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Man in White: A Novel about the Apostle Paul
The only novel written by the legendary songwriter and performer, Johnny Cash—the incredible story of the apostle Paul.
In this historical novel about the life of Paul before and after his conversion, discover the passionate, fiery, and destructive man once known as Saul of Tarsus. Paul's encounter with Jesus, the Man in White, knocked him to the ground and struck him blind. It also turned him into one of the most influential men in history.
See the apostle Paul as you've never seen him before—through the creative imagination of one of the greatest singer-songwriters America has ever known. You'll also see Johnny Cash, the man in Black, as you've never seen him before—a passionate novelist consumed with the Man in White.
Praise for Man in
“[Johnny did] extensive research and study of the life of the apostle Paul, and amazed [me] as he talked about Paul and we shared the Scriptures together. When [Man in White] was first published several years ago, my wife and I both read it—then read it again!” —Billy Graham
Biographical fiction exploring the life of Saul, the man who became the apostle PaulPainstakingly researched and historically accurateDraws on Old and New Testament references as well as cultural background informationIncludes an afterword by John Carter Cash, Johnny Cash’s son
In this historical novel about the life of Paul before and after his conversion, discover the passionate, fiery, and destructive man once known as Saul of Tarsus. Paul's encounter with Jesus, the Man in White, knocked him to the ground and struck him blind. It also turned him into one of the most influential men in history.
See the apostle Paul as you've never seen him before—through the creative imagination of one of the greatest singer-songwriters America has ever known. You'll also see Johnny Cash, the man in Black, as you've never seen him before—a passionate novelist consumed with the Man in White.
Praise for Man in
“[Johnny did] extensive research and study of the life of the apostle Paul, and amazed [me] as he talked about Paul and we shared the Scriptures together. When [Man in White] was first published several years ago, my wife and I both read it—then read it again!” —Billy Graham
Biographical fiction exploring the life of Saul, the man who became the apostle PaulPainstakingly researched and historically accurateDraws on Old and New Testament references as well as cultural background informationIncludes an afterword by John Carter Cash, Johnny Cash’s son
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1986
138 people are currently reading
1244 people want to read
About the author
Johnny Cash
238 books314 followersJohnny Cash, born J. R. Cash, also known as "The Man in Black", was a multiple Grammy Award-winning American country singer-songwriter. Cash is widely considered to be one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century.
Cash was known for his deep, distinctive voice, his trademark dark clothing which earned him his nickname, the boom-chick-a-boom or "freight train" sound of his Tennessee Three backing band, and his demeanor. He rarely (if ever) wavered from introducing himself before performing, with the greeting, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."
Much of Cash's music, especially that of his later career, echoed themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption. His signature songs include "I Walk the Line", "Folsom Prison Blues", "Ring of Fire", "That Old Wheel" (a duet with Hank Williams Jr.), "Cocaine Blues", and "Man in Black". He also recorded several humorous songs, such as "One Piece at a Time", "The One on the Right Is on the Left", "Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog" a duet with June Carter, Jackson, and "A Boy Named Sue"; rock-and-roll numbers such as "Get Rhythm"; and various railroad songs, such as "Rock Island Line" and "Orange Blossom Special".
He sold over 90 million albums in his nearly fifty-year career and came to occupy a "commanding position in music history".
Cash was known for his deep, distinctive voice, his trademark dark clothing which earned him his nickname, the boom-chick-a-boom or "freight train" sound of his Tennessee Three backing band, and his demeanor. He rarely (if ever) wavered from introducing himself before performing, with the greeting, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash."
Much of Cash's music, especially that of his later career, echoed themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption. His signature songs include "I Walk the Line", "Folsom Prison Blues", "Ring of Fire", "That Old Wheel" (a duet with Hank Williams Jr.), "Cocaine Blues", and "Man in Black". He also recorded several humorous songs, such as "One Piece at a Time", "The One on the Right Is on the Left", "Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog" a duet with June Carter, Jackson, and "A Boy Named Sue"; rock-and-roll numbers such as "Get Rhythm"; and various railroad songs, such as "Rock Island Line" and "Orange Blossom Special".
He sold over 90 million albums in his nearly fifty-year career and came to occupy a "commanding position in music history".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
August 4, 2011
When most people write their thoughts on something that came from the mind of Johnny Cash it is usually about his music. I love Johnny Cash's music, he is by far one of my favorite all time musicians.
However this is not the case with this blog. I just finished reading Johnny Cash's novel "The Man In White" which is about the conversion of the Apostle Paul. I was not sure if a country musician writing a novel about Paul would intrigue me or be accurate to history. I was so wrong.
This novel is fiction, it is based on how Johnny Cash imagined these events taking place. However, he works in actual events and does a very good job of showing how society worked at the time that Paul was converted.
The novel picks up with Saul obtaining his letter from the high priest that allows him to persecute Christians. Cash even gives a couple of accounts of these events. When the novel ends Paul has just changed his name and is getting ready to leave to go back to Tarsus.
This books is incredibly well written. It is historic, poetic, and though provoking all at the same time. I highly recommend this book to anybody.
