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Alternative Theologies: Parables for a Modern World
Henry Frederic Amiel stated that “Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are travelling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.
And while this book explores theology and beliefs, it is written to be kind as well as thoughtful, and at times funny. It will give you belly laughs, but it will also give understanding of the notion of believing. It will remind you that no matter what you believe, we make this journey together.
There are poems by some wonderful modern thinkers including Gwyndyn T. Alexander and Jane Yolen, that will explore the nature of our world.
Essays by David Brin and David Gerrold that explore the nature of why we believe what we do.
And then there are the stories. Funny stories, like First, that explains how Hell got started. Serious stories of redemption, as seen in Izzy Tells no Lies. Stories that explore familiar themes of the trials of Job, as seen by those around him. Questions are raised if we would even recognize a returning messiah after 2000 years of interpretations of the beliefs.
And most important, they are well written with craft and skill that you have come to expect from B Cubed authors.
And while this book explores theology and beliefs, it is written to be kind as well as thoughtful, and at times funny. It will give you belly laughs, but it will also give understanding of the notion of believing. It will remind you that no matter what you believe, we make this journey together.
There are poems by some wonderful modern thinkers including Gwyndyn T. Alexander and Jane Yolen, that will explore the nature of our world.
Essays by David Brin and David Gerrold that explore the nature of why we believe what we do.
And then there are the stories. Funny stories, like First, that explains how Hell got started. Serious stories of redemption, as seen in Izzy Tells no Lies. Stories that explore familiar themes of the trials of Job, as seen by those around him. Questions are raised if we would even recognize a returning messiah after 2000 years of interpretations of the beliefs.
And most important, they are well written with craft and skill that you have come to expect from B Cubed authors.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2018
83 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 31, 2019
Edited to add on 5/28/19 - Some *&*%*^$#$ stole all of Bob's copies he had at his booth at MisCon! Seriously, who steals books about the Bible?
Book Thief!
-----------------------------
Original review - 8/14/18 -
First, Bob Brown of B Cubed Press is doing a great job using humor and a different way of looking at things to stand up for what he believes in. Reminder – he is donating a portion of these book sales to the ACLU.
Second, I am honored to be part of group of authors who all approached this project with a perfect mix of irreverence and a deep commitment to reminding people how important love is and how dangerous hate is. This is a large collection of short stories that cover a wide range of genres and tones. Some will make you laugh, some cry, all aim to make you think about how the Bible is still relevant in the 21st century.
Third, I had So. Much. Fun. writing my story ‘First’ as I wondered aloud about some parts of the Book of Genesis that have always bothered me. Also, the story made me realize how challenged an angel – either fallen or on high – would be to face the Real World. We humans have quite a lot of power in our ability to think creatively, and it’s up to us to use it wisely…
May 17, 2020
wonderful book with different points of theologies, making the reader laugh, cry, and most importantly think.
July 4, 2020
2-stars...? I got the most likes ever for not even writing a review!
August 24, 2019
I read that multiple copies of this anthology had been stolen from the publisher’s vendor booth at a convention, presumably by someone offended by its existence. That seemed both un-American and un-Christian, so I bought a copy. It was money well spent for a variety of thought-provoking stories, poems, and essay with theological themes. I suspect they’re preaching to the choir but it’s nice to know you’re not singing alone.
The pieces were variously entertaining, touching, or forceful. I found the stories most effective, maybe because I prefer fiction, maybe because they seemed to have more space to breathe. The essays tended, ironically, toward the preachy. Since fiction is my thing, I will talk about that.
