Patmos: Three Days, Two Men, One Extraordinary Conversation

by C. Baxter Kruger

A burned-out suicidal theologian.

A visionary author from two millennial ago.

Two men mysteriously connected across the years!

When Aidan finds himself far from his native Mississippi, he inexplicably meets the Apostle John on the isle of Patmos. Beaten down by the modern world and desperate for answers his years of study have failed to satisfy, Aidan is confronted with astounding insight from the beloved disciple of Jesus. The two begin an extraordinary dialogue of truth and lies, revelation and deception, sorrow and joy.

Through dreams and mind-bending discussions, the wise apostle exposes the lie of all lies about Jesus, leaving Aidan shaken to the core...but liberated. Transformed, Aidan is eager to learn more.

But when John has a vision of the next awakening in Western history, Aidan knows he must return and preach the truth of all truths before it is too late.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Spirituality, Theology

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2016

Reviews

[Kindra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the book would have been better served if it was written as pure theology rather than a story.

While there are some genuinely wonderful, inspired ideas and revelations in the pages, I found the writing style very distracting. Many of the ideas felt hidden, like I had to dig through the writing to find them, even though they were spelled out SO obviously, which seems like a contradiction. There are only so many times that something can be "the center of all the cosmos" or "the single most important point of everything in the universe." Once that threshold is reached, it's just crying wolf every time after. This was shouting wolf before the halfway point. I think I've also had my fill of southern jokes, John's "winks" (really? does anyone wink that much?), and overall not funny humor of half hearted fart jokes or Holy Spirit "zingers." Probably forever.

That being said, there are really amazing thoughts hidden in the pages, and I said, which is why I continued reading. However, I think I would have gotten much more out of it, and had hundreds less eye rolls and cringes thinking "where was the editor on that one?", had it just been a theology book.

I love Baxter, love his ideas, and wish I had loved the book more.

[Daniel Theriault · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kruger's Patmos was an enjoyable read on many levels, while the awareness of it being his first novella, was always looming behind the backdrop. His deep well of understanding of the Trinitiarian Vision and Gospel of the early church is staggering, and is pleasing to the senses through creative imagery and storytelling. You can see the footprints of Wm. Paul Young scattered all over the book. My deep love for the writings of Baxter, lend this book towards my favor and my heart, as it clearly displays the truth of all truths in a wonderful new light for my favorite theologian. The plot holes, writing and parts of the novel that are weak, are only midlly irritating at times for the daily fiction reader who cannot help but notice when one who has written multiple theology books, gives a new writing style a try. But overall, well done!

[Faith Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oneness with the Trinity,

This is one of the most revealing books I have ever read. I enjoyed the Shack very much, but this book takes us into much deeper waters, and teaches us many bigger things. The author has somehow perfectly captured John the apostle, probably due to a phenomenal understanding of his Gospel. John's Gospel has always beeen my favorite, as it draws us beyond the stories of Jesus's life and death to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, and who we are in him. this book uncovers many of the lessons John would have us learn, and many of the problems we face, as fallen creation. this book and the feelings it evokes will stay with me for a long time and permeate my spiritual life for as long as I live on this earth.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dieses in christlichen Kreisen hochgelobte Buch wird oft mit der Hütte verglichen, hat bei mir aber bei weitem nicht die, ich möchte fast sagen zärtlichen, Gefühle ausgelöst.
Jesus und das Bleiben in ihm und er in uns ist das zentrale Thema unseres Glaubens und auch dieses Romans, aber obwohl diese Zeitreise eigentlich sehr spannend sein könnte, bleibt doch alles sehr theoretisch und manche Dinge sehe ich auch anders. Erstaunlich bleibt, wie vieles Aidan - seit 30 Jahren Theologe - nicht weiß. Ein Beispiel dafür, dass man die Schrift regelreht zerpflücken kann ohne sie wirklich zu verstehen.

[Sheila Pritchard · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate the basic message of this book I was disappointed that for me, it didn't "come off" as a novel. Too much "humor" that didn't add to the flow of reading. I suspect Kruger is a much better theology writer than a novelist.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five stars for the theology; two for the story and prose. I personally think this would've worked better as non-fiction, but I'm sure others will appreciate the way these ideas and epiphanies are strung together through narrative.

