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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Not a quick read, but a very engaging story about Marcelleus, the Roman soldier who orders Christ's death, and who wins his robe in the dice game whilst his death is occurring.
I found it interesting and edifying, but definitely also from a Protestant perspective (which makes sense as the author was a retired pastor.)
I found it interesting and edifying, but definitely also from a Protestant perspective (which makes sense as the author was a retired pastor.)
Wat een prachtig boek was dit. Gelezen voor de boekenclub van mijn kerk. En ik zou het aan iedereen aanraden die wil dat Bijbelse figuren tot leven komen en aanvoelen als echte mensen. Marcellus en Demetrius zijn twee hoofdpersonen met wie je mee gaat leven en de plekken waar zij komen en de mensen die zij ontmoeten voelen aan als echte ontmoetingen.
Een deel van het boek is eigenlijk een hervertelling van de Bijbel, maar op zo'n manier dat je er zelf niet mee bekend hoeft te zijn (denk ik). Het begin en het einde zijn origineel. Het einde is alleen wat abrupt.
Een deel van het boek is eigenlijk een hervertelling van de Bijbel, maar op zo'n manier dat je er zelf niet mee bekend hoeft te zijn (denk ik). Het begin en het einde zijn origineel. Het einde is alleen wat abrupt.
This story tells of the man who was ordered to crucify Jesus and what his life became of afterwards. The story was interesting but I would have liked more of the thoughts and feelings going through Marcellus's head afterwards than just being told of it from his slave. And to be honest Marcellus was not even the one who crucified Jesus, he oversaw it and was there until the end. This book was almost 700 pages which was way too long.
I really liked this book, it was a great read to go back into the times of Jesus and ancient Rome. I liked the characters and growth. My favorite characters included Marcellus, Demetrius, and Diana. A nice positive read with great messages. I loved how they turned out to be better people.
Somewhat predictable of course and a little long, but a good story. I felt like there was mostly dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenic writing. Somewhat reminded me of the Mark of the Lion books by Francine Rivers as well.
3 stars.
Somewhat predictable of course and a little long, but a good story. I felt like there was mostly dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenic writing. Somewhat reminded me of the Mark of the Lion books by Francine Rivers as well.
3 stars.
This book had a great plot and characters that carried the story from beginning to end. The story revolves around a soldier and his slave who were at Christ's crucifixion. The author takes us inside the thoughts and struggles of these characters as they grasp who Jesus is and decide what they will do with the miracles and sacrifice Jesus has made. The writing was excellent. The downside was that the middle of the book was a bit slow.
This reaffirmed my desire to be like Jesus. Even if you don't believe in Jesus, you should try to be like Him; He was awesome.
I read this book because a friend of mine highly recommended it and purchased it for me as a birthday present. I must admit that I was a little hesitant to read it because I wasn't quite sure what to expect with it being Biblical fiction written several decades ago. While not my absolute favorite, this book was a pleasure to read.
As to the book itself...
The language itself was a bit antiquated but that comes with the territory since it was published in 1942. At times it's verbose nature felt a bit thick too. However, Douglas demonstrates superior mastery of the English language which I appreciate greatly.
Another detractor for me was the rapid introduction of characters which made it a bit difficult to keep the narrative straight. Several characters and scenes could have been eliminated to tighten the narrative which would have improved it but did not work against the narrative.
Doug,as never really delved into the inner workings of his characters which kept the narrative strangely aloof. This aloofness likely aided Douglas in avoiding the typical pitfalls of Christian Biblical fiction.
The narrative leads to a satisfying conclusion which I always enjoy. It's nice to leave a book on a good note.
As to the book itself...
The language itself was a bit antiquated but that comes with the territory since it was published in 1942. At times it's verbose nature felt a bit thick too. However, Douglas demonstrates superior mastery of the English language which I appreciate greatly.
Another detractor for me was the rapid introduction of characters which made it a bit difficult to keep the narrative straight. Several characters and scenes could have been eliminated to tighten the narrative which would have improved it but did not work against the narrative.
