by Joseph F. Girzone.This is a fascinating story about a clergyman who is frustrated with the legalism of the church he so loyally loved and served. He was frustrated that they were no longer good shepherds to the people, but were consumed with the administration of the organization. The people were serving the organization. The church was less and less serving the people. For example: "The problem of divorce and remarriage troubles me. Almost half of our people have no hope of ever seeing their marriages recognized by the Church. They are technically cut off from the life of the Church and the sacraments. That is not right. The Good Shepherd never cut Himself off from people who were hurting and had difficulties with the law. We say they are sinners and unworthy to receive Christ. That is arrogant and hypocritical. That was the way the Pharisees treated people, and Jesus condemned them for it... We are shepherds and gentle guides, not moral policemen. Judgment belongs to God."
The mysterious and wise Joshua appears from time to time and coaches this clergyman as he slowly bucks the system and begans to make dramatic and effective changes to his church and in people's lives. Denominational barriers are broken. The insights of Joshua are thought-provoking for all of us. Could changes like this be possible?
2 comments:
Sounds like a good book. Was there another book with the character Joshua? I'm remembering reading a book with a character like Jesus in modern times. But can't remember if his name was Joshua.
Valerie
The original book was "Joshua: A Parable for Today" I'll do a separate writeup on it.
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