"Edge of the Flock: Paula" work in progress thread

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

Hi everyone! I'm making this thread as a workspace for the next installment of 'The Edge of the Flock'. I just have snippets tonight, but hopefully the Lord will continue to inspire me. This Paula section has to be even wordier than my usual scripts because Paula is a great debater and it's a clash of intellect vs. faith. I'm not trying to give complete apologetic arguments, but enough for readers to get the gist of what Paula and Debby are about. Tell me if the dialog doesn't work, 'kay? And feel free to contribute your own ideas about things they might talk about.

God bless you all:)
Gerry

Edge of the Flock Book 2: Paula

Paula's Arguments

Paula opens with a maneuver to put the Christian on the defensive: "The Burden of Proof is yours!"
Debby sits down happily and pulls out her Bible. "It is? You'll listen?"

Paula: No, not really. I already know what you Christians always say.
Debby: Really? What am I going to say next?

Paula: Well anyway, Can God make a stone so large he can't lift it?
Debby: That's not an argument against God, it's a question about the definition of omniscience. God has all the power there is. All of it! If it's possible for Him to make such an impossibility happen I can't understand it though.

Paula: Ah! So you admit he can't?
Debby: I said I don't know Paula. God did make a really, really big rock though! The Lord Jesus said 'Upon this rock, I will build my Church', it was Simon Peter's profession 'I say You are the Messiah! The Son of the Living God!' But Jesus raised Himself from the dead, so I guess He could lift that giant rock, ha ha!

Paula: Enough with the...what? '...raised -Himself- from the dead?' Don't you mean God raised Jesus?
Debby: Yes! That's exactly what I mean! You are starting to understand!

Paula: Oh no you don't! Jesus never said He was God!
Debby: It's all through the Bible Paula. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the continuing revelation that the Lord Jesus Christ -is- God. People knew what He meant, and I pray you will.

Paula: How dare you pray for me!!! What arrogance! You want to pray? I have one, an oldie but a goodie!
If God really exists let him strike me dead right now!
Debby: 'No Paula, if you exist, do my homework for a week!'
Paula: What? I'm not going to...
Debby: Of course not. And God isn't going to kill you with a thunderbolt Paula. He loves you!

Paula looks furious, then starts to chuckle.
"You know little Christian, you're putting up quite a fight. I'm going to savor destroying your faith. See you tomorrow."

**************************************************

Paula: You can't assume God exists without proof! Since He's illogical to begin with...

Debby: Paula, why do you insist God can't be bigger than your imagination and intellect? Can't you accept that God is so much grander and profound and complex than we can comprehend?

Paula. No. You argue that way because you're stupid. So you say no one can know what you don't understand. I'm smarter than you and have higher standards.

Debby: Well, you certainly seem sharp! In more ways than one. You get all A's in your classes?

Paula: That's right! Honors in every subject!

Debby: So I can't understand what you're saying? But you can understand, no, even dare to judge how God thinks?

Paula: That's...ehr... Heh, not bad. But my point is that God is contradictory to natural law, cannot be proven, and therefore irrelevant. What's more, your sad little cult of Christianity is responsible for terrible evils in the world, is hypocritical and...

Debby: Paula, we Christians know we are sinners. It's because we are sinners we need the Lord Jesus Christ? Isn't that obvious?
Paula: 'Judge not, lest ye be judged!' Yet you Christians are always trying to tell the world they are sinners while all these TV preachers go whoring and priests molest little boys and...'

Debby: Paula, Christians aren't judging you.
Paula: What a bald faced lie!

Debby: Paula, if you're speeding and someone tells you that you are breaking the law, is he your judge?
Paula: That's not relevant.

Debby He's not you know. The judge is the one who made the laws, and who will pass sentence. Christians just tell you what the Lord God has judged to be sin, and what it's consequences are. We can't send you to hell or force you into heaven. Oh Paula, we are not your judges.
Paula: Well...well...I'm glad you realized it! (storms off)

*******************************************************************
Paula: Look, I take it back, you're not stupid, just misinformed. Let me tell you, geology, chemistry, and physics proves the world is far, far older than a literal interpretation of the Bible claims it is. Doesn't that bother you?
Debby: You know that for sure?

Paula: Yes. Because carbon decays at certain rates, because the universe is expanding, because of the effects of erosion and shifting of the land masses...
Debby: Well, I'll be honest, I don't know about those things. Tell you what, meet me here tomorrow.

(The next day)

Paula: So?
Debby: You like cookies?

Paula: Yes.
Debby Here you go!

Paula: Hmm...let me see...a rock, a bag of seeds...and some water? Oh ho ho!
Rachel: What?
Sheilla: She went crazy huh? She wants us to eat rocks and water?

Paula: No, you fools. She's saying 'God made the world ready to use, he didn't have to start it from scratch.'
Rachel: She's making that up!

Debby laughs cheerfully 'Yep! It's just what I think. Actually I have no idea how God made the world! But maybe your way isn't the only possibility?"

Debby: Paula, when you love someone you think they mean you the best and always give them the benefit of the doubt. But when you hate them, you always assume the worst. Paula, do you really not believe in God, or are you angry at Him?'

Paula: How dare you?!

Paula at the restaurant
"Did my scholarship package come in the mail?"

Paula's Mother: "What for you need scholarship to run restaurant! Stop dreaming and work!"

Paula steps up the pace.

Paula's life falls apart

Paula accepts the Lord Jesus

Allen.

Edge of the Flock Book 3: Allen

Edge of the Flock Book 4: Christian Living

Edge of the Flock: Ending

mike · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 49 Location: winchester,Ca.

One of the major obstacles for non believers is- " If there is a GOD that is good, then why is there evil in the world? " Or " If God loves us, then why does he allow suffering in the world? Starvation? Drought? Pain? War?" If these things exist, then a good, loving God, cannot.

Pick up the book by Lee Strobel called A CASE FOR FAITH and also his book called A CASE FOR CHRIST. Lee Strobel was a journalist who set out to debunk christianity but instead was confronted by such over whelming evidence, that he became a believer. His books are easy to read and very engaging.

If you'd like I could list a bunch of the questions from the book to help.
Great start Gerry. This looks like fun! Very Happy

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

Hi Mike,
Thank you for your help! I actually have 'The Case for Christ' but haven't read it yet. I'll look at it this week.

http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/answers.html
I found this website, it has some good questions for Paula to ask Debby too. Which of these should I use?

I really liked your suggestion about the 'a good God cannot exist, the reality of evil disproves Him' line of attack, and will use it for sure. If you have time, I'd love to see some of the questions from 'The Case for Faith'.

God bless you,
Gerry

P.S. I think I'd like to use your idea as the final skirmish between Debby and Paula. Paula finds out that her family isn't going to pay for college, and is threatening to disown her if she abandons the restaurant. In the face of all her dreams falling apart, Paula reaches an emotional breaking point, and some of what Debby is saying finally gets through.

Paula grows increasingly distracted as her family's opposition to her going away for college mounts.
The final skirmish:

Paula: If God is so pure and holy and good, how can there be so much suffering in the world?
Debby: Because of sin Paula. The Bible teaches that the very nature of the world changed when mankind fell from grace. Everything went out of whack. Storms, hurricanes, plagues, earthquakes...

Paula: But is that fair?! Doesn't it mean a good God can't exist if He made mankind destined to do evil and ruin everything!

Debby: I love you Paula. Will you be my friend?

Paula: Hell no!

Debby: Paula, did I force you to be mean just now by offering my love?

Paula:...But God...! He...

Debby: God is offering His love to you Paula.

Paula: Then...then why...?!

Debby sees Paula's pain and goes to embrace her, but Paula runs away. Paula ditches classes and walks to a nearby field and sits under a tree, weeping. In time she is too tired to cry anymore and leans back and looks up. The sun is shining through the leaves, and is so bright it's almost blinding. For long moments Paula sits quietly looking into the sky...

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

Edge of the Flock Book 2: Paula

Should Paula initially pretend to be an honest truth seeker?
Or should Paula initially come on strong, sizing Debby up like a prize fighter before the fight?

Smirking, Paula addresses Sheila and Rachel, establishing that they have a master disciple relationship. 'Watch and learn girls. This is how you crucify a Christian.'
Paula: You.
Debby: You're Paula Wong aren't you? Hello! Gosh you're pretty!

Paula(beaming pridefully) Why thank you.
They both smile happily at each other.

