The Crimson Thread:: The Struggle To Become Jesus During The Revolt Against Rome, An Historical Novel [Paperback]

Royston Potter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 24, 2006

Joses and Jude are brothers with a common goal; they both seek to defeat and expel the Romans from Palestine and rule Israel themselves. The problem is, only one of them can rule. Who wins will decide the course of history. Jesus was a warrior and a mystic, and he did not consider the two to be mutually exclusive. The question is, who was Jesus? 'The Crimson Thread' points to the obvious, and the reader is in for a big surprise. The book has loads of action, a host of visions, and the exposure of nearly all sacred cows.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Royston Potter was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Hyattsville, Maryland. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Law and Justice Administration and is a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College. As a commissioned officer in the United States Army, he completed assignments in the Military Police and Military Intelligence fields. Having always had an abiding interest in historical and spiritual matters, he studied several disciplines and religions for many years. The last ten years, since 1995, he spent almost entirely in the Hebrew language and its esoteric meanings as presented in the mystical aspects of Judaism, known as Kabbalah. He brings to the reader a new approach to history and the roots of religious expression, redefining the origins of the western world. His insights reflected in this book are directly related to his personal studies and his military experiences. He now resides in Evanston, Wyoming with his beloved wife.

Product Details

• Paperback: 460 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (February 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419625179
• ISBN-13: 978-1419625176
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,347,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THE CRIMSON THREAD, October 2, 2006

By 

Jeff Farrow - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Crimson Thread:: The Struggle To Become Jesus During The Revolt Against Rome, An Historical Novel (Paperback)

Royston Potter bases his book on the accurate perception that the Jews of this period were waiting and preparing for a Messiah who would embody both their spiritual & political aspirations. Far from a pacifist Christ,
the figure waited for by the Jews would, at least for a time, by
necessity be a master in guerilla warfare. In fact, THE CRIMSON THREAD can be seen as a good primer in military strategy & tactics.

The image of THE CRIMSON THREAD itself refers to a colored cord tied around the first infant born in the case of twins. This distinction between one child and the other was an all-important consideration in patriarchal society and affected the rigid laws of inheritance. In this particular case it mattered even more because it involved both dynastic and religious affiliations in the highest degree. The King of the Jews and the Messiah had to prove a clear line of succession from David. In the novel the author explains how these functions could be embodied in two different claimants as long as their bloodline was pure and they followed the letter of the Torah. It was also possible that both King and Messiah could be the same person.

In conclusion, although we may not be in particular sympathy with the Old Testament orientation of THE CRIMSON THREAD, reading it was both an enjoyable & enlightening experience--and proved once again that we learn most from sources we may not agree with. The novel revealed both a solid socio-political grasp of history as well as the author's
intuitive understanding. By "intuitive understanding" we mean a knowledge that surpasses the limitations of ego, space and time. This is why a person can read THE CRIMSON THREAD and realize a series of inner revelations not necessarily inherent in the text--and that the author may reveal information he may not be consciously aware of. In fact, the novel can be seen as a modern Gnostic gospel.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An historical Jesus rooted in Jewish mystical tradition, June 7, 2007

By 

Margaret Starbird - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Crimson Thread:: The Struggle To Become Jesus During The Revolt Against Rome, An Historical Novel (Paperback)

This well-researched novel presents the historical Jesus as a passionate mystic-Messiah whose inspiration is his personal connection with the Divine "HaShem." Potter's insights are informed by his own studies of Kabbalah as well as available historical materials including the works of Josephus and the Dead Sea Scrolls in addition to the NT Gospels. The story presents family members of Jesus, including Miriam, his beloved soul-mate and wife, in "flesh and blood" scenarios. It cleverly reconciles many anomalies and contradictions found in the Gospel narratives, while it develops the gradual evolution of the Christ-consciousness in Jesus. This is a story that needs to be told and widely discussed--a valuable contribution to the on-going revelation of the "real" Jesus.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Awesome Enlightening Experience, September 21, 2006

By 

book worm (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Crimson Thread:: The Struggle To Become Jesus During The Revolt Against Rome, An Historical Novel (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. It provides an interesting glimpse into the history and life of the time. It is evident the author has done extensive research and has a great amount of knowledge which is being translated onto each page for the reader to soak up. Potter goes to great lengths to keep the story accurate with authentic events that anyone can research if they desire. There is plenty of action and surprises to keep you reading on, yet it delivers an important message.