Joshua: A Parable for Today (2024)

What if Jesus came back today? Would we recognize him? Joshua tries to answer that question. 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. Joshua lives a happy life, making toys for children and fixing furniture for the elderly. People are drawn to him. He is friendly, never too busy to stop and have a conversation. The things he discusses speaks to their hearts. 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. They don't like the things he says about the way their churches are operated. 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. Girzone captures the spirit of Jesus perfectly, borrowing heavily on Biblical examples. It is well-written, with simple prose that moves along delicately. The climax is never exposed, but foreshadowed well throughout the entire book. I had a hard time putting this book down.

I love this book ! I've read it a couple of times because it just made feel good.this one well always be on my book shelf to be read again.

What would you do if Jesus was living up the street from you? A simple man, doing God's will, who is as radical today as he was with the Apostle's? Welcome to the journey of a lifetime, where you are likely to question your understanding of God and Jesus Christ. I first encountered this book in high school, and just re-read it to be in solidarity with my freshmen who have this for summer reading. Some of the lessons I gained were the same, but many were different. I highly recommend that you take this spiritual journey, to learn more about God and more about yourself.

This book suffers from the same syndrome that I believe ails most Christian fiction: a fantastic concept with weak execution. I would say the biggest problem I had was with the dialogue. Every page turns into a sermon, and subtlety is nowhere to be found. Moreover, the characters' words are all so stiff and formal that interactions cannot seem natural for the reader. There are a lot of positive aspects of the book, though. As stated, I think the concept is outstanding. How would we interact with Jesus if He returned today? I also love the principles Joshua tried to convey, about freedom and God's love for His people. I just wish that the author had a more subtle touch. Actually, I think I would rather have had a more limited narrator who didn't go into Joshua's thoughts. Not only did it seem a bit presumptuous (how can we know the mind of Jesus?), but it also took away the mystery from the reader. I love the idea that we should be able to recognize Jesus by what he does, and going into his Biblical memories was too pushy for me. Nonetheless, even though it isn't a favorite, I did enjoy reading the book.

It’s pretty bold to put your point of view into the mouth of a fictional Jesus Christ. Mostly I’m turned off by anything that treats Christianly subjects because of all the pious hypocrisy I witnessed as a boy, but since Girzone has undertaken the task of taking the Christian denominations to task I rather enjoyed this.

The central thesis here is that though Jesus sought to liberate humans from the constraints and legalisms of religion, the very religion which grew up to embody his teachings has come to imprison humans in constraints and legalisms. Closely tied to this in the novel is that clerics should be humble servants instead of the “doughty” lords they sometimes make of themselves (though Girzone leaves out all the cleavage-starers and vagin*-chasers I was admonished to honor when a boy).

Some of the dialogue is stilted, Girzone tells more than shows, it’s rather repetitious in message, and there are a couple of implausible twists with illogical premises, but I can't help but give this book four stars just for its balls. Probably its most incisive jab is that modern Judaism more closely holds to the spirit of Jesus than Christianity itself.

I have just finished this book for the third time and still love this story as I did from the very first perusal. Father Girzone retells the story of Christ through Joshua, a young man who moves into a small town in New York State. Joshua lives a simple life, making friends easily and winning the hearts of the neighborhood children.

Everyone loves Joshua but people are mystified by him, wanting to learn more but reluctant to pry. Joshua, fortunately, makes himself easily accessible and becomes very popular in town, calling the attention of the neighborhood churches. Joshua tells all who listen that they are free to love God and to worhsip in any way they wish and not to be bound by the strict laws of their churches. His message is taken to heart by many, but repudiated by those who cannot imagine life without religious structure.

Joshua's lessons are either learned or rejected and like the Pharisees of old, he is reported to the "higher authority" for questioning. A chosen few are allowed to be witness to Joshua's real identity and for them, they will never be the same.

