The Rundown
In the summer of 1979 during the last three months of Kenny Feller’s two-year mission in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, a.k.a. Elder Kenny Feller join forces with a new missionary, Elder Jared Baserman. Kenny and Jared hit it off from the get-go. The duo’s door-to-door efforts seem largely for naught since neighbors constantly turn them away. Yet on one particular tracting incident Jared’s noticeable quirky qualities take on a new form when his predictions about the impending home visit come to fruition. While Jared appears to exhibit prophetic abilities, the real irony behind Jared is two-fold since he’s never cracked open the Book of Mormon in his life, and the only reason why he’s on this mission trip is that he was forced into a deal set in stone by none other than his aunt.
After two additional confirmed prophecies, Jared is ushered into a secret church meeting where he is put on the spot to prophesy. Jared freezes and makes up something, which in turn has a profound affect upon the men present. Believing the Holy Ghost is doing a new thing, a Mormon bishop—highly disrespected by the Mormon Church President—gets baptized at a Pentecostal revival. The experience leads him to gather some of the Mormon ladies and one woman that he is particularly fond of, even though she’s Pentecostal, and covertly initiate the Holy Ghost Society. When the Church President, who gets wind of all the clandestine operations, delivers a message meant to dispel the heretical situations during a church service, pandemonium breaks loose with the Holy Ghost Society, and—worse yet—Jared is convinced that Satan is fooling with his head. But when Jared suddenly runs out of the service, Kenny is certain that Jared is riddled with mental problems.
Featuring Kenny Feller as narrator, John Draper pens a story of one young man’s journey to find the truth about Mormonism. Draper includes a well-rounded cast that plays vital roles in forming Kenny’s dynamic character. Laced with plenty of irreverence, language, and everything sexual, Draper’s first person narrative is an interesting mix of backstories on various characters, background on Mormon theology and church history, and Kenny’s spiritual journey. Draper combines the aforementioned elements with sidesplitting scenes amid conservative religious settings while offering a serious look at the Mormon Church and the complicated world of schizophrenia.
The Recommendation
John Draper’s irreverent approach to spirituality is nothing less than downright refreshing. His unique debut maintains a nice balance between the holy and the profane from beginning to end. Offering his audience an intriguing and provocative read, A Danger to God Himself is perfect for those who appreciate reading about hypocrisy in organized religion while at the same time are doing a bit of soul searching. Comes highly recommended!!
