What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lost Testament
Investigating the discovery of a testament allegedly written by Jesus Christ, international scholar Michael Farber and Israeli archaeologist Judith Abramovich confront the manipulative intrusion of charismatic evangelist Jimmy Wilson. Reprint.
588 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
36 people want to read
About the author
Alan Gold
53 books46 followersAlan Gold began his career as a journalist, working in the UK, Europe, and Israel. In 1970, he emigrated to Australia with his wife, Eva, and now lives in St. Ives, Sydney, where he divides his time between writing novels and running his award-winning marketing consultancy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 11, 2014
This is the third time I’ve read Alan Gold’s tale of a lost testament of Jesus of Nazareth – a scroll hinted at in a list recently disclosed by the committee in charge of the publication the Dead Sea Scrolls. I still don’t know whether it’s a book that’s worth keeping. But obviously I have – at least until now.
The revelation that a document authored by Jesus himself, and safe-guarded by the Essene community of Qumran along with other precious documents, starts a religious gold rush to the Holy Land.
Born a Jew, but a convert to Catholicism, Michael Faber is sent in search of the scroll in the company of a former love, Judith Abramovich, an Israeli archaeologist. The meeting after so many years is awkward for both of them – being married to two different people.
Faber’s quest takes him on a quest that extends far beyond the Holy Land. And he is not the only one – a self-styled evangelical preacher named Jimmy Wilson is determined to find the scroll and bring it back to America where he intends to build a special church for it.
There’s a lot to like about Gold’s tale – the historical perspective, the locations, the political manoeuvrings of the various authorities hoping to secure the lost testament of Christ. It’s the resolution of all these strands that rather lets the story down.
It’s one of those stories that, when finished, you wonder if you’ve missed something in the final few chapters. For this reason only, The Lost Testament is a little disappointing.
The journey is great – the outcome, somewhat less satisfying, if not downright mystifying.
(Or maybe I really DID miss something!)
Review by Kerry Hennigan June 11, 2014
The revelation that a document authored by Jesus himself, and safe-guarded by the Essene community of Qumran along with other precious documents, starts a religious gold rush to the Holy Land.
Born a Jew, but a convert to Catholicism, Michael Faber is sent in search of the scroll in the company of a former love, Judith Abramovich, an Israeli archaeologist. The meeting after so many years is awkward for both of them – being married to two different people.
Faber’s quest takes him on a quest that extends far beyond the Holy Land. And he is not the only one – a self-styled evangelical preacher named Jimmy Wilson is determined to find the scroll and bring it back to America where he intends to build a special church for it.
There’s a lot to like about Gold’s tale – the historical perspective, the locations, the political manoeuvrings of the various authorities hoping to secure the lost testament of Christ. It’s the resolution of all these strands that rather lets the story down.
It’s one of those stories that, when finished, you wonder if you’ve missed something in the final few chapters. For this reason only, The Lost Testament is a little disappointing.
The journey is great – the outcome, somewhat less satisfying, if not downright mystifying.
(Or maybe I really DID miss something!)
Review by Kerry Hennigan June 11, 2014
April 4, 2011
When the news is heard from a cave deep in the Judean desert that a prophetic testament written by Jesus Christ may yet exist, scholars, fortune hunters, religious groups and reporters converge on the site within hours. Their reasons vary but their hunger to find the testament is the same.
Michael Farber, an international scholar and Judith Abramovich, an Israeli Archaeologist, admit to only academic interest, but before long they must confront the manipulative intrusion of Jimmy Wilson, a charismatic American evangelist. Jimmy has his own reasons for wanting the testament and he will do anything to get it. Whereas Daniel Rhymer, special envoy from the Vatican, fears more than anything the future of his religion if the testament is ever found. (cover blurb)
Fairly typical for the "lost gospel" subgenre. As I read it, some things seemed familiar, but I can't say whether it's because I'd previously read this particular novel, or because I've read several of this type of novel.
The writing, while not completely abysmal, isn't going to win any prizes. Many of the characters, most notably Rev. Jimmy Wilson, are clichés; but the action is engaging enough to keep the general reader interested despite the creaking stereotypes and gaping plot holes. The timeline varies: most of the novel takes place in the near future, but bits and pieces occur nearly 2000 years ago as a young man carries the document in question from one hiding place to another.
Real life occurrences of interest: Pope John Paul II passed away and a new and somewhat controversial pope (Benedict XVI) was elected while I was reading this book. Vatican politics plays a large role in the story; in fact, the Pope here is American and, in this story's alternate history, is the man elected after the death of John Paul II's successor.
Forgettable but decent beach read.
Michael Farber, an international scholar and Judith Abramovich, an Israeli Archaeologist, admit to only academic interest, but before long they must confront the manipulative intrusion of Jimmy Wilson, a charismatic American evangelist. Jimmy has his own reasons for wanting the testament and he will do anything to get it. Whereas Daniel Rhymer, special envoy from the Vatican, fears more than anything the future of his religion if the testament is ever found. (cover blurb)
Fairly typical for the "lost gospel" subgenre. As I read it, some things seemed familiar, but I can't say whether it's because I'd previously read this particular novel, or because I've read several of this type of novel.
The writing, while not completely abysmal, isn't going to win any prizes. Many of the characters, most notably Rev. Jimmy Wilson, are clichés; but the action is engaging enough to keep the general reader interested despite the creaking stereotypes and gaping plot holes. The timeline varies: most of the novel takes place in the near future, but bits and pieces occur nearly 2000 years ago as a young man carries the document in question from one hiding place to another.
Real life occurrences of interest: Pope John Paul II passed away and a new and somewhat controversial pope (Benedict XVI) was elected while I was reading this book. Vatican politics plays a large role in the story; in fact, the Pope here is American and, in this story's alternate history, is the man elected after the death of John Paul II's successor.
Forgettable but decent beach read.
August 6, 2016
I have never been entirely consumed any book I have read before. It was nerve wrecking. Different characters all bound for the same destination the place where the Testament of Jesus lies. Micheal Faber and Judith, Jimmy Wilson and his church, Pope Inncocent and the Vatican... all seek the testament but for varied reasons. David Rhymer the Cardinal buries it down for the world is not ready as its foundation is not based on the word but of the church.
Well ended the Word is the Majesty of God not buildings. It is with the Church that everything started to go wrong.
Well ended the Word is the Majesty of God not buildings. It is with the Church that everything started to go wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2013
I was enjoying this book very much right up until the end. Alan Gold's story telling had been clear and unambiguous, then suddenly I have to make assumptions of what happened to major story arcs and characters.
March 5, 2013
Interesting premise. Lame story. Shallow caricatures for the main characters. Gratuitous vulgarity. Unsatisfying ending. Stilted unnatural dialogue.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews