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The Gospel According to Todd
Todd Heller is an arrogant ER physician who stubbornly denies the existence of God. A ministering angel forces him back in time to the harsh, primitive culture of ancient Israel so he can witness the miracles of Jesus with his own eyes. Meticulously researched for historical accuracy, this plot is woven into the gospel account of the final year of Christ’s ministry. Christians who fantasize about going back in time to witness the miracles of Jesus will enjoy the realistic depiction of life in ancient Israel as experienced from a 21st century mentality. This novel is the sequel to The Class of 86, in which Jake Simon is the protagonist. Todd, the antagonist in The Class of 86, becomes the protagonist in The Gospel According to Todd.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2016
243 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Williams
9 books35 followersR.A. Williams draws from his educational background in psychology and sociology to write compelling, thought-provoking Christian fiction that falls outside of mainstream expectations. He strives to pull the reader through the full range of human emotion, adding just the right dose of humor for comic relief. His fiction reveals not just the characters' actions but the psychological motives behind those actions.
His published works include these novels: The Class of 86, The Gospel According to Todd, Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin, The Cult of New Caanan, Sixty-Five Roses, First Cause, Cradle of Life, The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks, and The Blindsight of Grace. His shorter works have appeared in The Christian Communicator, Encounters With God, and Dreams and Visions. His interests include psychology, Biblical history, finger-style guitar, and religious relics such as The Shroud of Turin. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and beagle.
His published works include these novels: The Class of 86, The Gospel According to Todd, Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin, The Cult of New Caanan, Sixty-Five Roses, First Cause, Cradle of Life, The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks, and The Blindsight of Grace. His shorter works have appeared in The Christian Communicator, Encounters With God, and Dreams and Visions. His interests include psychology, Biblical history, finger-style guitar, and religious relics such as The Shroud of Turin. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and beagle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 10, 2016
Would you try to re-write history if you were transported into the past?
An entertaining, fairly believable telling of an atheist transported back to Jesus' day. His journey from skepticism into faith, and his feeble but sincere attempt to head off the crucifixion that failed as it must. The story of a second chance at life that many have experienced after near death or actual death experiences.
An entertaining, fairly believable telling of an atheist transported back to Jesus' day. His journey from skepticism into faith, and his feeble but sincere attempt to head off the crucifixion that failed as it must. The story of a second chance at life that many have experienced after near death or actual death experiences.
February 15, 2025
I have had this book on my kindle for 6 years - It was time to get it read.
A bit of a palate cleanser from my normal reads and especially my current favourite genre; a complete change from Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros!
The book ahead of this is called The Class of 86 but it's not essential to read this as the protagonist is only referred to in this.
Reading this as an agnostic, who does believe there is a place for faith for those who want to believe, I did not take to heart the sanctity that some may have regarding the story of Jesus and his sacrifice. This foundation did not resonate with me more than that of a historical possibility (without the re-growing of limbs and bringing people back from the several-day-dead), like with any other historical fiction based around facts we know.
That said, it did not stop me from enjoying the book as a whole. The first half of the book I spent being annoyed at Todd (as is the intention) and generally frustrated at the length of time he believes that he's in a Truman Show rip off.
I came to really like Eleazar and as we progressed into the second half of the book Todd's purpose became clearer to the reader, despite Todd believing very differently in the path to be taken. The pace picks up a bit and reaches a satisfying conclusion.
I will say that descriptively, the book is done very well, it is not stuffed with long winded prose and gives enough to the reader to feel their surroundings. There are places where I feel I could have done with a little more but it did help to keep the story going without it.
Over all, solid 3 star read.
A bit of a palate cleanser from my normal reads and especially my current favourite genre; a complete change from Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros!
The book ahead of this is called The Class of 86 but it's not essential to read this as the protagonist is only referred to in this.