"Joshua" is a beautiful story, written simply, but highly enjoyable. One can finish it in a day and then move on to the rest of Father Girzone's books involving Joshua.

Ugh...This book was a chore to read. Lifeless characters, wooden dialogue, a plot equal parts implausible and telegraphed. There is a refreshingly progressive message, but not at all artfully delivered.

Inspiring and heartwarming...but a bit dull, and edgier than one would expect for a novel like this.

This is a compelling read, but is not the best written book. Girzone tells a pretty good story, but parts of this read like stuff coming out of an intro fiction writing class. The conversations are stilted and artificial.
Nevertheless, the conceit of Jesus coming back to Earth under the radar is refreshing. There is a sort of Will Rogers wit to Girzone's observations about religious practice, all the more interesting coming from a retired Catholic priest.
His riff on marriage is passionate, but incomplete. Certainly Catholicism has overregulated this and annulment has been a nightmre, but the character, Joshua, seems to forget his own words about marriage in the Gospels.
How Joshua interacts with Jewish characters is refreshing, but also left underdeveloped. I thought his dialogue with Catholic church officials could have been a bit more biting and incisive, especially the constant references to Joshua not having the authority to comment on Church matters.
Girzone calls this "a modern parable", but I don't see the lesson fleshed out completely, although I suppose one could say the same thing about the scriptural parables.

These kind of book reviews split me in two. There´s the believer point-of-view and then there´s literary criticism. Can I separate the two here? If you love the subject matter, in this case it is Jesus, can you really be objective in a review?

I guess I just have to go with how this book moved me. I read it twice which says a lot. Each time I got something out of it. I didn´t agree with all of it, but I did agree with most of it.

Girzone´s style is kind of simplistic - or is it? The conversations among characters is straightforward, and some people are like this. It makes you imagine an idyllic small town and gives it an unreal/fairy tale like feel that even if not intentional is effective.

There´s a lot to dig around for in Joshua and all in all the book was satisfying and rewarding.

I haven't taken time to read Girzone's other Joshua books, but this was an amazing story because the author challenged me to think literally about what the Christ would be like if he walked among un now in the flesh. WWJW bracelets can't come close to the thinking level available through this novel.

I read this book over 30 years ago, when Goodreads was just a dream. It was like coming back to an old friend. I have been through a lot since then many trials and struggles of being a pastor. This book showed me how I should finish my ministry. It is about Jesus/Joshua coming back and showing and telling people how to live. Yet again most religious leaders rejected him because He was disrupting their authority. Eventually will read the rest of the series, again.

Not sure how I feel about this one. An interesting premise, but I think it must take a lot of nerve to put so many words into Jesus's mouth.

I have some mixed feelings about this book. Portraying Jesus in a modern setting is risky business. Sometimes I think there's a little too much of Fr. Girzone in Joshua, but I'm sure that there is also plenty of Jesus in Fr. Girzone. He has a good and thought-provoking message, one that is simply and clearly stated (if often too repetitive) so that many people will be able to understand it and think seriously about it. As an elaborate parable, the story conveys some important messages.

The modern-day Jesus (Joshua) is a great artist and skilled craftsman. His portrayals of Moses and St. Peter in wood carvings have a powerful effect on on those who behold them. But the author's skill in telling a story does not do justice to the subject. Almost all of the characters seem like caricatures and much of the dialog seems artificial. The book resorts to describing the personality of its characters more than realistically portraying them. The story has some wonderful features. Joshua is far more readily accepted by Jews on his second visit than by Christians. The book presents this as a very plausible scenario. Yet Joshua's dramatic effect on the lives of specific individuals is more described than dramatized. The book fails to draw the reader in very deeply here. The story mainly (and too obviously) serves as a vehicle for Joshua's brief discourses on the current state of religion and Christianity in particular.