It is amazing to see the similarities of these two men (Paul and Cash). Both had a hard time convincing people that their faith and salvation were real and authentic due to their past actions. Both suffered from a thorn in the flesh, although we are unsure what Paul's is we know that he did not hide it from people but spoke about it openly. With Cash we are all aware of his drug problems and he also spoke openly regarding these issues.
Cash put a lot of himself into this story. To read it is to not only get an idea of the historical context that Paul lived his life, but to also understand the mentality of a man who has had a very real experience with a very real savior and desires to move forward with a new mission of talking about his conversion.
READ IT!!!
However this is not the case with this blog. I just finished reading Johnny Cash's novel "The Man In White" which is about the conversion of the Apostle Paul. I was not sure if a country musician writing a novel about Paul would intrigue me or be accurate to history. I was so wrong.
This novel is fiction, it is based on how Johnny Cash imagined these events taking place. However, he works in actual events and does a very good job of showing how society worked at the time that Paul was converted.
The novel picks up with Saul obtaining his letter from the high priest that allows him to persecute Christians. Cash even gives a couple of accounts of these events. When the novel ends Paul has just changed his name and is getting ready to leave to go back to Tarsus.
This books is incredibly well written. It is historic, poetic, and though provoking all at the same time. I highly recommend this book to anybody.
It is amazing to see the similarities of these two men (Paul and Cash). Both had a hard time convincing people that their faith and salvation were real and authentic due to their past actions. Both suffered from a thorn in the flesh, although we are unsure what Paul's is we know that he did not hide it from people but spoke about it openly. With Cash we are all aware of his drug problems and he also spoke openly regarding these issues.
Cash put a lot of himself into this story. To read it is to not only get an idea of the historical context that Paul lived his life, but to also understand the mentality of a man who has had a very real experience with a very real savior and desires to move forward with a new mission of talking about his conversion.
READ IT!!!
September 14, 2017
If you've not heard of this book, the proper response should be, "Wait, Johnny Cash--that Johnny Cash--wrote a novel about the apostle Paul?" But that's not the surprising thing; the surprising thing is that it is actually really good! Naturally a songwriter like John R. Cash has a way with words, and he brings that skill to full effect here. But as is obvious from the foreword, he also did a ton of research into first-century Palestine. He also knows his Bible through and through. (You can also tell from the foreword that he actually wrote this thing himself; no ghostwriter present, although who knows how much it was edited; I'd guess not too much because things like triple exclamation marks still slipped through.)
The book starts shortly before the stoning of Stephen and shows Saul in all his wrath and self-righteousness. It goes through his conversion and three years in the desert before returning to Jerusalem. It ends right after he links up with Peter and James. There is nothing out of alignment with Scripture here. There is a lot "filled in" by Cash's imagination, but it nearly all "rings true," even though it is obviously just conjecture. There are a few false notes here and there (a couple of things seem like they're described from a twentieth-century perspective, e.g.), but they are only very minor distractions from an otherwise easy to read and engrossing story.
Johnny Cash was a troubled man, but it seems his faith was real. The apostle Paul, too, was a troubled man in many ways, and I'm not surprised that Cash felt a deep affinity with the man. This novel will not go down in history like his music, but it is still worth a read 30 years later.
The book starts shortly before the stoning of Stephen and shows Saul in all his wrath and self-righteousness. It goes through his conversion and three years in the desert before returning to Jerusalem. It ends right after he links up with Peter and James. There is nothing out of alignment with Scripture here. There is a lot "filled in" by Cash's imagination, but it nearly all "rings true," even though it is obviously just conjecture. There are a few false notes here and there (a couple of things seem like they're described from a twentieth-century perspective, e.g.), but they are only very minor distractions from an otherwise easy to read and engrossing story.
Johnny Cash was a troubled man, but it seems his faith was real. The apostle Paul, too, was a troubled man in many ways, and I'm not surprised that Cash felt a deep affinity with the man. This novel will not go down in history like his music, but it is still worth a read 30 years later.
September 14, 2017
This book is a work of genius and I am so thankful to have discovered it thanks to Stephen Nichols of Tabletalk magazine and his Last Things column in the August, 2017 issue.
While classified as a work of fiction, this book is so much more than that. It was a labor of love for Cash and he dedicates it to his father Ray Cash. In the Introduction, Cash writes: "Perhaps a few of the things I have written, I humbly suggest, resulted from a tiny flicker from God's great storehouse of brilliance. I dedicate this book to my father, Ray Cash, whose face I saw in that tiny flicker."
In this relatively small volume is a scripture powerhouse. Cash uses Paul's story to clearly articulate the gospel using the words of scripture. The Word comes alive in this book as we see Paul's conversion and efforts to begin sharing Christ with the world beginning with Jerusalem. Included are Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ, words from Matthew's gospel proclaimed in a Jerusalem synagogue, Paul's words from his epistles spoken to those around him as he convinces them of the need to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, the description of our Savior (Man in White) in Revelation as He appears to Saul on the Damascus Way, and the words of other New Testament writers like James and Peter as they debate with Paul. One of my favorite passages is a live debate between James and Paul over faith vs works. Outstanding!
