The first of David Mathews’ books is “A Future and a Hope.”
Photo provided
HANCOCK COUNTY — David Mathews never had plans to be a writer.
He was a businessman living in nearby Indianapolis, venturing into the county when he attended church in New Palestine, and developing several close friendships here.
author Dave Mathews
A few years ago Mathews woke up from a vivid dream, one he felt was inspired by God, and immediately started taking notes. Several years later, he’s the author of two Christian-themed books: “A Future and A Hope,” published in 2018, and “Fugitive of Faith,” released this summer.
Mathews, now retired, lives in Ohio but plans to venture back into the county for a book signing from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at Brew 52, 4346 S. County Road 500W, New Palestine.
Mathews describes his first book, geared toward the young adult Christian, as a fictional novel dedicated to everyone who, at one time or another, ever doubted the goodness of God.
“It’s the fictional story of a young man who discovers that practicing what you preach is not always easy,” Mathews said. “My writing is from a Christian perspective with very positive messages.”
While his first book is designed to catch the younger adult eye, he said it has a message for people of all ages and noted several adults and teenagers who have read the book have been pleased with the effort.
His second book is more of a suspense novel, centered around the idea of being a Christian and practicing one’s faith being dangerous and even becoming illegal.
“This book has been on my mind for awhile,” he said.
Like any writer, Mathews hopes people find his books not only entertaining but also uplifting in a day and age where having faith can be challenging.
“I want to inspire and challenge people to think,” Mathews said. “I hope people will explore and find out what are our options if Christians are silenced — what do we do?”
Mathews, whose father was a pastor, grew up in the church and says he never lost his love for God.
The main character in his newer book is a pastor from California dealing with repercussions from standing his ground surrounding God’s laws. Mathews was inspired by Thomas Sowell — an American philospher, economist and columnist — who believed making a person’s truth socially unacceptablle or even illegal was considerably dangerous.
“When you can’t speak your mind without fear of repercussion, that’s a problem,” Mathews said. “Speaking your truth the past couple of years has been difficult from a Christian perspective.”
Still, Mathews’ books are designed to not only enlighten and but also entertain the reader. So far he’s recieved positive feedback and hopes that continues from Christians and others who believe in personal liberties.
“My books are not just about religious liberty, but are for anyone who believes in human rights,” Mathews said. “We are getting close in our country to where only a certain view is allowed to be expressed, and that’s just not right.”