[Blaine S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water for my soul!

This book was refreshing for my soul. Similar to the way The Shack opened my eyes to a new way to experience the Father, Patmos opened my eyes and heart to a new way to experience the Holy Spirit.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

The book was very revealing about what has happened to us in being taught separation rather than Union with God

[KatjaReads · Rating 1 out of 5]

This gave me a bad headache. The writing is SO awful it actually hurt my head (I just took 2 Tylenol). I like the concept, but the execution-damn! Kruger needed to write from Aiden's 1st or 3rd POV. The first chapter immediately starts with Aiden's wife, Mary, calling daughter Lauren then bounces around name dropping a bunch of other people-family history-dude, slow down! Too much-too fast, and all the dialogue sucks! It's intensely irritating, uninteresting, and comes off as if it were written by a 13yr old! There's too much crap going on, but more importantly there isn't enough focus on Aiden.

Aiden is the ONLY character the reader needs to care about in Chapter One because this is his story. I want to get to know and understand Aiden, and all I know about him right now is he LOVES crawfish more than Christmas. Bottom line is it fails to draw the reader in.

[Hannah Gilliland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a creatively-written story highlighting the evolution of the Christian faith from the early church and its fathers to the modern church. I found myself wishing for more concrete historical details or explanations of how biblical principles came to be so easily misunderstood, but I suppose I'll pick up another one of Kruger's books to learn more about that. "Patmos" was less an expository, history-sleuthing book, and more a novel illustrating how modern Christian doctrine can often crush us, an how a renewed understanding of the Gospel--the true Gospel of union with Christ--can set us free. The writing was a little awkward/cringey, repetitive, or cryptic at times, but overall it was a creative way to present a new, challenging concept.

[David Steck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given the title, I had high expectations for this book. The encounter between the Mississippi and Aidan and the apostle John was an intriguing set up, not without some profound conjectures on the essence of Christianity. That said, I myself found character Aidan‘s folksy colloquialisms brother shallow and the theological premises as convoluted to me as any I’ve read. But the book had a viewpoint and stuck to it, which I suppose is what one does in penning a work of this nature - and if nothing else has made me interested in reading the gospel of John as well as the book of revelations.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken Into An Eternal Truth Hidden In Plain Sight

Patmos gives permission to the heart that believes more and yearns for more to be free. Christ hidden in us is a mystery revealed yet hidden. This fictional yet divinely inspired conversation with the Apostle John is fresh breath, life and food for the hungry soul. Put aside all preconceived notions and allow yourself to be encouraged.

[Terry Wildman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts out with a compelling story idea, but I had to struggle to stay with it toward the end. At times Baxter rises to some inspiring heights, but also seems to make some assumptions that don't seem credible. Some will love this, and others will be suspicious of the doctrinal eddies that run off in a few directions.

[Margaret Ann Bowes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dawning of Truth

This is the second time I have read this amazing book. I have learned so much more of being included and not excluded. I have learned more about the amazing love of the Trinity that has and does thrill my very being. Truth sets mankind free. Highly recommend this book.

[VJ]

Beautiful Story

A real page turner for me and semi-crash course in church history and Nicene theology. I am recommending this to those who would like an enjoyable and simplified way of understanding the Triune fellowship, as developed by the Patristic Fathers straight from Apostle John's gospel.

[Tonyorick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired Read

This book is an excellent read. It's full of both theological truth and mystery. More than just words on a page, there's something about it that tugs on the human spirit.

[Mario Mirabelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A middle aged theologian from Mississippi goes to get the Sunday paper when the morning sunlight comes through the front door and in a blink Aiden goes from 2013 to a cave with John the Apostle. Serious religious chops are needed to stay with this story. Best of luck.

[Kathie Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as much as I loved the Shack.

[Robin Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read since The Shack. Profound and humorous. Read it twice and will read again. Terrific!

[Milan Homola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story and some thought provoking theology. It’s bold for sure. You get some good insight into early church fathers. It’s energetic and excitable...continually.