The collection opens strong with “Counting Sunrises” by Heather Truett, a genuinely sweet story of a girl counting down to the end of the world but mostly OK because Jesus is with her, and with some of her neighbors. “Devine Justice” by Philip Brian Hall is a slyly humorous tale of a (deceased) attorney so slimy and skillful, he can get the worst sinners off on technicalities. “First” by Kara Race-Moore also showed humans as more devilish than devils themselves, as the first human to go to Hell quickly takes over and starts running the place. “Ways of Knowing” by Louise Milton imagines an ancient people so set in their ways, they might starve if not for an outsider who can imagine a new way. “Izzy Tells No Lies” by P. James Norris presents a priest confronted with the fragile, difficult Isaac/Isabelle/Izzy who has visions of life and death. “The Audit” by Colin Patrick Ennen concerns an Almighty who is easily manipulated by bumper stickers. “Forgiveness” by Irene Radford imagines Adam and Eve after the Garden, Adam lamenting their fate and Eve doing the hard work of gathering, trapping, and accidentally inventing beer. “Everlasting Due” is a liberal’s well-thought-out fantasy on the ultimate end for a certain person in public life. “Extinction Level Non-Conjunction Event” by Anton Cancre concerns a mother of a disabled child who was supposed to be the second coming of Christ and might be, anyway. “Don’t Get the Bible Wet” by Debora Godfrey presents a Handmaid’s Tale-like society in which girls are given a “Goodly Bible” with most of the pages glued together so girls and women won’t read the Forbidden Sections…until it falls in the mud and all heck breaks loose. “The Faithless Angel” by E. E. King is a story of loss of faith and just loss, about a guardian angel assigned to one of Job’s daughters. “Temple Tantrum” by J. W. Cook gives us a contemporary take on Jesus turning tables and clearing the Temple. “Righteous Spirits” by Lillian Csernica uses superstition as a cover for human sorrow and despair. “Last Words” by Paula Hammond features Death personified, confronting a heart-attack victim who thought he was virtuous till now. “The Good Mexican” by Melvin Charles is another strong, devastating offering, a retelling of the Parable of the Good Samaritan with a hardworking immigrant in the role of the only person who helps a victim of assault and pays dearly for the privilege. “The Forsaken Wall” by Tom Barlow is a beautiful, heartbreaking picture of grief, as a widow builds a wall where “the forsaken” can stash their gripes. “An American Christian at the Pearly Gates” by Larry Hodges gives us a wealthy, self-righteous character who assumes he’ll be waltzing into Heaven until he discovers how narrow his doorway is. “Lilith’s Daughters” by Liam Hogan reminds us that some tellings have another Woman before Eve who did nothing wrong but be equal to Adam. “Angelica” by Jill Zeller hints at an angel who plays the banjo and can’t keep up with the prayers for help even though belief is way down.
Recommended for readers whose faith is strong enough to take a little pushback.
The pieces were variously entertaining, touching, or forceful. I found the stories most effective, maybe because I prefer fiction, maybe because they seemed to have more space to breathe. The essays tended, ironically, toward the preachy. Since fiction is my thing, I will talk about that.
The collection opens strong with “Counting Sunrises” by Heather Truett, a genuinely sweet story of a girl counting down to the end of the world but mostly OK because Jesus is with her, and with some of her neighbors. “Devine Justice” by Philip Brian Hall is a slyly humorous tale of a (deceased) attorney so slimy and skillful, he can get the worst sinners off on technicalities. “First” by Kara Race-Moore also showed humans as more devilish than devils themselves, as the first human to go to Hell quickly takes over and starts running the place. “Ways of Knowing” by Louise Milton imagines an ancient people so set in their ways, they might starve if not for an outsider who can imagine a new way. “Izzy Tells No Lies” by P. James Norris presents a priest confronted with the fragile, difficult Isaac/Isabelle/Izzy who has visions of life and death. “The Audit” by Colin Patrick Ennen concerns an Almighty who is easily manipulated by bumper stickers. “Forgiveness” by Irene Radford imagines Adam and Eve after the Garden, Adam lamenting their fate and Eve doing the hard work of gathering, trapping, and accidentally inventing beer. “Everlasting Due” is a liberal’s well-thought-out fantasy on the ultimate end for a certain person in public life. “Extinction Level Non-Conjunction Event” by Anton Cancre concerns a mother of a disabled child who was supposed to be the second coming of Christ and