Joshua in a Troubled World: A Story for Our Time

By Joseph F. Girzone

Book Overview

The bestselling Joshua series takes an invigorating, timely new turn as Girzone's beloved hero spreads his message of love and compassion from the streets of our nation's capital to the blood-soaked lands of the Middle East. Joseph Girzone possesses a unique ability to make Jesus' words and actions come to life for contemporary audiences. His fictional depictions of Jesus' return to the present-day world--the Joshua series--have inspired millions of readers. Joshua in a Troubled World is at once a magnificent continuation of his perennially popular series and an enlightening perspective on the political paranoia and destructive acts of vengeance that fill the front pages of our daily newspapers. Arriving in Washington, D.C., Joshua walks along Pennsylvania Avenue with a cool detachment and determination that sets him apart from the bustling crowds. Under ordinary circumstances, he would no doubt be seen simply as a man wrapped in his own thoughts. But in these security-obsessed times, his Middle Eastern appearance and his spontaneous stops at various churches, temples, and mosques inevitably arouse suspicions. Taken into custody by two government agents, Joshua challenges the legal and moral justness of their actions and they reluctantly release him to continue his mission. It is the most difficult and controversial mission he has ever undertaken--a plan to unite Arab- and Jewish-Americans and to work with them to resolve the bitter wars and religious animosities in the Middle East. Peopled with prominent figures such as Ariel Sharon, and moving from Washington to Beirut and then to Oslo while the peace accords are being hammered out, Joshua in a Troubled World explores the most explosive issues of our day and offers a realistic, compassionate assessment of the things that divide us and the beliefs that can serve as a foundation for a new, more peaceful world.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385511833
• ISBN13: 9780385511834
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Prh Christian Publishing
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.7" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A calm in the storm

One of the best books I've read . All Joseph F Girzones have something for everyone. Reading this novel gives me a sense of peace that we need in our world today.

Peace

I have always thought it would take God himself to bring peace to the Middle East. In this book, that is basically the case. While the methodology by which the Joshua character seeks to end the turmoil may be idealistic, it is a simple story that any reader can appreciate. Having read all of the books in the Joshua series, I found myself disappointed with this book. While the plot is quite idealistic for my liking, the main problem is that there is not enough time devoted to the beloved main character. Joshua only seems to be an active participant on 1/4 of the pages. Since this is the Joshua series, one would think he would be a more active participant in the book. After experiencing frustration in the paranoid post-9/11 America, Joshua begins bringing people of different faiths together. This is done in America before a chosen representative Elie is sent to the Middle East. Elie visits numerous important figures including fictionalized versions of real leaders. Yet even Joshua seems to know that not everybody will accept peace. But having the masses accept peace is a major step. While I have really enjoyed the other books of this series, the lack of Joshua in this book left me feeling somewhat cheated. Though all things are possible with God, the plan for peace seemed far too simplistic. More than anything, this book caused me to think how distant peace is from the region. How sad it is that religion is such a source of conflict in the world.

Joshua in a Troubled World: A Story for Our Time

I found this latest book in the Joshua series by Joseph Girzone to be a fascinating interpretation of how Jesus would react to the post 9/11 climate of fear and distrust were he alive today. I tried to anticipate how the book would unfold, and found that Girzone addressed all the potential problems and possibilities in a very realistic way. I'd highly recommend this book, even if readers have not read the prior Joshua books.

Joshua

Great book but not as good as his first. Very timely, but I was a little let down by its brevity and its "overt preachiness" Recommended reading nonetheless.

Very interesting presentation.

This book was a book listed in the reading program for the United Methodist Women. I have read it and thoroughly enjoyed the way it was presented. I am going to lend it to others in my UMW circle. Thanks so much for the good price also.