[Tom Delmonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A winery novel that gives great insights to Hesus’ work

Obvious fiction but if read with the desire to understand will help us have a deeper insight into what Jesus did for us.

[Adam Wilburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining. I enjoyed reading it.

[Carlton Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Lauren made this declaration forthrightly, wielding her own command to respect, firm in the knowledge that her father loved her.”

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

life changing

This book is life changing, I will be reading John & revelation differently from now on
Highly recommend this book

[skip thurnauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aidan is enjoying a BBQ with his family. Suddenly, miraculously, he is transported in time and location to Patmos, to a cave inhabited by the apostle St. John. Aidan is a Christian theologian who has doubts and feels abandoned in his faith. His conversations with John unlock many of the mysteries that have separated Aidan from God. He experiences dreams, travels back to his youth, sees a vision of heaven and Christ the Lamb upon the Throne of all thrones. John exclaims, “In that day you shall know that I am my Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” Much of the theology was beyond my personal understanding of the gospel, but I feel Patmos expanded my understanding and appreciation of the Trinity and the dispels lie that separates man from God.

[Chuck McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The majority of my reading is generally nonfiction theology. But within the realm of fiction, there are few subjects I enjoy exploring more than time travel. So when I come across a novel with a time-travel plot, written by a theologian I appreciate, you’d better believe I’m going to want to read it. And C. Baxter Kruger’s Patmos does not disappoint.

The story is written from the perspective of Aiden, a modern-day theologian, who is unexpectedly transported through time and space (by the power of the Holy Spirit) to the island of Patmos with John the Apostle (whom, it turns out, is no stranger to Spirit-powered time travel himself). Over the course of three days, John and Aiden discuss all manner of topics related to the church, history, and theology.

I should clarify up front that if you’re looking for an action-packed adventure story, this isn’t it. The time-travel plot is mostly there to facilitate the dialog. Some earlier reviewers of Patmos likened the book to George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis, but I found it much more akin to Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, in how theological discussion dominates the text (though Patmos is graciously much shorter). I consider this to be a good thing, but it’s not for everyone.

The repeated theme is “union or separation”:

“There is only one battle.”

“One?” I asked, curious.

His eyes flashed, and he looked straight at me. “Union or separation,” he said definitively. …

I knew to the core of my soul that we had arrived at the heart of everything. I could see it in his face and in the way he held his head. I was not sure what he meant by union or separation, but it was clear that to him this was the crosshairs of the cosmos. …

“The truth of all truths: Jesus. Jesus in his Father and us in him. Without Jesus, what do you have?”

“Not much, I reckon. Just ourselves.”

“Ourselves and ideas of separation from God,” St. John declared in his most authoritative apostolic tone. “Listen, young Aidan.”

And as I did, I felt that my world was about to be shattered. “The assumption of separation is the great darkness.” (p. 91)

Throughout the book, John and Aiden discuss how nearly every bit of bad theology that has crept into the church can be traced back to the lie of separation. We are not separated from God, needing to find our way back to union. God is and always has been with us and for us. We merely need to wake up to this reality.

Beyond this overarching theme, their conversation dips into plenty of other great topics as well. For example, I particularly enjoyed their discussion about the Holy Spirit. John consistently uses female pronouns when speaking of her, and for good reason, which he explains to Aiden.

All-in-all, I found this book to be an enjoyable read filled with plenty of theological insights. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from SpeakEasy in exchange for an honest review. This review has been adapted from one originally written for my blog, HippieHeretic.com.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep rereading this so the truth sinks in. It’s an intriguing fictional story that weaves theology throughout, but not like we’ve been taught in the West! Brilliantly done.

[William *Bill* Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Holy Spirit Spellbinder

Only a few books have equally stirred my intellect, heart, emotions, and theology. This book is more than a good read, it is an encounter with the living Christ, Jesus, the Lord! Get it today!

[Bryan Berumen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baxter me hizo sentir en todo momento identificado con Aidan, y no tengo duda de que fue el espíritu santo quien me permitió tener este encuentro con Juan. Me siento verdaderamente bendecido. Este es un libro elemental para la vida de todo cristiano.

[Elwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important theology here.