John's Gospel: The Way It Happened

by Lee Harmon

What happens if we pull John's Gospel out from the shadow of the other three, and grant John a mind of his own? What will he have to say? Why does this gospel deviate so drastically from the theology of the others? Could this really be the reminiscing of an original apostle, sixty years after the death of Jesus? Were Christians finally being made privy to the direct teachings and miracles of the Son of God?

Listen in as John finally dictates his version of the Jesus story to a Gentile scribe and a disheartened fellow Jew.

In this astonishing and controversial verse-by-verse examination of the Fourth Gospel, you'll learn to appreciate John's contribution to Christianity in a surprising new way. I guarantee, you've never read John's Gospel like this before!

Genres: Christian

440 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

aka The Dubious Disciple

Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on supernatural or religious beliefs. I am put off by neither the atheist nor the strict fundamentalist ... or, for that matter, the Muslim or Buddhist. All are brothers, and none has a monopoly on God.

The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions have slowly transformed from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.

I avidly read all things religious. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!

http://www.dubiousdisciple.com

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered why John’s gospel seems so different from the other three gospels in the New Testament. Growing up Catholic and studying the scriptures for O-level (a requirement in my Catholic grammar school), I certainly learned a lot during my reading and lessons. But author Lee Harmon’s investigations reveal much more, his speculations provide much food for thought, and his fictional account of how it might have happened keep me glued to the page. Okay, I know how the story ends, but I found myself eager to see that end happen through the characters’ eyes.

John’s Gospel combines two fictional threads—the aged apostle dictating his story to a somewhat unbelieving but wholly believable Matthew, with great digressions, wonderful dialog, and a pleasing young woman trying to thread her way between these two antagonists; and the Lord walking the earth on a path whose purpose he knows but whose ending seems to carry more threat than promise. Behind these tales are well-timed sections of reference and study, with up-to-date discoveries, modern musings, and the sort of questions that are bound to invite disagreement and controversy. But then, so did the Lord whose life inspires the telling.

I don’t agree with author Lee Harmon’s point of view on all things in this story. But his writing and his research fascinate me and I follow each argument, enjoying each intriguing nuance. John’s Gospel is a well-told tale, a wisely imagined recreation of history, an intriguing theological work, and a thoroughly enjoyable book on so many levels.

If you’re afraid of questions, or feel threatened by speculation, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you want to know more and would enjoy the chance to feel like you’ve really been there, then read and enjoy! An amazing mix of fiction, fact, question, speculation and research; a beautifully set-out volume with every side-track perfectly timed; and a fascinating novel that engages mind heart and soul, John’s Gospel is a book I could hardly put down, and one I highly recommend.



Disclosure: The author kindly allowed me to read an ARC of this book and I am very grateful to him.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

In recent decades the Synoptic Gospels have taken precedence in telling the story of the historical Jesus. To the Jesus Seminar there is little present in the Gospel of John that takes us back to the "real" Jesus. Conservative Christians might like it's apparent high Christology, but for others even that is a problem.

Lee Harmon has offered a rather unique look at the Gospel of John, suggesting that it might have more to tell us about the historical Jesus than we've previously thought. He's not a conservative -- in fact in ways he's rather liberal. And yet, he advances the idea that even though this Gospel was written near the end of the 1st Century it possibly gives us an eye-witness account. Indeed, he portrays an aged John, who is near death, offering his own take on the Jesus story to correct the story that is told by the Synoptics.

This is a mixture of commentary, sermon, and fiction. The primary characters in the story (beyond those found in the gospel itself) are John the Apostle, his scribe -- Ruth, and a rather disillusioned Gospel writer named Matthew. Matthew stands in for the Synoptic (Petrine) tradition, arguing at time with John as to how things really took place.

It's a fascinating presentation. You don't have to agree with the premise or conclusions to find yourself rethinking the way you may have perceived John's Gospel.

I need to note that this is a sequel to Lee's earlier book on Revelation -- which I've not read. He portrays the first "letter" as an effort written around 78 CE to assert an apocalyptic vision of Christ's mission -- written from Patmos by an exiled apostle. In the follow up volume a more sober John seeks to correct mistakes made earlier, by offering a gospel that is defined by its realized eschatology. The kingdom isn't going to come with a bang, but is already here.

