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Joshua #5
Joshua and the City
A contemporary city faces turmoil and devastation until it is visited by the serene figure of Joshua, who presents an alternative, love-based approach to life while addressing such issues as poverty, racism, and AIDS. 150,000 first printing. $150,000 ad/promo.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1995
5 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Joseph F. Girzone
76 books113 followersFROM 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 14, 2015
This is the fourth book in the series. I have only read the first one before this and its much like it in the sense that Joshua/Jesus brings about changes for the better in peoples lives. This one though is on a much grander scale as its a whole neighbourhood.
These books are an inspiration to how things could be if we follow the teachings of Jesus.
These books are an inspiration to how things could be if we follow the teachings of Jesus.
January 13, 2016
Again, these are just wonderful books to read. What would Jesus do if he were walking in the world today? I think Rev. Girzone has an agenda with his community development ideas. Nevertheless, I do appreciate many of his thoughts and words of wisdom. Yes, Jesus would have a lot to share with us today! And I'm enjoying hearing what Girzone thinks he would share.
September 12, 2012
Another pleasant books about Joshua (a.k.a. Jesus) making gentle the life of this world. This time he goes to a city, helps spark an urban renewal, and generally makes things better for people. I love these books. They give me hope, even though the writing is...modest, let's say.
April 10, 2013
A lot like the noticer but more of a story form.. This book made me want to be more like Joshua as much as possible.. I will get the other books in the series.. I was rec this book by Karen's sis Sharon ..good book
August 25, 2007
Some good ideas about urban reform in a story.
October 27, 2021
Having enjoyed the first book, Joshua, a loan from a friend years ago, I snatched this from a used book bin. While not an intricate book in writing or story line, the story is compelling because of its content and straight forward presentation.
Joshua is a person who appears to be homeless, but has people skills that are off the charts. He wanders around meeting people, talking to them and helping them with their problems while teaching them to help others also.
In this book, Joshua involves others with various talents to tear down and erect a huge new complex that will be a living area as well as a center for the arts with an outside amphitheater, part park and room for shops and light industrial usage. The idea is that the people will be involved from the beginning and invested in their community, getting to know one another as the project progresses and bonding into a community.
Everything is humming along until the government gets wind of this great new idea that seems to be totally successful and wants to know how this is working. As the moment comes closer for the government representatives to arrive and listen to Joshua, a slighted man sticks his head up and throws in a huge monkey wrench. What will Daniel, the leader of the group, do and what will be Joshua's response?
Joshua is a person who appears to be homeless, but has people skills that are off the charts. He wanders around meeting people, talking to them and helping them with their problems while teaching them to help others also.
In this book, Joshua involves others with various talents to tear down and erect a huge new complex that will be a living area as well as a center for the arts with an outside amphitheater, part park and room for shops and light industrial usage. The idea is that the people will be involved from the beginning and invested in their community, getting to know one another as the project progresses and bonding into a community.
Everything is humming along until the government gets wind of this great new idea that seems to be totally successful and wants to know how this is working. As the moment comes closer for the government representatives to arrive and listen to Joshua, a slighted man sticks his head up and throws in a huge monkey wrench. What will Daniel, the leader of the group, do and what will be Joshua's response?
January 24, 2019
Joseph F. Girzone's book: Joshua and the City is unlike the other books within the overall Joshua series.
This books focuses heavily on the theme of community in my opinion, with Joshua helping the poor, the rich, Muslims, Jews, Christians, and those who are mentally, physically and spiritually hurting to learn to come together and make a better world than the one they grew up in.
Of the many people Joshua connected to throughout the story, the ones I feel I personally connected with were those who were trapped in spiritual darkness becuase in a way; that was me before I decided to wholeheartedly persue after Christ with everything I have.
The late Joseph F. Girzone continues to inspire lives through his books and I can't wait to read some of the other books within the Joshua Series.
This books focuses heavily on the theme of community in my opinion, with Joshua helping the poor, the rich, Muslims, Jews, Christians, and those who are mentally, physically and spiritually hurting to learn to come together and make a better world than the one they grew up in.
