But approaching the subject from the standpoint of the writer, I think it is safe to say that while the South is hardly Christ-centered, it is most certainly Christ-haunted. The Southerner, who isn’t convinced of it, is very much afraid that he may have been formed in the image and likeness of God.
Mystery and Manners p. 45
I have often thought that we all know deep down. I know Paul says as much—at least God-haunted if not Christ-haunted. And if this is true—ought the writer not seek to capitalize on that truth. Don’t we write so that the fear of there actually being a God and the greater fear that the reader has of having some dealings with him is both highlighted and legitimized.
But then overriding that do we not also offer a hope—not a general, sappy, prosperity-gospel hope, but a hard, die-to-self-and-live hope? Is that not our calling? Truth that terrifies, hope that settles.
Lingering Over Leaves 