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Πάπυρος Μασάντα
Στα ερείπια της Μασάντα η σιωπή ήταν απόκοσμη. Ο αιδεσιμότατος Μάικλ Φλάνερι συνειδητοποίησε το λόγο μόλις πλησίασε το κτίσμα όπου είχε ανακαλυφθεί ο πάπυρος και είδε το πρώτο πτώμα. Ο άντρας φορούσε τη στολή φρουρού ασφαλείας και το καρτελάκι πάνω στο καταματωμένο πουκάμισό του έγραφε: «Γαβριήλ Εμπάν»... Κοιτάζοντας ολόγυρα, ο Φλάνερι είδε στους τοίχους μουσουλμανικά σύμβολα και συνθήματα, γραμμένα με σπρέι.
Εξακολουθούσε να έχει το βλέμμα καρφωμένο στις φράσεις, όταν ακούστηκε μια απαλή φωνή: «Via Dei... Ήρθαν για τον πάπυρο».
Ο Πάπυρος Μασάντα εξυφαίνει το μύθο της αιώνιας αναζήτησης της πνευματικής αλήθειας.
Δεν είναι μόνο μια περιπέτεια που διαβάζει κανείς χωρίς ανάσα.
Είναι μια ιστορία που θα αλλάξει την κοσμοθεωρία σας... και την ίδια σας την ψυχή.
Εξακολουθούσε να έχει το βλέμμα καρφωμένο στις φράσεις, όταν ακούστηκε μια απαλή φωνή: «Via Dei... Ήρθαν για τον πάπυρο».
Ο Πάπυρος Μασάντα εξυφαίνει το μύθο της αιώνιας αναζήτησης της πνευματικής αλήθειας.
Δεν είναι μόνο μια περιπέτεια που διαβάζει κανείς χωρίς ανάσα.
Είναι μια ιστορία που θα αλλάξει την κοσμοθεωρία σας... και την ίδια σας την ψυχή.
446 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2007
4 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 13, 2015
It is many years since I visited Masada, Israel and longer yet since I saw the Dead Sea Scrolls when they were exhibited in Edinburgh, Scotland. Nevertheless, The Masada Scroll was a title that appealed to me when the book was being sold in my local library. The staff have a habit of selling books that are being taken out of circulation for just a few pennies. I find the sales impossible to resist. Just what I need another book!
I am not usually attracted to books with more than one author. However, the title of this book attracted me and Paul Block is the author of sixteen novels and the former editor-in-chief of Book Creations Inc. This is a book producer specializing in historical fiction. Block is also a working journalist and photographer. He currently is executive producer of timesunion.com which is the Web site of the Times Union newspaper in Albany, New York. His photography is featured at paulblock.com. Block grew up in Glen Cove, New York, USA and attended the State University of New York at Binghamton and Empire State College. He has two grown children and lives in the Albany area in upstate New York. Robert Vaughn is also a noted writer who sold his first book when he was only 19 years old. That was 50 years, nearly 250 titles, and 20 million books ago. Writing under 35 pseudonyms, he has hit the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists twice. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998 and now lives in Sikeston, Missouri, USA.
masadaThe Masada Scroll revolves around the discovery of a previously unknown gospel that predates the four gospels of the New Testament. The scroll introduces a mysterious symbol that combines the Star of David, the Cross of Christianity and the Crescent and Star of Islam. None of these symbols existed at the time the Gospel was written, adding to the mystery that the protagonist, Michael Flannery, an Irish priest, must unravel.
Flannery discovers that the symbol represents the Trevia Dei, or Three Paths to God. The idea being that the heart of the message of Jesus to the world is the unity of all three of these paths that lead to God. The story continues by explaining that the true meaning of Trevia Dei has become perverted over the centuries, turning the message of unity into a single path to salvation. The story goes that this perversion is what had led to many of the problems in the modern world. Of course, to make a good mystery, there has to be those who do not want the message of this wonderful new gospel of light and love to be brought to the attention of the public in our troubled world. They have chosen to separate rather than unite God's children. The Masada Scroll is the story of characters who struggle to bring the simple message of Jesus back into our world which is so desperate for joy.
