Nazarene

I finished this book a couple of nights ago. I felt as if a I were reading the Bible and understood it better, especially the Jewish religion. I wasn't sure which was fiction and which was taken from the Bible, but it didn't really matter. Reading it gave me a better understanding of the Jewish culture and why they still believe the Messiah hasn't come yet. I'm not sure I believe in regression and past lives, but it was used as a good vehicle to tell an age old story in a new light. I'm going to pass my copy on to a Methodist minister and I will be curious to see his reaction after reading it.

This book paints a picture of the characters in Jerusalem at the time of Christ. It is as if Sholem Asch were one of these characters, masterfully detailing life in Israel while under the rule of Rome, weaving the stories of individuals with the biblical accounts of Jesus and His disciples. Excellent book!

This book is a long gospel.It is unbelievably well-written and truly fascinating. The desriptions are vivid and colourful; Sholem Asch is simply great at revealing the mysticism of Judaism. I can only agree that it feels as if he has seen the events with his own eyes; his interpretation is well thought out and and well 'felt out'.To me this book was a spiritual experience comparable to few others - like the Bible and 'The Glass Bead Game', perhaps.

Just as the reading of Josephus's 'Works' illumined my understanding of, and appreciation for, the Old Testament and the Jewish heritage of my Christian faith, so did reading 'The Nazarene' inform my understanding of 1st century Jewish life, culture, mores and religious practice. Seldom have I felt so utterly absorbed in the world of an author's creation (A possible exception being 'City of Joy'). I'm having a harder time convincing myself Mr. Asch wasn't a first-hand witness to the events he describes than I would convincing myself he was. For 600-odd glorious pages, I was there amidst all the political and spiritual tumult of the times and the confusion and emotional chaos of those grappling with the life and words of Yeshua of Nazareth, both from within and without the Messianic camp. In 'The Nazarene' I didn't read a book, I had a spiritual experience that - once I've had a chance to distill and absorb it - will profoundly affect the way in which I believe and, therefore, live and exercise my faith. I wish there were ten stars.

Mr. Asch has written a book of subtlety and magic with "The Nazarene." He deals beautifully with the complexity of the story of Christ, and adds an interesting and spiritually enriching twist on it by using "modern-day" characters narrate the events of the past by having past-life flashbacks. The ending is exquisite. Asch has always been able to capture the hearts of both Judaism and Christianity, displaying them not as enemies but as close cousins. Great great great!