Customer Reviews

The Q Document

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

 

 

I first read this book a LONG time ago and have reread it several times since. It is outdated economically (the bid of millions was considered huge) and politically (Communist China was called "Communist China"). And the monolithic faith that supported the church against Marxist dictatorships is no more. But it is a palpable, emotional, can't-put-it-down story.

The novel is two stories: A man whose family was killed in a fire has lost faith and lives in Japan. He meets a female reporter and an orphan girl the same age as his dead daughter. The girl is held hostage by a Japanese mafia type and will be sent to a brothel if he does not authenticate cetain papers. The plan is for representatives from "Red China" and the Vatican to bid on the (in)famous "Q" document. Bibical scholars know that the Gospels are not first-hand sources but derive from a general outline and used a "Q" document (for "Quelle" meaning "source") containing the sayings of Jesus. The document is a revelation, though, and will shake Christianity to its core for it shows Jesus as a raving zealot and Paul as a murderer.

The other tale is of Martin Buber, the Jewish philosopher, who allegedly worked with the Nazis and then was suddenly murdered. He is the one who found these papers and translated them in order for Hitler to "prove" Christianity a fraud and for the German people to accept him as a Messiah. From Buber's diary they follow the story as he struggles then one day it is over. He is executed and no papers ever come forth. Why?

That is the powerful ending of this short but rich tale. A real winner for anyone who takes the time.

A fantastic book. I read the "Q" Document every few years because it's that good. I decided to finally buy my own copy.

I had the chance to read this book on a family vacation. We have tones of old books up at our cabin and I just happened to grab this one off the shelf, if I hadn't been on vacation I probably would have never read it. I have to admit that I enjoyed the story and character development. It's an odd story that takes place in Japan. It deals with the authenticity of Christ. If you have the time I recomend giving it a chance.