1. The Judges Week of March 21-25 Pages 192-258

2. Orleanna, Sanderling Island  Orleanna’s guilt  Why didn’t she disobey Nathan's command and take the girls home?  No money, no friends, no power, she tells us. She was "an inferior force."  Had really come to believe that God was on his side.

3. Nathan & Orleanna Meet  She was 17: beautiful, happy, nature- worshipping  Tent revival meeting  Handsome young preacher, immediately drawn to the task of "saving her soul."  Serious but capable of joking, being a loving man.

4. Marriage & War  Drafted to serve in WWII.  3 mos. In, was wounded and separated from his regimen.  While recovering, learned he had avoided notorious Bataan Death March -- his entire regiment killed.  Instantly changed by this news  Felt himself a coward despised by God.  Became obsessed w/guilt: personal mission to save more souls than had died on road from Bataan.  Convinced God constantly watching him; refused to ever bend from the service he believed God demanded of him

5. Nathan’s Treatment of Family  Believes that he must never move from path God has set out for him.  Includes sexual lust among the deviations that he is to avoid  Enraged by own sexual urges.  Turns his rage on beautiful wife – “tempting” him, and on daughters – reminders of lapses in willpower.  Seems to hate these women:  His endangermentof their lives  Constant pattern of physical and emotional abuse  Complete and utter lack of tenderness.

6. Leah  Prices have no money, no food.  Only legless Mama Mwanza takes pity on them, bringing them oranges for nothing.  Explains that those who have plenty are required to share with those who have nothing.  Leah shocked -- goodness coming from non- Christian.  Orleanna, Ruth May rarely get out of bed  Nelson convinced they’re cursed.  Leah thinks of chicken bones Tata Kuvundu placed outside door; but expresses only contempt for idea of voodoo.

7. Adah  Learns that father's church populated entirely by outsiders in their own religion: twin-prone mothers, lepers, and two men who committed accidental murder.  Villagers take practical view toward religion  Trying out new one if old one bringing bad luck  Leaving Christianity just as quickly if something bad happens again.