A Tale of Three Kings: A Study of Brokenness

Research the life of Gene Edwards and compare the pattern of his church planting ministry to the main themes of A Tale of Three Kings. How did he practice what he preached in this novel?

The novel’s narrator advises that the best way to manage personal attacks made against oneself (i.e., having “spears” thrown at oneself) is to simply do nothing, evading the attacks and making no response. Is it advisable to do this in every such situation? What are some possible negative consequences that the novel does not consider? How can these questions be related to contemporary church life and what David’s advisors say to him?

Compare the stories in A Tale of Three Kings to the corresponding biblical narratives (see 1 Samuel 16, 19, and 24; 2 Samuel 15). What are the main similarities and differences between the biblical account and the novel’s version of the story? How does Edwards change the narrative to reflect his themes?