might be, anyway. “Don’t Get the Bible Wet” by Debora Godfrey presents a Handmaid’s Tale-like society in which girls are given a “Goodly Bible” with most of the pages glued together so girls and women won’t read the Forbidden Sections…until it falls in the mud and all heck breaks loose. “The Faithless Angel” by E. E. King is a story of loss of faith and just loss, about a guardian angel assigned to one of Job’s daughters. “Temple Tantrum” by J. W. Cook gives us a contemporary take on Jesus turning tables and clearing the Temple. “Righteous Spirits” by Lillian Csernica uses superstition as a cover for human sorrow and despair. “Last Words” by Paula Hammond features Death personified, confronting a heart-attack victim who thought he was virtuous till now. “The Good Mexican” by Melvin Charles is another strong, devastating offering, a retelling of the Parable of the Good Samaritan with a hardworking immigrant in the role of the only person who helps a victim of assault and pays dearly for the privilege. “The Forsaken Wall” by Tom Barlow is a beautiful, heartbreaking picture of grief, as a widow builds a wall where “the forsaken” can stash their gripes. “An American Christian at the Pearly Gates” by Larry Hodges gives us a wealthy, self-righteous character who assumes he’ll be waltzing into Heaven until he discovers how narrow his doorway is. “Lilith’s Daughters” by Liam Hogan reminds us that some tellings have another Woman before Eve who did nothing wrong but be equal to Adam. “Angelica” by Jill Zeller hints at an angel who plays the banjo and can’t keep up with the prayers for help even though belief is way down.
Recommended for readers whose faith is strong enough to take a little pushback.
August 31, 2018
Review of Alternative Theologies: Parables for a Modern World
Alternative Theologies: Parables for a Modern World is a collection of short stories, poems, and essays containing a wide variety of ideas and beliefs. The entries explore theological concepts from Genesis to Revelation, from creation stewardship to eschatology (end times). Many of the entries are in response to the religion of nationalism that has flourished in the current political climate, a belief system that claims the cross but cloaks itself in the flag, and casts out all other religions, including many Christians.
As a Christian pastor and student of theology, I especially appreciated the critical insight by many of the authors, and that they dared to ask the questions that theologians have wrestled with for millenia. The Pale Thin God puts on trial the Jesus who would sacrifice himself for the very human beings that would cause atrocities in his name. Dear Mary, are you there? wrestles with the very question that many women struggle with on Mother’s Day in our churches. Where is God when we suffer the most horrific loss of all, while others are celebrated? Maybe God isn’t up on high, but down on the street corner “with a shopping cart full of garbage.”
Perhaps my favorite entry was Ultimate Messiah Smackdown. Which Jesus do we really follow, the smiling white guy in a suit who preaches the prosperity gospel and the religion of nationalism, or the man who challenges us to think and act differently (and might smell bad)? Or which Buddha, for that matter? I’m already planning on using this story as a sermon illustration.
Facing this religion of nationalism, Alternative Beatitudes for the New Right stings in every line the truth of the prosperity gospel. Instead of Jesus’ words that bless those on the margins and challenge others to do justice, these Alternative Beatitudes shrug off the needs of others and end with a common platitude. It turned my stomach to read them and left a bitter taste on my tongue, but I read them over several times because they speak of what many have sadly come to believe, because it is the easy way, affirming the life of those with power and wealth.
I took my time reading this collection of Alternative Theologies. Not every entry struck me in the same way: some made me laugh, some made me shrug, but some will definitely become sermon fodder, or find their way, like Dear Mary, into songs of lament.
I was delighted to receive a copy of Alternative Theologies: Parables for a Modern World, in exchange for an honest review.
Alternative Theologies: Parables for a Modern World is a collection of short stories, poems, and essays containing a wide variety of ideas and beliefs. The entries explore theological concepts from Genesis to Revelation, from creation stewardship to eschatology (end times). Many of the entries are in response to the religion of nationalism that has flourished in the current political climate, a belief system that claims the cross but cloaks itself in the flag, and casts out all other religions, including many Christians.
