The Book of Being is an allegory, and as an allegory holds within it deeper meaning than what lies on the surface. It is important, therefore, that the film be explained, not only so those who see it can reap the blessings that can come from it, but also so that nothing is misunderstood or misconstrued.


O v e r v i e w

The film, as a whole, is based on Psalm 119:67: “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept Thy word.” It is a story of the Lord’s faithful discipline of His children when they stray, the way He uses circumstances in our lives, trials and hardships, to mold and make us, and to cause us to seek Him and rely on Him more closely.

This truth is brought to life in the land of Being, representing the human individual. Within Being lies Mansheart, Mansmind, and Manstrength, which, of course, represent one’s heart, mind and strength. In the Bible we are commanded to love God with all of these, but when we fail to direct our minds towards the Lord and use our strengths and energies for His purposes, there is division within us, and the opportunity for Satan to gain a foothold. The Book of Being is an allegory of the individual who has been saved, yet over time, makes small compromises leading to inner turmoil. Through afflictions, however, he is lead to seek God, and in the end realizes a vital truth that will never be forgotten.






K a r d i a of M a n s h e a r t

Kardia, Greek for “heart,” is a representation of the soul that has been saved. He is the appointed King of Being, and despite his compromise in allowing Manstrength and Mansmind to stray in various ways, he remains faithful, as the scepter of Arnion (Christ) still lives through him. The desire of the Aphel, ultimately, is for him, or the soul of man (the Aphel are explained below). Kardia’s desire is for the kingdoms to be united under his banner, which ultimately is Arnion’s, or Christ’s, because only when united, he knows, the enemy is rendered powerless. Although still faithful and true, Kardia himself even has doubts of Arnion’s continued love for Being, due to its weakened resolve and lack of resisting the enemy. This truth is expressed near the beginning of the film as Kardia sits alone at the campfire and anxious thoughts permeate his mind. His relationship with Arnion, or Christ, has been hampered, and he longs for that pure closeness once again.


A s t h e n e s of M a n s t r e n g t h

Asthenes, Greek for “weak, feeble,” is a representation of the individual’s strength, efforts, and actions. Asthenes is stubborn, independent, self-willed, and looks lightly upon the Aphel (sin), thinking that Arnion is not needed to overcome the enemy. He believes all is well, and the enemy is well contained. Throughout the film, Asthenes is divisive, the first to react or disagree. He thinks himself strong, yet as seen in the film, he is the first to grow weary in Forlorn Forest, where he is put to the true test. Also, at the beginning of the film, while in his peak of confidence that the enemy fears him and his people, Asthenes is suddenly overshadowed by an Aphel. During such pride, he is his most vulnerable. In the end, Asthenes comes to realize his rebellion, and unites himself with Kardia and Moria.


M o r i a of M a n s m i n d

Moria, Greek for “foolish, unwise,” is a representation of one’s mind, thoughts, logic, and rationale. He is cunning and knowledgeable, and thinks himself reasonable. He doubts Arnion’s ability to overcome the enemy, relying on his own logic and understanding. He and his people believe themselves to be the enlightened ones, hence their practice and fondness for bearing lights. Moria is also prone to argue and discuss issues with Kardia, though in a more cordial manner. Above all else, however, is he prone to rationalize. He rationalizes away his attack from an Aphel while crossing the snowy mountains, while also belittling his injury from a fallen tree while in Forlorn Forest. In the end, he comes to realize his error, and sees that Arnion is not only able to deliver them, but has been continually delivering them throughout their entire journey.


The A p h e l

Aphel is Greek for "darkness," and is primarily a representation of sin, yet also the devil. Before salvation, we were slaves to sin, or in the film, to the Aphel, yet one glorious day we were saved by Christ, who entered the heart and soul (Mansheart), driving the power of Satan and his legions away. Yet, sin is still alive and well, and Satan still prowls for the believer. Over time, through compromise and the letting down of his guard, we see Being, or the individual, allowing sin, or the Aphel, to regain strongholds that should not be relinquished. The mind and the strength are in turn affected, yet the heart is still the Lord’s, though it be troubled. Throughout the film, the Aphel are strongest when the three representatives from each kingdom are divided or alone. When united, the Aphel are powerless, and such occurs at the end. There are many scenes expressing this truth. During his trek across the mountains, Moria is weak and alone, and is attacked. Yet, the Lord provides a way of escape, and Moria is delivered. Yet, relying on his “reason,” Moria dismisses it as nothing more than a dream. This is true of us when we rationalize away sin, thinking more lightly of it then we ought. Lastly there is the scene in Forlorn Forest when, during great division, the Aphel appear. Moria, sober and frightened, suddenly realizes an important truth. “Not idly have they chosen this hour,” he says, knowing they are weakest when divided amongst themselves.