Paula realizes she's been distracted, and her hair gets messy and her face get's fierce.
Paula: Anyway, I notice that you are carrying a Bible. Are you, pray tell, a Christian?
Debby: I sure am! Are you...?
Paula: Good God, no.
Debby: Oh...would you like to be? God loves you Paula! The Bible...

Paula (Theatrically holds up her hand to stop Debby)
Paula: Hold up a moment. You said 'God'. God doesn't exist.

Debby: Of course He does! 'Heaven and earth proclaim...'

Paula: Since you are making the assertion that God exists...

Paula opens with a maneuver meant to put Debby on the defensive: "The Burden of Proof is yours!"
Debby sits down happily and pulls out her Bible. "It is? You'll listen?"

Paula: No, not really. I already know what you Christians always say.
Debby: Really? What am I going to say next?

Paula: Well anyway, can God make a stone so large he can't lift it?
Debby: That's not an argument against God, it's a question about the definition of omniscience. God has all the power there is. All of it! If it's possible for Him to make such an impossibility happen I can't understand it though.

Paula: Ah! So you admit He can't?
Debby: I don't know Paula. God did make a really, really big rock though! The Lord Jesus said 'Upon this rock, I will build my Church', it was Simon Peter's profession 'I say You are the Messiah! The Son of the Living God!' But Jesus raised Himself from the dead, so I guess He could lift that giant rock, ha ha!

Paula: Enough with the...what? '...raised -Himself- from the dead?' Don't you mean God raised Jesus?
Debby: Yes! That's exactly what I mean! You are starting to understand!

Paula: Oh no you don't! Jesus never said He was God!
Debby: It's all through the Bible Paula. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the continuing revelation that the Lord Jesus Christ -is- God. People knew what He meant, and I pray you will.

Paula: How dare you pray for me!!! What arrogance! You want to pray? I have one, an oldie but a goodie!
If God really exists let him strike me dead right now!
Debby: 'No Paula, if you exist, do my homework for a week!'
Paula: What? I'm not going to...
Debby: Of course not. And God isn't going to kill you with a thunderbolt Paula. He loves you!

Paula looks furious, then starts to chuckle.
"You know little Christian, you're putting up quite a fight. I'm going to savor destroying your faith. See you tomorrow."

**************************************************
Sheila: That's it?
Rachel: Paula...you let her live!
Paula: It's been such a long time since I had a worthy opponant, I want to enjoy her a bit.

Paula, Sheila, and Rachel cackle like witches.

Scene Change: Wong's Chop Suey Emporium

Paula enters the restaurant.

Thinking: I hate this place.
Thinking: I hate Chinese food.
Thinking: I hate...my miserable life...!
(Gap)

Paula: You can't assume God exists without proof! Since He's illogical to begin with...

Debby: Paula, why do you insist God can't be bigger than your imagination and intellect? Can't you accept that God is so much grander and profound and complex than we can comprehend?

Paula. No. You argue that way because you're stupid. So you say no one can know what you don't understand. I'm smarter than you and have higher standards.

Debby: Well, you certainly seem sharp! In more ways than one. You get all A's in your classes?

Paula: That's right! Honors in every subject!

Debby: So I can't understand what you're saying? But you can understand, no, even dare to judge, how God thinks?

Paula: That's...ehr... Heh, not bad. But my point is that God is contradictory to natural law, cannot be proven, and therefore irrelevant. What's more, your sad little cult of Christianity is responsible for terrible evils in the world, is hypocritical and...

Debby: Paula, we Christians know we are sinners. It's because we are sinners we need the Lord Jesus Christ? Isn't that obvious?
Paula: 'Judge not, lest ye be judged!' Yet you Christians are always trying to tell the world they are going to burn in hell, while all these TV preachers go whoring and priests molest little boys and...'

Debby: Paula, Christians aren't judging you.
Paula: What a bald faced lie!

Debby: Paula, if you're speeding and someone tells you that you are breaking the law, is he your judge?
Paula: That's not relevant.

Debby He's not you know. The judge is the one who made the laws, and who will pass sentence. Christians just tell you what the Lord God has judged to be sin, and what it's consequences are. We can't send you to hell or force you into heaven. Oh Paula, we are not your judges.
Paula: Well...well...I'm glad you realized it! (storms off)

Sheila: Uh Paula...?
Rachel: Paula, we're starting to worry about you...
*******************************************************************

Large panel, Paula emerges, beaming in her Cheong Sam,
'Greetings Honored Customers! Welcome to Wong's Chop Suey Emporium! I'm your waitress...

Debby 'Hello Paula!'

Paula turns beet red. 'What are you doing here? Come to mock me?! I'll stir fry you!!!'

Debby: Uhm...

Mrs. Wong: Paula! You no talk to honored customer like that!

Paula: ...Yes...mother....

Debby: This is a lovely restaurant Paula!
Paula sighs resentfully, hanging her head.
'This is Hell...nor am I out of it.'

Paula: Well, go ahead and have a good laugh! It's not always going to be like this! We're dirt poor, but with scholarships and grants, I'll get into a great college, the best! I am going to be the greatest lawyer ever, who knows, even the nations first woman president!
Debby: God's will be done.

Paula: -My- will be done! But thanks, I know what you mean.

The restaurant closes. Paula and Debby sit talking at the table. Paula seems more curious about Debby than angry at this point.

Paula: Look, I take it back, you're not stupid, just misinformed. Let me tell you, geology, chemistry, and physics proves the world is far, far older than a literal interpretation of the Bible claims it is. Doesn't that bother you?
Debby: You know that for sure?

Paula: Yes. Because carbon decays at certain rates, because the universe is expanding, because of the effects of erosion and shifting of the land masses...
Debby: Well, I'll be honest, I don't know about those things. Let's meet again at school tomorrow, 'kay?

(The next day)

Paula: So?
Debby: You like cookies?

Paula: Yes.
Debby Here you go!

Paula: Hmm...let me see...a rock, a bag of seeds...and some water? Oh ho ho!
Rachel: What?
Shiela: She went crazy huh? She wants us to eat rocks?

Paula: No, you fools. She's saying 'God made the world ready to use, he didn't have to start from scratch.'
Rachel: She's making that up!

Debby laughs cheerfully 'Yep! It's just what I think. I believe "Genesis" is right, but I don't understand it. But maybe your alternative isn't the only possibility?"

Debby: Paula, when you love someone you think they mean you the best and always give them the benefit of the doubt. But when you hate them, you always assume the worst. Paula, do you really not believe in God, or are you angry at Him?'

Paula: How dare you?!

Paula at the restaurant
"Did my scholarship package come in the mail?"

Paula's Mother: "What for you need scholarship to run restaurant! Stop dreaming and work!"

Paula steps up the pace.

Paula's life falls apart

Paula grows increasingly distracted as her family's opposition to her going away for college mounts.
The final skirmish:

Mrs. Wong: Paula! We've told you time and time again! No college!
Paula: But...but I can get a grant and scholarships, you wouldn't have to pay...
Mrs. Wong: This is not about that! This is about our family business and traditions! We've been restauranteers for generations, back in the home country, and for a hundred years here in the islands! We are proud of what we do! It's hard work and we're poor, but we are honest hard working people! But all you do is sneer and spit on us, your own family!

Mrs. Wong slaps Paula.
Paula looks stunned.

Mrs. Wong: I love you daughter. But you decide. When you are eighteen, you can walk out that door, but never, ever come back. We will disown you! Or, you can take over the restaurant.

The next day at school, Paula doesn't look so good.

Paula: Hello girls.
Sheila and Rachel (cooly) Oh. Paula. We didn't see you there (nasty giggles)
Paula: Hey...what's with this attitude?
Sheila: Well, we thought about it Paula. Rachel's going to (prestigious college) and I'm going to (other college), and well, you're going...nowhere.
Paula: How...how dare you...!
Sheila and Rachel laugh, and walk out of Paula's life.

Debby: Hello Paula!

Paula(furiously, on the verge of tears): If God is so pure and holy and good, how can there be so much suffering in the world?
Debby: Because of sin Paula. The Bible teaches that the very nature of the world changed when mankind fell from grace. Everything went out of whack. Storms, hurricanes, plagues, earthquakes...

Paula: But is that fair?! Doesn't it mean a good God can't exist if He made mankind destined to do evil and ruin everything!