It may be difficult to get your hands on this book, but be persistent. You will not be disappointed.
I acquired a copy through our ILL (Inter-library Loans) system, bit now would like to get a copy for my personal library. Highly recommended!
While classified as a work of fiction, this book is so much more than that. It was a labor of love for Cash and he dedicates it to his father Ray Cash. In the Introduction, Cash writes: "Perhaps a few of the things I have written, I humbly suggest, resulted from a tiny flicker from God's great storehouse of brilliance. I dedicate this book to my father, Ray Cash, whose face I saw in that tiny flicker."
In this relatively small volume is a scripture powerhouse. Cash uses Paul's story to clearly articulate the gospel using the words of scripture. The Word comes alive in this book as we see Paul's conversion and efforts to begin sharing Christ with the world beginning with Jerusalem. Included are Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ, words from Matthew's gospel proclaimed in a Jerusalem synagogue, Paul's words from his epistles spoken to those around him as he convinces them of the need to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, the description of our Savior (Man in White) in Revelation as He appears to Saul on the Damascus Way, and the words of other New Testament writers like James and Peter as they debate with Paul. One of my favorite passages is a live debate between James and Paul over faith vs works. Outstanding!
It may be difficult to get your hands on this book, but be persistent. You will not be disappointed.
I acquired a copy through our ILL (Inter-library Loans) system, bit now would like to get a copy for my personal library. Highly recommended!
September 23, 2022
Aside from some parts that are embarrassingly Protestant, it is a very entertaining story about St. Paul. It’s clear he did research to get the setting a culture right and it’s nice to see some of the New Testament in context.
June 9, 2015
As I said in my review of Cain, I love it when an author dives into what isn't told in the Bible. Unlike Cain we are here at least in the realm of history and Johnny Cash certainly did his due diligence in terms of research before he wrote this novel. Having read his autobiography a couple times, I was well aware of how much he put into this novel, and I'm quite happy with myself that I finally got around to reading it.
One criticism might be that I think Cash doesn't spend enough time on Paul vs the amount of time he spends on Saul. That being said he paints a grim and murderous image of the Pharisee named Saul who as Paul would go on to have his epistle on love read at every other modern American wedding. I mean Saul has plenty of personal issues that might explain his actions, but at the heart of it all he is just a stone cold killer without any empathy for his fellow Jews that have chosen a new path.
And I don't fault Cash at all for the amount of time he spends telling you who Saul was; that is absolutely needed so you can understand the transition to Paul. I guess I'd just like to hear more of what is actually in the Bible of him traveling from place to place and spreading the gospel, but because that is itself scripture I'm guessing that's why Cash left it out. All in all a great, quick read for Jew and Gentile alike.
One criticism might be that I think Cash doesn't spend enough time on Paul vs the amount of time he spends on Saul. That being said he paints a grim and murderous image of the Pharisee named Saul who as Paul would go on to have his epistle on love read at every other modern American wedding. I mean Saul has plenty of personal issues that might explain his actions, but at the heart of it all he is just a stone cold killer without any empathy for his fellow Jews that have chosen a new path.
And I don't fault Cash at all for the amount of time he spends telling you who Saul was; that is absolutely needed so you can understand the transition to Paul. I guess I'd just like to hear more of what is actually in the Bible of him traveling from place to place and spreading the gospel, but because that is itself scripture I'm guessing that's why Cash left it out. All in all a great, quick read for Jew and Gentile alike.
January 3, 2014
This book is one of my all time favorites. I can't believe I own an original copy... my friend found one and bought it for me. I read it from a library years earlier and wished I had a copy.
Mr Cash really gives a fresh vantage point to the Apostle Paul, he brings out a man to admire not just a scholar and writer, but a man with a testimony. A man with a 180 life change that inspires us to this day, and this story of what it may have been like is not just a story, but thoroughly researched and painstakingly considered by Mr Cash. I am so impressed. Love it.
Mr Cash really gives a fresh vantage point to the Apostle Paul, he brings out a man to admire not just a scholar and writer, but a man with a testimony. A man with a 180 life change that inspires us to this day, and this story of what it may have been like is not just a story, but thoroughly researched and painstakingly considered by Mr Cash. I am so impressed. Love it.
March 15, 2020
Who knew that Johnny Cash had written a novel? I was very excited to find this in a charity shop. He's a great storyteller. It's historical fiction but I found the narrative compelling. It's made the apostle Paul become more human, more alive in my imagination. "Jesus Christ told us how to live. The apostle Paul showed us how the plan works. Christ told us how to die, unafraid, with an eternity of peace following, and Paul showed us how to prepare for it." p.xviii
July 26, 2013
Johnny Cash was and is one of the most prominent public faces of the Christian faith. I applaud him for writing this story of Paul's life, conversion and ministry. Cash pays careful attention to the historic circumstances he is writing in, particularly the geography, religious atmosphere and social relations at the time of Paul's life. I also like how the dialogue of certain figures (e.g. James) foreshadows what they write in their later letters to the Church. However, often the writing seems amateurish and I think Cash could have portrayed Paul as a much more complicated figure.