Doug,as never really delved into the inner workings of his characters which kept the narrative strangely aloof. This aloofness likely aided Douglas in avoiding the typical pitfalls of Christian Biblical fiction.
The narrative leads to a satisfying conclusion which I always enjoy. It's nice to leave a book on a good note.
This book has been on my list of books to read for several years now, but with Easter approaching, I felt it would be a good time to read it. This is a story of a Roman soldier who took part of the crucifixion of Christ and his subseqeuntdesire to learn more about this captivating man. It had a wonderful message and really transported you back 2000 years. The book gave me a much better feel for the political climate at the time.
I think that the parts that made the most impact on me was the true teachings of Jesus. His greatest disdain was with the people who were living their religion in name only, but held themselves up in high regard and treated others poorly. I think now this is as much as a problem as it has ever been.
Really a moving and thought provoking book.
I think that the parts that made the most impact on me was the true teachings of Jesus. His greatest disdain was with the people who were living their religion in name only, but held themselves up in high regard and treated others poorly. I think now this is as much as a problem as it has ever been.
Really a moving and thought provoking book.
One of the repeated discussions I have had and probably will continue to have with my dad is the subject of this book; would we believe in Jesus if we were alive when he was? This book covers all the bases of that question and then some.
This book, written in the 1940s, shows the experience of a Roman Tribune given a post in the middle of nowhere Palestine and thrown into the world of "the New Testament" without knowledge, care or concern for the world and life of the Jews. He witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus red-handed, was among those casting lots and won Jesus' robe. The book takes us on his journey of turmoil, denial, faith, discovery and discipleship of Christ and the beginning of the Christian religion. The facts and history weaved into the book painted a wonderful tapestry of what it might have been like to live when and shortly after Jesus lived.
The thought and wisdom was touching. The wonderful writing of Douglas shows through every encounter and conversation in the book. I like how the author shows the struggle and process Marcellus goes through, like was mentioned by Chrissy; he does struggle with the idea that this man he had a part in killing was an eternal being and had risen again. To say that I myself wouldn't think I had or would think others were crazy in his same situation would be a lie. The transition was believable. Douglas also did a great job of explaining the parables and events of the New Testament smartly but with wisdom that was easily applicable to the reader.
When I was reading this I also thought of how interesting it was to know the power shift that would take place in the future. It's a great reminder that every society has it's rise and fall and those that are at disadvantage often learn how to fight their way to the top. And succeed. Great historical insight and if you chose, great spiritual as well.
This book, written in the 1940s, shows the experience of a Roman Tribune given a post in the middle of nowhere Palestine and thrown into the world of "the New Testament" without knowledge, care or concern for the world and life of the Jews. He witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus red-handed, was among those casting lots and won Jesus' robe. The book takes us on his journey of turmoil, denial, faith, discovery and discipleship of Christ and the beginning of the Christian religion. The facts and history weaved into the book painted a wonderful tapestry of what it might have been like to live when and shortly after Jesus lived.
The thought and wisdom was touching. The wonderful writing of Douglas shows through every encounter and conversation in the book. I like how the author shows the struggle and process Marcellus goes through, like was mentioned by Chrissy; he does struggle with the idea that this man he had a part in killing was an eternal being and had risen again. To say that I myself wouldn't think I had or would think others were crazy in his same situation would be a lie. The transition was believable. Douglas also did a great job of explaining the parables and events of the New Testament smartly but with wisdom that was easily applicable to the reader.
When I was reading this I also thought of how interesting it was to know the power shift that would take place in the future. It's a great reminder that every society has it's rise and fall and those that are at disadvantage often learn how to fight their way to the top. And succeed. Great historical insight and if you chose, great spiritual as well.
This is a great book set in the early Christian years in Rome. While I think it is fine for people a bit older, it does try to explain away some of Jesus' miracles, which could be confusing for very young kids or people new to Christianity.