Joseph Girzone (1930–2015)

In this bestselling sequel to his classic Joshua, Joseph F. Girzone presents a magical. powerful tale of affirmation and hope, Set in a community torn apart by the kind of sectarian violence plaguing Belfast and Beirut. it's the story of a mysterious Christ-like individual. Joshua
by name. whose message of compassion and understanding is first taken to heart by the community's children. Using a combination of miracles, humour, honesty and selfless coring, Joshua gradually becomes a catalyst for peaceful change, But this peace is unwanted by those for whom hatred has become a way of life. Joshua is a threat they decide, and he must be eliminated by any means necessary.… (more)

My sister handed Joshua to me while she was cleaning out her book collection. It seemed to be an easy read so I took it home with me. Getting to know Joshua was nice and I enjoyed the simple reading and easy life that Joshua chose. But it became pretty clear early that this book would have some similarities to a story we read about in the Gospels. I couldn’t help but get a little anxious anticipating a disappointing ending. There were some difficult messages in the book, some I couldn’t agree with, some I was saddened to agree with. I tried to keep an open mind and realized that my emotional reactions paralleled some of the characters in the book and I realized that is a great gift for a writer.

I believe that Joseph was called to write this book after experiencing and seeing the dark side of religion. The side that many of us have experienced in various ways. I felt a little hopeless while reading this but realized the heart of the message is for each of us to choose how we treat one another. It is a reminder of a beautiful life and a model for us all. I remember traveling to Greece and one one of the little Islands we were taken to the storage place for the history of the Greek Orthodox churches on the island. This tiny building was jam packed with picture, statues, confessionals, candles, more pictures, more statues, more artistic history. I sat on the floor to rest while the island guide told us about the history of all these icons. A friend took a picture of me and shared it with me later. She said I looked exhausted with a far away look in my eyes. The truth is that I was sad and what I was thinking was this is not what Jesus had in mind. I think Joseph has had some similar feelings through his life as a Catholic Priest.

Take the time to read Joshua and consider it an opportunity to strengthen your friendships with those in the bible. Be careful to remember the heart of the message when Joseph aptly describes some of the religious leaders we know today but gives us a reminder of the how we may choose to live our lives in a more loving way, what he believes Jesus intended for us.… (more)

When Joshua moves to a small cabin on the edge of town, the local people are at first mystified, then confused by his presence. A quiet and simple man, Joshua appears to seek nothing for himself. He supports himself solely by carpentry and woodworking, and he charges very little for his services. Yet his work is exquisite. Even more exquisite, and even more mysterious, is the extraordinary effect he has on everyone he meets. All who come in contact with him can't help but be transformed by his incredible warmth. The acceptance and love in his eyes and in each actions amazes the townspeople. Who is Joshua and just what is he up to? The answer to that question amazes them almost as much discovery of that same transforming power in each of their own hearts.… (more)