Christian Piatt

Piatt spins two parallel tales: the major story in the twenty-first century, the minor one in the first century. They dovetail by the end of the book. The first story is a page-turner; the second, not so much. As a scholar of first-century Palestinian history, you’d think that would be the portion of the book that would most interest me, but I found it to be rather unnecessary.

That minor complaint aside, the primary tale is captivating! A teenage boy who grew up as an orphan recognizes that he is different, that he seems to possess strange healing powers, but is hesitant to discuss it with others. When a journalist on the trail of an archaeological mystery comes into his life, he learns that his powers are no accident … they stem from the time of Jesus … and that powerful people are watching him closely, anxiously trying to hurry the Second Coming of Christ.

With likeable characters and multiple plot twists, this would seem to appeal best to young adults. But with the pointed subject matter and the first-century side story, perhaps it will find its niche instead among free-thinking adult readers.

Samizdat Creative, © 2014, 183 pages

ISBN: 978-938633-55-3… (plus d'informations)

The synopsis of this book is pretty accurate. It leaves enough to the imagination that if you try to put answers to the questions before you read the book, you may be surprised. Personally I enjoy that; enough to wet your appetite but it doesn't give away the entire story so you don't need to read it.

The premise of this book is awesome. I'm not going to say too much about it because it would give away a major mystery of the story line. Suffice it to say if you enjoy the thought of accessing ancient DNA for today's world, this should be right up your alley.

I enjoyed the opportunity to learn a bit of a story in the bible. I found the characters believable and interesting to get to know. I hope Mr Piatt has thoughts of a sequel. It does sort of just end abruptly.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in what I mention above. Again,I don't want to say too much without giving the book away.

Thank you Mr Piatt for the opportunity to read this book!… (plus d'informations)

I’m a fan of Piatt’s books, and once again he doesn’t disappoint. I’ve reviewed a couple of books in his Banned Questions series on The Dubious Disciple, and they too are very good.

This time around, Piatt writes more personally about his past experiences and his vision for the way forward. Christianity has failed Piatt in a number of ways, but he clings to his hope for better times, redefining God (who is not a being to be named, but rather an “event” to be experienced) and looking back to Jesus for his example. He nails the spirit and teachings of Jesus as he discusses topics from neighbor envy to perfect joy. Piatt wants us to spit out the poison and examine Jesus’ example in search of a hungrier love.

In Jesus’ day, the Jews longed for a conqueror to ride in, kick ass, and take names, but instead the Messiah arrived as a Suffering Servant. A new way of thinking. But have we made any progress toward Jesus’ vision? Today, Christianity has become so inured to the values and effects of capitalism within our religious institutions that we’re effectively blind to its presence. What happened to Jesus and his dream of God’s kingdom coming to earth?

What’s left of our church? Can we fix it? Do we care? Piatt admires the church of a friend, where Republicans sit next to bleeding heart former hippies, skeptical intellectuals, and folks who have no idea what they believe, but who find they all fit together in some strangely beautiful way. They need and love one another. That, says Piatt, is a glimpse of the kingdom of God.

Moving, articulate and to the point, this is a book all Christians should read.

Jericho Books, © 2014, 214 pages

ISBN: 978-1-4555-7311-0… (plus d'informations)