January 2, 2013
This book was an engaging and quick read. Cash surely knew his history and scripture before he wrote it. It doesn't really betray his Baptist loyalties either, and I think this book is a good read for any Christian interested in an admittedly fictional retelling of St Paul's conversion. Some of the dialogue was a bit awkward and unnatural, and the narrative could have benefited from a break from Saul's thought process. But the book does give you a good feel for the first century world.
December 24, 2025
With his long list of songwriting credits, it shouldn’t be such a surprise, but Cash was actually a very skillful writer. Clearly, years of historical and spiritual research went into the creation of this novel. As a retelling of the apostle Paul’s conversion, it was quite impressive and moving. I now consider the road to Damascus a bit more personally than before.
February 8, 2015
If you can get your hands on this one, you've got to read it. I was SO pleasantly surprised....what a find!
December 19, 2024
Did you know that Johnny Cash wrote a book about the apostle Paul? This book came recommended to me by my good friend, Denny. The premise is excellent, and the story is thought provoking.
The Man in White takes place in the first century AD in and around Jerusalem following Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee of Pharisees set on stamping out the sect of the Nazarenes by violence.
The exercise of considering Paul’s life before conversion and how he may have conducted his affairs was a very strong section. We see the martyrdom of Stephen, Paul preparing for a vow, and his struggling with conscience and night visions. One dream of rivers of blood filled with gentiles shouting his name in all different languages recurs.
This front section was my favorite. It was rich with information about Jerusalem, the temple, Jewish practices and some politics and history. Unfortunately, the book didn’t hold me all the way. Eventually, Cash gets into projecting his personal convictions onto the apostle’s practice of communion, and a lot of moments that may have been better left to mystery were expounded. The first communion scene and the dialogues between Paul and “the Voice” were some of these parts.
Honestly, still really good. Short enough to be worth it despite the things I didn’t care for. Read it if only for a window into Johnny Cash’s mind and faith, but also for a pretty solid historical summary of Paul’s conversion with some interesting speculation and fictionalizing.
The Man in White takes place in the first century AD in and around Jerusalem following Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee of Pharisees set on stamping out the sect of the Nazarenes by violence.
The exercise of considering Paul’s life before conversion and how he may have conducted his affairs was a very strong section. We see the martyrdom of Stephen, Paul preparing for a vow, and his struggling with conscience and night visions. One dream of rivers of blood filled with gentiles shouting his name in all different languages recurs.
This front section was my favorite. It was rich with information about Jerusalem, the temple, Jewish practices and some politics and history. Unfortunately, the book didn’t hold me all the way. Eventually, Cash gets into projecting his personal convictions onto the apostle’s practice of communion, and a lot of moments that may have been better left to mystery were expounded. The first communion scene and the dialogues between Paul and “the Voice” were some of these parts.
Honestly, still really good. Short enough to be worth it despite the things I didn’t care for. Read it if only for a window into Johnny Cash’s mind and faith, but also for a pretty solid historical summary of Paul’s conversion with some interesting speculation and fictionalizing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2021
Probably 3.75
A really good "fill in the blanks" story of Paul. If you have watched the biblical series "The Chosen" (which is excellent, by the way), you can see the parallels in style. It is an interesting, plausible story of the life of Paul from the time he was Saul, through his conversion, and well into his ministry.
I knew Johnny Cash gave his life to Christ, but I did not know how involved he was trying to get this book written. It took him years to write it. Through his drug addiction and rehab, he was finally able to finish it.
A really good "fill in the blanks" story of Paul. If you have watched the biblical series "The Chosen" (which is excellent, by the way), you can see the parallels in style. It is an interesting, plausible story of the life of Paul from the time he was Saul, through his conversion, and well into his ministry.
I knew Johnny Cash gave his life to Christ, but I did not know how involved he was trying to get this book written. It took him years to write it. Through his drug addiction and rehab, he was finally able to finish it.
January 15, 2025
3.5 stars. The beginning was a bit slow, but the ending was so worth it ☺️
July 18, 2021
Here's JOHNNY!
Lol but seriously this was an interesting glimpse into the imagination of the man himself.
Lol but seriously this was an interesting glimpse into the imagination of the man himself.
January 5, 2008
If God has a voice, I fully expect it to sound like Johnny Cash. Every word he sang resonates passion and fairness and truth. So when he talks about faith, it's impossible not to feel a little spark of the divine, no matter how cynical and backslidden a Christian one may be. Anyone preaching behind a pulpit usually just ends up making me angry, but thirty seconds of a Cash gospel song still melts me into a puddle.
I wanted to feel the same thing reading this novel, but it just didn't happen. The passion is there, but it lacks his gravitas. I didn't mind the plainspoken writing style, but it relied too heavily on Bible verses and pat religious quotations to get its point across. While it made me think more about Paul as a historical figure, it didn't do much to humanize him. I'm glad I read it and I know telling this story was an important goal of Cash's life, but the whole thing felt too scholarly and emotionless to get fully invested in.
