The Dream Train

The Dream Train is a book that can be read on several different levels. (1) First, it is an allegory of the Christian Life. The entire narrative consists of a dream sequence that encompasses the scope of a person who gradually comes to faith in Christ, then continues to grow in grace until the end of their life. The primary characters are easily recognizable. They include God the Father, portrayed as The Conductor; His Son, Jesus Christ, seen as The Prince, and the Holy Spirit, who is depicted as My Companion. Additionally, the Church is recognized as the Train, Satan is seen as The Tempter, and sin is pictured as a burden of heavy baggage. Heaven is viewed as the Shining City. (2) Second, the book may also be studied as a systematic theology, focusing on Bibliology, Christology, Soteriology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. (3) Third, the book may be read with the understanding that much of it is autobiographical. (4) Fourth, the book may be utilized as a history resource for those who study hymnology. (5) Finally, The Dream Train may be read simply as a fictional story for the sake of a literary exercise.