Reading this as an agnostic, who does believe there is a place for faith for those who want to believe, I did not take to heart the sanctity that some may have regarding the story of Jesus and his sacrifice. This foundation did not resonate with me more than that of a historical possibility (without the re-growing of limbs and bringing people back from the several-day-dead), like with any other historical fiction based around facts we know.
That said, it did not stop me from enjoying the book as a whole. The first half of the book I spent being annoyed at Todd (as is the intention) and generally frustrated at the length of time he believes that he's in a Truman Show rip off.
I came to really like Eleazar and as we progressed into the second half of the book Todd's purpose became clearer to the reader, despite Todd believing very differently in the path to be taken. The pace picks up a bit and reaches a satisfying conclusion.
I will say that descriptively, the book is done very well, it is not stuffed with long winded prose and gives enough to the reader to feel their surroundings. There are places where I feel I could have done with a little more but it did help to keep the story going without it.
Over all, solid 3 star read.
June 25, 2024
A physician whose life is not going according to plan ends up
seeing what life was like at the time when Jesus was on the
earth. His life is obviously markedly changed............
Recommend to those with faith and those without (like the
physician).
seeing what life was like at the time when Jesus was on the
earth. His life is obviously markedly changed............
Recommend to those with faith and those without (like the
physician).
April 23, 2021
Highly recommend
What a wonderful, wonderful book!! Loved reading about Todd’s experiences and seeing his faith develop and the changes in him. Would highly recommend this book!
What a wonderful, wonderful book!! Loved reading about Todd’s experiences and seeing his faith develop and the changes in him. Would highly recommend this book!
May 9, 2023
Good Read!
The Gospel According to Todd is a gripping exploration of faith, redemption, and the power of community. Author R.A. Williams paints a vivid picture of Todd, a young man searching for meaning in a world that often seems cruel and arbitrary.
Williams’ writing is powerful and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and emotions of Todd's world. He expertly weaves together plot and character development, creating a story that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. And throughout it all, his authoritative voice lends weight and credibility to the book's themes and messages.
Overall, The Gospel According to Todd is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of faith and spirituality. It is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, leaving you with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Whether you're religious or not, this is a book that you won't want to miss.
The Gospel According to Todd is a gripping exploration of faith, redemption, and the power of community. Author R.A. Williams paints a vivid picture of Todd, a young man searching for meaning in a world that often seems cruel and arbitrary.
Williams’ writing is powerful and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and emotions of Todd's world. He expertly weaves together plot and character development, creating a story that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. And throughout it all, his authoritative voice lends weight and credibility to the book's themes and messages.
Overall, The Gospel According to Todd is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of faith and spirituality. It is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, leaving you with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Whether you're religious or not, this is a book that you won't want to miss.
November 22, 2017
This was an enjoyable read. The protagonist had an interesting character and voice in spite of being far from pleasant at the beginning. I enjoyed the bits of humor scattered throughout. I also found it interesting that the zealots were described more than most stories set during the life of Christ. They are so often ignored. I recommend it.
October 20, 2017
A great journey home
I enjoyed his way of bringing Todd to meet Jesus. I think so many would love an experience like that. Great storytelling. Loved theending!
I enjoyed his way of bringing Todd to meet Jesus. I think so many would love an experience like that. Great storytelling. Loved theending!
September 4, 2020
The Gospel According to Todd was a refreshing read. Dr. Todd is a doctor who is arrogant, argumentative, and obnoxious. His wife is close to leaving him. He has a young child. He doesn't need help from anyone. Then he's struck by a car. is badly injured, and is in a coma. In the coma, he awakens to find that he's gone back in time to the days of Jesus Christ. Over several months, he learns about this famous Master--because although he's not a believer, he knows who Jesus is and some of the story. He moves in a work foreign to him, trying to make sense of the customs, traditions, work, clothes, and beliefs of those he meets. The questions are many. Will be meet Jesus? Does he see miracles? Does he make sense of the alternative world, especially with his knowledge of today's 21st-century world? Will he go back to his family? Will he ever be the same? Read this book for a fascinating perspective on how an outsider would see life in Jesus' time, and how would he respond.