I wanted to feel the same thing reading this novel, but it just didn't happen. The passion is there, but it lacks his gravitas. I didn't mind the plainspoken writing style, but it relied too heavily on Bible verses and pat religious quotations to get its point across. While it made me think more about Paul as a historical figure, it didn't do much to humanize him. I'm glad I read it and I know telling this story was an important goal of Cash's life, but the whole thing felt too scholarly and emotionless to get fully invested in.
June 30, 2019
I only read this book because it was written by Johnny Cash. I have no interest in the Apostle Paul. Having said that, there were some surprisingly good portions of this book. I highly enjoyed the beginning with the trial and execution of Stephen. I also found Saul's conversion on the Damascus road to be interesting. However, there was also a lot of boring, tedious sections of this book, which made it hard for me to stay focused.
If you have a interest in the subject matter, the you'll probably love this book. If you are here because it was written by Johnny Cash, you can skip it, unless you have an obsession and must consume everything and anything by the Man in Black.
If you have a interest in the subject matter, the you'll probably love this book. If you are here because it was written by Johnny Cash, you can skip it, unless you have an obsession and must consume everything and anything by the Man in Black.
August 20, 2022
The only book Americana legend Johnny Cash ever wrote, was not an autobiography, nor a reflection on American music. Instead he wrote a dang good book on the apostle Paul. Every page I was consistently blown away by the theological depth and historical accuracy Johnny Cash exercised. His grasp of the soul of Paul it's probably better than most theologians, and I was personally deeply edified by it. While at times it was obvious that Cash's artistic genius was in music and not in literature, the simple and profound truths of the faith have seldomen made clearer than in the pages of this little book.
April 25, 2025
close to 4 stars, but not quite there, because if I were to recommend this novel to someone, I would do so with a few caveats. to me, 4 stars means I can recommend something wholeheartedly.
it has some very good parts. some awkward parts. some ham-fisted, occasionally anachronistic theology ("this bread is a symbol of his body"). this novel shows a great creativity and inspiration, and also a great inexperience with the medium. but I love to see Johnny Cash being as Paul-pilled as I am, perhaps even more so
it has some very good parts. some awkward parts. some ham-fisted, occasionally anachronistic theology ("this bread is a symbol of his body"). this novel shows a great creativity and inspiration, and also a great inexperience with the medium. but I love to see Johnny Cash being as Paul-pilled as I am, perhaps even more so
January 1, 2026
The historical detail of this book shows Cash's commitment to and deep respect for his faith; it is as though he was a time traveler and this book was his time machine, and he took us all along for a great adventure into Jerusalem of early AD and the extraordinary development of early Christianity.
January 30, 2019
The famous rock singer Johnny Cash wrote this biography of Saint Paul. Johnny Cash almost destroyed his singing career and probably his life with addiction to drugs. Finally in mid-career, when he was about 36, he had a conversion experience and was able to come off drugs. From then on for the remaining 35 years of his life, he remained a devout Christian and many times bore witness to Christ even on the stage before large audiences.
Cash always felt uncomfortable with sectarian divisions within the Christian community and, when interviewed, refused to identify himself with any Christian group. When prodded by his interviewer, he would only admit to being a Christian. I suppose not many of his fans know that, soon after his conversion, Cash wrote his biography about the Life of St. Paul.
I was curious how Cash understood St. Paul’s life, so I got the book and read it. It turns out that Cash’s “Man in White” is a remarkably good biography. Cash had some training in Biblical Study and benefitted from friends, including Billy Graham who read his drafts as the book was in progress. But what surprised me the most is that Cash has a real talent for spinning a story. His story of the life of St. Paul brought Paul’s life out of the mystical, where so many put him, and showed Paul as an ordinary man of his time.
The book starts with Peter in The Temple right after he cured the crippled man. Saul is in another Temple chamber with the high priest and Gamaliel, and two other men. They are discussing what to do about the Christian heretics. Gamaliel advised them to leave these men alone. Saul wasn’t convinced. He felt these unbelievers should be stopped.
From this start, Cash goes on to craft a very well-written novel about Saul. He provides a lot of detail about what life was like in Jerusalem at that time and adds details that help round out the character of Saul. After Stephen is martyred, Saul is commission by Temple leaders to eradicate the Nazarenes. He endures a seven-day fast in preparation and then he has himself dedicated to this mission in a special Temple ceremony. All his hair is shaved off and burned along with an animal sacrifice. Then Saul is ready to start on his mission.
I got a lot out of this novel. It is not like other stories about Saints. It is more like an adventure story, but, in this case, the story is true. Cash pretty much keeps his novel in line with what is already known about St. Paul, but he makes Paul come alive through Cash’s skillful handling of small details about Paul’s appearance, his family background, how he supported himself, and his friends and relatives. The title is based on how Jesus appeared to Saul on the way to Damascus. Jesus was clothed in brilliant white: Jesus is the "Man in White."
Cash always felt uncomfortable with sectarian divisions within the Christian community and, when interviewed, refused to identify himself with any Christian group. When prodded by his interviewer, he would only admit to being a Christian. I suppose not many of his fans know that, soon after his conversion, Cash wrote his biography about the Life of St. Paul.
