The Agnostic Violinist: Chapter One

THE AGNOSTIC VIOLINIST by
Josprel

The account of the conversion of Josprel’s parents.

The two friends grew up together as inseparable brothers. One was a confirmed agnostic, who claimed the existence of God could never be proved. The other one was a religious hypocrite. Both studied music, and together they formed a popular orchestra. Neither one thought that anything could ever sever their friendship - until one claimed that he had been “born again,” and attempted to convert his friend. That’s when the friendship ended! It took a strange, dramatic, fundamentalist, religious experience on the part of the agnostic’s spouse to heal the rift!
The Agnostic Violinist
by
Josprel
Chapter One

Broszi Lombardino and Paul Perrello grew up like brothers. Leaving Italy, their Sicilian immigrant parents had met at Ellis Island, became steadfast friends, and settled almost next door to each other. Shortly thereafter, their sons were born, only two days apart, growing up like twins, with almost no life apart from each other.

Provided with an opportunity to study music, both developed into superb musicians. Broszi, a master drummer, referred to himself as ‘“The Percussionist,” as though on the entire planet Earth, he alone played the drums. Moreover, Paul, a virtuoso of the violin, often bragged that no one could "percuss like Brosz." On the other hand, often referring to Paul as “The Violinist,” The Percussionist frequently claimed that Paul "invented the strings."

In their early years, Broszi had continuously prodded Paul to form his own orchestra. "I don't have the patience to lead one, Paul, but you do. I'll be your percussionist, and I'll help any other way I can."

Finally, The Paul Perrello Orchestra was organized. Orchestras usually employed "wind" leads, but Paul's violin led their group. The orchestra's sound instantly captivated ethnic Italians, expanding to general audiences, until it was in popular demand throughout several states, and much of nearby Canada.

Though he never used the term, The Violinist was an agnostic. He claimed that no one could know that a God really existed. He even attempted, unsuccessfully, to prevent his wife, Sara - who was a devout Roman Catholic - from attending her church. Only through her perseverance was Joey, their infant son, baptized.

Broszi, however, did attend church. An irrepressible jokester, he often teased Paul about his anti-religious views. It was a liberty Paul accorded only to Broszi. That is, until that altercation about orchestra affairs when, in exasperation, The Percussionist branded him a stubborn heathen, hoping he would burn in hell!

Broszi had never seen the slim, five-foot-seven, normally mild-mannered, Violinist so livid. Fulminating at the burly, six-foot-three Broszi, Paul erupted!

"You impious hypocrite; you’re lucky we're friends!! You’re worst than any heathen! Your act holy in church, but I see what you do on the outside. If Grace knew what you do when we’re out of town, you wouldn’t have a family left.

"If there were a God, He wouldn’t let you make such a fool out of Him, the way you do. If one does exist, you’d be in your grave right now. He would have struck you dead a long time ago! I'll tell you this, you big phony; if I knew that there really was a God I’d serve Him the right way, not like you pretend to do."

Turning to leave, Paul added, "Don't you ever mention religion to me again - not ever! Is that clear?"

Then he stalked away!

Taken aback, Broszi feared he had destroyed their friendship. He and Paul had argued before, but never like this! They were just brotherly spats. And Paul never had reacted this way – eyes blazing, fists clenched and voice menacing.

Reflecting on the argument, Broszi realized Paul's charges were true. Out of town with the orchestra, he partied excessively, gambled, and was not above easy flirtations, things his wife, Grace, didn't know. A good family man, Paul did none of these. Moreover, he always was ready to help others. It was a matter of honor for him never to renege on his word, and his friends claimed that Paul's word was "like money in the bank."

Broszi apologized almost immediately, but for weeks afterward, they conversed only when unavoidable. Eventually, the gulf narrowed, and then closed. The old camaraderie resurfaced, with their mutual concern for each another. And it was that concern over The Percussionist’s two inexplicable absences from rehearsals that now brought Paul to Broszi's door.
Continued in Chapter Two

© Josprel