Of the many people Joshua connected to throughout the story, the ones I feel I personally connected with were those who were trapped in spiritual darkness becuase in a way; that was me before I decided to wholeheartedly persue after Christ with everything I have.
The late Joseph F. Girzone continues to inspire lives through his books and I can't wait to read some of the other books within the Joshua Series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
I loved this book for the message it sends. Joshua (Jesus) was subjected to ridicule just like the poor he espouses. He was thrown out of a park for being a vagrant, and he was denied entrance to a high class building because of his clothes. These are just two examples. I also love this book because it makes me feel good about Joshua and the message he sends. He did so much good in a poverty stricken community, not only revitalizing it but also getting to know and love the people there. And they loved him back. It was just a nice story, and it filled me with warmth. We need to look for "Joshua" in everyone we meet.
April 15, 2021
In this book (part of a series, it appears), "Joshua" is basically Jesus, walking around a modern US city. He is kind, makes friends wherever he goes, helps people, heals people. He has no home of his own. He sleeps in the park or at friends' houses when they invite him.
But, the allegory falls short due to inaccurate theology. At one point, Joshua says that we all (Jews, Muslims, Christians) worship the same God. In another place, he makes it sound like everyone goes to Heaven. For those reasons, I'm not a huge fan of this book. The plot is slow-moving also.
But, the allegory falls short due to inaccurate theology. At one point, Joshua says that we all (Jews, Muslims, Christians) worship the same God. In another place, he makes it sound like everyone goes to Heaven. For those reasons, I'm not a huge fan of this book. The plot is slow-moving also.
January 5, 2025
Excellent book! I truly enjoyed every moment of this book! I wish people in public offices and those running for public office would read this book. People forget the true basis for our country, and the rights for all. There are many battles in society that go against what our founding fathers had in mind. This book reminds us of those God given rights, and how each of us can thrive by having a purpose in life. Joshua in this book reminds those in political office of their true calling is in their positions.
July 3, 2020
Better written than the last one I read, this novel also stretches the boundaries of “the willing suspension of disbelief,” but I’d love to believe the kind of urban transformation he inspired wouldn’t have been scuttled by labor unions crying foul!
Nonetheless, spending a couple more days absorbing Joshua’s peace and love inspired me to trust God ever more consistently and to reflect his character in my own life.
Nonetheless, spending a couple more days absorbing Joshua’s peace and love inspired me to trust God ever more consistently and to reflect his character in my own life.
July 9, 2013
The story starts out with Joshua helping a teenager named Charlene and her friend Jana who is suffering. He then meets two boys named Gordon and Elijah, and their mom Josephine. Josephine is a wonderful mother and I’m glad her sons realized that.
Joshua reiterates the fact that God, Yahweh, Allah – these are all names for the One God, just in different languages.
He focuses on the fact that just knowing you can and will do good in life can give you peace. Not only that, but confidence that you’ll succeed also improves your inner being. The thing is that you have to take responsibility for your own life.
At the beginning of chapter 4, Joshua says that he creates everything. I smiled.
One of the big things that Joshua says is that in order to have a strong (and safe) community, you have to appreciate the genius and potential of the poor. That stirred something inside me. I’ve never really heard of it as blatant as that.
If something seems too difficult, it’s okay to admit that. But you don’t have to say “no” right away – ask for help. Again, it is nothing to be ashamed of. This is especially true here when Daniel undergoes a project that will literally rebuild the city. The work—and its outcome—is phenomenal.
At church, Joshua meets a woman named Georgeanne who is worried for her eldest son and the trouble he’s found himself in recently. Joshua both explains and shows how Satan and his demons rot the good of the world in a slow but thorough way. Their deeds can look good on the surface, but the wreak havoc on all they touch. It’s done through ‘small’ misdemeanors, séances, drugs, sneering at religion, etc. But since it’s Joshua, he heals many of the unsuspecting devil worshippers. Georgeanne is faced with providing for many, but takes on the ‘challenge’ with love and open arms. She’s a lovely person.
