Customer Reviews

The Promise of God

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book kept me up until after 3 in the morning because I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it. And it had an impact that continues beyond the pages: One is left reconsidering old assumptions, dreams are transformed into possibilities.

The insights into both Jewish and Christian theologies and history are enlightening. Controversial? Maybe. But truth sometimes is. And in this work of fiction there is ample measure of Truth.

Kudos to the author on a great job.

I highly recommend this book.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I was most intrigued by the author's explanation of Judaism's tolerance for other religions. I had never heard of the seven Noahide Laws before, which explain that the non-Jewish world must only abide by seven simple rules in order to gain admittance to Heaven. It made sense to me as it was explained, that the 613 laws required of Jews are far more stringent than what Judaism expects of others. I grew up a Catholic, and the impression I had received of my own faith was that it was intended to be universal. Thus, when I encountered those of other faiths who were righteous individuals, I could not reconcile what I had learned, that non-Catholics are denied admittance to Heaven, with the people I had come to know and love. This book was a revelation because it made clear that there is another way to view the world: that a religion attempting to teach about God by modeling behavior needs to be more stringent with its own adherents and less harsh with those of other faiths. In an age where some faiths insist that theirs is the only way, it was refreshing to hear that Judaism expects others to come to God in their own way.

The other facet of the book I enjoyed was its perspective on Jesus; that he was an Orthodox Jew is undeniable, (after all the Gospels say he wore phylacteries just as Orthodox Jews do today)but I had no idea that the only concept of the Messiah that existed in his time was that of a man who would lead the Jews to religious freedom, not a man who was God. Interestingly, that is still the Jewish perspective, and the God-concept of Christianity was a later invention.

These perspectives, as well as the beautiful explanations of the separation of meat and milk for keeping kosher and the laws of the mikvah, gave the book a depth, as well as the vast tragic history of the Jews, which the author delineates very well.

Lastly, it's a heckuva story. It kept me flying until the finish. The only books I give five stars can be found in the classics section at the bookstore, but this book rates four stars, which places it at or near the top of all the recent books I have read.

Apparently, some readers who are not so open-minded may have hads a problem, but any new fresh perspective tends to take a while to be accepted, so I have hopes for this book long-term.

Other reviewers have already written about what an impossible-to-put-down thriller this is. That is absolutely true, but David Shapiro's book is much more than that. It is also a fascinating and well-researched work that in novel (in both senses of the word) form illuminates Christianity's deep Jewish roots. Certainly, there are many dry historical tomes that point out how Christiantity arose from Judaism and the many misinterpretations of Jewish theology that were necessary for Christianity to be established and flourish. David Shapiro's book puts forth the same information in a fast-paced narrative that fairly screams to be brought to the silver screen. Make no mistake, this is an important book that will certainly serve to disturb some and enlighten others. Truth always does that. At the same time it is a delight to read! My copy has made the rounds of my family and I heartily recommend it to all my friends.

The Promise of God is a page turner from beginning to end. I could not put the book down. The book contained everything from intrigue, suspense, mystery, romance and history. I enjoyed the author's unique style of writing. The book takes you on a journey through different individuals lives and from all parts of the world and ties them all together in a remarkable conclusion that will stay with you for a very long time. It is thought provoking and insightful. This is a wonderful book and should be a definite read on everyone's list, it is on mine.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Promise of God. My only complaint is I totally neglected my family until I read the last page! I just couldn't put it down until I reached the dramatic ending (which by the way will rival Ben Hur for pure drama and excitement when it reaches the theatres). It was one of those rare books that was a fun read yet at the same time you felt you weren't wasting your time on something meaningless. I finished the book, not only hoping for a sequel, but also wanting to learn more about my own religion. The book was filled with information that will challenge the dominant views in our culture, but was based on sources that form the very foundation of all the major religions. I felt these challenges were presented in a respectful manner allowing the open-minded reader to actually consider what was being presented and not to simply respond with a knee-jerk defense. I shared the book with many friends and also with my teenage daughter. It served as a wonderful springboard for stimulating discussions about religion and our personal responsibilities in making the world a better place.I hope that we'll be seeing more from this thoughtful and provocative author.

This is a must read for anyone who has ever tried to reconcile the divisions in the world because religious belief. The author uses a very contemporary setting to educate the reader as to the religious prejudices which have been carelessly fostered throughout the ages and the way in which we all can be brought together and live in peace and harmony. I was fascinated by how much I learned about Christanity, Judaism and how and where they took different paths to enlightenment. This book is for Jews and non-Jews alike. It is truly a revelation.

What is paricularly noteworthy is the characters that are developed in the story,(world and business leaders) and the very real way that the promise unfolds. I wish I had read a book like this years ago, when organized religion had turned me off. As incredible as this story is, it is hopeful,plausible and it is entertaining as well. I marveled at how the author presented historical facts in such an informal yet informative way. The promise of this book is that it will and should provoke meaningful dialogue to explore our beginnings, and find a path that we can all walk along together in peace and understanding.

In the fast-paced style of Grisham and with fervent attention to detail, ala Maccoby, David Shapiro's vehicle traverses the globe, taking us on the ride of our spiritual lives. All along the grand adventure Shapiro maticulously weaves a story of power, religion, intrigue, romance and suspense that crescendoes to an awesome finale, leaving readers breathless, shouting BRAVO and yearning for a sequel.

One caveat: YOU CANNOT PUT IT DOWN!

From the moment we meet Grant Tyler and his supporting cast of characters (I can definitely see this story on the silver screen) the reader is rapt so tightly, our only hope is to catch an occasional breath between chapters.

Seldom will any writing capture the imagination or move us toward considering tenets outside the realm of our lifelong and tightly structured system of beliefs, especially when personal spiritualism is the subject, however, THE PROMISE OF GOD does just.

There are particular moments when simply having an open mind leads one down a path of pensive introspection. Our once-clouded vision miraculously dissipates page by glorious page and we cannot deny its lasting, positive impression.

Best read in years!

This book was a revelation to me. Coming from a Catholic upbringing, I approached this book the way I approached "Gorky Park" - I thought I was an outsider looking in. Not unlike "Gorky Park" I was taken in by the cinematic story, the vivid characters and the vast amount of historical and cultural information. I must admit that I was shocked at times but only in the way a good story teller can grab a reader and shake up the way they view the world. Not unlike current events in the headlines of today, this topical book paves the way to a new era when religions can peacefully coexist with each other.

Promise of God is a real suspenseful page turner... and an education in Judaism at the same time. I found myself unable to put the book down both because of the exciting and fast-paced story and because of what I was learning about the philosophy and promise of Judaism simultaneously. Highly recommended.

The best part of The Promise of God is that while you're feeling like you're part of a page-turning adventure, you're simultaneously learning much about the foundation of Judaism. Shapiro's historical facts are very well done. His multi-cultural story spans across the globe and shakes up the very core of world religion. With an anything but traditional good vs. evil theme threaded within the pages, The Promise of God hosts a colorful cast of characters, including a cardinal caught up with a crime ring, another who discovers shocking and world-changing information about his roots and a media mogul who is spurred on a spiritual mission at the loss of his wife. The novel has "movie" written all over it and will keep you at the edge of your seat with no chance of putting the book down! Tell all your friends.