The Masada Scroll tries to be the story of timeless quest for spiritual truth and redemption. I do not think it reaches that goal and I found parts of the story a bit complicated. Other parts of it were quite incredible. The story also jumps from the early period of Christianity to the modern day. that irritated me.
I suppose it might be said that the book falls into the same genre as the DaVinci Code by Dan Brown. There is some action in this thriller. However, this novel had a more spiritual and supernatural theme than I expected. I also enjoyed the details of the history of Masada itself. Another aspect of The Masada Scroll that really worked for me was the captivating account of Christianity in its infancy and the perils of the first Christians during Roman rule. Although the book was formulaic, it was a quick and entertaining read with engaging characters and an exciting plot.
I am not usually attracted to books with more than one author. However, the title of this book attracted me and Paul Block is the author of sixteen novels and the former editor-in-chief of Book Creations Inc. This is a book producer specializing in historical fiction. Block is also a working journalist and photographer. He currently is executive producer of timesunion.com which is the Web site of the Times Union newspaper in Albany, New York. His photography is featured at paulblock.com. Block grew up in Glen Cove, New York, USA and attended the State University of New York at Binghamton and Empire State College. He has two grown children and lives in the Albany area in upstate New York. Robert Vaughn is also a noted writer who sold his first book when he was only 19 years old. That was 50 years, nearly 250 titles, and 20 million books ago. Writing under 35 pseudonyms, he has hit the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists twice. He was inducted into the Writers’ Hall of Fame in 1998 and now lives in Sikeston, Missouri, USA.
masadaThe Masada Scroll revolves around the discovery of a previously unknown gospel that predates the four gospels of the New Testament. The scroll introduces a mysterious symbol that combines the Star of David, the Cross of Christianity and the Crescent and Star of Islam. None of these symbols existed at the time the Gospel was written, adding to the mystery that the protagonist, Michael Flannery, an Irish priest, must unravel.
Flannery discovers that the symbol represents the Trevia Dei, or Three Paths to God. The idea being that the heart of the message of Jesus to the world is the unity of all three of these paths that lead to God. The story continues by explaining that the true meaning of Trevia Dei has become perverted over the centuries, turning the message of unity into a single path to salvation. The story goes that this perversion is what had led to many of the problems in the modern world. Of course, to make a good mystery, there has to be those who do not want the message of this wonderful new gospel of light and love to be brought to the attention of the public in our troubled world. They have chosen to separate rather than unite God's children. The Masada Scroll is the story of characters who struggle to bring the simple message of Jesus back into our world which is so desperate for joy.
The Masada Scroll tries to be the story of timeless quest for spiritual truth and redemption. I do not think it reaches that goal and I found parts of the story a bit complicated. Other parts of it were quite incredible. The story also jumps from the early period of Christianity to the modern day. that irritated me.
I suppose it might be said that the book falls into the same genre as the DaVinci Code by Dan Brown. There is some action in this thriller. However, this novel had a more spiritual and supernatural theme than I expected. I also enjoyed the details of the history of Masada itself. Another aspect of The Masada Scroll that really worked for me was the captivating account of Christianity in its infancy and the perils of the first Christians during Roman rule. Although the book was formulaic, it was a quick and entertaining read with engaging characters and an exciting plot.
August 7, 2011
This book can be a fast read. Sit it down and grab another. But it can be a book that makes you think. I am Christian. I have been taught there is only one way. And only one GOD. This is a fictional mystery about the events around the finding of the Masada Scroll.
Here is the description from the book jacket:
Father Michael Flannery becomes involved with the translation of a previously unknown gospel that predates the four gospels of the New Testament--one that introduces a mysterious symbol that combines the Star of David, the Cross of Christianity, and the Crescent and Star of Islam--he becomes entangled in ancient war to protect millennia-old secrets.
Flannery discovers that the symbol represents the Trevia Dei, or Three Paths to God, the heart of Jesus's message of love and tolerance that has become perverted by a secret fanatical sect over the centuries...a ruthless, tireless and global organization that will spill rivers of blood to stop Flannery from bringing the Masada Scroll to a world desperate for meaning and joy.