So, if you'd like to reengage this often maligned Gospel, here is your chance!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

About 2/3 of the way through his book John's Gospel: The Way it Happened, Lee Harmon writes, "John promotes the idea that literalists and non-literalists may coexist" (202). This statement shows the hopefulness behind Lee's writing, a hopefulness that Christians of different theological persuasions could lay aside, or maybe even embrace, their differences and work together for Jesus' vision of the kingdom. Such a hopeful attitude is one reason I appreciate this book, even though I am not of the same theological persuasion as Lee.

This book is a commentary on the gospel of John in the form of a historical-fiction account of John himself dictating the gospel. Lee comes at John's gospel from an unapologetic liberal theological viewpoint. This attitude and the interpretation that goes with may certainly anger some people. When he writes of the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand with a few loaves and fishes, it becomes a "miracle" that everyone was willing to share the food they had already brought! In other words, not the sort of miracle those of a more conservative theological bent will appreciate.

Had I read this book a few years ago I may have become quite angry with such things. But over the years I have learned to appreciate, and learn from, those of different views then my own. I would go so far as to say I enjoy books like this one more than reading book after book that props up what I already believe. Maybe literalists and non-literalists just need to read each other's books with a bit more grace then usual and once that happens we can get to the co-existing part.

That said, I did find quite a lot in Lee's work that I not only agreed with, but was encouraged and moved by. His portrayal of the crucifixion of Jesus as the greatest of victories, with the cross as the very throne of Jesus the king, ought to be at least one place where diverse Christians can agree. Then there are lines in the book such as

"But John. Everything supposed to happen to the ungodly is happening to the wrong person!"

"That is how Jesus wanted it."

My only response is a hearty, amen! Jesus demonstrated God's love for humanity by allowing humans to do their worst to him.

This book is a sequel to Revelation: The Way it Happened. It would probably be a good idea to read that book first as some of the characters from it show up again here. Also, the argument for when the book of Revelation was written plays a key part in this book. The layout of our Bible, with Revelation as the final book, influences our understanding of what each work is trying to say. Lee's argument is that Revelation was written 15 years prior to John's Gospel. Revelation was written by a person who yearned for God to bring justice on an evil world through violence and bloodshed. As Lee tells it, in the years between Revelation and the Gospel of John we see the author, John, realizing the errors in Revelation's view of God. Where before we see God bringing destruction on people, now God's representative takes God's punishment instead.

One of the biggest challenges I find in scripture has been how Revelation relates to the gospels. The Jesus of the gospels preaches a message of love to enemies. This seems to be a climax in the story of scripture. Yet if Revelation is the future, then that whole "love your enemies" message is only temporary until God gets back to crushing the enemies. Lee's solution is intriguing. I am not sure if I buy it, but it is intriguing. It should also be noted that there are numerous other ways to reconcile to the two texts. Lee's is a minority view and there are plenty of Christians, plenty of whom are pacifists, who reconcile the two in other ways.

This book is written in the same style as the previous one. On one hand there is commentary on John. On the other, there is a story of John himself dictating the book to a Gentile woman, Ruth, while a Jewish-Christian man, Matthew, looks on. The discussion among these three is the highlight of the book. Then on a third hand are various interludes and flash-backs to John's own memory of walking with Jesus. At times it is a lot to keep in order, but overall it works quite well.

The Matthew in the story is said to be the voice behind the gospel of Matthew. Much of the story is seen in Matthew resisting John's understanding of who Jesus is. I think Lee exaggerates things here as I struggled to see the Matthew who comes off so angry and opposed to a loving Jesus in this book as the sort of Matthew who would write (or, I should say, report that Jesus preached) the Sermon on the Mount. Lee's point is that the gospel author's differed in their portrait of Jesus. But in making this point, he may have overplayed his hand a bit by being selective in the parts of Matthew he looks at.

Overall though, this is a great book. It blends good storytelling with history and biblical interpretation. I could envision both pastors and other Christians reading and enjoying it. Though I imagine those who read, especially from conservative churches, would then have lots of questions for their pastors! But maybe this is not such a bad thing. As I said above, books that stretch us, that make us question our own views, are necessary and helpful. The Jesus we meet in scripture never seemed interested in propping up people's theology or even in giving all the answers. More often then not, Jesus told stories that left people thinking and asking further questions.

I do not know if I am as hopeful as Lee (or, Lee's John) that literalists and non-literalists, liberals and conservatives, can work together even in the midst of differing understandings of the Bible. But I think books like this one help. Thanks Lee.

(Full disclosure: I received a free copy from the author for the purpose of review with no promise of being positive, the opinions written here are my own.)

[Martin Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Harmon, the author of John’s Gospel, is eminently qualified to write about this topic. His specialty is in studies of Jesus, and he has previously written a book about Revelation. He understands first century Jewish and Greek culture, as well as the biblical and historical context of the gospels.

Lee is a self-confessed liberal, but labels seldom tell the whole story. For that matter, even evangelical scholars can be liberal while rejecting that label. Every Christian should first know the Bible, then exercise discernment in all matters. On that note, some of Lee's other writings (not this book) indicate that he thinks any religion can be a path to God. This unorthodox belief is solidly refuted by Bible verses such as John 14:6 and Acts 17:30.

Too often, liberal historians try to turn us all into skeptics, or perhaps even into unbelievers. Lee has enough respect for the Bible and the Person of Jesus Christ to not do that. Like John himself, Lee has written "so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" (Jn. 20:31).

Lee is well-read enough to have taken conservative scholarship into account. Too many scholars get into a rut in which they limit their education mainly to either conservative or liberal views. Like most conservatives, Lee credits the same John with having been a disciple (later an apostle) of Jesus, and with having written both Revelation and John.

I don’t agree with Lee’s dating of the writing of Revelation and the gospels. However, this is an area in which even conservative scholars often disagree. Like Lee, I think some New Testament passages refer to the fall of Jerusalem. I believe these passages were prophetic, not written after the fact. Incidentally, my perspective is known as preterism.

In John’s Gospel: The Way It Happened, Lee treats the gospel of John objectively, with due consideration to the aforementioned biblical and historical context. Lee appreciates that John claims that his gospel is an eyewitness account (Jn. 21:24), and that he intentionally made it quite different from the other three gospels.

The primary way in which Lee emphasizes the differences is by having made Matthew, the author of the first gospel, present at the dictation of John’s gospel. Even though their conversations are fictional, it’s easy to imagine Matthew being surprised or shocked at some of John’s teachings. We easily miss these important differences if our main interest is in harmonizing the gospels.

The inclusion of the story about the writing of John’s gospel keeps this book from being another boring dissertation on the Bible. This story helps us appreciate the real people who deliberated on what we now know quite literally as “gospel truth.” Lee interrupts the story periodically to present some of the most professional and scholarly views on the gospels.

Lee appreciates the symbolism in John, which can often be a stumbling block to biblical literalists. They tend to be biased against non-literal meaning in the Bible, even when it can be supported from other Scripture passages. This is further explained in my own book, Return to Genesis.

Lee also understands that the Jews expected their Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom. This is far different from the belief of modern Christians that this world is (and always will be) evil, and that we must place all our hopes on entering an other-worldly heaven after death.

Even though Lee and I would disagree on the relevance and meaning of the kingdom of God for Christians today, he appreciates the rich history behind this concept. Personally, I fail to see how God is glorified by theories that He plans to judge the world; trash this earth; and start over again with a physically “new” earth. A non-literal reading of the Bible reveals that God intended to renew the earth through believers, for we are His “new creations” (2 Cor. 5:17).

Lee has achieved a formidable accomplishment, in that John’s Gospel should have nearly universal appeal. Everyone from curious unbelievers to devout Christians will find much to admire about the fourth gospel, and little reason to be offended—unless it be from the life and message of Christ Himself.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Harmon in his new book, “John’s Gospel: The Way It Happened” Book Two in The Way It Happened series published by Langdon Street Press gives us a different way of looking at the Gospel of John.

From the inside jacket flap: What happens when you pull John’s Gospel out from the shadow of the other three, and give its author a voice of his own? What will John have to say?