I was curious how Cash understood St. Paul’s life, so I got the book and read it. It turns out that Cash’s “Man in White” is a remarkably good biography. Cash had some training in Biblical Study and benefitted from friends, including Billy Graham who read his drafts as the book was in progress. But what surprised me the most is that Cash has a real talent for spinning a story. His story of the life of St. Paul brought Paul’s life out of the mystical, where so many put him, and showed Paul as an ordinary man of his time.
The book starts with Peter in The Temple right after he cured the crippled man. Saul is in another Temple chamber with the high priest and Gamaliel, and two other men. They are discussing what to do about the Christian heretics. Gamaliel advised them to leave these men alone. Saul wasn’t convinced. He felt these unbelievers should be stopped.
From this start, Cash goes on to craft a very well-written novel about Saul. He provides a lot of detail about what life was like in Jerusalem at that time and adds details that help round out the character of Saul. After Stephen is martyred, Saul is commission by Temple leaders to eradicate the Nazarenes. He endures a seven-day fast in preparation and then he has himself dedicated to this mission in a special Temple ceremony. All his hair is shaved off and burned along with an animal sacrifice. Then Saul is ready to start on his mission.
I got a lot out of this novel. It is not like other stories about Saints. It is more like an adventure story, but, in this case, the story is true. Cash pretty much keeps his novel in line with what is already known about St. Paul, but he makes Paul come alive through Cash’s skillful handling of small details about Paul’s appearance, his family background, how he supported himself, and his friends and relatives. The title is based on how Jesus appeared to Saul on the way to Damascus. Jesus was clothed in brilliant white: Jesus is the "Man in White."
October 5, 2017
What better person to be called into Christ's service! Saul/Paul was the most qualified to deliver the gospel of Christ, having been immersed in The Laws of the Old Testament. Knowing and obeying Scripture was his passion! He was a Pharisee above all Pharisees, making sure that everyone else knew and obeyed Scripture, as well. His conversion to New Testament Christianity gave him a new level of understanding of the message of the Old Testament that points to Christ.
Saul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus was life changing. He needed to be blinded, so that he could receive the vision that Christ had for him. This Vision renewed his passion and love for scripture.
As with any story taken from the pages of Scripture and crafted into a novel, there there is always a risk of discontinuity. An anointing from the Holy Spirit is needed for the author to be faithful to the historical context and central spiritual message.
I do believe that Johnny Cash was wholeheartedly committed to the Lord's leading on this writing project. He was very thorough in his historical research and wrote convincingly of Paul being the passionate Pharisee. Overall, I was drawn into Paul's central message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the sacrifices he made to proclaim the gospel.
The Introduction was/is a great beginning to this book as Johnny Cash shared the struggle he experienced in writing and completing this book. So much of it was personal for him!
There were times in the latter part of the book that I felt that Scripture was being forced into the story, which made it feel a bit stiff (eg Paul's conversation with James). Also, there seemed to be a little too much mysticism for my comfort (Paul hearing the voice of Christ beyond Damascus). Yes, it is very possible that Paul heard the voice of Jesus throughout his ministry because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. However, these conversation inserts felt like a departure from Scripture itself.
But, I do need to be reminded that this IS just a novel. And as Johnny Cash emphasized in his Introduction: "Other things, some characters, some conversations, and some occurrences, are products of my broad and at times strange imagination."
A good read!
Saul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus was life changing. He needed to be blinded, so that he could receive the vision that Christ had for him. This Vision renewed his passion and love for scripture.
As with any story taken from the pages of Scripture and crafted into a novel, there there is always a risk of discontinuity. An anointing from the Holy Spirit is needed for the author to be faithful to the historical context and central spiritual message.
I do believe that Johnny Cash was wholeheartedly committed to the Lord's leading on this writing project. He was very thorough in his historical research and wrote convincingly of Paul being the passionate Pharisee. Overall, I was drawn into Paul's central message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the sacrifices he made to proclaim the gospel.
The Introduction was/is a great beginning to this book as Johnny Cash shared the struggle he experienced in writing and completing this book. So much of it was personal for him!
There were times in the latter part of the book that I felt that Scripture was being forced into the story, which made it feel a bit stiff (eg Paul's conversation with James). Also, there seemed to be a little too much mysticism for my comfort (Paul hearing the voice of Christ beyond Damascus). Yes, it is very possible that Paul heard the voice of Jesus throughout his ministry because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. However, these conversation inserts felt like a departure from Scripture itself.
But, I do need to be reminded that this IS just a novel. And as Johnny Cash emphasized in his Introduction: "Other things, some characters, some conversations, and some occurrences, are products of my broad and at times strange imagination."
A good read!
May 10, 2021
A constrained and slightly pedantic novel, Man in White's only real point of note is that it was written by the Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash. The writer of 'Ring of Fire' and 'I Walk the Line' was a compelling man, as his autobiography, Cash, shows. That book also showed he was quite capable of manipulating prose for effect. Unfortunately, Cash's only novel is about as essential as his straight-up gospel albums. That is, not at all.
