Reviews & Comments

"I found this book compelling, brilliantly researched, and insightful. I learned things on every page I either did not know or had never though of. The author has made Christianity understandable, despite its myriad inconsistencies and obvious paradoxes. And perhaps the greatest triumph is that this magnificent book is readable in ways Heidegger or Hans Kung could have only dreamt." (Dr. James F. Jones Jr., Atlanta GA, President Emeritus, Kalamazoo College MI and Trinity College CT)

"An interesting, instructive and entertaining read by a gifted writer. After reading this remarkable book many of the paradoxes I struggled with growing up began to sort out and make sense. The author isn't out to 'prove' various theories or possible interpretations; his approach is to present relevant information to offer consideration of alternative explanations." (Betty Anne Cox, Adamstown MD)

"This book fundamentally changed my understanding of the origins of Christianity and helped me see familiar biblical characters with a fresh perspective. It truly is an amazing book." (Matthew Phinney, San Francisco CA)

"I really enjoyed this book. Most religious books I have encountered were either too turgidly scholarly or the other extreme, exuberantly promotional. I thoroughly enjoyed this clear-eyed approach and light touch. For me the description of the roles of St. Peter and St. Paul were fascinating and a new perspective for me. (Scott Reynolds, Little Falls NJ)

"I really like the latest book. Fascinating read." (Ralph Moyer, Hartford CT)

"I am taking along the Phil Truckenbrod 'Biblical Characters' book. I gave it a quick read but want to spend some time with it. It is a fascinating read. Thanks for the recommendation." (Bob Mayer, Pittsburgh PA)

"A well researched look at the development of Christianity, not as a unique revelation, but as part of the continuum of themes and myths found in western spirituality from ancient times to the present." "I particularly enjoyed your tongue in cheek asides here and there. Also, a great deal of admiration for the time and energy you devoted to research and writing. You made complicated history and interpretation easy reading. I hope...the book find[s] a place on some college religion course reading lists." (Dr. Donald Cornelius, Professor Emeritus, Molloy College, Rockville Center NY)

"The first century of our era, particularly as it relates to the story of Jesus and the origins of early Christianity in the midst of the complex social and religious context of the Mediterranean world, is one of the least documented eras of history, relying essentially only on the biblical accounts for any historical evidence. This book is a fascinating venture into the imaginative speculation that has sought to fill in these gaps in the biblical narrative with proposals about the origins and development of early Christianity; characters and events, including the question of the historical Jesus. Purporting to be not about faith, but "reportage," still it is more, as the concluding chapter with its compelling 'riff on contemporary religion' and the prospects for the future of religion makes eminently clear. Although the author admits that many of the proposals in this book are not 'new,' he has presented the arguments in a compelling way, including at times with a touch of irony or humor." (Dr. James L.Boyce, Emeritus Professor of New Testament and Greek, Luther Seminary, St. Paul MN)

"I'm enjoying reading about the naked young man in Mark--very interesting stuff, and it underscores how little we know of the context in which the Bible was written." (Robert Merritt, Hartford CT)

"Takes the prize for the Most-Intriguing Title of the year." (Lance S. Gudmundsen, Salt Lake City UT)