“[…] Satan was the brightest of the angels. […]. He could not imagine anyone being greater than he, and in his pride found it very difficult to show honor to God. Now he uses his keen intelligence to seduce good people. To do this he has to make himself appear good and his intentions to appear to help people. His schemes are shrewder than any human mind can fathom. Only God’s grace can help a simple human to understand the trickery of Satan and avoid his snares.” – page 83
Another topic that comes up in the novel is that, without God’s hand, science can turn from something beautiful into a complete monstrosity. It can help prolong life…or ruin the sanctity of life. This was true in 1995 when the book was written, and depressingly becoming reality these days.
“We are not creators of our own existence. When a geneticist keeps that in mind, he or she can be proud to be sharing in God’s own power to create. How much closer than a person be to God than when the two work together in the most intimate way in perfecting the very blueprints of life itself.” – page 167
Joshua doing Communion for Georgeanne and her ‘family’ was soothing to read.
As is typical for a Joshua book, he befriends a sect of Jews and seems to be complete among them. I always like that his use of an older dialect of Hebrew is never frowned at.
Joshua’s calm nonchalance always makes me laugh…and desire it.
I absolutely love that there is an icon of Mary that truly looks like her. I would love to see a representation, I really would.
Yet another typical theme for a Joshua book is that while the reader thinks about where Joshua is during his “unknown” months like the characters do, it doesn’t matter where he is. Hey, he could even be off on the other “Joshua” adventures! But it doesn’t matter, because he’s back when he’s needed.
I absolutely love that while Joshua preaches forgiveness, he understands that mean, selfish and hardened hearts sometimes won’t be swayed and that drastic measures are needed. Jesus was a hard person if others didn’t relent and show kindness.
Joshua has a fun way to view the war against Satan: think of it as a game, where you don’t verbalize your next move until you’re ready to implement it. Then you’ll be one step ahead of him and you can laugh while going about it.
The ending was powerful. Satan is trying to do all he can to keep God away from everything, “to divorce God from His creation on the grounds that His influence is illegal and an unwanted intrusion on people’s privacy” (page 222). Those who say they follow God will eventually violate civil law. This will shake the foundations of civilization, destroy what the Constitution
“Indeed, the Creator Himself has been judged irrelevant to the public life of the people, and reference to His presence and His influence over the community is held to be unconstitutional and should never be a consideration in the framing of laws or standards of moral behavior. Yet the Constitution and the rights flowing from it were found immutably upon the recognition of His existence. Indeed, it is only because of His existence that rights can be considered to be inalienable. Eliminating His existence renders all rights, even the most sacred right to life, subject to the arbitrary and capricious decrees of the Court, […].” – page 234
Joshua reiterates the fact that God, Yahweh, Allah – these are all names for the One God, just in different languages.
He focuses on the fact that just knowing you can and will do good in life can give you peace. Not only that, but confidence that you’ll succeed also improves your inner being. The thing is that you have to take responsibility for your own life.
At the beginning of chapter 4, Joshua says that he creates everything. I smiled.
One of the big things that Joshua says is that in order to have a strong (and safe) community, you have to appreciate the genius and potential of the poor. That stirred something inside me. I’ve never really heard of it as blatant as that.
If something seems too difficult, it’s okay to admit that. But you don’t have to say “no” right away – ask for help. Again, it is nothing to be ashamed of. This is especially true here when Daniel undergoes a project that will literally rebuild the city. The work—and its outcome—is phenomenal.
At church, Joshua meets a woman named Georgeanne who is worried for her eldest son and the trouble he’s found himself in recently. Joshua both explains and shows how Satan and his demons rot the good of the world in a slow but thorough way. Their deeds can look good on the surface, but the wreak havoc on all they touch. It’s done through ‘small’ misdemeanors, séances, drugs, sneering at religion, etc. But since it’s Joshua, he heals many of the unsuspecting devil worshippers. Georgeanne is faced with providing for many, but takes on the ‘challenge’ with love and open arms. She’s a lovely person.
