Jesuit writes mystery thrillers with pro-life themes

By Bethany Noble, The Catholic Sun
JUNE 7, 2007

Putting down a good mystery novel is nearly impossible. As the plot unravels, the suspense grows.

What if a novel could thrill readers while espousing Catholic truths?

Jesuit priest and novelist Fr. John Becker pens mystery novels that explore a number of Catholic issues, predominately the sanctity of life.

Fr. Becker, an English teacher at Brophy College Preparatory for nearly 30 years, draws on real-life experiences of teaching at an all-boys Jesuit school. Many of his characters are based on real people.

His first novel, “Father Forgive Them,” is a about a student at a Catholic school whose father is an abortionist. The boy struggles with the moral dilemma of killing his father to save the lives of babies and actually plans to do it. When his father turns up dead, the boy confesses, even though evidence points in another direction. The plot is centered on discovering the identity of the real murderer.

According to Fr. Becker, the magisterium of the Church is presented throughout the books as different issues and situations arise. “I want readers to come away with the Truth without being beaten over the head with it,” he said.

In each novel, the main character, an older Jesuit priest who teaches at the school, makes reference to Church teaching in conversation and through his own thoughts. He often explains it to other characters. Simple, yet meaningful prayer is interlaced throughout each book.

As a Jesuit since 1943 and a teacher for more than 50 years, Becker’s understanding of the life issues Catholics face everyday is apparent in his writing.

In his first two novels issues range from abortion, chastity and unwanted pregnancy to learning to love one’s enemy and forgiving those who do wrong. His third novel, in the hands of a potential publisher, delves into the recent sexual abuse scandals that have shaken the Church.

The fourth, which is still a work in progress, focuses on the ethics of embryonic stem cell research.

Speaking out on pro-life issues has always been important to Fr. Becker, who can be found every Saturday praying in front of abortion clinics in the Valley.

“The bottom line of all of this, such as abortion and stem cell research, is that it is murder,” he said.

His homilies often urge the faithful to be active when it comes to life issues.

“I ask them if they would be willing to help a pregnant girl who is in trouble or to adopt an unwanted child,” he said. “I ask if they talk openly about pro-life issues and pray about them.”

Fr. Becker believes his mystery novels are a way to introduce Church teaching on the sanctity of life in an engaging and easy to read manner.

“Anyone in seventh grade on up could read my novels,” he said. “My hope is that they gain a deeper understanding of the Truth.