In the book Fr. Girzone expresses his view, through Joshua, that art should have a definite message. Yet art itself is a message; an expression of God's image and creativity through human effort. If the message in a work of art is strong, the quality of the art must be much stronger still in order to avoid its being dominated by the message. Art that is completely dominated by its message is mere propaganda. Joshua is worth reading for the message it conveys, but the story is too dominated by the author's message to be considered an effective medium.

This is an entirely pleasant and peaceful story about Jesus returning to the world, but quietly. Joshua, a simple carpenter, shows up in an upstate New York town and begins to change those around him through his quiet acts of generosity and kindness. He reaches out to all of the various congregations in the town--the Jews, the African-American Pentecostals, the Catholics, the Episcopalians,the Methodists--and teaches them that religion is not important, kindness is. There are some fairly insightful theological thoughts spoken by Joshua, which I found especially interesting since the author is a Catholic priest. Much of Joshua's criticism is aimed at the Roman Catholic Church, which--considering the source--made them very poignant.

I have come to the conclusion that I am a non-denominational Christian who goes to Catholic Church. A lot of what Joshua had to say echoes the conclusions that I've reached in my own spiritual journey and education. It was heartening to me to know that other people have arrived at the same place that I have. We--the Church--have made something so simple incredibly complicated. The Pharisees would be proud.

I enjoyed this book very much. I am going to give it to my mom.

Man, I read these books around 1990. Now they seem so dated. At the time I thought they were great - so much so that I read three or four of them. Kind of clever, kind of interesting. How would Jesus be today? At the heart of it, I like the basic message of Joshua - Jesus would be seen as an outcast. But now as I look back at it, Joshua doesn't go nearly far enough - nor could it. The way I view Jesus now as compared to how I did in 1990 is worlds apart. But I'm getting away from the review of the book, which I enjoyed tremendously in 1990. The problem with the book today is how tame it is. I fear that Christians would be bored with it. But then again, I could be wrong.

I was raised catholic and I now believe that there has never been a time when Jesus ( the word made flesh) was not on this earth in human form coming to the people that prayed fervently for him to come . He came to me and initiated me ( baptized me ) into surat shabd yoga ( the yoga of joining my soul with the holy spirit so i can also become the word made flesh)

As Girzone says "The Bible is not Christianity . Christianity is the Apostles (those LIVING HUMANS wh0 are guided by the holy spirit) " --and --"Christianity is not based on the Bible . It is Based on the Apostles of Jesus " ---and "Jesus never wrote the Bible nor did he intend Christianity to be based on the bible --he left Peter and he said "YOU WILL BE THE ROCK ON WHICH I SHALL BUILD MY CHURCH "

So according to Girzone the church is NOT based on the bible but on humans who are one with and intune with God in the form of the holy spirit and all humans are one in that spirit and their so only one church . We are all children of God and to be saved we must love god and each other . Jesus does indeed manifest himself to human IRL to guide his church --those who sincerely seek to love him and all man kind

This is a great book and I will read the second soon .

IWG - 6/8/18

FANTASTIC. Seriously, such a profound book. Former priest, Girzone, wrote a parable - a what if Jesus were to return during modern day - and the Catholic church was like the Pharisees/Sadducees of old. Mind-blowingly good. How the tables turn (the Jewish people that Joseph meet are compelled by him and warmly embrace him, as well as many seeking acceptance and more in life) and what Christianity is supposed to be about - not religious dogma, but rather a freedom in God. There were SO many good parts and scenes, but one of my favorites is this one (paraphrasing):

At a synagogue service, an older Jewish man is enraged that this young "Christian", Joshua, is so openly and warmly received and confronts him along the lines of "Your people killed my people".

Joshua, in return, takes a moment to gather himself and knows that this man is hurting and grieves. He's not looking for a theological exchange. And instead of defending himself or "his religion", he EMBRACES the older man. He simply says, "I am SO sorry for what Christians (he may have even said my people, I don't remember) have done in the name of God and have hurt you and your family. Can you forgive me?" The warmth of the exchange is genuine and the man is transformed, as is the reader.

