Chapter 4, The Right Hand of the Father Summary and Analysis

Thomas had an uneventful childhood. He was well protected by his parents from important perils, especially undertaking. Lynch's mother and father knew that random and unreasonable damage could happen. Thomas's mother let God take care of the big things. Yet Thomas's father thought that God obeyed the Laws of Nature practically all the time, no matter how brutal. Sometimes the two would come into conflict over a risky activity, Thomas's mother usually being the more permissive. Thomas's father was usually thankful, as he was afraid of losing perspective due to his intimate acquaintance with death.

Thomas thinks his father's fear was well-founded and he was always vigilant. Each morning brought news of catastrophe from the radio, but Thomas's mother always encouraged him to let go and let God. Her...