Joshua and the Shepherd

Joshua #3

by Joseph F. Girzone

With simple and profound prose, Joseph Girzone bringing to light incredible insights into modern Christianity and adds to his bestselling series with the story of the revolutionary Joshua in a contemporary setting.

It is the end of a bitter cold winter. A crowd of people files into a cathedral to celebrate the consecration of a new bishop—a good man, they think, strict in doctrine but capable of compassion. A man of tradition, not of reform. A “company man.” His name is David Campbell.

And sitting in the last pew of the cathedral is a clean-shaven man of ordinary build, with gentle hazel eyes. His name is Joshua.

Within twenty-four hours of his first encounter with Joshua, David Campbell will propose the most far-reaching reforms in a millennium, reforms to destroy sectarian barriers, reforms to change the direction of the church, reforms to return Christianity to its founders with a simple message. With Joshua as his mentor, David Campbell—the Shepherd—preaches to Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, and Jews of the universal truth of God’s love. It is a message that changes everyone it touches. And no one who reads Joshua and the Shepherd will ever forget it.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Religion, Spirituality, Christian, Christianity, Inspirational

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

FROM PUBLISHER:
JOSEPH F. GIRZONE retired from the active priesthood in 1981 due to health reasons, and embarked on a second career as a writer and speaker.

In 1995 he established the Joshua Foundation, an organization dedicated to making Jesus better known throughout the world.

His bestselling books include Joshua, A Portrait of Jesus, and Never Alone. He lives in Altamont, New York.

Reviews

[Holly McIntyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an odd little book! It has been twenty years or more since I first heard of Girzone and the Joshua series, but I never got around to reading it. So when I spotted this volume among the library discards I thought I would give it a try. I found it interesting, if totally unmoored in reality. Part parable, part fairy tale, part magical realism, this is the story of a recently consecrated American Catholic bishop who has a vision of Church that is unfettered by human conventions, ecumenical, and devoted to sharing the Gospel by taking care of the poor and powerless. The "unreal" part of the story? He actually overcomes the forces of vicious ecclesiastical politics and pulls it off. Sadly many of the shocking innovations introduced by the main character at the book's publishing in 1990 remain as unthinkable today, 26 years later, as they were then. Still, it is always good to be reminded that it is at least possible to imagine a world where the Gospel prevails.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entirely pleasant fantasy about a good Catholic bishop who actually follows the teachings of Jesus, and in so doing changes the world. As my mother would say, "it's a nice story." Considering that, just a few days ago, the first Catholic bishop in American history was indicted for protecting a pedophile priest, Joshua and the Shepherd is a happy parable about how the Church, and the world, could be if our leaders cared more about people than the organization.

This is my second Joshua book. I find that I am enjoying them. The writing is simple, the stories are not terribly intricate, but despite those limitations, they are...nice.

And nice is good.

[Linda Sliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my all time favorite. A simple parable which teaches wonderful values and describes how ridiculous people react in situations that are "out of their comfort zone."

[Steve Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking story of a new Roman Catholic bishop who turns his diocese upside down, by trying to be a true shepherd to his flock. Written by a priest who pushes for most of the things the ;sreform ovement in Catholicism wants. Ends up with a Church of all faiths. Well worth the read.

[Tracy L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book written by Mr. Girzone. It is refreshing to read how Joshua helps the characters in each of his stories. Bishop David of the Catholic Church and his grand ideas that ruffled all of the traditionalist, most of whom didn’t care much for the people and their needs, but Cannon Law. They are just as rigid as the Pharaohs during the time Jesus walked the Earth. It makes me wonder, if Mr. Girzone hoped that this would happen with the Roman Catholicism Church. Many of the controversial things that he brings together, makes me think these are all possibilities. God did not intend for us to be separate in our beliefs, but united. We all have gifts that will assist one another, and Bishop David proves that in this book with his diocese, making some furious. There were only a few characters developed in this story, unlike his other stories I’ve read. Great story about humanity and how the many different faiths can and should work together to help all mankind.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this read of what Christianity should and could look like. You can't help, but root for David Campbell as he works God's way in how he interacts with the people of his community, not just the parish, but of the community - homeless, hopeless, everyone. It's so neat to see and read and a bit encouraging that while he was human and had a relationship with Christ (as well as Joshua , who is the depiction of Christ in these novels), he is simply able to love others as Christ does. And because of that, some are drawn to that genuine love and others are deeply enraged and against it (because it goes against tradition and law). It's enlightening and hopeful. Because, I see possibility in this. And am thoroughly reminded that as a Christian, I need Christ's help to actually love like Him. And it's NOT complicated.

[Joshua Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I couldn't sit it down after I started. This book focuses heavily on the theme of the Church and Jesus Christ and how in my opinion, Jesus is meant to be the Center of the Church and to allow God's Will to flourish and not our own.