As someone raised in the church, I have often feared I would be much like the Pharisees if Jesus came today. Not on purpose, but because of the structures and traditions of the institution that has shaped my life. I think Girzone fears the same. A thought provoking parable that shines light on necessary things, but the writing is just correct. I'd have a hard time committing to the whole series of 9 books.

This book is also not the typical book I usually read. After reading Mark Richt's book, it got me in the mood to read another inspirational book. This book did not disappoint. A comment on the back cover of the book reads, "Once you have read it, you'll want everyone you love to read it, too.". Yea, that sums it up. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It will make you think!

I would like to think that I would recognize Jesus if he came into the world today but his simple way of seeing things is so foreign to this world. Wonderful story and it has me looking at things just a bit differently.

Very touching. Well worth your time.

This book really is a "parable for today." The book is about Jesus coming back to Earth and visiting a small town, acting under the disguise of an unassuming carpenter. But quickly, the members of the small community realize that his modest facade hides a deep understanding of faith. People start gathering to hear him speak, and he quickly gains a following... sound familiar? His words and actions have a profound and wide-ranging effect on the members of this small town and beyond (he is eventually called to the Vatican). There are many allusions to Jesus life, including healing a sick girl, raising a boy from the dead, carrying a heavy log across his back with ease, and curing a blind woman.

This book had a radical effect on the way I view religion and spirituality. It will probably challenge the way you have thought about religion for your whole life, so be prepared for a shock. Either way, this illuminating and insightful book is a thoughtful title that anybody—religious or not—should consider reading.

Loved this wonderful story. I borrowed from a friend and have now ordered it so I can reread, underline and write in the margins.

I read this many years ago and sort of recalled the premise but didn’t remember the thoughtful ideas presented. This is called a parable and is kind of a “what if Jesus entered a modern day community?” Would he be recognized? Would he be accepted? Would history just repeat itself? The writing itself is a bit simplistic and sometimes not naturally flowing; the theme and answers Joshua gives regarding God are lovely and in line with true gospel teaching of humility and service. Definitely thought provoking as a practicing Catholic Christian.

Great book!

This book likes to quote scripture but as Jesus pointed even satan can quote scripture, as he tried to tempt Christ and failed.

There is basically nothing but heresy in this book. I did not research the author prior to reading but quickly realized it is told from a Catholic point of view. There is a total misunderstanding of the role of the actual Peter. Joshua seems to treat the pope as the actual reincarnation of Peter. Peter was not the rock on which the church was built, his statement is the rock on which the church is built. "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God" and THAT is the rock, not Peter. In fact Peter fades more into the background, Paul being considered the greater apostle and James (yes, shockingly Jesus' actual birth brother, younger son of Mary) became the head of the church in Jerusalem. The premise of the book is built on the supremacy of Peter and the put down of the protestant church bodies.

Also, Jesus (Joshua) was subject to the authorities of the Jewish faith as the once and final perfect fulfiller of all the ceremonial laws. Having fulfilled the law His followers are now free from man made traditions but still subject to obeying God. As told to Moses, God identifies Himself as "I AM who I AM'; it is not how we choose to define him. There is no reason why Joshua who does not identify as Catholic would fall under the jurisdiction of the Catholic hierarchy.

The central point of all scripture is the payment Christ suffered for our salvation and Joshua seems to toss that side. The Jewish congregation accepted his teaching and for him that was enough.

The relationships with Marcia (and Mary) are just plain sacrilege. For one thing scripture say to not even let there be a hint of scandal, yet Joshua flaunts his and Marcia's flirtation as if he is proud of it. He also leads her on when he knows in the end she will be heartbroken. Jesus would never treat a woman so badly.

There is no salvation in this book but there is certainly the possibility of damnation if a reader believes they are being told that God loves you no matter what and if it feels good do it. Yes, God loves you no matter what, so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. If Jesus is not your Lord, He is not your Savior.

