Is the Young Man Absalom Safe? A Sermon Preached in the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Stoke Bishop, on Sunday, July 19th, 1885

This work opens with a quiet inventory of old photographs before turning to a close reading of the ancient tale of David and his wayward son. The author treats the story not as mythic legend but as a natural, human drama, emphasizing how the original narrator recorded events with stark fidelity, free from any obvious favoritism. By focusing on the simple, heartrending question, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” the text reveals the tender, paternal side of a king known for his triumphs and flaws.

The essay then follows Absalom’s ruthless ascent and rebellion, portraying him as a figure driven by pride rather than remorse. Through careful analysis of language and detail, the author shows how the chronicler’s impartial eye lets readers see the raw consequences of violence and ambition without moral gloss. Listeners are invited to reconsider familiar passages of the Old Testament as vivid, lived history.

Written with a measured, scholarly tone, the narration balances reverence for the source material with a modern curiosity about character and motive. It offers a compelling entry point for anyone interested in biblical literature, ancient storytelling, or the timeless complexities of family and power.