Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Man or God? Aside from the New Testament and other gnostic writings, there is scant historical evidence that he lived. The Roman historian, Flavius Josephus, is the most reliable source, and even the provenance of his writings is in question. Yet the New Testament Gospels are compelling. Could a simple man have gathered such a following, fulfilled all the ancient prophecies and performed astounding miracles? Or was he, indeed, The Messiah, The Son of God? A Christian believer will say yes. An atheist will say no. The agnostic will say it is possible and not presume to know. The Bible, confoundedly, overlooks at least eighteen years of the life of The Messiah, from his preaching to the priests in The Temple at age twelve, to the start of his ministry, around 30AD. What happened in those 'missing years'?
Based on Biblical writings, apocrypha, folk lore and historical facts, The Agnostic Gospels trilogy recounts a possible course of events.
The first volume, Arimathea, tells how Yeshua's (Jesus') Great Uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, is the major mentor and architect of his early life. Arimathea takes Yeshua and Mary Magdalene to Britain on one of his trading endeavors. They become closely attached to local tribes such as The Dobunni and the Silures, as well as befriending a Druidic community in what is now North Wales.
Yeshua comes of age during this time and begins to formulate his own beliefs regarding sacrifice and how a loving God is more preferable than a vengeful God. He eschews sacrifices and envisages a path to be a shepherd of men. Arimathea has to relinquish his control over his young ward, who has become a man.
The story also explores the importance of Mary Magdalene and her relationship with Yeshua. Why was she portrayed in the gospels as being so troubled? Why did Yeshua tell her she was the most favoured of his disciples?
The second volume, Magdalene (in progress), expands upon Mary Magdalene's story and sows the seeds for historically relevant events of the first century AD.
The third volume, Yeshua, explores the apocryphal stories of Jesus (Yeshua) in the East and his connection with Buddhism, before recounting the canonical gospels of the New Testament, set in the new context of his personal journey and what we have learned about his intended mission to cheat death and reveal the glory of God to all.
Industry Reviews
Bernard F Clark's is a unique, new voice in the narrative being shared about the missing years in the life of Jesus Christ. This debut novel tells the story of Jesus as seen through the eyes of his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, a tin trader and world traveler as he interweaves the stories of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene.
The Mary Magdalene of this story is a mysterious, feisty, strong willed, young, woman determined to live life on her own terms. Joseph of Arimathea is her protector.
Mr. Clark's exploration of the lives of these characters takes us on a magical, imaginative, journey that lets us share in their numerous adventures. His novel is a creative approach to this timeless story, as he suggests possibilities I had never considered before.
Taking an agnostic point of view, Mr. Clark provides no easy answers but allows the readers to form their own determinations as to what the truth may have been. It's a fun, fascinating read that I'm sure you'll enjoy, and you'll leave it wanting more..