Matthew grew up under Roman oppression, living with the dream of a conquering Messiah arriving soon on the clouds. John the Apostle had promised this in a letter, the book of Revelation. However, as an adult fifteen years later, Matthew meets up with John and hears another story, a different story–a story that must be told. John is dying, and wishes to dictate a new Gospel. A Gospel of universal love, returning once more to the inspired message of his beloved Teacher from so many years ago.

The Bible, author Lee Harmon explains, is a collection of individual writings, compiled over a thousand years, with the author of each one expressing his unique opinion. Harmon reminds us that the book of John is the “one Gospel claiming eyewitness testimony”, and so if John seems to contradict the earlier Gospels, perhaps that’s because he is “determined to steer us in the proper direction”.

There are four Gospels. Matthew’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the King. Mark’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the Servant. Luke’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the Son of Man and John’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the Son of God. Four different points of view that naturally have what seems to be conflicts in the story, though there really aren’t any conflicts. Lee Harmon tells us that about fifteen years after The Book of Revelation was written a second, very different, work attributed to John the Apostle was published, The Gospel of John. In “John’s Gospel, The Way It Happened” Mr. Harmon continues his series that he began with “Revelation: The Way it Happened”. Mr. Harmon tells us that careful reading of the Gospel will uncover an underlying thesis. John’s purpose is to show that, in some mysterious way, Jesus Christ is God Himself! In the flesh! God did return to earth as the prophets promised, and the new age has begun! Using a mixture of fact, fiction, and commentary, Harmon examines the Gospel of John through the eyes of John himself. What results is a work of enlightening and inspiring prose that makes the Bible accessible to anyone. I recommend it highly.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from PR By The Book for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Vicki Liston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author and Bible scholar Lee Harmon releases his second book and sequel to his “Revelation: The Way It Happened”. This time deciphering the fourth New Testament book, “John’s Gospel: The Way It Happened” offers a fresh, enlightening, and downright surprising look at these scriptures while explaining why our traditional translation simply does not make sense.

While “Revelation” concluded with the protagonist, Matthew, as a Jewish-Christian boy reaching the ‘manhood’ age of 13, “John’s Gospel” picks up with a more grown-up, discouraged Matthew during his 28th year. As the story begins, the apostle John, aware that his life is coming to an end, is compelled to pen his last letter. A stubborn Matthew refuses but a Gentile woman now living in Matthew’s boyhood home agrees to transcribe John’s words. The trio discusses and debates the text as John explains why the customary idealism of a ‘conquering warlord Messiah’ who comes to wipe out and destroy all ‘bad’ in the world is way off the mark. Matthew’s obstinacy provides the platform Harmon needs to delve into his explanations, which are structured and clearly detailed. Not only does he make his points, he makes them exceptionally well and with plenty of source material to back them up.

“John’s Gospel: The Way It Happened” embodies the same brilliant organization and style of its preceding volume, “Revelation: The Way It Happened” - with a fictional story woven in and out of Harmon’s interpretation of the biblical gospel. And like his first book, he ensures that Bible scripture, his interpretations, and the fictional story stand out as discernible sections by using separate fonts and utilizing appropriate spacing. The organization is imperative in being able to follow Harmon’s train of thought and he provides that and much more in this skillfully organized format.

As with “Revelation”, “John’s Gospel” is easy to follow and enjoyable to read, especially for those less inclined to read a straight forward, biblical analysis (read: dry). Harmon writes with passion grounded in intelligence and a profound background on the subject which not only makes the book educational but entertaining. Its message is one that those frustrated with the rigid legalistic or fundamentalist translations of the Bible will greatly appreciate, identify with, and even happily embrace. The set up of the book works in a relaxed story-reading scenario for families or as prepared Bible study utilizing sections or chapters as starting and stopping points. Regardless of the environment in which it’s used, ‘John’s Gospel: The Way It Happened” is a must read for any Christian. Once again, very well done!

Reviewed by Vicki Liston, author of “Europe for the Senses – A Photographic Journal”

[Gayle Pace · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW-

JOHN'S GOSPEL:THE WAY IT HAPPENED is the sequel to "REVELATION:THE WAY IT HAPPENED". Mr. Harmon has wove a fiction read with fact with his interpretation of the Gospel of John. The author wrote his points of view and wrote them well. No one says we have to agree with his interpretation. Everyone has the right to his view. If you don't agree you can state it without being crude. I myself am not a firm believer, but I think the book gives much information that can broaden a person. Everything, books, emotions, views, actions and reactions are all education. We learn from everyone of them. There are believers and non-believers. But we are all humans and we all have feelings. I don't feel just because you disagree with someone, it should be turned into something rude and crude. The author put scriptures through the book as the story is from various points of opinion.