As a Christian pastor and student of theology, I especially appreciated the critical insight by many of the authors, and that they dared to ask the questions that theologians have wrestled with for millenia. The Pale Thin God puts on trial the Jesus who would sacrifice himself for the very human beings that would cause atrocities in his name. Dear Mary, are you there? wrestles with the very question that many women struggle with on Mother’s Day in our churches. Where is God when we suffer the most horrific loss of all, while others are celebrated? Maybe God isn’t up on high, but down on the street corner “with a shopping cart full of garbage.”
Perhaps my favorite entry was Ultimate Messiah Smackdown. Which Jesus do we really follow, the smiling white guy in a suit who preaches the prosperity gospel and the religion of nationalism, or the man who challenges us to think and act differently (and might smell bad)? Or which Buddha, for that matter? I’m already planning on using this story as a sermon illustration.
Facing this religion of nationalism, Alternative Beatitudes for the New Right stings in every line the truth of the prosperity gospel. Instead of Jesus’ words that bless those on the margins and challenge others to do justice, these Alternative Beatitudes shrug off the needs of others and end with a common platitude. It turned my stomach to read them and left a bitter taste on my tongue, but I read them over several times because they speak of what many have sadly come to believe, because it is the easy way, affirming the life of those with power and wealth.
I took my time reading this collection of Alternative Theologies. Not every entry struck me in the same way: some made me laugh, some made me shrug, but some will definitely become sermon fodder, or find their way, like Dear Mary, into songs of lament.
I was delighted to receive a copy of Alternative Theologies: Parables for a Modern World, in exchange for an honest review.
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December 11, 2019I'm in this anthology, (with my attempt to reclaim Lilith as a bedtime story for strong minded daughters) so I won't insult you by giving it a rating! Merely name check a few of the other contributors that caught my eye.
(This is the anthology that was stolen from B Cubed Press's stall at a convention, presumably by someone who thought "alternative" and "theology" should never be bed fellows.)
My own personal preference tended towards the stories that didn't involve speculative elements (angels or discussions with God/Jesus) which is a bit unusual for me. On that note, The Good Mexican (Melvin Charles) and The Forsaken Wall (Tom Barlow) and both strong stories. I also enjoyed Anton Cancre's oddly named "Extinction Level Non-Conjunction Event", it kind of reminded me of another story from way back where the child to be born is the anti-christ. It doesn't, for me, *quite* stick the ending, but is a good read throughout.
Also featured are two strong "non-fiction" essays, David Brin's advice to transhumanists, and David Gerrold's "Christian Nation". And in the latter, we have (though it's certainly not the fault of Gerrold's well thought out criticism) one of the niggling issues with this collection - that it focuses so strongly on American Christianity. Other religions get scant word-time, Mike Resnick's "The Pale Thin God" is an exception, though even here, it is mainly a comparison, and is guilty of the oddly American view where Jesus and God are interchangeable.
Let none of that put you off. This is NOT a subject where there is a wealth of material, far from it, so if you want something thought provoking, you may well find it here and few places besides.
(This is the anthology that was stolen from B Cubed Press's stall at a convention, presumably by someone who thought "alternative" and "theology" should never be bed fellows.)
My own personal preference tended towards the stories that didn't involve speculative elements (angels or discussions with God/Jesus) which is a bit unusual for me. On that note, The Good Mexican (Melvin Charles) and The Forsaken Wall (Tom Barlow) and both strong stories. I also enjoyed Anton Cancre's oddly named "Extinction Level Non-Conjunction Event", it kind of reminded me of another story from way back where the child to be born is the anti-christ. It doesn't, for me, *quite* stick the ending, but is a good read throughout.
