When I first heard about this book a few years ago, I was skeptical of its content because of Anne Rice's previous works. Then I heard about her reversion back to her Catholic faith and gave this book a chance.
Frankly, I read the first page and was ready to put it down. But I thought that maybe she had utilized a slick hook to engage the reader, so I gave her a chance and continued. By the second page, I really did put the book down.
I have a few issues with the first page. First, Jesus is without sin, therefore, he would not think ill of a playmate and KILL him. He also wouldn't break the sabbath, as He is accused of doing later in the book. Second, Jesus' first miracle occurred at the wedding feast at Cana, when he was 30 years old, NOT when he was a seven-year-old kid. Third, all of His miracles were a response to someone's faith and I doubt that he would perform a miracle to save his hide after killing one of the neighbor kids. I'm also sure that our Lord would not waste his time turning clay birds into real birds. Fourth, in the book, the Jesus character is unaware that he is the Son of God. OK, so issues 2-4 are not found on the first page, but read on and you'll know what I'm talking about. Dear Anne, I am so thankful for your change of heart and your return to the faith, but you are horribly misrepresenting our Lord!
As for the second page...it mentions that Jesus has an older brother named James. As the author should know, Catholic teaching states that St. Joseph was a virgin as well. Here's a document from Pope John Paul II that explains it: http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/JP2BVM30.HTM.
I have read beyond the second page and could go on and on about why this book is so problematic for me, but I can save that for later.
So what do I do now? Keep reading, or trash the book?
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