I DO NOT recommend this book.

This book is not literature- I should make that clear off the bat. Because of the total simplicity in how it was written, I found it really tiring to read. I would say the writing made me think of young adult fiction - not complex at all. But to be fair, the book is really not meant to be a study in beautiful phrasing and metaphor. It is a modern day parable bringing Jesus back to mingle amongst everyday people in the little town of Salem. I still found it a little hard to buy. People were these incredibly caricatured characters - all Joshua had to do was say something simple and suddenly the author is telling you that the character listening to Joshua found themselves nodding in agreement at the simple profoundity of Joshua's insight. Etc. Got very boring. Or conversely, a few characters were automatic enemies of Joshua. Again, it was all very black and white - no sense of depth or internal conflict here. Impossible to believe these could be real people with complex feelings and motivations, based on the things they said.

Also important - it was clear to me that besides being banged on the head with bad writing, I was also being banged on the head with this author's take on Jesus. Which is a pretty important distinction. Until God tells me Joe Girzone got it right, you've got to read the book through the prism of one man's opinion on Jesus' message.

I took this book out because I had seen the movie several years ago and remembered being moved by it, especially the ending. I'll have to rent it again, because it seems like the movie did deviate from the book - which in my opinion, is not a bad thing.

I think the best thing I can say in response to having read this was that it challenged me on a theoligical level, and I would imagine it would challenge Christians of any denominational persuasion, to reevaluate what parts of Christ and his teachings are comfortable to me, and what parts challenge me - and then to struggle with the challenges and thus grow deeper in faith. Every denomination has its angle on Jesus - so to try and think "out of the box" from your own faith tradition to see the multi-faceted being of Jesus was for me, the best part of having read this book. It would be nice for Girzone to also try and be challenged beyond his preconceived notions of the key reason Jesus came to provide salvation for the people of the world :)

This book had so much potential and failed in most of it. Essentially, Jesus (aka Joshua)arrives in a small American town (Salem - PA, I think, but is from Bethlehem, he tells people), he is a wood carver, he has sheep in his backyard, he makes friends with a woman named Mary....the author wanted Jesus to appear in modern culture but lacked the imagination to make him "fit". It fell flat to have such obvious symbolism throughout the whole story - Joshua meets people in town who respond to him, who scoff at him, who challenge him and who are out to get him; he performs a few miracles (healing the sick, calming a storm while on a boat ride). He ends up being taken (by the big bad Catholic church) first to "the city" for quetioning by the Bishop and then to Rome for questioning by the Pope - all because he walks around proclaiming (loosely) the message that organized religion has it all wrong and that God wants us to love one another, follow our own light within, take care of nature, be good people etc. Seems to me that the author has some beef with organized religion and took Jesus out of history and context to proclaim his own weaker message. I shouldn't be surprised at hso wpopular this book is/was, but I am. It is an interesting idea to think abou: what would Jesus be like if he did appear in modern culture, but that has already been written by Stephen King (The Green Mile) - and that story is WAY better.

I thought as a Catholic that this book is highly heretical. It goes against a lot of the dogma of the Catholic church as well as preaches more with a protestant tone than a Catholic one. The author should not even use the word priest to describe himself any longer. In all honesty I only finished it so I would be able to discuss the book with the Catholic man who loaned it to me. It is a book, which if you read and did not know your own Catholic faith, you would be in trouble. Some of Joshuas critics of the Church are accurate, such as his anger at how priests live with so much money and comfort in their lives. But other critics of his are far from any Catholic teaching and in fact goes against what is in the Gospels of the Catholic church.

What disturbed me the most was that the author presumed to write from the point of view of Jesus. Now that is a big undertaking. To assume what words Jesus would tell us today and what he would say... I guess its a good enough book if you look at it like a book written on one persons personal opinion. But as a Christian book it is garbage.

I was very disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone especially not to those who have no idea about the history of Christianity or the Dogmas of the Catholic church.