Customer Reviews

The Parables of Joshua

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Inside the book jacket of this book it's stated that "Girzone revives the timeless messages behind the original parables by 'dressing them in modern clothes,' presenting them through Joshua in a conversational style that will resonate with a modern audience." However these parables are not timeless. I expected parables that had the same messages as those in the Bible but with contemporary situations. Mr. Girzone goes beyond that to parables about such contemporary issues as gay marriage, the exploitation of the environment, evolution, violence in the media, and the admission of female and married priests to the Catholic church.

These parables do not seem as faithful to the Bible nor as universal as the stories he has previously written about Joshua. The parables more clearly reflect Mr. Girzone's distinct political and religious views. While I agree with some of these opinions and disagree with others, I really am uncomfortable reading these as the teachings of Joshua who is supposed to be a modern reflection of Jesus.

I am most disturbed by the characterization of the people who will be admitted into heaven. In "The Parable of the Faithful Nonbeliever," a person who has had a good life, but did not have faith in God will, nevertheless, receive a heavenly reward. In "The Parable of the Two Brothers," a man who lived a selfish life that was of little value to God goes to heaven because of his brother's earnest prayers. This theology of going to heaven without faith is not Biblical, contrary to what Jesus taught, and dangerously wrong. We do not go to heaven by our good works or by others' prayers. According to the Bible, Christ died for our sins on the cross. As he rose from the dead to have eternal life, so will those who repent of their sins, accept God's forgiveness, and live faithfully in Christ.

Not all of these parables are so erroneous and controversial. Some are true to the teachings of Jesus. For example, "The Parable of the Coal and the Diamond" illustrates how God can transform suffering. In several parables, people who seem unworthy are valued highly by God.

It is very unfortunate that all the parables in this book were not written in the spirit of Christ.

It is difficult to make an adaptation of the Bible because it is such a grand book to modernize. Perhaps this is one of the reason that I really did not like this collection of modern parables. At times, I even wondered if Joshua (Jesus) would really have similar feelings on an issues to those discussed in the book. Despite the flaws, the collection of stories did have some quality entries.

I soured on the book after the first few stories almost seemed cliche. Some of the themes even seem to repeat with slight variations. The rich man/poor man theme was exhausted by the book's end. However, Girzone saved the best for last. The statement about capital punishment speaks loudly of what Christians should know.

Joseph Girzone is a great writer and makes you think. The Parables are short but truly makes a point and makes you think. Great service

Girzone has found a way to write about parables in our daily living today that are used to tell the story of Chrisst. He tells the parable and reveals the messages behind the original prables by putting them into modern circumstances. This is a wonderful way to reread and understand the parables and original teachings.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

This book was a Christmas present for my granddaughter. The whole family loves Joseph F Girzone's "Joshua" series. The book arrived in plenty of time to be wrapped as a Christmas gift and the book was in excellent condition. My thanks to you for being so prompt, it is very much appreciated. Thanks and God bless you.
Lorie

This is a great book. A challenge to live a life of relationship and not religion. Loved the perspective. Was moved to change.

Not up to Girzone's standard. A rehashing of Jesus' actual parables. Read the scripture instead!

Great and I really loved, "Joshua and the Parable." It's a great book well worth reading for all ages. It deserves many many stars.