Debby: I like you Paula. Will you be my friend?

Paula: No, I am not!

Debby: All right. But be honest about this, Paula. I offered you only friendship. The choice you made to hate me was yours alone.

Paula:...But that's not...you can't...God...! He...

Debby: God is offering His love to you Paula.

Paula: But if He...then...why?!?

Debby sees Paula's pain and goes to embrace her, but Paula runs away. Paula ditches classes and walks to a nearby field and sits under a tree, weeping. In time she is too tired to cry anymore and leans back and looks up. The sun is shining through the leaves, and is so bright it's almost blinding. For long moments Paula sits quietly looking into the sky...

Paula accepts the Lord Jesus

************************************
Random Scenes to Insert: Paula's college situation is set up in an argument in the restaurant. Her mother tells her that Paula has to work so the oldest Wong son can go to college. Her brother is a brat and taunts her. Let's name him...Rick.

Paula: "Rick hates school! He never studies, always getting into trouble...!"
Mrs. Wong: 'Richard is the first born...'
Paula: 'I'm the first born!'
Mrs. Wong: 'He's our first born son! You should be happy we're giving you the restaurant as a dowry! You'll never starve as a restauranteer! How dare you look down on our family business?! A disagreeable girl like you will be lucky to marry at all!"
Rick: Ha ha Paula! I'm going to college, I'm going to college...!

***************************************

Rachel and Sheila start out as Paula's cronies. When she fails to destroy Debby Peterson, Rachel and Sheila turn on her.

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

Edge of the Flock Book 2: Paula

(This is essentially finished. I'm going to start paneling the story, but it's not too late to make changes. Please comment and critique:))

Smirking, Paula addresses Sheila and Rachel, establishing that they have a master disciple relationship. 'Watch and learn girls. This is how you crucify a Christian.'
Paula(Using her height and strong eye contact to try and intimidate Debby): You.
Debby: You're Paula Wong aren't you? Hello! Gosh you're pretty!

Paula(beaming pridefully) Why thank you.
They both smile happily at each other.

Paula realizes she's been distracted, and her hair gets messy and her face gets fierce.
Paula: Anyway, I notice that you are carrying a Bible. Are you, pray tell, a Christian?
Debby: I sure am! Are you...?
Paula: Good God, no.
Debby: Oh...would you like to be? God loves you Paula! The Bible...

Paula (Theatrically holds up her hand to stop Debby)
Paula: Hold up a moment. You said 'God'. God doesn't exist.

Debby: Of course He does! 'Heaven and earth proclaim...'

Paula: Since you are making the assertion that God exists...

Paula opens with a maneuver meant to put Debby on the defensive: "The Burden of Proof is yours!"
Debby sits down happily and pulls out her Bible. "It is? You'll listen?"

Paula: No, not really. I already know what you Christians always say.
Debby: Really? What am I going to say next?

Paula: Well anyway, can God make a stone so large he can't lift it?
Debby: That's not an argument against God, it's a question about the definition of omnipotence. God has all the power there is. All of it! If it's possible for Him to make such an impossibility happen I can't understand it though.

Paula: Ah! So you admit He can't?
Debby: I don't know Paula. God did make a really, really big rock though! The Lord Jesus said 'Upon this rock, I will build my Church', it was Simon Peter's profession 'I say You are the Messiah! The Son of the Living God!' But Jesus raised Himself from the dead, so I guess He could lift that giant rock, ha ha!

Paula: Enough with the...what? '...raised -Himself- from the dead?' Don't you mean God raised Jesus?
Debby: Yes! That's exactly what I mean! You are starting to understand!

Paula: Oh no you don't! Jesus never said He was God!
Debby: It's all through the Bible Paula. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the continuing revelation that the Lord Jesus Christ -is- God. People knew what He meant, and I pray you will.

Paula: How dare you pray for me!!! What arrogance! You want to pray? I have one, an oldie but a goodie!
If God really exists let him strike me dead right now!
Debby: 'No Paula, if you exist, do my homework for a week!'
Paula: What? I'm not going to...
Debby: Of course not. And God isn't going to kill you with a thunderbolt Paula. He loves you!

Paula looks furious, then starts to chuckle.
"You know little Christian, you're putting up quite a fight. I'm going to savor destroying your faith. See you tomorrow."

**************************************************
Sheila: That's it?
Rachel: Paula...you let her live!
Paula: It's been such a long time since I had a worthy opponant, I want to enjoy her a bit.

Paula, Sheila, and Rachel cackle like witches.

Scene Change: Wong's Chop Suey Emporium

Paula enters the restaurant.

************************************
Random Scenes to Insert: Paula's college situation is set up in an argument in the restaurant. Her mother tells her that Paula has to work so the oldest Wong son can go to college. Her brother is a brat and taunts her. Let's name him...Rick.

Paula: Did I get any college catalogs in today's mail?
Mrs. Wong: You don't need catalogs to run the restaurant Paula! Stop dreaming and get working!

Paula: I am going to college!
Mrs. Wong: Richard is going to college! We all have to work hard to save up his tuition! We've been over this a thousand times!

Paula: "Rick hates school! He never studies, always getting into trouble...!"
Mrs. Wong: 'Richard is the first born...'
Paula: 'I'm the first born!'
Mrs. Wong: 'He's our first born son! You should be happy we're giving you the restaurant as a dowry! You'll never starve as a restauranteer! How dare you look down on our family business?! A disagreeable girl like you will be lucky to marry at all!"
Rick: Ha ha Paula! I'm going to college, I'm going to college...!

***************************************

Thinking: I hate this place.
Thinking: I hate Chinese food.
Thinking: I hate...my miserable life...!
(Gap)

Paula: You can't assume God exists without proof! Since He's illogical to begin with...

Debby: Paula, why do you insist God can't be bigger than your imagination and intellect? Can't you accept that God is so much grander and profound and complex than we can comprehend?

Paula. No. You argue that way because you're stupid. So you say no one can know what you don't understand. I'm smarter than you and have higher standards.

Debby: Well, you certainly seem sharp! In more ways than one. You get all A's in your classes?

Paula: That's right! Honors in every subject!

Debby: So I can't understand what you're saying? But you can understand, no, even dare to judge, how God thinks?

Paula: That's...ehr... Heh, not bad. But my point is that God is contradictory to natural law, cannot be proven, and therefore irrelevant. What's more, your sad little cult of Christianity is responsible for terrible evils in the world, is hypocritical and...

Debby: Paula, we Christians know we are sinners. It's because we are sinners we need the Lord Jesus Christ? Isn't that obvious?
Paula: 'Judge not, lest ye be judged!' Yet you Christians are always trying to tell the world they are going to burn in hell, while all these TV preachers go whoring and priests molest little boys and...'

Debby: Paula, Christians aren't judging you.
Paula: What a bald faced lie!

Debby: Paula, if you're speeding and someone tells you that you are breaking the law, is he your judge?
Paula: That's not relevant.

Debby He's not you know. The judge is the one with the authority and power to pass sentence. Christians just tell you what the Lord God has judged to be sin, and what it's consequences are. We can't send you to hell or force you into heaven. Oh Paula, we are not your judges.
Paula: Well...well...I'm glad you realized it! (storms off)

Sheila: Uh Paula...?
Rachel: Paula, we're starting to worry about you...
*******************************************************************

Large panel, Paula emerges, beaming in her Cheong Sam,
'Greetings Honored Customers! Welcome to Wong's Chop Suey Emporium! I'm your waitress...

Debby 'Hello Paula!'

Paula turns beet red. 'What are you doing here? Come to mock me?! I'll stir fry you!!!'

Debby: Uhm...

Mrs. Wong: Paula! You no talk to honored customer like that!

Paula: ...Yes...mother....

Debby: This is a lovely restaurant Paula!
Paula sighs resentfully, hanging her head.
'This is Hell...nor am I out of it.'

Paula: Well, go ahead and have a good laugh! It's not always going to be like this! We're dirt poor, but with scholarships and grants, I'll get into a great college, the best! I am going to be the greatest lawyer ever, who knows, even the nations first woman president!
Debby: God's will be done.

Paula: -My- will be done! But thanks, I know what you mean.

The restaurant closes. Paula and Debby sit talking at the table. Paula seems more curious about Debby than angry at this point.

Paula: Look, I take it back, you're not stupid, just misinformed. Let me tell you, geology, chemistry, and physics proves the world is far, far older than a literal interpretation of the Bible claims it is. Doesn't that bother you?
Debby: You know that for sure?