“[…] Satan was the brightest of the angels. […]. He could not imagine anyone being greater than he, and in his pride found it very difficult to show honor to God. Now he uses his keen intelligence to seduce good people. To do this he has to make himself appear good and his intentions to appear to help people. His schemes are shrewder than any human mind can fathom. Only God’s grace can help a simple human to understand the trickery of Satan and avoid his snares.” – page 83
Another topic that comes up in the novel is that, without God’s hand, science can turn from something beautiful into a complete monstrosity. It can help prolong life…or ruin the sanctity of life. This was true in 1995 when the book was written, and depressingly becoming reality these days.
“We are not creators of our own existence. When a geneticist keeps that in mind, he or she can be proud to be sharing in God’s own power to create. How much closer than a person be to God than when the two work together in the most intimate way in perfecting the very blueprints of life itself.” – page 167
Joshua doing Communion for Georgeanne and her ‘family’ was soothing to read.
As is typical for a Joshua book, he befriends a sect of Jews and seems to be complete among them. I always like that his use of an older dialect of Hebrew is never frowned at.
Joshua’s calm nonchalance always makes me laugh…and desire it.
I absolutely love that there is an icon of Mary that truly looks like her. I would love to see a representation, I really would.
Yet another typical theme for a Joshua book is that while the reader thinks about where Joshua is during his “unknown” months like the characters do, it doesn’t matter where he is. Hey, he could even be off on the other “Joshua” adventures! But it doesn’t matter, because he’s back when he’s needed.
I absolutely love that while Joshua preaches forgiveness, he understands that mean, selfish and hardened hearts sometimes won’t be swayed and that drastic measures are needed. Jesus was a hard person if others didn’t relent and show kindness.
Joshua has a fun way to view the war against Satan: think of it as a game, where you don’t verbalize your next move until you’re ready to implement it. Then you’ll be one step ahead of him and you can laugh while going about it.
The ending was powerful. Satan is trying to do all he can to keep God away from everything, “to divorce God from His creation on the grounds that His influence is illegal and an unwanted intrusion on people’s privacy” (page 222). Those who say they follow God will eventually violate civil law. This will shake the foundations of civilization, destroy what the Constitution
“Indeed, the Creator Himself has been judged irrelevant to the public life of the people, and reference to His presence and His influence over the community is held to be unconstitutional and should never be a consideration in the framing of laws or standards of moral behavior. Yet the Constitution and the rights flowing from it were found immutably upon the recognition of His existence. Indeed, it is only because of His existence that rights can be considered to be inalienable. Eliminating His existence renders all rights, even the most sacred right to life, subject to the arbitrary and capricious decrees of the Court, […].” – page 234
May 29, 2017
A very enjoyable read...
December 5, 2017
great book especially during advent.
February 14, 2019
Joshua inspires people to work together to make a new community out of a ruined neighborhood. Shows the influence of Jesus on the lives of troubled people from multiple cultures.
November 21, 2019
Another amazing allegory in the Joshua series. It provided much material to think about and was greatly encouraging.
October 24, 2020
Inspiring , comforting, relevant.
April 15, 2023
Joshua And The City is one of my favorites. Deep and uplifting, bringing joy throughout the community. This story is poignant for today and then some. A must read!
September 5, 2025
FULL OF HOPE!!!
December 28, 2014
Easily one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. There was so much meaning, so much beauty throughout the book and it made me wonder what it would be like to meet Jesus and how he would transform our world.
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February 18, 2008Girzone, Joseph F.
December 31, 2008
Great Book, I love all the Joshua series by Girzone
January 22, 2009
Awesome!!!! This book is so good if church "religion" is getting you down....it is a very freeing way to see how Jesus wants us to be....
August 21, 2010
great book. It is about the religious fight in Ireland between the protestants and the Catholics.
July 16, 2011
Ditto my comments for Girzone's first book "Joshua"
June 14, 2021
Joshua and the City (Paperback)
by Joseph F. Girzone
how the religious figure is accepted in the city
by Joseph F. Girzone
how the religious figure is accepted in the city
August 11, 2011
This was an ok series. I think they were also made into a movie.
November 22, 2011
Although I liked the premise of this book, I found the reading of it fairly boring.
July 31, 2012
I enjoyed reading this book. A good read if you like Christian stories.
July 8, 2012
very inspirational
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews