Beautiful Souls by Eyal Press, Chapter 4: The Price of Raising One’s Voice

Chapter 4 of Eyal Press’ Beautiful Souls turns our attention to the courageous proclamation of the truth; the dissenting voices of truth that break through the silence of the group. Press’ main character in this final chapter is Leyla Wydler, a tough and determined woman who has enjoyed a successful career as a financial adviser until she runs up against the challenges of the Stanford Group Company in Houston, TX. The chapter begins with an anonymous letter sent to various government financial authorities as well as a few media organizations, all in an effort to attract attention to suspected illegal activities at a well respected global financial firm. We quickly learn the suspicious mind behind the letter is Wydler and we also learn of the great courage and tenacity it took her to come to this point in her life…and the consequences her courage would bring upon her and her family. Proclaiming the truth in the midst of a group (or an entire society) that sees no wrong, perceives no harm, or believes no lies have been told is a difficult and often disorienting adventure. Press takes his readers on this adventure and allows us to see through the eyes of those who have proclaimed the truth and challenges us to hear and act. Continue reading →

Beautiful Souls by Eyal Press, Chapter 3: The Rules of Conscience

Press opens his third chapter with the story of Henry David Thoreau and Thoreau’s famous support for claims of personal conscienceness and actions of civil disobedience. Press quotes Thoreau: “I am not responsible for the successful working of the machinery of society. The only obligation which I have a right to assume, is to do at any time what I think right.” Press insightfully evaluates Thoreau’s starkly individualistic claim, “[Thoreau’s claim] is a bracingly uncomprimising worldview. But if this is all that saying no entails, what beyond salving one’s own conscience comes of it? If one person’s subjective values can be invoked to break the law and resist government, why can’t another, radically different set of personal convictions?” (p. 87) Press continues to pose questions, but his point has already been made – who gets to decide “right” and “wrong.” Differing sides could take up the argument for a long time and ideological trench warfare ensues…if you are sceptical, look at Washington, D.C. and the lack of progress that has come out of the recent political quagmire there. Press introduces us to his main character of chapter 3, Avner Wishnitzer, and takes us on a journey describing Avner’s experience in the Israeli Army, a journey that helps to answer the question of personal conscience. Continue reading →

Beautiful Souls by Eyal Press, Chapter 2: Defying the Group

While continuing to focus on the courageous acts of individuals, Eyal Press takes up the question of group dynamics in his second chapter, “Defying the Group.” The setting of the main story of interest is the Balkans in the early 1990’s and the tensions and eventual bloodshed between Serbs and Croats of the former Yugoslavia. Press’ main character, Aco Jevtic, is a Serb caught in the midst of the terrible battle that waged over the city of Vukovar. We learn of Jevtic’s struggles in Vukovar only later, but first Press wants us to center our attention on Jevtic’s courageous and, for many puzzling, act to save Croats from torture and possible death. Jevtic finds himself among a large group of men captured by Serbian forces; and eventually a Serbian officer who recognizes Jevtic asks him to identify fellow Serbs among the prisoners so they may be removed. Jevtic complies with the officer’s request but does not stop pointing out men after all the Serbs have been identified, instead pointing toward men he knows are Croats but giving them false names in order to save them. Jevtic’s courageous actions save countless Croats, while at the same time placing himself in great danger should his actions become discovered. Why would Jevtic boldly take this course of action during dangerous times of ethnic violence? Continue reading →

Beautiful Souls by Eyal Press, Chapter 1: Disobeying the Law

Eyal Press begins his book with a story of an unlikely law breaker, the Commander of the State Police in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Paul Gruninger was, by all accounts, a good and faithful civil servant for many years; a family man; a man that could be trusted with the law and order of his community. Yet, Paul Gruninger was indicted and convicted of breaking the very laws he was entrusted to uphold…how could this have happened? The simple answer is that there is no simple answer, especially in the difficult and dark days of the spreading horror of World War II in Europe. After experiencing an overwhelming influx of Jewish refugees throughout the 1930’s, Switzerland decided that there was no more room within its borders and after August 19, 1938, immigration for any reason was denied. Gruninger, serving on the border of Austria and familiar with the horrors that were present in that border country, could not bring himself to follow this new immigration law. He regularly accepted new immigrants fleeing Austria and falsely dated their paperwork with dates prior to August 19. His life-saving but law breaking activities were eventually discovered and he was promptly removed from his position and discredited for the remainder of his life. His actions may have saved countless lives, but he dramatically changed his life and the fortunes of his family. Why did the Commander of the State Police break the law? Continue reading →

Beautiful Souls, by Eyal Press

During the next few weeks Eyal Press’ insightful book will be examined in preparation for a book review prior to the start of our journey through Lent. The book explores the fascinating moral dilemmas and difficult circumstances of people who have become trapped between the ideals of their conscience and the unfolding actions of the society in which they find themselves. A small group of people appear to have the moral courage to resist the path of least resistance and cling to their deeply held principles; what is their secret? In Press’ own words: “Why, even in situations of seemingly total conformity, there are always some people who refuse to go along. This is a book about such nonconformists, about the mystery of what impels people to do something risky and transgressive when thrust into a morally compromising situation: stop, say no, resist.” (Beautiful Souls, p. 5)

The season of Lent brings us on a journey with Christ as he walks the difficult last days of his public ministry and uncompromisingly sacrifices everything at Golgotha; he is willing to go to any length for those he loves, including death on the cross. The time of Lent is a time for reflection; a time to go deeper into one’s personal faith; a time to explore the call of discipleship and the personal cost associated with a deep and active faith in Christ. Eyal Press’ book, Beautiful Souls, will help raise important topics and lead us in deeper personal understanding and awareness.

Please read a New York Times Sunday Book Review of this book <select here>