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Author Insight
Paulinus' Error
Paulinus believes that after he reads the pope's letter to the king, Edwin will convert. He isn't expecting questions. To Paulinus, the need of salvation is obvious, except Edwin doesn't see it that way. I imagine Edwin felt insulted. How could the king have something he'd never heard of before. Paulinus answers before he thinks. "Everyone sins," he says. Edwin turns the tables. "What sin do you have, priest?" Paulinus has no answer. He never thought about whether or not he had sins. Paulinus assumes unbelievers sin, but he never thinks about believers ... or himself. And when Edwin points out Paulinus' error, the bishop gives a glib response and changes the subject.
Book Excerpt
Saxon Heroines
Paulinus clears his throat. “To the illustrious Edwin, King of the English, from Boniface, Bishop, servant of the servants of God: We have undertaken to extend our priestly responsibility to disclose to you the fullness of the Christian Faith, in order that we may impart to your sense also the Gospel of Christ, which our Savior commanded be preached to all nations, and may offer you the medicine of salvation.”
“What is this medicine, Paulinus?” the king breaks in. “What illness can it cure?”
“It cures sin, Your Majesty.”
Edwin frowns and swirls the ale in his beaker. “Do you say I have this sin?”
“Most assuredly, Your Majesty.” Paulinus hesitates. “It afflicts all humanity. Shall I continue?”
“What sin do you have, priest?” my uncle asks.
Paulinus drops his jaw. “Um, well, Your Majesty.” He swallows. “There are so many ways to sin, it’s impossible for a man to know all his sins. This is why we need salvation.”
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