Paula: Yes. Because carbon decays at certain rates, because the universe is expanding, because of the effects of erosion and shifting of the land masses...
Debby: Well, I'll be honest, I don't know about those things. Let's meet again at school tomorrow, 'kay?

(The next day)

Paula: So?
Debby: You like cookies?

Paula: Yes.
Debby Here you go!

Paula: Hmm...let me see...a rock, a bag of seeds...and some water? Oh ho ho!
Rachel: What?
Shiela: She went crazy huh? She wants us to eat rocks?

Paula: No, you fools. She's saying 'God made the world ready to use, he didn't have to start from scratch.'
Rachel: She's making that up!

Debby laughs cheerfully 'Yep! It's just what I think. I believe "Genesis" is right, but I don't understand it. But maybe your alternative isn't the only possibility?"

Debby: Paula, when you love someone you think they mean you the best and always give them the benefit of the doubt. But when you hate them, you always assume the worst. Paula, do you really not believe in God, or are you angry at Him?'

Paula: How dare you!

Paula at the restaurant
"Did any mail come for me today? Anything from Harvard?"

Paula's Mother: Stop dreaming and work!"

Paula steps up the pace.

Paula's life falls apart

Paula grows increasingly distracted as her family's opposition to her going away for college mounts.
The final skirmish:

Mrs. Wong: Paula! We've told you time and time again! No college!
Paula: But...but I can get a grant and scholarships, you wouldn't have to pay...
Mrs. Wong: This is not about that! This is about our family business and traditions! We've been restauranteers for generations, back in the home country, and for a hundred years here in the islands! We are proud of what we do! It's hard work and we're poor, but we are honest hard working people! But all you do is sneer and spit on us, your own family!

Mrs. Wong slaps Paula.
Paula looks stunned.

Mrs. Wong: I love you daughter. But you decide. When you are eighteen, you can walk out that door, but never, ever come back. We will disown you! Or, you can take over the restaurant.

The next day at school, Paula doesn't look so good.

Paula: Hello girls.
Sheila and Rachel (cooly) Oh. Paula. We didn't see you there (nasty giggles)
Paula: Hey...what's with this attitude?
Sheila: Well, we thought about it Paula. Rachel's going to Yale and I'm going to Stanford and well, you're going...nowhere.
Paula: How...how dare you...!
Sheila and Rachel laugh, and walk out of Paula's life.

Debby: Hello Paula!

Paula(furiously, on the verge of tears): If God is so pure and holy and good, how can there be so much suffering in the world?
Debby: Because of sin Paula. The Bible teaches that the very nature of the world changed when mankind fell from grace. Everything went out of whack. Storms, hurricanes, plagues, earthquakes...

Paula: But is that fair?! Doesn't it mean a good God can't exist if He made mankind destined to do evil and ruin everything!

Debby: I like you Paula. Will you be my friend?

Paula: No, I will not!

Debby: All right. But be honest about this, Paula. I offered you only friendship. The choice you made to hate me was yours alone.

Paula:...But that's not...you can't...God...! He...

Debby: God is offering His love to you Paula.

Paula: But if He...then...why?!?

Debby sees Paula's pain and goes to embrace her, but Paula runs away. Paula ditches classes and walks to a nearby field and sits under a tree, weeping. In time she is too tired to cry anymore and leans back and looks up. The sun is shining through the leaves, and is so bright it's almost blinding. For long moments Paula sits quietly looking into the sky...

Paula accepts the Lord Jesus

mike · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 49 Location: winchester,Ca.

Can God make a rock so big that even HE can't lift? Confused

Actually the answer to that is NO.
The question is a non-sensical question, that goes against God's nature of truth. To make something contradictory into a reality, goes against Gods TRUTH. It's like saying "Can God make a square circle?" A circle is a circle, and a square is a square. That is truth. God is bound by his nature to truth.

Nice script. I would like to see Paula to be more of a great debater, that would seem to have the upper hand at first.

Here are some of the objections in THE CASE FOR FAITH book-

1. since evil and suffering exist, a loving God cannot.

2. since miracles contradict science, they cannot be true.

3. Evolution explains life so God isn't needed.

4.God isn't worthy of worship if he kills innocent children.
The writer qoutes Dueteronomy, God odering genocide when he orders the Isrealites to " totally destroy" the caananites and 6 other nations and " to show them no mercy".

5.It's offensive to claim Jesus is the only way to God.

6. A loving God would never torture people in hell.

7. Church history is littered with oppresion and violence.

8. I still have doubts, so I can't be a christian.

I have actually been confronted with some of these arguments. And I even used them from time to time when I was an athiest.

As I said I'd like to see Paula seem to get the upper hand. Perhaps leave Debbie kind of dumbfounded by the barrage of arguments. And Paula doesn't raaly want to know the answers at first. She just wants to harrass Debbie.
I do like that debbie doesn't get sucked into a raging debate tho. There's no point if the other party isn't willing to listen to the truth. It calls to mind the verse " casting your pearls to swine. "

I can also relate to Paulas resentment/frustration with her family and the family business. I'm curently living through it, trying to juggle drawing and working for my dad and the family trade. LOL

The fact that Paulas family is dirt poor AND business owners doesn't sit quite right with me. It makes me wonder why are they so poor, if they work so hard? Either they are terrible with money, or certain circumstances for them to surrender most of their profits.

What do you think of writing into te script- how the Wongs were driven out by big developers and lost their property to "emminent domain". Now they are forced to pay high rent in a lousy location. It would seem more meaningful for the wongs to victims of unjust laws and regulations. This would be a catalyst for Paula to be a lawyer. She has seen injustice and how life can be unfair.
Even at some point in her argument with Debbie, Paula can finally show some vulnerabiltiy as she argues unfairness.

Then Debbie, sensing Paulas true frustration, reaches out in friendship and says to Paula, " We're not talking about other people anymore, are we? Is there something you would like to talk about, Paula?"

Then Paula, upset that she allowed her frustrations to get the better of her, but too prideful to open up, storms off. " This could lead to a melting of her hardend heart. ( just a suggestion)

I really like the scene where Paula is under the tree, struggling with coming to terms with her life and coming to faith. It shows TRUE GENUINE emotions that each of us have felt at one point before commiting to Christ. Very Happy

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

Dear Mike,

Your post was great, really full of good stuff! Paula was meant to be a better debater, like you were saying. I actually slipped a bit and intentionally allowed some errors in Paula's logic in. She's supposed to be really smart, but unfortunately she is supposed to be smarter than I am, so I'm having some trouble. But I like the way you described what you'd like to see. Paula bombarding Debby and confusing her, would be great! This actually works out really well, since you gave me some more ammunition for Paula and I wanted to extend this section a bit. I felt like it moved too fast.

Likewise, your ideas for a bit of background about the Wong family would make the story more interesting. Your explanation for the Wong family being forced to rent and pay high prices due to some tragic turn of events in the past brings Paula more to life. There would be more to her than just ego, which is how she presents now. I do need to use the business to have her family deliver their ultimatum to work the restaurant or be kicked out of the family, but I think that's still doable.

Wow, I'm excited about your ideas, I'm going to work on the script some more tonight, and should have a version ready for you to see tomorrow:) Thank you Mike:)

God bless you,
Gerry

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

Hi Mike, I played around with the script and came up with this so far. I'll look it over again soon and see how it seems to flow tomorrow. Let's write it up good!

Gerry

Edge of the Flock Book 2: Paula

Smirking, Paula addresses Sheila and Rachel, establishing that they have a master disciple relationship. 'Watch and learn girls. This is how you crucify a Christian.'
Paula(Using her height and strong eye contact to try and intimidate Debby): You.
Debby: You're Paula Wong aren't you? Hello! Gosh you're pretty!

Paula(beaming pridefully) Why thank you.
They both smile happily at each other.

Paula realizes she's been distracted, and her hair gets messy and her face gets fierce.
Paula: Anyway, I notice that you are carrying a Bible. Are you, pray tell, a Christian?
Debby: I sure am! Are you...?
Paula: Good God, no.
Debby: Oh...would you like to be? God loves you Paula! The Bible...

Paula (Theatrically holds up her hand to stop Debby)
Paula: Hold up a moment. You said 'God'. God doesn't exist.

Debby: Of course He does! 'Heaven and earth proclaim...'

