like after Justin's death no one needed to bathe daily to get the rid of the disease)? Does Jesus love us like crazy, and want for us to love Him like crazy? Didn't Jesus say that love is the greatest of the commands? And isn't Jesus God, our creator (Justin is Elyon, the creator)?

[storypeddler]

My friend, I don't know what else to say. I never said Ted Dekker wasn't a Believer. What I said was I don't like his writing. I think he uses gimmickry throughout his writing and it suffers for it. I felt cheated by the ending in THR3E and thought HOUSE was a huge buid-up to a weak and juvenile ending. I don't want the whole salvation epic retold as science-fiction. I have no interest in that. If you like it, fine. Geez, at least grant me the freedom to choose what writing I like!

[RedeemedByGodsLove]

Sorry if I came across as harsh. I love writing, and therefore I wrote a lot of comments =)

I understand and respect your viewpoint and which kind of books you love! And yes, you are free to like or dislike different books. I didn't mean that you should like this series. I was just explaining why it's a good story. Ted Dekker is a storyteller, but he's not a literary writer. My guess is you favor literary writers like C.S. Lewis over plot storytellers like Ted Dekker. That's great! I love both!

[storypeddler]

Actually, I love both when I believe the writing is strong. I just don't think Mr. Dekker's is. The Narnia Chronicles are pure story, but I loved them and always have. In a nutshell, I think Dekker is way too loose with his writing. He creates interesting concepts, but when he writes the stories, they have holes and they depend on gimmicks and sleight-of-hand to carry them off. He and I had a series of emails back and forth about this very thing a few years back, and... (cont.)

[Jared53535]

The Chronicles of Narnia are not all story, more then all else they are allegory for the love of Christ. C.S. Lewis, Ted Dekker, and even Tolkien all knew the importance of fiction in the world, they used fiction to show the world of God's love.

Only if you do not know Christ, then you cannot comprehend the true meaning of the story

[storypeddler]

I srill feel the same way. Example: he insisted THR3E was about the dual nature of man, good and evil, and the struggle between them. But it wasn't. The protagonist wasn't a man struggling with his evil side---it was a man who had a mental illness. The premise was faulty and made no sense. Also, for the record, the particular mental illness he chose, multiple personality disorder, is all now all but discounted by the APA. It was smoke and mirrors and I felt cheated by the trick ending...

[grantb747]

@storypeddler Im just joining this because I'm bored lol but I just wanted to say that I could see what u mean about Obsessed and could maybe see Skin. But u said that u read Showdown and the symbolism wasn't blatant enough for your tastes? I think that (and I'm trying hard not to ruin anything) it paints a pretty blatant picture of Christ's sacrifice and God's love. You may be referring to the Books of History as "deux ex machina" but they are key in BRW&G and make a circle of 7 books.

[storypeddler]

to what had otherwise been a very interesting novel. He does the same thing in SKIN and in HOUSE. The plots are entertaining and pull you in, but then, as the story approaches a climax, he resorts to "solutions" and "answers" and "explanations" that are, certainly, convenient for him, but that are weak and let the reader down. Have you ever heard the term "deux ex machina"? It is the introduction of a contrived character/thing to miraculously rescue the hero or solve a complicated plotline...

[storypeddler]

Decker falls back on this all the time and it makes for weak writing. Paint yourself into a literary corner and then "miraculously" paint yourself a doorway to exit the room. My personal opinion is that Mr. Dekker has some very interesting and entertaining plot ideas, but plays fast and loose with reason, logic, truth, and consistency when he starts the writing. I've read THR3E, HOUSE, SKIN, SHOWDOWN, OBSESSION (why all 1-word titles, anyway?), and I've been repeatedly disappointed. No more.

[Jared53535]

As Dekker would say, storypeddler's mind is poisoned by the disease...and only drowning in Elyons love can help him understand.

[crapshoot875]

it's called reading inbetween the lines...duh...

[laserdweeb44]

Wow. Nice. I think I'll go back and reread The Circle Trilogy before Green comes out. Many of the shots of imagery reminded me of a film I once made called Final Genesis. Check it out at my channel!

[JustaCornerstone]

I've only read the first book Black and I've read "ShowDown". Ted Dekker I discovered after reading "House", which was written by Frank Peretti and him, a great duo of writers if I do say so myself. They are very prolific and Godly, something that's difficult to find in our generation of authors. I wish they would make the Circle Trilogy into a film!

Plus Green...

[nimitz92]

i thought red, black, and white were the only books in the trilogy - but green?.

[rockleigh]

Greens a new book that ted dekker is writing... mayb hes already finished it and editing it, lol not sure. but newayz, yeh its still in its creation.

[nimitz92]

is it part of the thomas hunter series?

[rockleigh]

i'm not actually sure, i just read it on wikipedia under the ted dekker article, and it listed Green. It probably is.

[accqkerss]

great job! Do you do this as a living? Wish i could have attended the gathering but as a married working mothe of 5 I just could not swing it!! Wonder if there were anyone in their 40s there or am i unique fan??

[samsmom4him]

Well I am not in my 40s yet but I am close at almost 36. I am a married part-timie working mom of 4 with a hubby in Seminary!!

[AlternateReal217]

Already made my reservations for next year. :)

This video was great. I'm hoping they'll make another one like it to start off the Gathering in 2009.

[mozcrazy]

oh my freaking goodness! Green? i can't wait! i wasn't able to go either, but i'm flipping out and would really like to go next year. he is one of the best authors in the world like ever! that was awesome! go Elyon, go Justin, GO JESUS!!!!!!!!

[TheLeftHand88]

I've gotta go to that next year!

[ToGlorifyHimAlways]

Oh, wow!! I'm so excited!

[AchooMooMoo]

Green??

Is there going to be a green?!

[serfofchrist]

Yes, there will be. Ted's writing it write now. It is said that those who make it to the Gathering next year will get an ARC of it.

The book will be a prequel to Black and a sequel to White. A complete circle. =]

[Groodle2]

yeah that is SO exciting! I loved those books! :)

[shawkj]

I really love these books but feel compelled to clarify that the crossing was not forbidden but the drinking of the water was.

[NarnianPrincessVMK]

Wow, wonderful! I was unfortunately unable to attend the Gathering, but I am hoping for next year! :)

[DrownedCali]

HA!!! So did everyone just stand up and scream towards the end?!

That was awesome.

[girlwithasong1133]

Wootz! Great video!

-girlwithasong1133

[SupermanJMO]

That was amazing Mr. Kaiser. Thank you so much for that. I was not able to attend the Gathering this year, but shall try for next!