|
A lot of Catholics will benefit from this book because it reminds us that we should have a personal relationship with God / Jesus. However, some of the dialogue that happens in this work of fiction seems forced, as the author tries to have a parallel between Jesus and Joshua. If you are spiritual and/or a Christian - it is worth reading - but it did not "change my life." Basically, it seems that the author, Catholic priest, wanted to write a book about Jesus and toss some mild criticism at religious dogma.
A simple carpenter moves to the outskirts of a small town named Auburn, mystifying the locals with his beautiful wood carvings and astute insights into religion. They don't like the things he says about the way their churches are operated. Joshua tries to answer that question. What if Jesus came back today. The climax is never exposed, but foreshadowed well throughout the entire book. It doesn't take long before the whole town considers him a friend.But soon Joshua's views on religion and the church bring trouble with the established clergy in town.
The things he discusses speaks to their hearts.
Joshua lives a happy life, making toys for children and fixing furniture for the elderly.
Girzone captures the spirit of Jesus perfectly, borrowing heavily on Biblical examples.
Would we recognize him.
He is soon summoned to Rome to interview with a panel of cardinals and bishops, and eventually meets the pope himself.This book is a stunning commentary on the church and its failure to live the Gospel.
People are drawn to him.
He is friendly, never too busy to stop and have a conversation.
It is well-written, with simple prose that moves along delicately.
I had a hard time putting this book down.
I had read this book when it was first released, and really enjoyed the parable.I am eager to share it with my son.
Father Girzone has written what it would be like if Jesus Christ returned to earth in today's world. I beleive much of what he says about what it would be like. He captures it very well.
Of course, many of Joshua's messages throughout are good and should be minded, but the bigger picture of Christ's incarnation should be there too - and it is not to be found.Aside from the message of Joshua, the writing is not phenomenal and the storyline is unimpressive.Instead of the anti-authority preachiness of the book, I think we would be better served to see a simpler WWJD story over everyday issues. Joshua has evidently come again to tell off religious leaders - that they have done a bad job and are a bunch of hypocrites.
Why. Well how confident can a person be that they know Jesus enough to put words into his mouth.
I think I would be skeptical of any book that writes from the perspective of Jesus as the book Joshua does. This 'freedom' is brought up a lot in the book but never defined.
Those are exactly the issues the author of Joshua explores through the mouth of a humble, simple carpenter set in the modern day period. And how Joshua or Jesus feels about Christianity is that the authorities have perverted the church with rigidity and the message of freedom has been lost.
The message of redemption and salvation are not explored at all in the book which I find to be disettling. Additionally, we have the role models of the saints as instructors so to insert Jesus into a character seems uncalled for.
|