Prince A r n i o n

Arnion, Greek for “lamb,” is the representation of Christ. He is the Deliverer who long ago rescued Being from the power of the Aphel. Arnion has promised to always be with the three kingdoms, and commands them not only submit to Mansheart through which he now reigns, but also to unite as one in loving Him and resisting the Aphel. He reveals to them that the Aphel are not dead, but defeated, and that only through Him will Being have the power to overcome the enemy, and keep them at bay. Another startling announcement is made. They have not been delivered from slavery itself, but from whom they were enslaved. Meaning, they are no longer slaves of sin, but now of Christ, as the Bible teaches. Throughout the journey Arnion is by their side, shown in the scene where Moria hears a noise behind him, when he is delivered on the mountains, and when Asthenes disarms the enemy, allowing just enough time to escape. In the end, Arnion reveals to them that some of their trials were brought upon them by Him ... the rivers running dry, the cattle decreasing, etc, while the attacks from the Aphel were a result of Being’s own compromise and errors. Kardia, Asthenes, and Moria are shocked to hear this, yet quickly realize why Arnion brought such things about. “Would you have sought for Me had not these things happened?” he asks. It was His way, as it is the Lord’s way, to bring them back and to cause them to depend solely upon Him. Many verses in Scripture, of course, speak of this truth.






N a r r a t i o n Overview

Most of the narration is understandable to the average viewer as it deals with the salvation of the soul and the new life one finds in Christ. Therefore, below we answer only the most commonly asked questions.


What does she mean by, "Indeed, they are as close to you as you are to yourself"?

This statement is made in reference to "a distant time and a faraway land." She then adds, "...though not so distant and faraway as you may well imagine." The above statement follows next, and the meaning is this: The story of Being is about a land faraway and long ago, yet is about you, the viewer. You, yourself, are a representation of the land of Being, and the land of Being is a representation of you. Therefore, it is as close to you as you are to yourself.


What does the river 'Reliance' that separates Manstrength represent?

The kingdom of Manstrength has become, above all else, independent. If there's one tendency we all have as human beings, it's to rely on our self-abilities and talents. The history of the river is revealed by Kardia at the campfire as he talks with Asthenes. "You know who forged the river for your protection," he says. "You know who still holds it." Because Arnion knew Manstrength would always be prone to rely on themselves, he forged the river on the day of their deliverance, calling it "Reliance." The purpose was clear: to continually remind Manstrength who it was that truly protected them, who was their true strength, and on whom they truly relied. Yet, as the narration later explains, the river is in time renamed "Defiance," and after a period of the kingdom's deviation, begins to run dry. Their true protection, namely, Arnion, has finally given them their sole desire ... independence. And as a result, the Aphel reclaim certain lands on the outskirts of their island.


Why was there no need for Prince Arnion to drive the Aphel from Mansmind and Manstrength?

After Arnion's victory over Mansheart, driving the forces of the Aphel away, the narrator explains that there was no need to continue further on into Mansmind and Manstrength, for the Aphel had been driven from all three kingdoms. Such is true of salvation. The soul becomes property of Jesus Christ, and although sin and the devil can still claim footholds in the believer's life, they are no longer masters of it. The soul is the ultimate deciding battleground, and whoever claims it claims all of Being. Thus, once Mansheart was conquered, so was all of Being.


I'm confused regarding the appointed king, and the letters which Arnion promises to continually send to Being that must be bound into a book for 'all to read and remember.' What does all this mean?