Paula: Since you are making the assertion that God exists...

Paula opens with a maneuver meant to put Debby on the defensive: "The Burden of Proof is yours!"
Debby sits down happily and pulls out her Bible. "It is? You'll listen?"

Paula: No, not really. I already know what you Christians always say.
Debby: Really? What am I going to say next?

Paula: What proves the authenticity of the Bible? Miracles.
Debby: Prophecies too, they...

Paula: Let's say prophecies are a kind of miracle. But how do we know that miracles truly happened? Because the Bible tells us they did? Ridiculous, since the authenticity of the Bible was supposedly 'proven' by those very miracles to begin with.

Debby: Uhm...what?

Paula: Let me try something a little simpler, maybe you'll understand. Miracles by definition contradict science, right?
Debby: Uhm....yes?

Paula: Good girl. Now, since Miracles defy natural laws, they can't be tested or recreated. In other words, they cannot be proven scientifically! So you see, it's idiocy to say that miracles prove the Bible when miracles themselves cannot proven. So, your little Bible...just a really badly written novel, you know?

Debby: ...no, but...but prophecies...

Paula: Tell you what. The date of authorship for the books of the Bible are hotly contested. We'll never agree as to when they were written, so they are no use to us in this conversation. Consequently, they are irrelevant.

Debby: But...
Paula: Oh dear, you don't look well little Debby. We'll talk again tomorrow. Enjoy your lunch.

The next day:
Debby: Good morning Paula!
Paula: Did you think about what I said?

Debby: Paula, I admit you have some strong arguments. But I don't let things I don't know confuse things I do know.
Paula: Well, we're different. See, I think you have to be 100% sure about God before you can commit such a huge leap of faith.

Debby: But Paula, faith is believing even not knowing...using your argument yesterday, how can you disprove God without evidence to the contrary?
Paula: Ooh! Very good Debby! There may be hope for you yet! Let's move on. God is omnipotent, yes? Well, can God create a stone so large even He can't lift it?

Debby: Gosh...uhm...

Paula: Cat got your tongue? Can God make a stone so large he can't lift it?
Debby: Oh! I know! That's not an argument against God, it's a question about the definition of omnipotence. God has all the power there is. All of it! If it's possible for Him to make such an impossibility happen I can't understand it though.

Paula: Ah! So you admit He can't?
Debby: I don't know Paula. God did make a really, really big rock though! The Lord Jesus said 'Upon this rock, I will build my Church', it was Simon Peter's profession 'I say You are the Messiah! The Son of the Living God!' But Jesus raised Himself from the dead, so I guess He could lift that giant rock, ha ha!

Paula: Enough with the...what? '...raised -Himself- from the dead?' Don't you mean God raised Jesus?
Debby: Yes! That's exactly what I mean! You are starting to understand!

Paula: Oh no you don't! Jesus never said He was God!
Debby: It's all through the Bible Paula. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the continuing revelation that the Lord Jesus Christ -is- God. People knew what He meant, and I pray you will.

Paula: How dare you pray for me!!! What arrogance! You want to pray? I have one, an oldie but a goodie!
If God really exists let him strike me dead right now!
Debby: 'No Paula, if you exist, do my homework for a week!'
Paula: What? I'm not going to...
Debby: Of course not. And God isn't going to kill you with a thunderbolt Paula. He loves you!

Paula looks furious, then starts to chuckle.
"You know little Christian, you're starting to put up a fight. I'm going to savor destroying your faith. See you tomorrow."

**************************************************
Sheila: That's it?
Rachel: Paula...you let her live!
Paula: It's been such a long time since I had a worthy opponant, I want to enjoy her a bit.

Paula, Sheila, and Rachel cackle like witches.

Scene Change: Wong's Chop Suey Emporium

Paula enters the restaurant.

************************************
Random Scenes to Insert: Paula's college situation is set up in an argument in the restaurant. Her mother tells her that Paula has to work so the oldest Wong son can go to college. Her brother is a brat and taunts her. Let's name him...Rick.

Paula: Did I get any college catalogs in today's mail?
Mrs. Wong: You don't need catalogs to run the restaurant Paula! Stop dreaming and get working!

Paula: I am going to college!
Mrs. Wong: Richard is going to college! We all have to work hard to save up his tuition! We've been over this a thousand times!

Paula: "Rick hates school! He never studies, always getting into trouble...!"
Mrs. Wong: 'Richard is the first born...'
Paula: 'I'm the first born!'
Mrs. Wong: 'He's our first born son! You should be happy we're giving you the business as a dowry! You'll never starve as a restauranteer! How dare you look down on our family business?! A disagreeable girl like you will be lucky to marry at all!"
Rick: Ha ha Paula! I'm going to college, I'm going to college...!

***************************************

Thinking: I hate this place.
Thinking: I hate Chinese food.
Thinking: I hate...my miserable life...!
(Gap)

Paula: You can't assume God exists without proof! Since He's illogical to begin with...

Debby: Paula, why do you insist God can't be bigger than your imagination and intellect? Can't you accept that God is so much grander and profound and complex than we can comprehend?

Paula. No. You argue that way because you're stupid. So you say no one can know what you don't understand. I'm smarter than you and have higher standards.

Debby: Well, you certainly seem sharp! In more ways than one. You get all A's in your classes?

Paula: That's right! Honors in every subject!

Debby: So I can't understand what you're saying? But you can understand, no, even dare to judge, how God thinks?

Paula: That's...ehr... Heh, not bad. But my point is that God is contradictory to natural law, cannot be proven, and therefore irrelevant. What's more, your sad little cult of Christianity is responsible for terrible evils in the world, is hypocritical and...

Debby: Paula, we Christians know we are sinners. It's because we are sinners we need the Lord Jesus Christ? Isn't that obvious?
Paula: 'Judge not, lest ye be judged!' Yet you Christians are always trying to tell the world they are going to burn in hell, while all these TV preachers go whoring and priests molest little boys and...'

Debby: Paula, Christians aren't judging you.
Paula: What a bald faced lie!

Debby: Paula, if you're speeding and someone tells you that you are breaking the law, is he your judge?
Paula: That's not relevant.

Debby He's not you know. The judge is the one with the authority and power to pass sentence. Christians just tell you what the Lord God has judged to be sin, and what it's consequences are. We can't send you to hell or force you into heaven. Oh Paula, we are not your judges.
Paula: Well...well...I'm glad you realized it! (storms off)

Sheila: Uh Paula...?
Rachel: Paula, we're starting to worry about you...
*******************************************************************
Mrs. Wong(shouting) Paula, NO!
Paula: But Mother, aren't you sick of being pushed around? Being poor? Being walked all over?! Lawyers did this to us! Lawyers have power!

Mrs. Wong: That's why I don't trust them! Everyone knows you can't trust lawyers! I forbid you to become one!

Paula: You say that, but I'm going to become a lawyer, and save us all from poverty! We work like dogs, but what do we have to show for it? When I'm a lawyer, we'll finally get some respect! We'll finally have some real power to change our lives...

Mrs. Wong (flatly): Paula! Do you hear yourself talking? We work hard yes! What do I have to show for it? Our home, Richard, Emily, Cynthia...and you, you ungrateful girl! Respect? Who doesn't respect us? People who don't value good honest hardworking people! Paula, the only person who doesn't respect us is you!

Paula: I have to work now. We'll talk later.
Mrs. Wong. You're impossible.

Large panel, Paula emerges, beaming in her Cheong Sam,
'Greetings Honored Customers! Welcome to Wong's Chop Suey Emporium! I'm your waitress...

Debby 'Hello Paula!'

Paula turns beet red. 'What are you doing here? Come to mock me?! I'll stir fry you!!!'

Debby: Uhm...

Mrs. Wong: Paula! You no talk to honored customer like that!

Paula: ...Yes...mother....

Debby: This is a lovely restaurant Paula!
Paula sighs resentfully, hanging her head.
'This is Hell...nor am I out of it.'

Paula: Well, go ahead and have a good laugh! It's not always going to be like this! We're dirt poor, but with scholarships and grants, I'll get into a great college, the best! I am going to be the greatest lawyer ever, who knows, even the nations first woman president!
Debby: God's will be done.

Paula: -My- will be done! But thanks, I know what you mean.

The restaurant closes. Paula and Debby sit talking at the table. Paula seems more curious about Debby than angry at this point.