November 20, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Todd is a doctor, who nobody likes. He has a brusque way with people, even in the most difficult of times. When the book begins, Todd is trying to save the life of a friend named Jake. He always had made fun of Jake, but when he is unable to save his life, he makes light of the way the man took care of himself. Jake was a believer in God, but Todd was not. Todd always had told Jake that when he saw Jesus himself walking on the water, he would believe in Christianity, so Jake made a deal at the time of his death with his guardian angel that he would watch out for Todd. After a night of drinking, Todd finds himself in a strange place that he does not recognize. He keeps asking people for a telephone, or where the bus station is, but nobody seems to understand him. Finally, he realizes he is back in the time of Jesus, and he is witnessing the Biblical stories.
October 1, 2023
Working prayer
Excellent adaption of presenting scripture through conversational action. The "Gospel According to Todd" is an excellent narrative of events of 2000 years ago as observed through atheistic eyes. Todd, the atheist, supernaturally awakes to actively witness the last days of Jesus's earthy ministry. The question is: will Todd accept the truth of Jesus, or remain the sceptical atheist?"
Mr. Williams incorporates Biblical passages through descriptive events to add realism to his narrative. A great approach to present the Gospel events as provided by scripture.
What will happen to Todd? This is a wonderful and entertaining time travel fantasy.
Excellent adaption of presenting scripture through conversational action. The "Gospel According to Todd" is an excellent narrative of events of 2000 years ago as observed through atheistic eyes. Todd, the atheist, supernaturally awakes to actively witness the last days of Jesus's earthy ministry. The question is: will Todd accept the truth of Jesus, or remain the sceptical atheist?"
Mr. Williams incorporates Biblical passages through descriptive events to add realism to his narrative. A great approach to present the Gospel events as provided by scripture.
What will happen to Todd? This is a wonderful and entertaining time travel fantasy.
September 17, 2019
I had a really hard time rating this book. The idea and concept - excellent, 5 stars. The dialogue and characters in the first third to half of the book - not so good. I found the dialogue of the other characters once Todd was in the past rather stilted and not natural. It was trying to convey information to the reader, rather than being part of the story. And Todd was so unlikeable as to be unrealistic. But...things improved greatly as the story continued. It was well worth persevering. I can recommend it as book as long as you plough on through the first part.
June 15, 2021
An atheist visits the New Testament
Great story—Todd, a doctor, atheist and hopeless jerk is brought to reexamine his life and opinions by the death of a frenemy, Jake, and an near-fatal accident. He is escorted through first century Palestine (Where can I charge my Cell Phone???) by an angel, Eleazer This guardian angel has been keeping an eye on Jake, and at Jake’s dying request has now moved over to Todd. The story is light and easy to read, but with a serious theme—Jesus’ life and Todd’s salvation. If you like Bible-based fiction like I do, this one is for you.
Great story—Todd, a doctor, atheist and hopeless jerk is brought to reexamine his life and opinions by the death of a frenemy, Jake, and an near-fatal accident. He is escorted through first century Palestine (Where can I charge my Cell Phone???) by an angel, Eleazer This guardian angel has been keeping an eye on Jake, and at Jake’s dying request has now moved over to Todd. The story is light and easy to read, but with a serious theme—Jesus’ life and Todd’s salvation. If you like Bible-based fiction like I do, this one is for you.
August 27, 2021
Great Book
I was not sure if I would like this book when I downloaded it. Boy, was I ever wrong! The first few pages slowly get you introduced to the main character, then the supporting cast. After that it takes off on a rollercoaster ride! I really enjoyed the authenticity of ancient Israel and Jerusalem! Thank you for a great read! I will be looking for more of your books, Mr Williams.
I was not sure if I would like this book when I downloaded it. Boy, was I ever wrong! The first few pages slowly get you introduced to the main character, then the supporting cast. After that it takes off on a rollercoaster ride! I really enjoyed the authenticity of ancient Israel and Jerusalem! Thank you for a great read! I will be looking for more of your books, Mr Williams.