Man in White tells the Biblical story of Saul (later Paul), a persecutor of the early Christians, who on the road to Damascus witnesses a divine revelation of the martyred Jesus (the titular 'man in white') and becomes a repentant convert. It is an interesting story, but alas Cash is not the man to tell it. His attempts at storytelling are more than a tad clunky, his prose is dry and his dialogue leaden. (However, his research of the time period, and of theology, is good.) Oftentimes, the characters speak solely in the unnatural language of the evangelical, and it felt at times like I had been tricked into reading an extended sermon.
I must admit to being surprised that the book was not as wearisome as I had feared. I was distrustful of the sermonising and the fetishization of the Word, but Cash's brand of Christianity is honest and seeking, rather than the self-satisfied, complacent gospel that seems to permeate through the Christian diaspora in the West. Once I accepted Cash's fidelity, it was much easier to self-edit the denser parts of his book.
Unfortunately, novel-writing is just not Cash's medium. His feel for it isn't as natural as his songwriting. For all its earnestness and energy, his depiction of the conversion on the road to Damascus will not convince anyone who is not already convinced. An ordinary, non-evangelical reader needs an anchor, a hook on which to suspend their disbelief, and in Man in White the character arc just isn't there.
Man in White tells the Biblical story of Saul (later Paul), a persecutor of the early Christians, who on the road to Damascus witnesses a divine revelation of the martyred Jesus (the titular 'man in white') and becomes a repentant convert. It is an interesting story, but alas Cash is not the man to tell it. His attempts at storytelling are more than a tad clunky, his prose is dry and his dialogue leaden. (However, his research of the time period, and of theology, is good.) Oftentimes, the characters speak solely in the unnatural language of the evangelical, and it felt at times like I had been tricked into reading an extended sermon.
I must admit to being surprised that the book was not as wearisome as I had feared. I was distrustful of the sermonising and the fetishization of the Word, but Cash's brand of Christianity is honest and seeking, rather than the self-satisfied, complacent gospel that seems to permeate through the Christian diaspora in the West. Once I accepted Cash's fidelity, it was much easier to self-edit the denser parts of his book.
Unfortunately, novel-writing is just not Cash's medium. His feel for it isn't as natural as his songwriting. For all its earnestness and energy, his depiction of the conversion on the road to Damascus will not convince anyone who is not already convinced. An ordinary, non-evangelical reader needs an anchor, a hook on which to suspend their disbelief, and in Man in White the character arc just isn't there.
May 25, 2020
Surprisingly well written, I enjoyed Johnny Cash's take on the life of Paul of the Bible. He covers the time Saul was actively persecuting what were called the Nazarenes at that time through the time Saul becomes Paul and travels to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He concludes with a quick synoposis of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in AD 70.
There is so much scripture in this book, that it could be called a Bible excerpt with narration and study notes. Johnny fills in the life of Paul and his family and other disciple's families that is not fully contained in the Bible. He obviously did a lot of research over the years to come up with accurate historical and geographical information. The characters and backdrops are colorful and interesting. Since this is told as historical fiction, it is fine to assume the characters outside of history are practically real. One such character is Sarah, Saul's sister, who comes to know the Lord Jesus after she sees how Saul has become a gentile, radiant person who cares about others and their destiny. Paul's sister and her son are mentioned in Acts 23:16, but not much more is told about them.
The book talks about some of the other disciples and some of their actions and words, which I found very fulfilling. Overall, this book could be used as an evangelical tool--introducing people to the gospel and Jesus Christ through the life of Paul. That may have been Johnny's reason for publishing it after a long delay. He had a life before and after Christ, just as Saul/Paul did, so he obviously related to Paul's struggles.
There is so much scripture in this book, that it could be called a Bible excerpt with narration and study notes. Johnny fills in the life of Paul and his family and other disciple's families that is not fully contained in the Bible. He obviously did a lot of research over the years to come up with accurate historical and geographical information. The characters and backdrops are colorful and interesting. Since this is told as historical fiction, it is fine to assume the characters outside of history are practically real. One such character is Sarah, Saul's sister, who comes to know the Lord Jesus after she sees how Saul has become a gentile, radiant person who cares about others and their destiny. Paul's sister and her son are mentioned in Acts 23:16, but not much more is told about them.
The book talks about some of the other disciples and some of their actions and words, which I found very fulfilling. Overall, this book could be used as an evangelical tool--introducing people to the gospel and Jesus Christ through the life of Paul. That may have been Johnny's reason for publishing it after a long delay. He had a life before and after Christ, just as Saul/Paul did, so he obviously related to Paul's struggles.
February 25, 2022
L'unico romanzo del leggendario Johnny Cash, il musicista country più famoso al mondo, affronta in maniera appassionata, partecipe e densa di dettagli la storia di San Paolo, dalla sua fanatica e violenta ossessione persecutoria contro i primi cristiani, alla conversione "sulla via di Damasco" e alla nuova missione di proselitismo e insegnamento della dottrina di Gesù nell'impero romano. Cash era un cristiano devoto e problematico, un avido lettore della Bibbia attratto dai personaggi tormentati e conflittuali che innervavano le sue canzoni e in cui intravedeva un riflesso della sua stessa vita. Forse per questo le pagine più belle sono all'inizio, quando tratteggia con toni apocalittici le folli visioni indotte dal digiuno di Saulo non ancora Paolo (mi hanno ricordato il modo in cui Reinhard Kleist nella bio-graphic novel "Cash: I See A Darkness" racconta la crisi d'astinenza dalla droga). Più avanti, suppergiù dall'entrata in scena dell'Uomo in Bianco, il tono si fa più austero e pacificato, pur non perdendo in scorrevolezza. Nel complesso una prova discreta e di piacevole lettura, sempre che non vi scoraggi l'argomento religioso, a cui darei 3 stelle. Ne aggiungo una perché l'introduzione, scritta dall'autore, è uno dei viaggi più profondi nella mente di questo straordinario artista che mi sia mai capitato di fare, imperdibile per i fan.
