Mikhail Naimy: Job: A Play in Four Acts
This book, despite its intimate affiliation with the Biblical Job, has all the characteristics of an impressive Greek tragedy lifted from the works of Aeschylus. Among the most important characters that Naimy introduces in this play of tragedy and redemption is Sarhabeel, who is most likely the author’s mouthpiece.
This drama is the story of the Biblical Job, but make no mistake, this is clearly Naimy's rendition of the biblical story. Naimy uses the Book of Job as a foundation for his own beliefs. He attempts to address the riddle as to why the Biblical Job appeared to be unjustly tried and punished. The book confirms Mikhail Naimy’s lifelong, firm belief in the continuity of life and the immortality of the soul. It also explains man’s purpose on this earth, his relationship with God and with his fellowmen, and man’s place in the universe. This book particularly elucidates Naimy’s strong and permanent belief in reincarnation.
As a spiritualist, Naimy deeply believes that this universe is absolutely organized and firmly ruled by a Supreme Power that is fair and just. So perfect is this Power and its hold on the universe, that it leaves no space for what we call chance or coincidence. Furthermore, because of our free will, we are totally responsible for shaping our destiny through our deeds, works, actions, thoughts, and even undeclared intentions. Naimy explains that only love is light, while everything else is darkness, that “only love is life, and everything else is death.”
This drama is the story of the Biblical Job, but make no mistake, this is clearly Naimy's rendition of the biblical story. Naimy uses the Book of Job as a foundation for his own beliefs. He attempts to address the riddle as to why the Biblical Job appeared to be unjustly tried and punished. The book confirms Mikhail Naimy’s lifelong, firm belief in the continuity of life and the immortality of the soul. It also explains man’s purpose on this earth, his relationship with God and with his fellowmen, and man’s place in the universe. This book particularly elucidates Naimy’s strong and permanent belief in reincarnation.
As a spiritualist, Naimy deeply believes that this universe is absolutely organized and firmly ruled by a Supreme Power that is fair and just. So perfect is this Power and its hold on the universe, that it leaves no space for what we call chance or coincidence. Furthermore, because of our free will, we are totally responsible for shaping our destiny through our deeds, works, actions, thoughts, and even undeclared intentions. Naimy explains that only love is light, while everything else is darkness, that “only love is life, and everything else is death.”