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June 21, 2025Different perspective
Although everyone knows the story, this is different. The story of Jesus's life, just before his arrest to just after his resurrection, told from the perspective of a man from 2000 +/- years in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Seems to be a great way to introduce people to why Jesus was born, and died. Only to be reborn. Thank you, Mr. Williams.
Although everyone knows the story, this is different. The story of Jesus's life, just before his arrest to just after his resurrection, told from the perspective of a man from 2000 +/- years in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Seems to be a great way to introduce people to why Jesus was born, and died. Only to be reborn. Thank you, Mr. Williams.
November 2, 2019
History come to life
I don't like much Science fiction or time travel but this book captivated me from start to finish. It was so convincing that it could be almost an apologetic book (Todd would love that). I read it almost in one read and was sorry it ended. Hope to see more books like this.
I don't like much Science fiction or time travel but this book captivated me from start to finish. It was so convincing that it could be almost an apologetic book (Todd would love that). I read it almost in one read and was sorry it ended. Hope to see more books like this.
June 23, 2020
Walking the paths that Jesus walked
I wasn't sure about this book, a time traveling retelling of the last days of the ministry of Jesus, but the story was gripping, and I could not put it down. This story added to my faith, giving new insight into the apostles and the God given mission of Jesus Christ.
I wasn't sure about this book, a time traveling retelling of the last days of the ministry of Jesus, but the story was gripping, and I could not put it down. This story added to my faith, giving new insight into the apostles and the God given mission of Jesus Christ.
January 20, 2021
Fantastic read
I just spent the last 3 hours reading this book and I couldn't put it down. Todd is the typical arrogant doctor who cared for no one except himself. He's involved in an accident and wakes up in ancient Israel during the last year of Jesus' ministry. Todd's journey from atheist to Christian is remarkable and a wonderful lesson for us all.
I just spent the last 3 hours reading this book and I couldn't put it down. Todd is the typical arrogant doctor who cared for no one except himself. He's involved in an accident and wakes up in ancient Israel during the last year of Jesus' ministry. Todd's journey from atheist to Christian is remarkable and a wonderful lesson for us all.
June 14, 2021
Great read
I enjoy historical novels and this was was one of the best. I loved Todd and really enjoyed his maturing faith. I had difficulty putting the book down because each page had something interesting to read. I learned a lot about the times of Jesus. There was some serious research about this period in bistory.
I enjoy historical novels and this was was one of the best. I loved Todd and really enjoyed his maturing faith. I had difficulty putting the book down because each page had something interesting to read. I learned a lot about the times of Jesus. There was some serious research about this period in bistory.
July 14, 2021
Slow start but end was worth it
The first 3rd of book was slow to the point that I almost deleted book. I'm glad I didn't the story was really enjoyable and thought provoking. Rethinking the story it mirrors present life in which we say we are Christians but are really like Todd except we say we believe in Christ and God but don't act it.
The first 3rd of book was slow to the point that I almost deleted book. I'm glad I didn't the story was really enjoyable and thought provoking. Rethinking the story it mirrors present life in which we say we are Christians but are really like Todd except we say we believe in Christ and God but don't act it.
August 8, 2021
Highly Imaginative
The premise started out pretty cheesy—a guy was really into denying his reality because of his Antifa Ian toward Christianity. But circumstances finally brought him around, not too abruptly. There are only 36 mistakes that should have been caught by an editor. This is an enjoyable book.
The premise started out pretty cheesy—a guy was really into denying his reality because of his Antifa Ian toward Christianity. But circumstances finally brought him around, not too abruptly. There are only 36 mistakes that should have been caught by an editor. This is an enjoyable book.