Paula: Look, I take it back, you're not stupid, just misinformed. Let me tell you, geology, chemistry, and physics proves the world is far, far older than a literal interpretation of the Bible claims it is. Doesn't that bother you?
Debby: You know that for sure?

Paula: Yes. Because carbon decays at certain rates, because the universe is expanding, because of the effects of erosion and shifting of the land masses...
Debby: Well, I'll be honest, I don't know about those things. Let's meet again at school tomorrow, 'kay?

(The next day)

Paula: So?
Debby: You like cookies?

Paula: Yes.
Debby Here you go!

Paula: Hmm...let me see...a rock, a bag of seeds...and some water? Oh ho ho!
Rachel: What?
Shiela: She went crazy huh? She wants us to eat rocks?

Paula: No, you fools. She's saying 'God made the world ready to use, he didn't have to start from scratch.'
Rachel: She's making that up!

Debby laughs cheerfully 'Yep! It's just what I think. I believe "Genesis" is right, but I don't understand it. But maybe your alternative isn't the only possibility?"

Debby: Paula, when you love someone you think they mean you the best and always give them the benefit of the doubt. But when you hate them, you always assume the worst. Paula, do you really not believe in God, or are you angry at Him?'

Paula: How dare you!

Paula at the restaurant
"Did any mail come for me today? Anything from Harvard?"

Paula's Mother: Stop dreaming and work!"

Paula steps up the pace.

Paula's life falls apart

Paula grows increasingly distracted as her family's opposition to her going away for college mounts.
The final skirmish:

Mrs. Wong: Paula! We've told you time and time again! No college!
Paula: But...but I can get a grant and scholarships, you wouldn't have to pay...
Mrs. Wong: This is not about that! This is about our family business and traditions! We've been restauranteers for generations, back in the home country, and for a hundred years here in the islands! We are proud of what we do! It's hard work and we're poor, but we are honest hard working people! But all you do is sneer and spit on us, your own family!

Mrs. Wong slaps Paula.
Paula looks stunned.

Mrs. Wong: I love you daughter. But you decide. When you are eighteen, you can walk out that door, but never, ever come back. We will disown you! Or, you can take over the restaurant.

The next day at school, Paula doesn't look so good.

Paula: Hello girls.
Sheila and Rachel (cooly) Oh. Paula. We didn't see you there (nasty giggles)
Paula: Hey...what's with this attitude?
Sheila: Well, we thought about it Paula. Rachel's going to Yale and I'm going to Stanford and well, you're going...nowhere.
Paula: How...how dare you...!
Sheila and Rachel laugh, and walk out of Paula's life.

Debby: Hello Paula!

Paula(furiously, on the verge of tears): If God is so pure and holy and good, how can there be so much suffering in the world?
Debby: Because of sin Paula. The Bible teaches that the very nature of the world changed when mankind fell from grace. Everything went out of whack. Storms, hurricanes, plagues, earthquakes...

Paula: But is that fair?! Doesn't it mean a good God can't exist if He made mankind destined to do evil and ruin everything!

Debby: I like you Paula. Will you be my friend?

Paula: No, I will not!

Debby: All right. But be honest about this, Paula. I offered you only friendship. The choice you made to hate me was yours alone.

Paula:...But that's not...you can't...God...! He...

Debby: God is offering His love to you Paula.

Paula: But if He...then...why?!?

Debby: Why?

Paula: All my life I planned to be a lawyer! To get free of this miserable hand to mouth existence, for me and my family! Lawyers have power! They can take you to court and ruin you! Lawyers take your land away and make you bleed for rent and taxes! Oh God, I'm going to live and grow old and die in that crumbling roach infested hellhole, and nobody cares!

Debby: Paula...! It's your own pain you've been talking about all this time?

Debby sees Paula's pain and goes to embrace her, but Paula runs away. Paula ditches classes and walks to a nearby field and sits under a tree, weeping. In time she is too tired to cry anymore and leans back and looks up. The sun is shining through the leaves, and is so bright it's almost blinding. For long moments Paula sits quietly looking into the sky...

Paula accepts the Lord Jesus

Rachel and Sheila start out as Paula's cronies. When she fails to destroy Debby Peterson, Rachel and Sheila turn on her.

Can God make a rock so big that even HE can't lift? Confused
Actually the answer to that is NO.
The question is a non-sensical question, that goes against God's nature of truth. To make something contradictory into a reality, goes against Gods TRUTH. It's like saying "Can God make a square circle?" A circle is a circle, and a square is a square. That is truth. God is bound by his nature to truth.

Nice script. I would like to see Paula to be more of a great debater, that would seem to have the upper hand at first.

Here are some of the objections in THE CASE FOR FAITH book-

1. since evil and suffering exist, a loving God cannot.

2. since miracles contradict science, they cannot be true.

3. Evolution explains life so God isn't needed.

4.God isn't worthy of worship if he kills innocent children.
The writer qoutes Dueteronomy, God odering genocide when he orders the Isrealites to " totally destroy" the caananites and 6 other nations and " to show them no mercy".

5.It's offensive to claim Jesus is the only way to God.

6. A loving God would never torture people in hell.

7. Church history is littered with oppresion and violence.

8. I still have doubts, so I can't be a christian.

I have actually been confronted with some of these arguments. And I even used them from time to time when I was an athiest.

As I said I'd like to see Paula seem to get the upper hand. Perhaps leave Debbie kind of dumbfounded by the barrage of arguments. And Paula doesn't raaly want to know the answers at first. She just wants to harrass Debbie.
I do like that debbie doesn't get sucked into a raging debate tho. There's no point if the other party isn't willing to listen to the truth. It calls to mind the verse " casting your pearls to swine. "

I can also relate to Paulas resentment/frustration with her family and the family business. I'm curently living through it, trying to juggle drawing and working for my dad and the family trade. LOL

The fact that Paulas family is dirt poor AND business owners doesn't sit quite right with me. It makes me wonder why are they so poor, if they work so hard? Either they are terrible with money, or certain circumstances for them to surrender most of their profits.

What do you think of writing into te script- how the Wongs were driven out by big developers and lost their property to "emminent domain". Now they are forced to pay high rent in a lousy location. It would seem more meaningful for the wongs to victims of unjust laws and regulations. This would be a catalyst for Paula to be a lawyer. She has seen injustice and how life can be unfair.
Even at some point in her argument with Debbie, Paula can finally show some vulnerabiltiy as she argues unfairness.

Then Debbie, sensing Paulas true frustration, reaches out in friendship and says to Paula, " We're not talking about other people anymore, are we? Is there something you would like to talk about, Paula?"

Then Paula, upset that she allowed her frustrations to get the better of her, but too prideful to open up, storms off. " This could lead to a melting of her hardend heart. ( just a suggestion)

I really like the scene where Paula is under the tree, struggling with coming to terms with her life and coming to faith. It shows TR

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

Edge of the Flock Book 2: Paula

Smirking, Paula addresses Sheila and Rachel, establishing that they have a master disciple relationship. 'Watch and learn girls. This is how you crucify a Christian.'
Paula(Using her height and strong eye contact to try and intimidate Debby): Debby Peterson?
Debby: You're Paula Wong aren't you? Hello! Gosh you're pretty!

Paula(beaming pridefully) Why thank you.
They both smile happily at each other.

Paula realizes she's been distracted, and her hair gets messy and her face gets fierce.
Paula: Anyway, I notice that you are carrying a Bible. Are you, pray tell, a Christian?
Debby: I sure am! Are you...?
Paula: Good God, no.
Debby: Oh...would you like to be? God loves you Paula! The Bible...

Paula (Theatrically holds up her hand to stop Debby)
Paula: Hold up a moment. You said 'God'. God doesn't exist.

Debby: Of course He does! 'Heaven and earth proclaim...'

Paula: Since you are making the assertion that God exists...

Paula opens with a maneuver meant to put Debby on the defensive: "The Burden of Proof is yours!"
Debby sits down happily and pulls out her Bible. "It is? You'll listen?"

Paula: No, not really. I already know what you Christians always say.
Debby: Really? What am I going to say next?

Paula: What proves the authenticity of the Bible? Miracles.
Debby: Prophecies too, they...

Paula: Let's say prophecies are a kind of miracle. But how do we know that miracles truly happened? Because the Bible tells us they did? Ridiculous, since the authenticity of the Bible was supposedly 'proven' by those very miracles to begin with.

