Description
Book SynopsisWhat exactly was Jesus' relationship with the Beloved Disciple, with Mary and Martha? What was he like to be with, and how did he have such an impact on followers from diverse backgrounds? This "faction" story is an eye-opening look at what life was like in Palestine during the life of Jesus, at how society functioned, the social pressures of the time, and above all at what the teaching of Jesus on the Kingdom of God really meant. "The Beloved Disciple" tells the story from his point of view, and is also joined by the Prodigal Daughter, the Gethsemane Streaker and other real live Christians.
Trade ReviewJohn offers the reflective reader a perspective on incidents and characters which at the very least make one think and which often help sharpen ones perception of what was, or might have been, going on. He manages to combine the strengths of the Sunday papers columnist approach with the radical evangelical message delivery of one who invite you to think! Meic Phillips ONE co-ordinator This is a provocative book in the best sense. Scholarship and imagination are seamlessly blended to draw back the veil on the convention that somehow those around the historic Jesus - and indeed Jesus himself - were unreal. In passing, but rather importantly in the present climate, it shows a Jesus - and a God - for whom constancy, not sexual orientation was and still is the test of true discipleship. Gethin Abraham-Williams, onetime Moderator of the Committee for Ecumenical Partnerships in England and former Chief Executive of Churches Together in Wales Imaginative yet rooted in biblical scholarship, John Henson provokes us to look afresh at the person of Jesus through the stories of those who were close to him. We are made to think again about the identity of the beloved disciple and his significance in the life experience of Jesus. Dr Fiona Liddell, Iona Community & Living Spirituality Network, former Warden of Coleg Trefeca, Lay Training and Retreat Centre.