One of the main themes I noticed when reading this book was about Trusting in God's Timing for everything. The titular character, David was implementing radical changes to the way the Catholic Church has always run and it's through learning to trust God; thanks to the help of a mysteriously wise man named Joshua that David begins to gain more confidence in the work that God has called him to do.

[Heidi Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, but its long sermons seemed a bit preachy. It deals with a favorite theme of mine concerning the rule-bound Pharisees who continue to suck the joy out of following Jesus, so I did appreciate these same sermons I complain about.

I got distracted by how unlikely the changes are that the Bishop instituted, but I suppose it was more wishful thinking than realism. I do believe God could accomplish all this and more through totally surrendered followers who learn to hear God’s leading. Let’s be inspired by how much more God wants to do through us.

I would have preferred to see more of Joshua, but then, so would the Bishop.

[Hester · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK. So I finished it - because I wanted to know where it went. Some great ideas but a very American centric, hollywood style solution to the very complex problems in the church. God does work societal change through people but he doesn't do all the change through one person! And personally, I would agree with some of the the changes and disagree with others - these are not simple matters. Interesting choice, to use a novel to inspire change.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book - different to his others but still a good read

[Jennifer Harshaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the Joshua series but couldn’t get into this one. I gave up on the 3rd to last chapter. I think this was an earlier work of Girzone.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another moving and profound storyline by Girzone. There were a lot of moving parts in this story with life changing results for an enormous about of people. Loved it!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book and with each progressive book, we spend less time with Joshua and more time with others. I enjoy the interaction with Joshua more than with the adjunct characters so I am not getting as much out of the subsequent books as I did the first in the series and so far my favorite.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this series as a young person. While I found it to be an interesting artistic attempt, it was simply not memorable to me.

Why would I want to read about how Jesus *might* look today when I can read about who He really was in the Bible?

The idea that believers are to follow Him is valid, but wouldn't the Bible be a better place to discover and ponder how to do that?

I couldn't resolve these questions as a young person and I cannot resolve them now. That is what made these books a one and done for me.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girzone really makes you think while reading this book. I think the message that I got out of this book is that to make great change we must work together. By continuing to divide ourselves and our faith we continue to divide the possibility of making the world a better place. It is in our similarities in belief such as the desire to do works of charity that will create a new life.

The fact that Girzone left the Catholic priesthood shows up a little as you can sense some tension aimed at the bureaucracy of the faith.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed to unfry my brain from writing papers, so spent a lovely two hours with a novel from my fiction basket--"Recently appointed as a bishop, David Campbell has a reputation as a conservative, and is an unlikely candidate to revolutionize the church. But after having a prophetic dream, he struggles to create the simple Christian community God wants. And his most valuable ally is the young man in his dream who turns out to be none other than Joshua. The protagonist of the bestsellers Joshua and Joshua and the Children"

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle parable for those who long for a Church that is relevant and alive for the 21st century. There are a few mistakes, which might have been prevented by more careful editing, but these do not detract from this tale about Catholic bishop David Campbell being led by Joshua to blaze a new direction for the Church. I would like to send a copy of this book to Pope Francis to see how he would react to it.

[Jane Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all the other books in this series, Joshua The Shepherd is a deep, heartfelt and well written book. I love the thoughtful insights of Joshua and how David is such a real person. This isn't an epic page turner but it is a beautiful glimpse of what Jesus might have been like. It is a thoughtful, struggle-filled story about trusting in God. He has great plans for everyone's lives.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as good or life-altering as the original Joshua, but still had some very intriguing ideas about how the church should be organized, including the role of priests and the hierarchy. This book makes a strong case for more full involvement of lay people in the workings of the church.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took forever, between homework and school. Finally, I sat down and was captivated in the hypocrisy of the church and how revolutionary David's ideas were. I loved the ending, though it came kind of quickly. Too quickly.

[Benazeer]

I cant rate this book as I didn't finish reading yet and skipped. Its not for me. Whenever I open this book I start yawning. couldn't even read its first 50 pages. beside my interest this book is about Catholic Church and their strict rules and regulations.

[Jeannie Mertens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit too idealistic to me. A bit too unbelievable. Good try though. And I still enjoyed it. Girzone is challenging the Church with this book. Ooo! But we all know the Church does need to make some changes.

This book would make for some very interesting book club discussion.

[Joanna Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An encouragement to people who believe they are following what is right even if it against what is exceptable.

[Chris Ballantyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only the church were this forward thinking, we could have many more followers and less deserters.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting premise, but total fantasy. The Catholic church will never change! This is why they are losing people....

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great as usual for Girzone

[Katie (BooksRUs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about the "ideal" Catholic Church according to Joseph Girzone. Some good ideas but some very far out ideas. Not realistic.

[Therese B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago. It was recommended by Mary Cursio and I loved it. It brought Jesus into the present and so understandable. Quick read.