The new appointed king of Mansheart is a representation of Christ's Spirit and life in the new believer. Though the heart can stray of itself, as happens to Kardia, his position is sure and founded. King Kardia is still led of Arnion, and His sceptor still reigns through Mansheart, "weakened though it may be." The letters are a representation of Christ's Holy Spirit and His revealed, written word. As the believer is led and taught by the Holy Spirit and Scripture, so the land of Being is led by Arnion's letters that they keep and bind in order to always read and remember them. When the kingdoms begin to stray, however, something startling happens. The letters become difficult to understand, and even those that were once understood begin to lose their meaning. Truly, such happens in the life of the believer when compromises are made. Not only is God's Spirit not as vibrant and alive in one's life, but even His word begins to loose its savor, sweetness, and clarity. It is a dire truth we must all seek to avoid.


What does the "Golden Age" represent?

The 'Golden Age' as mentioned by the narrator is a representation of the years following one's new life in Christ. The fire, the zeal, and the wonder of the new believer is a beautiful sight to behold. Sometimes, however, that fire can begin to wane. How often do we find ourselves seemingly burdened by, bored with, or simply not as thankful for everyday Christian activities, whether it be church or simply our morning devotions? Such is not always the case with everyone, of course, but it would indeed be difficult to find just one Christian who at one time or another hasn't felt spiritually down or weakened in their lives. May it be that our 'Golden Age' always last till the very end.


Briefly touch upon the differing ways in which the kingdoms stray.

As Mansmind and Manstrength begin to stray, we see them doing so in different ways. Mansmind begins to pride themselves in wisdom and knolwedge, thinking themselves enlightened. Hence, they become bearers of light, and throughout the movie Moria is seen putting them to use. Mansmind also begins reverencing the falcon for its cunning and speed, which can represent anything we allow our minds to begin admiring and idolizing outside of Christ. As a result, however, we see that the 'northern defenses of Mansmind' fail to receive sufficient reinforcements, which leads to the relinquishement of lands to the Aphel. Scripture, of course, tells us to continually renew our minds, setting them on things above and filling them with God's word. Such are the 'reinforcements,' and when they fail to arrive, sin is allowed to creep in. As a result, division and confusion ensues, and doubts and questions begin to permeate. Sin in one's life, ultimately, begins in the mind. It is the initial battleground, and afterwards can all too easily be put into action. Manstrength, conversely, begins to rely on their weapons of warfare, thinking themselves strong and defensable. In the midst of such pride, they find themselves vulnerable as the river begins to run dry and the Aphel reclaim outlying lands. Lastly, the two kingdoms become clouded and dark. The result of sin, indeed, is a clouding of our minds and actions, where, thinking we see clearly and are acting reasonably, we are becoming blind and foolish. Despite all this, however, the sun still shines over Mansheart, as it remains the property of Arnion. They are grieved, however, as their relationship with Him isn't as it once was, and deep down they knows that all of Being is in dire circumstances.


What do the necklaces given to Moria and Asthenes represent?

The necklaces are a simple representation of anything we put our trust in outside of Christ. In the end, Kardia removes them from Moria and Asthenes, while they themselves begin to see their inherent evil and emptiness. The Christian soon comes to realize that such things are temporal, cannot be trusted, and are easily taken away. Moria discovers this truth when he finds a dead falcon during his journeys, as does Asthenes when his weapons fail him and he barely escapes from the clutches of the Aphel.


F o r l o r n Overview

Forlorn Forest is significant place in the film. and is a representation of the most difficult times in our lives that reveal who we truly are and where our strength and trust really lie. While in good times we may appear well and Godly on the outside, what are we truly like on the inside when tough times come our way? The cave the characters flee to is a further represents of the very darkest of times in our lives when all seems lost and hopeless. Yet, it is often in such hours that Christ speaks clearly to us, or encourages us through something or someone. Such is shown when the three travelers discover a scroll containing a message from Arnion with simple words of encouragement and hope.


Verses The Book Of Being Is Based On

“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” Ps. 119:67

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes.” Ps. 119:71

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord: neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Pr. 3:11-12

“If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” Gen. 4:8

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto as unto children, ‘My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son who he receiveth.’ If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” Heb. 12: 5-7

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Heb. 12:11

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” I Peter 2:11


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