A Modern-Day Parable

I recalled a modern-day parable today (June 30, 2007) that I wrote about in my manuscript that I thought a few here might be interested in reading. The following is taken from pages 253-255 of my 800 page manuscript written in 1993:



Soon after I understood my perceived destiny in late September, 1989, I recalled a science fiction story from my youth. I recount this story, which I entitled "The Alien", in the following condensed, paraphrased version. I apologize to the author for not remembering his identity. (The Hannibal Courier-Post newspaper published this story after I offered it to them for publishing in 1991.)


********************** The Alien****************************

After Mars was colonized by earthlings in the 22nd Century, Mars was covered by domed cities and highways. Quite civilized.

One day, a prospector was working near the bank of Valles Marineris and noticed in the deep channel was a being -- its identity unclear and obscure -- who was in dire straits.

(The prospector did not know it, but this being was one of the original Martians with a unique ability -- it could take on the form of a deceased loved one when it was in mortal danger. A very unique defensive mechanism evolved over the millennia.)

The prospector radioed a contingent of people from the nearest domed city to save this being.

Within minutes, hundreds of people arrived to save this being.

A little girl cried out, "That's my grandmother!"

A man shouted, "That's my deceased wife!"

A mother sobbed, "That's my little baby girl who I lost as an infant!"

Every single 'helper' saw someone who he or she identified with. And the din among the 'helpers' grew louder and louder!

Though this alien's chameleon characteristic was designed to attract a rescuer, it also had a drawback. When so-called rescuers fought over its identity, the alien's strength ebbed and grew weaker.

So, it was just a matter of time before the ranting and raving of the 'helpers' killed the alien.

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

After I finished reading this short story as a teenager, I immediately recognized a moral to this modern-day parable. The alien, a superior life form to the transplanted earthlings, represented a Higher Power, the Supreme Being, Creator of the universe and all that it consists of. Each of the rescuers represented a different religion, denomination, or creed. As has been demonstrated throughout history, there has been much dispute and controversy over the name, identity, and characteristics of the Creator of the universe; the Supreme Being.

When I recalled this science fiction parable in late September, 1989, I believed that I would use it as part of the ministry of the Two Chapter 11 Witnesses. One thing that was puzzling to me was: What were we to do to cause so many people to celebrate our deaths in Jerusalem in Spring, 1996?

I reasoned, "Only time will tell."