Father Elijah: An Apocalypse

A Catholic Book Review

By: Brandon Garnreiter

Posted: 10/1/09

Michael O'Brien is a Catholic author that has crafted some incredible books in his time, and Father Elijah is in no way an exception to this rule. Father Elijah: An Apocalypse follows the story of an old Dominican Friar who has been in the foothills of Italy for nearly 25 years. He is called down by Rome to become an arbiter to stop the most cataclysmic event the world can ever know, as the name may suggest: the Apocalypse. World shattering events ensue.

This book is an absolutely amazing adventure. While the scenes and chapters in the book do not necessarily have white knuckle action movie moments, every single paragraph, sentence, and word is carefully crafted to be an absolutely remarkable masterpiece revealing an incredible theological discussion. Many moments in the book have our main character sitting down with opposing or congruent thinkers hashing out their beliefs and thoughts on everything from the state of the Catholic priesthood to the support of the Nazi party. Michael O'Brien beautifully weaves a theological debate and dialogue with a heart-pounding journey through the demolition of the entire world as we know it.

Michael O'Brien has created an Antichrist that is truly frightening. The President of the United Nations-esque foundation is the rhetoric-ridden Antichrist of this novel, and in every interaction Father Elijah tests his resolve and knowledge of right and wrong. The President is incredibly versed in manners of speaking fluidly and circles around others, especially the elite businessmen and political figures with whom he surrounds himself.

Considering that the novel's main character is a cloistered Dominican friar, it makes sense that prayer is a central focus of this novel. The personal and private prayer in which Father Elijah engages should serve as an example to all Catholics of how to honestly pray and partake in a meditative communication with God. This relationship Father Elijah fosters is his spiritual life-blood, and it is the only thing that keeps him safe from the many attempts of the Antichrist to sway his opinion and bring him to his evil way of thinking.

O'Brien also reveals an interesting aspect of the character Father Elijah (don't worry, you find this out early in the novel): that this man was once an incredibly prominent atheistic figure in Israeli politics. This adds an interesting dimension to Father Elijah, showing a man of the world become a man of God. The President wants to use Father Elijah to further his cause for "global peace and unity" which will in reality cause the destruction of the modern world.

The best way I can describe this book is: The Da Vinci Code, but well written. No offense to The Da Vinci Code, but now that I have read Father Elijah, I have seen how magnificently a theological adventure can be crafted, and I am impressed. O'Brien creates a story that is laden with incredibly deep philosophical conversations and debates that challenge the intellectual mind.

This book is one that fosters discovery and exploration of Catholic ideologies that continue to be vitally relevant throughout generations. This book is one that will teach the reader a lot about his or her faith and personal experiences. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a gripping story, whirlwind adventure, and an incredible theological journey.

Brandon Garnreiter is a Junior at Gonzaga.