....it is a fast read...but it can also be something that lingers on the mind
Here is the description from the book jacket:
Father Michael Flannery becomes involved with the translation of a previously unknown gospel that predates the four gospels of the New Testament--one that introduces a mysterious symbol that combines the Star of David, the Cross of Christianity, and the Crescent and Star of Islam--he becomes entangled in ancient war to protect millennia-old secrets.
Flannery discovers that the symbol represents the Trevia Dei, or Three Paths to God, the heart of Jesus's message of love and tolerance that has become perverted by a secret fanatical sect over the centuries...a ruthless, tireless and global organization that will spill rivers of blood to stop Flannery from bringing the Masada Scroll to a world desperate for meaning and joy.
....it is a fast read...but it can also be something that lingers on the mind
May 25, 2010
This was a slight departure from the popular DaVinci Code genre. For one, while there was some action, I wouldn’t classify it as a thriller. There was the obligatory artifact, in this case a scroll containing the testimony of one of Christ’s contemporaries and a mysterious symbol. But this novel had a more spiritual and supernatural theme than I expected. I was also intrigued by the history of Masada itself. Another aspect that really worked was the story alternating between the present day mystery of the scroll and the narrative of its creation 2000 years ago. It was a captivating account of Christianity in its infancy and the perils of the first Christians during Roman rule. Though it was slightly formulaic, overall, it was a quick and entertaining read with engaging characters and a plot that didn’t get too bogged down with clichés.
August 7, 2015
Surprisingly good. The writing was incredibly detailed. I didn't necessarily like the way that the author didn't really let you know when he was making time jumps and switching perspectives drastically. It got easier as the book went on and I got to know the characters, but it was jarring at the beginning. I also thought the sentences could be structured in a very confusing way. Overall, I really enjoyed it. I liked the themes it was trying to explore, and I liked the characters.
February 5, 2017
i liked this book but it jumped around from past to present and in between so much that you had to reread at times to make sure you understood. that's why i only gave it a three.
July 28, 2009
This was an entertaining book. According to the notes at the end of the book, there is actually a Masada scroll with the same opening paragraphs as that quoted in the book. I found the whole concept rather intriguing - and it was again better written than The DaVinci Code. All in all - very entertaining and I would definitely read these authors again.
June 10, 2010
This was a fun light read. The story was split between a modern archeological excavation at Masada that revealed a new Gospel and the story of how that Gospel came to be written and hidden away for the future. There was a bit of a mystical connection between several characters from the two time periods. Not as richly imagined as other stories of its kind but good summertime reading.
December 20, 2013
Wish I did not read this book. I like books that make some sense. This one did not.
Why would Jesus tell everyone that he is the only way to Heaven and then turn around and tell someone secretly that the Jewish one was actually good enough all along?
Why would Dismas allow himself to be crucified if the Jewish one was actually good enough all along?
The Trevia Dei ruined the book.
Why would Jesus tell everyone that he is the only way to Heaven and then turn around and tell someone secretly that the Jewish one was actually good enough all along?
Why would Dismas allow himself to be crucified if the Jewish one was actually good enough all along?
The Trevia Dei ruined the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2016
The Masada scrolls is a kind of book which is not just interesting but also has a good message of living in harmony. The depiction of scenes of Christ's crucifixion and other scenes of those times give a rustic feel.
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April 10, 2008currently i am reading this. so far, very good...
it is interesting to read about places you have been too. it kinda brings the story to life.
it is interesting to read about places you have been too. it kinda brings the story to life.
July 6, 2008
A quick beach read, kind of like the Da Vinci Code.
September 16, 2008
Didn't even finish it. I don't think the author's ever even been to Israel...
January 21, 2009
This book was so good. It's all about the men who were on the cross next to Jesus as he died. It goes off onto other fictional things, but the spirit of it was great.
August 19, 2009
It was good, but not one I could wait to get home to read. It switched back and forth between time periodsd which wasnt too hard to read just didnt capture my attention like I had hoped.
August 11, 2011
This one took me a little bit to get into, but when I did, it just pulled me into their world.
December 6, 2010
Such a great book! An easy read - I was sucked in from the very start til finish! Excellent!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews