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'Watership Down' Author Richard Adams Died On Christmas Eve At Age 96 (theguardian.com)
Initially rejected by several publishers, "Watership Down" (1972) went on to become one of the best-selling fantasy books of all time. Last Saturday the book's author died peacefully at the age of 96. Long-time Slashdot reader haruchai remembers some of the author's other books: In addition to his much-beloved story about anthropomorphic rabbits, Adams penned two fantasy books set in the fictional Beklan Empire, first Shardik (1974) about a hunter pursuing a giant bear he believes to be imbued with divine power, and Maia (1984), a peasant girl sold into slavery who becomes entangled in a war between neighboring countries.
Adams also wrote a collection of short stories called "Tales From Watership Down" in 1996, and the original "Watership Down" was also made into a movie and an animated TV series. In announcing his death, Richard's family also included a quote from the original "Watership Down".
"It seemed to Hazel that he would not be needing his body any more, so he left it lying on the edge of the ditch, but stopped for a moment to watch his rabbits and to try to get used to the extraordinary feeling that strength and speed were flowing inexhaustibly out of him into their sleek young bodies and healthy senses.
"'You needn't worry about them,' said his companion. 'They'll be alright -- and thousands like them.'"
Adams also wrote a collection of short stories called "Tales From Watership Down" in 1996, and the original "Watership Down" was also made into a movie and an animated TV series. In announcing his death, Richard's family also included a quote from the original "Watership Down".
"It seemed to Hazel that he would not be needing his body any more, so he left it lying on the edge of the ditch, but stopped for a moment to watch his rabbits and to try to get used to the extraordinary feeling that strength and speed were flowing inexhaustibly out of him into their sleek young bodies and healthy senses.
"'You needn't worry about them,' said his companion. 'They'll be alright -- and thousands like them.'"
I'm sorry to say that Richard Adams died and is now in eternal damnation. You see, Adams failed to accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior, and therefore died in a state of sin. As a result of this unfortunate situation, Adams immediately descended into Hell. There is no hope or salvation for Adams because he is doomed to spend eternity burning in Hell. Our God does not desire that anyone would go to Hell, but it is a consequence of giving us free will. Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins, then rose from the dead to show the world that He is God. Unlike Mr. Adams' fantasy writing, this is very real, as proven by the testimony of Jesus, who rose from the dead. The Resurrection is historical fact and proves without a doubt the existence of Heaven and Hell. Sadly, we can be quite confident that Adams will spend eternity burning in the fires of Hell. Don't condemn yourself to this fate. Please accept Jesus as your personal savior this instant so your sin can be washed away and you can be certain of spending eternity in Heaven. If you're ready to accept Jesus Christ, please pray this prayer with me:
Heavenly father, I have sinned and wandered through the darkness of the world long enough. I ask for your light and your forgiveness, that I may be born again and be cleansed of my sins. Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the price for my sins on Calvary's cross. I only ask that you count me among the saved and you come into my heart today, where I welcome you as my personal savior. I hope to be counted among the saved and to spend eternity with you in the riches of Heaven. I pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.