Debby: Oh, but...

Paula: Let me try something a little simpler, maybe you'll understand. Miracles by definition contradict science, right?
Debby: Well I think they do...

Paula: Good girl. Now, since Miracles defy natural laws, they can't be tested or recreated. In other words, they cannot be proven scientifically! So you see, it's idiocy to say that miracles prove the Bible when miracles themselves cannot be proven. So, your little Bible...just a really badly written novel, you know?

Debby: ...but, the prophecies in the Bible...

Paula: Tell you what. The date of authorship for the prophetic books of the Bible are hotly contested. We'll never agree as to when they were written, so they are no use to us in this conversation. Consequently, they are irrelevant.

Debby: But...
Paula: Oh dear, you don't look well little Debby. We'll talk again tomorrow. Enjoy your lunch.

The next day:
Debby: Good morning Paula!
Paula: Did you think about what I said? Come to throw in the towel?

Debby: Paula, I admit you have some strong arguments. But I don't let things I don't know confuse things I do know.
Paula: Well, we're different. See, I think you have to be 100% sure about God before you can commit such a huge leap of faith.

Debby: But Paula, faith is believing even without seeing...using your argument yesterday, how can you disprove God without evidence to the contrary? And since miracles defy natural law, you can't prove they -didn't- happen...
Paula: Ooh! Very good Debby! There may be hope for you yet! Let's move on. God is omnipotent, yes? Well, can God create a stone so large even He can't lift it?

Debby: Gosh...uhm...

Paula: Cat got your tongue? Can God make a stone so large he can't lift it?
Debby: Oh! I know! That's not an argument against God, it's a question about the definition of omnipotence. God has all the power there is. All of it! If it's possible for Him to make such an impossibility happen I can't understand it though.

Paula: Ah! So you admit He can't?
Debby: I don't know Paula. God did make a really, really big rock though! The Lord Jesus said 'Upon this rock, I will build my Church', it was Simon Peter's profession 'I say You are the Messiah! The Son of the Living God!' But Jesus raised Himself from the dead, so I guess He could lift that giant rock, ha ha!

Paula: Enough with the...what? '...raised -Himself- from the dead?' Don't you mean God raised Jesus?
Debby: Yes! That's exactly what I mean! You are starting to understand!

Paula: Oh no you don't! Jesus never said He was God!
Debby: It's all through the Bible Paula. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the continuing revelation that the Lord Jesus Christ -is- God. People knew what He meant, and I pray you will.

Paula: How dare you pray for me!!! What arrogance! You want to pray? I have one, an oldie but a goodie!
If God really exists let him strike me dead right now!
Debby: 'No Paula, if you exist, do my homework for a week!'
Paula: What? I'm not going to...
Debby: Of course not. And God isn't going to kill you with a thunderbolt Paula. He loves you!

Paula looks furious, then starts to chuckle.
"You know little Christian, you're starting to put up a fight. I'm going to savor destroying your faith. See you tomorrow."

**************************************************
Sheila: That's it?
Rachel: Paula...you let her live!
Paula: It's been such a long time since I had a worthy opponant, I want to enjoy her a bit.

Paula, Sheila, and Rachel cackle like witches.

Scene Change: Wong's Chop Suey Emporium

Paula enters the restaurant.

************************************
Random Scenes to Insert: Paula's college situation is set up in an argument in the restaurant. Her mother tells her that Paula has to work so the oldest Wong son can go to college. Her brother is a brat and taunts her. Let's name him...Rick.

Paula: Did I get any college catalogs in today's mail?
Mrs. Wong: You don't need catalogs to run the restaurant Paula! Stop dreaming and get working!

Paula: I am going to college!
Mrs. Wong: Richard is going to college! We all have to work hard to save up his tuition! We've been over this a thousand times!

Paula: "Rick hates school! He never studies, always getting into trouble...!"
Mrs. Wong: 'Richard is the first born...'
Paula: 'I'm the first born!'
Mrs. Wong: 'He's our first born son! You should be happy we're giving you the business as a dowry! You'll never starve as a restauranteer! How dare you look down on our family business?! A disagreeable girl like you will be lucky to marry at all!"
Rick: Ha ha Paula! I'm going to college, I'm going to college...!

***************************************

Thinking: I hate this place.
Thinking: I hate Chinese food.
Thinking: I hate...my miserable life...!
(Gap)

Paula: You can't assume God exists without proof! Since He's illogical to begin with...

Debby: Paula, why do you insist God can't be bigger than your imagination and intellect? Can't you accept that God is so much grander and profound and complex than we can comprehend?

Paula. No. You argue that way because you're stupid. So you say no one can know what you don't understand. I'm smarter than you and have higher standards.

Debby: Well, you certainly seem sharp! In more ways than one. You get all A's in your classes?

Paula: That's right! Honors in every subject!

Debby: So I can't understand what you're saying? But you can understand, no, even dare to judge, how God thinks?

Paula: That's...ehr... Heh, not bad. But my point is that God is contradictory to natural law, cannot be proven, and therefore irrelevant. What's more, your sad little cult of Christianity is responsible for terrible evils in the world, is hypocritical and...

Debby: Paula, we Christians know we are sinners. It's because we are sinners we need the Lord Jesus Christ? Isn't that obvious?
Paula: 'Judge not, lest ye be judged!' Yet you Christians are always trying to tell the world they are going to burn in hell, while all these TV preachers go whoring and priests molest little boys and...'

Debby: Paula, Christians aren't judging you.
Paula: What a bare faced lie!

Debby: Paula, if you're speeding and someone tells you that you are breaking the law, is he your judge?
Paula: That's not relevant.

Debby He's not you know. The judge is the one with the authority and power to pass sentence. Christians just tell you what the Lord God has judged to be sin, and what it's consequences are. We can't send you to hell or force you into heaven. Oh Paula, we are not your judges.
Paula: Well...well...I'm glad you realized it! (storms off)

Sheila: Uh Paula...?
Rachel: Paula, we're starting to worry about you...
*******************************************************************
After School: George is sweeping the porch and Debby is cleaning windows at the church.

George: So...the rumors are that Paula Wong is giving you a hard time Debby.
Debby(smiling reassuringly) It's a bit of a challenge.

George: I don't know, lots of people get hung up in the details, but me, I figure, "I woke up today. The world is here. There are two good explanations for it. God and science.'
Debby: Will you choose God, George?

George: The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Ha ha! I'll choose the God of Debby Peterson.
Debby(humbled) Oh George...

George: Why do we love music? Why do we get melancholy at sunset? Why do we dream? Why do we...fall in love? When I think of these things, I must choose God over evolution.

Debby: Paula is a bit harder to convince.
George: You want I should bite her?

Debby: Oh George...you're so funny!
George: Ha ha ha...no, seriously? Or call her 'noodle girl' she hates that.

Debby: Because of their restaurant?
George: Yeah. Ever since we were all kids, people made fun of her. Maybe that's why she got mean. Her family lost their property in a legal battle when she was very young, and now they have to rent the land they used to own. It was a big scandal. People used to call her 'noodle girl', but now everyone is afraid of her.

Debby: Poor Paula...the world must seem so frightening without Jesus...

**********************************************
Mrs. Wong(shouting) Paula, NO!
Paula: But Mother, aren't you sick of being pushed around? Being poor? Being walked all over?! Lawyers did this to us! Lawyers have power!

Mrs. Wong: That's why I don't trust them! Everyone knows you can't trust lawyers! I forbid you to become one!

Paula: You say that, but I'm going to become a lawyer, and save us all from poverty! We work like dogs, but what do we have to show for it? When I'm a lawyer, we'll finally get some respect! We'll finally have some real power to change our lives...

Mrs. Wong (flatly): Paula! Do you hear yourself talking? We work hard yes! What do I have to show for it? Our home, Richard, Emily, Jason, Cynthia...and you, you ungrateful girl! Respect? Who doesn't respect us? People who don't value good honest hardworking people! Paula, the only person who doesn't respect us is you!

Paula(sniffing and turning her back): I don't have time for this, I have to work now.
Mrs. Wong. You're impossible.

Large panel, Paula emerges, beaming in her Cheong Sam,
'Greetings Honored Customers! Welcome to Wong's Chop Suey Emporium! I'm your waitress...

Debby 'Hello Paula!'

Paula turns beet red. 'What are you doing here? Come to mock me?! I'll stir fry you!!!'

