February - April 2005
 Introducing … Dr. Sheila C. Carpenter
It’s not easy being a Christian, according to Dr. Sheila C. Carpenter. Being a real Christian and walking the path of compassion requires sustained moral fortitude and following Jesus’ dictates…THIS, in itself is the real challenge. Dr. Carpenter’s book THE CHRISTIAN WALK is a dichotomy in her own words how Christians of all ages and backgrounds can develop a more Christ-like character through the methodologies of prayer, fasting and faith. Formal conversations between Dr. Carpenter and myself have been ongoing due to related emphasis on what it takes to keep spiritually discerned among many other compatible subjects. An invitation was extended for her to attend the 2004 Miami Book Fair International Book Fair as I got a chance to talk to her up close and in person. I asked her to share a few excerpts of our conversation in the form of the 6 random questions below:
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ACR: Let's talk about inspiration and what it means to be a good Christian in today's generation. Why should anyone read what is being presented on the bookshelves pertaining to Christianity, Faith Initiatives and Prayer?
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| SCC: In order to be a good Christian in today’s society one must accept Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior! This is a must. There is no other way. Also, loving your fellow man and trying to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ makes you a true Christian. Why should mankind read books pertaining to Christianity, Faith and Prayer? It will offer some insights on how to strengthen an individual’s walk with Christ Jesus! |
| ACR: Using the analogy you gave above, give reference to how it pertain to you writing your book? |
| SCC: Not being ignorant to Christianity and being in position to enlighten individuals in their walk with Christ! |
| ACR: Why is there such a struggle to stay tried and true while maintaining balance to be inspired and reading the right type of books to connect with spirituality? |
SCC: In order for me to stay tried and true I only need to read the Holy Bible. Since society has a hard time trying to grasp the truth it is very crucial for individuals to read materials that are going to lead them to the truth instead of feeding into mankind’s emotional characteristics. There are so many roadblocks that seem to be pleasing to the human ego. This is why it is so important to read your Bible and to read materials that correlate with the true Word of God. Authors such as F.F. Bruce and Charles Ryrie keep individuals on task by breaking down the Bible using interpretive scripture and giving people a better understanding.
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| ACR: How do Prayer, Fasting and Faith correlate to points of contention you make in the book? Give references accordingly. |
 SCC: Prayer brings on a relationship between God and man. It allows communication to be established. Fasting brings on strength and keeps an individual focused as stated in Matthew 4:1-11. Faith encounters trust as stated in Hebrews 11:1. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...
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| ACR: Just how serious was it to write inspirationally...What was your Christian walk like as you endeavored to finish the book? |
SCC: It was very serious for me to write inspirationally because as a Christian it is vital for me to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ as Christ commanded His believers to do. From attending bible college, doing missionary work overseas, and helping my fellow man, I felt it my duty and calling. When writing this book, my Christian walk was much more focused because I was on a mission. I wanted to enlighten society with the truth and not give any errors or false representation pertaining to the Word of God. Of Course, Satan tried to steer me off the path but the Lord is always in control and guided me to finish this book.
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| ACR: Christian Fiction and a great deal of emphasis are being stressed on the need to employ inspired reading to the process of salvation nowadays. Give us your opinion on BOTH situations as it relate to any future endeavors on your part to the former or the latter? |
| SCC: I believe that Christian Fiction expresses some truth, but it is also entertaining. The need is in great demand because it allows individuals to read biblical principles in a way that doesn’t judge. The way Christian Fiction is moving it is definitely bringing in more interest to Christian concepts as it pertains to daily dramatic effect. I tend to gravitate toward non-Christian fiction though, because it’s the truth with nothing added. I say this without begrudging those that want to read non-fiction. My future writing process will always be toward the Christian non-fiction side. |
| ACR: What's next on your literary horizons? |
SCC: My new book to be released in 2006 entitled God How Great Thou Are! Also, I would like to see one of my books portrayed into a movie. I plan to actively tour and market my book around the world. Look for me at a bookstore near you!
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