Joshua

Rating:
Summary: an interesting mixed-message
Review: The scriptures say Jesus comes twice; once as Saviour, then as judge. He only came once because that's all that was necessary. Since most people do not/will not read the scriptures for themselves and seek God's help in understanding them, they are left with some knowledge and little understanging and wisdom. "Joshua' retells the story in a quasi-true fashion. Yet, there is a mixed message-the reformation was in error, the Pope is the true head of the Church (he isn't), and Christ came/never came as Messiah to the Jews. When I found that a priest had written the story, it filled in what I suspected; this is a the-Catholic Church-is-the-real-church and the-Pope-is-it's-head story. Girzone has a very good understanding of scripture, but he infuses the erroneous idea within it that Rome is in charge of the church-hardly surprising yet disappointing.

Rating:
Summary: Required reading for all
Review: This book should be read by all religious denominations. It demonstrates how Jesus wanted everyone to love and accept each other, not argue over denominations.

Rating:
Summary: an anti-Catholic book written by a "priest"
Review: The Roman Catholic priests in Father Girzone's "Joshua" are arrogant, phony, inflexible, fat, balding, alcoholic, cynical, manipulative or doddering. Perhaps Father would be happier with Holy Mother Church if she didn't ordain priests until they had been canonized. Joshua babbles several times about an ill-defined freedom as God's wish for us, but Scripture teaches that our loving Father in heaven expects obedience (remember Adam and Eve?). It's no surprise that "Joshua" is popular among non-Catholic Americans: they get to have the lies they've heard about priests and Church leadership "confirmed" by a priest. Shame on you, Father G. And the rest of you, don't waste your time on "Joshua", it's a lie.

Rating:
Summary: Conservative Catholics - Steer Clear of this Poisonous Story
Review: According to retired priest Girzone, Jesus did a poor job of establishing his Church the first time so he has to come back to straighten things out. The gates of Hell appear to have prevailed, as virtually every clergyman (Catholic or otherwise, and including the Pope) in his story is portrayed as a stuffy, arrogant, iron-fisted powermonger with little or no regard for people's souls. Of the two benign priests, Fr. Pat is an alcoholic, and gives the Catholic Eucharist to Protestant ministers, to the delight of his congregation. The other is overly conservative, but this "shortcoming" is overlooked since he's a nice guy. Joshua/Jesus is a libertarian freethinking moral relativist who elevates the human conscience above all revealed truths and dogmas, which serve only to enslave God's children who should be free to do what they please as long as they try to love God and one another. Joshua tells Fr. Pat to work for married priests, that the Sacrament of Matrimony is optional, and doles out lessons to everyone which subvert teachings and traditions which go back to the first century. Oh, and the pope is just another bishop: all bishops should be the supreme teaching authority for their flock. Girzone has shown by his writings that he was a dissident priest who obviously has a bone to pick with his church (and all organized Christian churches). It's unfortunate that even in retirement he still has a forum to attack the Church, and sow seeds of poisonous doubts and subversive thoughts in the minds of Christians, especially Catholics. As a Catholic reader, I could not enjoy the book due to the feelings of disgust I felt everytime Joshua went into one of his heretical spiels, or another clergyman was introduced (predictably) as a faithless despot who lords it over his cringing flock.

Rating:
Summary: His book changed my life!
Review: Joshua is a wonderful book. J. Girzone uses this novel to bring the reader gracefully to a better understanding of how organized religion can better serve GOD.

Rating:
Summary: Parable, yes; Fiction, no
Review: I had no expectations reading this book, and found it to be an engaging read on a purely spiritual/theological level. I agree with practically all of Girzone/Joshua's points about religion, yet found myself wishing that it had been better written. Perhaps the greatest appeal of the book is its "simple" presentation of the Gospel, but I couldn't help but wish that this story had been carried out in a more engaging manner. Girzone does far too much "telling" and far too little "showing," which is a cardinal sin in writing. Yes, it was faith-affirming, but I could not help but feel, upon finishing it, that I was missing something.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful and awe inspirng. A person we all need in our life.
Review: I read Joshua a few months back and than reread it.Each time you read it you get something more out of it. It is like you don't want to let him (Joshua) go out of your life. I grew up Catholic and was led to believe that the teachings of the church were God's beliefs. They were not. They were decided by the clery for their own benfit and interpretation. I felt such inner peace when I was reading it and even afterwards. I hated the book to end because Joshua became someone that I would care to read about on and on. Through Joseph Girzone - Joshua taught us so much in very simple terms and not at all preachy. I felt at peace after I finished it but sad that it was over. I felt like a trusted friend had just left. I walked out onto my deck and looked at my wandering jew plant and called him Joshua- because Joshua like plants, animal, bird sounds and just the very simple things in life. I miss him and want him back. Even though I have now read 5 of his books. I really have to wonder at negative comments from people.They just don't get it do they. I too feel it should be required reading for everyone schoolchild and grownup as well. My mother who is 82 and could be called a stringent Catholic of the old school even loved it.I allows you to anaylize yourself without passing judgment. Never had I read a book that left such an impact. I have given it as a Christmas present to three different people this year and net year even more. If I could do anything right now my wish would be to sit down and talk to Joseph Girzone. When you read a few more of his books you begin to wonder if Joseph Girzone is indeed Joshua and is here to deliver the message that are in each of his books.

Rating:
Summary: The most powerful, thought-provoking book I have ever read.
Review: I have read well over 3000 books and this is by far the most thought-provoking,powerful book I have ever read. Joseph Girzone leaves you with such a sense of inner peace it is truly awesome. No book has ever affected me in this way. Have already given 3 copies as gifts and will give more. It answers so many questions you didn't even know you had and does it easily not preachy and very simplistic. His style of writing makes it very easy to read and probably why so easily gotten into. I have read 4 more of Joseph Girzone books. Will read the rest.

Rating:
Summary: A book which enhances self reflection.
Review: The story of Joshua inspires one to want to draw closer to Jesus and the way he lived his life.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, thought provoking
Review: This book should be read by everyone. It should be required reading for all clergy.