Debby: Uhm...

Mrs. Wong: Paula! You no talk to honored customer like that!

Paula: ...Yes...mother....

Debby: This is a lovely restaurant Paula!
Paula sighs resentfully, hanging her head.
'This is Hell...nor am I out of it.'

Paula: Well, go ahead and have a good laugh! It's not always going to be like this! We're dirt poor, but with scholarships and grants, I'll get into a great college, the best! I am going to be the greatest lawyer ever, who knows, even the nations first woman president!
Debby: God's will be done.

Paula: -My- will be done! But thanks, I know what you mean.

The restaurant closes. Paula and Debby sit talking at the table. Paula seems more curious about Debby than angry at this point.

Paula: Look, I take it back, you're not stupid, just misinformed. Let me tell you, geology, chemistry, and physics proves the world is far, far older than a literal interpretation of the Bible claims it is. Doesn't that bother you?
Debby: You know that for sure?

Paula: Yes. Because carbon decays at certain rates, because the universe is expanding, because of the effects of erosion and shifting of the land masses...
Debby: Well, I'll be honest, I don't know about those things. Let's talk about this again tomorrow, 'kay?
(The next day)

Paula: So?
Debby: You like cookies?

Paula: Yes.
Debby Here you go!

Paula: Hmm...let me see...a rock, a bag of seeds...and some water? Oh ho ho!
Rachel: What?
Shiela: She went crazy huh? She wants us to eat rocks?

Paula: No, you fools. She's saying 'God made the world ready to use, he didn't have to start it from scratch.'
Rachel: She's making that up!

Debby laughs cheerfully 'Yep! It's just what I think. I believe "Genesis" is right, but I don't understand it. But maybe your alternative isn't the only possibility?"

Debby: Paula, when you love someone you think they mean you the best and always give them the benefit of the doubt. But when you hate them, you always assume the worst. Paula, do you really not believe in God, or are you angry at Him?'

Paula: How dare you!

Paula at the restaurant
"Did any mail come for me today? Anything from Harvard?"

Mrs. Wong: Paula! We've told you time and time again! No college!
Paula: But...but I can get a grant and scholarships, you wouldn't have to pay...

Mrs. Wong: This is not about that! This is about our family business and traditions! We've been restauranteers for generations, back in the home country, and for a hundred years here in the islands! We are proud of what we do! It's hard work and we're poor, but we are honest hard working people! But all you do is sneer and spit on us, your own family!

Mrs. Wong slaps Paula.
Paula looks stunned.

Mrs. Wong: I love you daughter. But you decide. When you are eighteen, you can walk out that door, but never, ever come back. We will disown you! Or, you can take over the restaurant.

The next day at school, Paula doesn't look so good.

Sheila and Rachel are hanging out by the cafeteria gossiping.
"Did you hear what happened to Paula at Wong's last night?"
"How the mighty have fallen!"

(Paula approaches)
Paula: Hello girls.
Sheila and Rachel (cooly) Oh. Paula. We didn't see you there (nasty giggles)
Paula: Hey...what's with this attitude?
Sheila: Well, we thought about it Paula. Rachel's going to Yale and I'm going to Stanford and well, you're going...nowhere.
Paula: How...how dare you...!
Sheila and Rachel laugh, and walk out of Paula's life.

Debby: Hello Paula!

Paula(furiously, on the verge of tears): If God is so pure and holy and good, how can there be so much suffering in the world?
Debby: Because of sin Paula. The Bible teaches that the very nature of the world changed when mankind fell from grace. Everything went out of whack. Storms, hurricanes, plagues, earthquakes...

Paula: But is that fair?! Doesn't it mean a good God can't exist if He made mankind destined to do evil and ruin everything!

Debby: I like you Paula. Will you be my friend?

Paula: No, I will not!

Debby: All right. I'm offering you my friendship Paula, for real and for truly. I don't want you to reject me...but it's your choice, do you see?

Paula:...But that's not...you can't...God...! He...

Debby: God is offering His love to you Paula. Oh how He loves you!

Paula: But if He...then...why?!?

Debby sees Paula's pain and goes to embrace her

Paula: ...No...! (sobbing)

, but Paula runs away. Paula ditches classes and walks to a nearby field and sits under a tree, weeping. In time she is too tired to cry anymore and leans back and looks up. The sun is shining through the leaves, and is so bright it's almost blinding. For long moments Paula sits quietly looking into the sky...

Paula accepts the Lord Jesus

mike · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 49 Location: winchester,Ca.

Wow. This version is waaaay better. Not just becuase you took some of my suggestions either. ( thanx BTW ). The debating and bullying and Debby's non-offensive attitude, and how each argument help lead to the next, was very well thought out. I think this is ready to draw. Everything works really well. I can't beleive how fast you put this together!

My only one suggestion or comment is regarding when Paulas mother slaps her. It doesn't seem provoked enough. Maybe have paula lose her cool and say something hurtful, regarding the resturant or how she hates her family or something to that affect. Something to warrent being slapped in the face. Very Happy

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

Nice catch Mike, I will insert the lines:

Mrs. Wong: Oh Paula, you've always been such an angry child...we love you so much...why are you so unhappy?

Paula: Because I hate you! I hate all of you!!!

(Slap)

Mrs. Wong: "I love you daughter. But you decide..."

Or something like that:) Thanks Mike, your ideas really breathed a lot of life into the script, you have a good sense for story.

Have a nice day tomorrow, and a blessed weekend:)
Gerry

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

mike · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 49 Location: winchester,Ca.

Your art is always a joy to read! Your style is fun and very expressive and always consistant in quality! I love your stuff! Very Happy

Gerry Lee · Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 107

Hi Mike! Thank you for looking at the scribble version of our story, and the nice compliments. I just put up page 3, but don't like the art and word balloon placement too much, especially the middle panel. But I think I will move onto the next page and just try to learn from my mistakes, instead of reworking it.

Expressions are so important here, and I don't know how much I like how I drew Debby's reactions. She should seem a bit bewildered and shell shocked, yes? If you still feel lead by the Lord to do these stories later this year, I know you will be able to fix these things beautifully, so I won't fret too much.

What have you been working on? Jesse's story part 1 is nearing it's conclusion isn't it? I wish you and Geoff God's best for this project! Let me know if you guys decide to do a print run of part 1, 'kay?

Have a good week Mike, I am keeping you in prayer.
God bless you,
Gerry

P.S. Mike, I was going to draw the next scene of Paula vs. Debby, but thought, 'Would Debby talk to her parents about what happened'? What do you think about putting the following scene next, after page 3?

Scene:

Josh Peterson is preparing fishing equipment in the garage when Debby walks in.

Josh: Hello pumpkin.

Debby smiles wanly and putters around.

Josh: Something on your mind, Debby?

Debby: Yes, well...there's this girl at school. She's really beautiful.

Josh: Well, good for her!

Debby: And she's really smart!

Josh: Even better! Why is she on your mind?

Debby: She doesn't believe in God. I tried to witness to her, but she turned me into a mental pretzel.

Josh: That bad?

Debby: Yes. I didn't know what to say. So I borrowed a book from the Church library about apologetics, but...

Josh: But?

Debby: Oh daddy! There are so many people in the world, and most of them are smarter than me! How can I give every man an answer for the hope that lies within me if I don't know what they are going to say? Even if I study, how can I learn everything in the world so I can answer every question ever asked?

Josh hugs Debby for a long moment.

Josh: Debby, remember when Jesus sent the apostles out to the towns and the cities? He warned them that they would be arrested, accused, attacked. This is what He told them. "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10: 19-20)

Debby: I know, but...will the Holy Spirit really tell me the answers to Paula's arguments?

Josh: God will tell you what to say, pumpkin. It might not be a specific answer to a question. Debby, people can play all kinds of tricks with words and languages. But the reason for the hope that lies within you is the Lord Jesus, the Son of God. Don't be distracted now! You know the Lord. And you know the Bible.

Josh: Remember this too Debby. No matter how smart, or passionate, or sincere you are, you can't make someone accept Jesus if they don't want to. All you can do is tell them about Him and offer them the choice.

Debby hugs Josh, the close up of her face, she looks reassured.

mike · Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 49 Location: winchester,Ca.

Brilliant! I love this scene! And it's actually a good idea to " build up " debby's father early on, so that the last installment about him will be even more powerful! Brilliant! Very Happy