The Lost Epistle of Jesus

Evan Drake Howard
Crown Oak Press (2007)
ISBN 9781602661264
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (7/07)


"The Lost Epistle of Jesus" is a powerful, and heart-wrenching, recounting of Jesus Christ's final days on earth and how his messages of peace and forgiveness affected those who followed his teachings.  It focuses on a young woman named Judith who becomes involved in scandal and betrayal.  When her life seems hopeless, she is shown an epistle written by Jesus and finds hope that she can change her life and make amends to those she has hurt.  The book also prominently features Mary Magdalene's relationship with Jesus and how she had to struggle to accept her place in his life.

Howard's descriptive writing style allows the reader to become personally involved in the story.  I could picture the scenes he was writing about, as well as feel the characters' joy and pain.  The scenes that told of the crucifixion broke my heart even though I have heard this story since I was a child.  I felt as if I was one of the people there watching what was happening.  In the back of the book, there are several "questions for personal reflection and group study."  The inclusion of these questions and situations will be beneficial to reading groups and to Bible study classes.  These questions require some deep thought and force the reader to put himself into the mindset of several characters to help understand their actions and decisions.

This book is written for Christians as well as anyone who is interested in learning more about Christianity.  It should be read by adults only as there are some concepts young people may have difficulty understanding.  Women will enjoy it because in some ways it is reminiscent of a soap opera -- only it is set over two-thousand years ago.  As a devout Catholic, I enjoyed the author's addressing of some questions I have had.  Howard provided details of why Judas Iscariot wanted to betray Jesus (and it was not for thirty pieces of silver).  He also provided information as to who the other two men on the cross were.  Howard emphasizes the important roles women played as Jesus' disciples.  I also found it interesting how Jesus was often described as "awkward" looking.  I have never heard of him portrayed this way.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about Jesus Christ's messages and teachings should read "The Lost Epistle of Jesus."  It is an inspirational book which shows that sometimes suffering is necessary to achieve great rewards.

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