December 28, 2023
I am not a big fan of Biblical Historial Fiction because of the many false teachings that can result as the author creates dialog using current worldly thinking. Mr. Cash tells the story of Paul (Saul) mostly as it relates to his personal life, the first part filled with sin and depraved living followed by a much-changed relationship either due to a loving wife or finding God or both. Saul, later called Paul in Scripture changed from a killer of believers to a passionate proclaimer of God's message, even to the point of his death.
The story reminds me of a man I had a relationship with during the later years of his life. His knowledge of Biblical teaching was obtained from Cecil B. DeMille movies which he considered to be from God. God did things in Technicolor. Many scriptures are used as Johnny develops his novel about Paul (Saul), a story many believers will love and which some will quote in Sunday school.
The story reminds me of a man I had a relationship with during the later years of his life. His knowledge of Biblical teaching was obtained from Cecil B. DeMille movies which he considered to be from God. God did things in Technicolor. Many scriptures are used as Johnny develops his novel about Paul (Saul), a story many believers will love and which some will quote in Sunday school.
February 11, 2022
The book is most interesting in that it exists and was written by Johnny Cash. The book offers a few insights into the culture and history surrounding the life of the Apostle Paul, and has some intriguing imaginings about his personal life that is not mentioned in the Bible. The first half starts off interesting enough, Saul is a fervent man of religion and seeks to destroy those of the Way.
The journey the novel takes you on through that time in Paul's life is interesting and thoughtful. After Paul's conversion, the books takes a turn for the worst. The dialogue becomes boring and familiar, being nothing except what Paul wrote in letters we've already read, or what James wrote in his epistle. It's simply the Bible but not as good at that point. The first half, still, brings with it something personal that may very well have enough value to justify the whole book.
The journey the novel takes you on through that time in Paul's life is interesting and thoughtful. After Paul's conversion, the books takes a turn for the worst. The dialogue becomes boring and familiar, being nothing except what Paul wrote in letters we've already read, or what James wrote in his epistle. It's simply the Bible but not as good at that point. The first half, still, brings with it something personal that may very well have enough value to justify the whole book.
July 4, 2019
A friend mentioned this book to our Pastor at church when he mentioned he was going to do a series on St Paul. I found a copy of the book and thoroughly enjoyed the read, cover to cover. It tells the story well of the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. It continues to tell the story of the early days of the church, 'the people of the Way', 'the followers of the Nazarene' and finally, 'the early Christians'. Once they were banished from the Jewish synagogues, they started to meet secretly in the homes or on the roofs of different members residents. Woman worshiped right along side of the men and not in separation like the Jewish synagogues. Beautiful story of the early struggles of the church.
January 28, 2022
Johnny Cash, as was Elvis Presley, was a very religious man. Many are unaware of this fact, but it is true. In this book by Cash, "Man in White," we have a novelization about the Apostle Paul. The book sticks to The Bible for what is historically known, but this book gives great insight to the life and times of the people in the first century A.D. Mr. Cash has given depth to the Apostle Paul that while fictional, has obviously been researched to find out what times were like in his day. The book is less than 200 pages, and therefore the pace is quick. This is one of those books that I recommend reading of the Introduction and the Prologue. The Epilogue is also well written. Whether or not you are a Christian, this is a book well worth reading. Can I get an "Amen?"
June 12, 2022
An engaging, imaginative portrait of one of the most influential men in history. Cash approaches his subject with great respect, but still paints a vivid picture of a real person, one driven at first by a self-righteousness based on what he believes God is asking of him; then, after being personally corrected by that God, by a self-sacrificing certainty in his new mission.
Not being a Biblical scholar, I can only take Cash at his word when he says how thoroughly he researched the era before writing this book. I found the cultural, geographical and historical notes to be seamlessly integrated into the story. Furthermore, scripture quotes are often used extensively as dialogue, which makes them seem fresh and immediate, as they would been at the time.
The research also serves the action, rather than bogging it down. Thus, nothing gets in the way of the actual character of Saul (Paul) and his intense, driven personality.
Not being a Biblical scholar, I can only take Cash at his word when he says how thoroughly he researched the era before writing this book. I found the cultural, geographical and historical notes to be seamlessly integrated into the story. Furthermore, scripture quotes are often used extensively as dialogue, which makes them seem fresh and immediate, as they would been at the time.
The research also serves the action, rather than bogging it down. Thus, nothing gets in the way of the actual character of Saul (Paul) and his intense, driven personality.
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