December 27, 2021
wonderful good book
Really Christian fiction at its best. Interesting how author weaves the modern day main character into the story of Jesus. Reminds us of what Christ did on the cross for us and how we should be living our lives in what seem to be the last days before Christ returns
Really Christian fiction at its best. Interesting how author weaves the modern day main character into the story of Jesus. Reminds us of what Christ did on the cross for us and how we should be living our lives in what seem to be the last days before Christ returns
May 16, 2024
different take on faith
I really liked this book. It was a time travel/religious story in that atheist Todd travels back to Jesus’ time and ends up believing in Him. He interacts with the apostles and living in that time. Stories such as this are biblical but make you think about what life was like during that time and how strong the faith if those first followers had to be.
I really liked this book. It was a time travel/religious story in that atheist Todd travels back to Jesus’ time and ends up believing in Him. He interacts with the apostles and living in that time. Stories such as this are biblical but make you think about what life was like during that time and how strong the faith if those first followers had to be.
July 20, 2024
brilliant
I wasn’t sure about this story as I couldn’t get into it at all. I even knew the end but it felt disjointed somehow. Anyway I stuck with it and just past half way I couldn’t put it down. This author has such an amazing style of writing, storytelling if you will that I find really brilliant. ♥️ Susie
I wasn’t sure about this story as I couldn’t get into it at all. I even knew the end but it felt disjointed somehow. Anyway I stuck with it and just past half way I couldn’t put it down. This author has such an amazing style of writing, storytelling if you will that I find really brilliant. ♥️ Susie
September 11, 2025
This book touched my heart
Than you R.A. Williams. I could not put this book down. I am a Christian and enjoyed the way you made the gospel story come even more alive for me. I will be recommending thus book to my fellow Christians and to my dear friends who don't know Christ yet.
Than you R.A. Williams. I could not put this book down. I am a Christian and enjoyed the way you made the gospel story come even more alive for me. I will be recommending thus book to my fellow Christians and to my dear friends who don't know Christ yet.
January 11, 2026
What would happen if you don't believe in God or Jesus, and then somehow wake up to what happened according to the Bible, to hear Jesus preaching and witness his Sacrifice?
Well that's what happens to Todd, and - very predictable - he comes back to normality a changed person.
It's a lovely story, nicely told.
Well that's what happens to Todd, and - very predictable - he comes back to normality a changed person.
It's a lovely story, nicely told.
February 3, 2018
Reaching Todd
Some of us are harder to reach than others. It took returning Todd to biblical times and exposing him to Jesus himself! This novel was about the love of God and the length he will go to capture the hearts of his loved ones. I enjoyed this book by R.A Williams.
Some of us are harder to reach than others. It took returning Todd to biblical times and exposing him to Jesus himself! This novel was about the love of God and the length he will go to capture the hearts of his loved ones. I enjoyed this book by R.A Williams.
March 10, 2018
Wonderful book
Loved this whole story. Couldn't put it down. Such a unique way to write about the gospel message. I have already used some of the quotes from the book in witnessing. In the beginning i hated this guy and by the end i was rooting for him. Loved it!
Loved this whole story. Couldn't put it down. Such a unique way to write about the gospel message. I have already used some of the quotes from the book in witnessing. In the beginning i hated this guy and by the end i was rooting for him. Loved it!
March 15, 2018
2.5 stars. Not sure what this book was trying to do. Didn't give me any insight on living during that time, used most familiar Bible stories. Skimmed through, did make me want to be there to hear Jesus actually preached.
January 14, 2019
Good time travel story
Good read about an unhappy and angry doctor who is struggling in life and relationships. He is moved through time and meets the most important person who ever walked the Earth.
Good read about an unhappy and angry doctor who is struggling in life and relationships. He is moved through time and meets the most important person who ever walked the Earth.
July 22, 2019
A must read
What an amazing story. As a born again believer, I've always wondered what it would have been like to live in the same time as Jesus and how I would have reacted to his words. The author did a wonderful job brining this time period to life.
What an amazing story. As a born again believer, I've always wondered what it would have been like to live in the same time as Jesus and how I would have reacted to his words. The author did a wonderful job brining this time period to life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews