Randy Alcorn

Randy Alcorn inspires readers with bestselling books like Heaven and his latest novel, Deception. He recently chatted with tc.

You're the founder of Eternal Perspectives Ministries. What's that?

Our mission is based on 2 Corinthians 4:18—"We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Through all of my books and speaking, I try to get behind the scenes and beneath the surface of life. In Deception, for instance, a homicide detective named Ollie Chandler learns that things are not always as they appear.

How has 2 Corinthians 4:18 played out in your life?

I saw the truth of that verse when I was a pastor, especially when I ministered to people who were battling terminal diseases. I have a friend who has cerebral palsy. He's this brilliant man trapped in a body he cannot control. If you didn't know him, he's not someone you would think to sit down with and have a conversation. Most of us are scared off by physical disabilities. In my friend's case, his drooling and involuntary shaking make people feel uncomfortable. And yet, this brother has a beautiful mind and soul trapped inside an uncooperative body. Things are not as they appear.

Your writing career started with nonfiction books. What led you to write novels?

I believe in the Trojan horse effect. It's like the Trojans, when they opened up the gates of Troy and in came this giant wooden horse. They didn't know that Greek warriors were hidden inside. One of the subplots of my first novel, Deadline (1994), involved the issue of abortion. I realized that if I offered a well-written story, I could present a case for the pro-life position in a way that may reach some pro-choice readers. In the storyline, nobody is screaming, "Abortion is wrong!" But a case is made. I was shocked when one woman, an outspoken advocate of abortion, said to me, "I read your book, and I loved it!" Usually, her defenses would've been up. But with a story, you can open the gates of readers' minds in unexpected ways. It's like the parables. Jesus tells these stories, and they have a lingering effect.

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