I felt that I was with the characters at some places in the book. You can look at this book as a story of people who had some of the same struggles and trials as we do today. I feel if we just open our minds we can see someone else's point of view. We don't live in a world of our own.

In JOHN"S GOSPEL, the author delves into John's revelation of the Messiah He adds insight into the Bible that everyone, believers or non-believers can gain from. Mr. Harmon tells us that no religious belief is completely right or completely wrong.

This is not exactly a review of the book but more of my reaction to some other reviews and reactions. I feel we need a variety of reading material, many genres, if nothing more than to broaden our minds.We may not agree, we may not even like the author's opinion but at least we have given ourselves the experience of getting someone else's view. If you like religious reads,, then pick up a copy and decide for yourself. You may just gain one little bit of eduction from it. If you don't care for religious reads, then decide for yourself if you want to read or not.

I would give this book 3 STARS.

I received a complimentary copy of JOHN"S GOSPEL:THE WAY IT HAPPENED by Lee Harmon for this unbiased view.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

JOHN'S GOSPEL: THE WAY IT HAPPENED by Lee Harmon is an interesting Christian Book & Bible/Reference/Educational. It is "A Dubious Disciple Book" and the sequel to "Revelation: The Way It Happened". What an interesting concept on the Gospel of John.

"A collection of individual writings,compiled over a thousand years,with the author of each one expressing his unique opinion."

The author has interwoven fiction with fact in his account of the Gospel of John. It is brilliantly written, although, you may not agree with all his assessment. He has woven scriptures throughout,the story is told from various points of view and opinions,as the story progresses. Very interesting,educational and thought provoking. You will have to read "John's Gospel" and find your own opinion. I would recommend this title to anyone who enjoys Biblical gospel,historical events,religious studies and anyone interested in a very good read. The author has written a vivid account and added characters to make the Gospel of John seem you are there. We often forget the Bible was written based on real life accounts,by real life people who struggled,fought oppression and came through years before our time. What a lesson we can and have learned. A blessing! Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: NONE(RELIGIOUS/CHRISTIAN BOOKS & READS)

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews/My Book Addiction and More

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee pens "John's Gospel: The Way it Happened" in a story line that interweaves fact and fiction which is easy to understand, and I found quite enjoyable to read. It's a fascinating way to take a look at the Gospel of John as it teaches you along the way. My only regret is that I wished I had read Lee's first book "Revelation: The Way it Happened" as I had the feeling I was missing some key points on the characters. As my son had said "If the whole Bible read this way, it probably would make a bit more sense and more fun to read" (yes he has read the Bible from cover to cover). A must read for all Christians and who are open to another person's take on the Bible.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.

[Lee Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Of the making of gospels there is no end. Matthew and Luke both revise Mark. Then comes John. Why John? Why his rewrite? What was his message and how does it differ from the previous ones? How does it relate to other Johannine literature such as the Book of Revelation? This very readable book probes these important issues in an innovative, scholarly and vivid fashion. Highly recommended.”

(review copied with permission, provided by Barrie Wilson, Professor, Religious Studies, York University, author How Jesus Became Christian.)

[Rick Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

John’s Gospel: The Way It Happened by Lee Harmon provides a thorough discussion of the theological issues in the gospel of John that is well done. Harmon explores all sides of an issue fairly, and presents his conclusions with humility. But the book goes beyond that with a fictional story about the gospel’s creation, which helps the reader experience John’s gospel as well as better understand the historical context within which the gospel was written. It’s an ambitious task, and a rare achievement. I highly recommend the book to you.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I received as a First reads winner from Goodreads.
Very good format for review of the Gospel. Written with an appropriate level of challenge for a serious discussion, but with the parable format, inviting for a more casual reader.
Good balance of "both sides of the question" dialog that gave good background of multiple perspectives.