JOSHUA

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Summary: Not the Jesus of any Bible Translation I've Ever Read
Review: Any such attempt as this to describe what it would be like if Jesus were to be here on this earth in a contemporary setting (although He is sacramentally) is difficult and most likely hedges on being dangerous.

Christians are tied to the revealed truths of God in His revelation alone, a doctrine the historic Christian church has known as "the sufficiency" of Scripture (see Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Luke 16:29). Hence there are no deficiencies in the Bible to be supplied by Girzone or anyone.

This wonderful sufficiency of Scripture applied to Girzone's opinions of Jesus' reaction to our modern spiritual situation thus justly allows us to critique his conclusions concerning this by seeing how well they stack up against the Biblical record, especially that of the Gospels.

A careful examination and comparison of this book to that of what the Bible teaches about Jesus notices an astonishing lack of any clear statement of the Gospel, the fundamental and only reason God became incarnate as a human! Joshua makes no such proclamation of His coming "to serve and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matt.20:28). Also, glaringly void is any mention of Himself in His favorite way as either the Son of Man of the Son of God. Here, Joshua speaks in generalities which suggest more of moral flavor than Jesus' concentration on the kingdom of heaven and forgiveness of sins. Also disheartening is Girzone's total vacuum of Scripture coming from the Lord's mouth.

In fairness, it must be commended to Girzone for his sensitivity to aiding the poor and unfortunate of this world, and his exposure of his own church body's concentration on works righteousness and spiritual hierachy. However, having said this, one needs to be reminded that all of these on their own, without true saving faith in the crucified Christ for sin, are worthless before the Creator/Judge of all things.

Therefore, this book exemplifies and attracts those who are not firm in their Biblical knowledge. I would stronly not recommend this or any of the other Joshua series.

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Summary: The best book I've ever read
Review: I first read Joshua about 8 years ago. I've read it twice since. This is a book about the second coming of Christ. Joshua follows the same steps as Christ did, but in modern times. People still don't recognize him. This book taught me that Christ is coming again and He could be ANYONE. We should look for Christ in everyone, because if we don't pay attention, we might miss Him. No one is too rich, too poor, too smart, too ignorant, too famous, too unassuming to be Christ. Each time I read this book I learned/saw something new. It really opened my mind and heart. Very humbling.

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Summary: Blind daughter would like cassette copy !
Review: Apparently "Joshua" isnt being printed on cassette anymore. If anyone out there has one to sell. I would be interested in buying it. [e-mail]

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Summary: I'm insulted...
Review: that a tree lost it's life over such a wretched book. I can't believe people have wasted their time on such a childish story. Anyone with a 11th grade education could identify that this book is poorly written.

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Summary: Joshua found ME
Review: I stumbled upon Joshua at a used book sale, thought it looked like a "cute" story, and for 50 cents, picked it up. I could go on and on, but only have 1000 words to try to describe to you how this book changed my life. After reading it (and it is a cute story), I can't begin to tell you how my relationship with Jesus flourished. It was like the book found me because it was how I was to be introduced to Jesus. It is wonderfully touching, beautifully written, and PERFECT for people who love God, but have, for one reason or another, felt a not so close relationship with the church. God will open his arms to you through Joshua and you will never feel closer to him. I will return this book to a used book sale so that it can "find" someone else.

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Summary: very refreshing!
Review: I have read all the Joshua books and was immensely pleased with them. The stories were refreshing and wonderfully easy to read unlike many religious books. Joseph relating what it'd be like with Jesus returning to a modern-day world is brilliant. The scary thing is that whatever happens to Joshua is very likely to happen if it were to take place! I hope I wouldn't be one of those condemning him and disbelieving his Word! I recommended all the books to my Mom, a woman of strong Christian faith, she enjoyed the books immensely and shared them with her prayer friends. A must read for all who love Him!

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Summary: Inspiring and Refreshing
Review: I found this book to be incredibly inspiring. It gives new meaning to life by restoring faith in the world.

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Summary: Are Denominations Irrelevant?
Review: Here is a well written little book about a fictional character who could be Jesus in modern society. Joshua has such an intimate relationship with God, but we are never really sure if he is Jesus reincarnated or just a simple man with extraordinary religious insights.

Regardless, Father Girzone brings into focus all the various complicated Denominations that are present in our Christian society. Many readers will be angered, some will be surprised, but all will be educated as to how really irrelevant denominations are from God's perspective.

Upon finishing this controversial little book, you will readily understand why Father Girzone has become disillusioned with the Catholic faith but will appreciate his explaining other faiths through the eyes of the varied characters surrounding Joshua.

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Summary: A powerful book!
Review: I first read this book 7 years ago, just before my first set of college finals. Desperately needing some reassurance that God was really with me, I found it in this book. Even though Jesus does not really walk on Earth today in the way Joshua did, the book lets us encourages us to imagine what would happen if Jesus, as a flesh and blood human were to live among us. It portrays Jesus as a kind, compassionate person, and allows us to see him, probably very much as the disciples saw him 2000 years ago.

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Summary: A true inspiration!
Review: I was givin Joshua to read as a summer book for my high school. I didn't think I would enjoy it very much because I've never been a big fan of religious writing. I was so wrong! This book pinpointed my feelings on my faith, Jesus, and especially the Church. Besides expressing my own feelings, it was an absoulute pleasure to read thru. I loved every line of it!