Also featured are two strong "non-fiction" essays, David Brin's advice to transhumanists, and David Gerrold's "Christian Nation". And in the latter, we have (though it's certainly not the fault of Gerrold's well thought out criticism) one of the niggling issues with this collection - that it focuses so strongly on American Christianity. Other religions get scant word-time, Mike Resnick's "The Pale Thin God" is an exception, though even here, it is mainly a comparison, and is guilty of the oddly American view where Jesus and God are interchangeable.
Let none of that put you off. This is NOT a subject where there is a wealth of material, far from it, so if you want something thought provoking, you may well find it here and few places besides.
June 20, 2019
Heart and Decency in this anthology about religion and spirituality
This is a potent collection of tales showing an earnestness and decency that shines through. Hope and sadness wrestle here much like the human condition does. Ultimate Messiah Showdown was a great critique and snarky though "horde" missed the editor's eye as it should have been "hoard". The story with Izzy broke my heart with the Father being the kind of person that spiritual people should be. People of all sorts should enjoy whether atheists or theists and whether they are gnostics or agnostics. I personally think that if there is a divine it is possible to grok it with heart, tech, and the scientific method just like we try with various levels of success to grok the universe from the staggering success of quantum electrodynamics to the flawed and made up studies on priming. Telling the difference between the two extremes of knowing is hard.
David Gerrold's essay was pretty powerfully stated. I would have thrown in the treaty of tripoli but then I have a bad habit of writing too much and it may be better as a leaner rant with less tangents.
This is a potent collection of tales showing an earnestness and decency that shines through. Hope and sadness wrestle here much like the human condition does. Ultimate Messiah Showdown was a great critique and snarky though "horde" missed the editor's eye as it should have been "hoard". The story with Izzy broke my heart with the Father being the kind of person that spiritual people should be. People of all sorts should enjoy whether atheists or theists and whether they are gnostics or agnostics. I personally think that if there is a divine it is possible to grok it with heart, tech, and the scientific method just like we try with various levels of success to grok the universe from the staggering success of quantum electrodynamics to the flawed and made up studies on priming. Telling the difference between the two extremes of knowing is hard.
David Gerrold's essay was pretty powerfully stated. I would have thrown in the treaty of tripoli but then I have a bad habit of writing too much and it may be better as a leaner rant with less tangents.
July 12, 2019
A lot of 2's and a couple of 1's, several really good 4's and one or two 5's. Too many of the stories are "placards" that are more about a point of view than actually good tales. Even when I might share that point of view, I don't like being hammered with it. The best stories here provided that sort of balance of story first, and yet usually have a discernable point. Sadly, not enough to raise this rating above a 3. It's a small press publication, which is cool to encourage, but I'd actually rank the overall impression as a 2.75.
EDIT: I bought the e-version this book because the small scale publishers had their print stock of this particular book stolen at an SF convention earlier this year. The thief or thieves left all their other books behind - an obvious effort to silence thought or opinion with regards to this one book. That sort of thing peeves me off. For that reason, and for those good tales within, I do not regret my purchase. (The occurrence did not affect my review in one direction or the other.)
EDIT: I bought the e-version this book because the small scale publishers had their print stock of this particular book stolen at an SF convention earlier this year. The thief or thieves left all their other books behind - an obvious effort to silence thought or opinion with regards to this one book. That sort of thing peeves me off. For that reason, and for those good tales within, I do not regret my purchase. (The occurrence did not affect my review in one direction or the other.)
August 14, 2023
Christian must read.
As a "liberal" Christian, I found this book to be very thought provoking. I found most of the stories seemed to be true to the teachings of Jesus, although with a twist as to how they might play out in modern day America. Some challenged my beliefs, and a couple of them were very heartfelt. I would suggest the "religious right" read this with an open mind.
As a "liberal" Christian, I found this book to be very thought provoking. I found most of the stories seemed to be true to the teachings of Jesus, although with a twist as to how they might play out in modern day America. Some challenged my beliefs, and a couple of them were very heartfelt. I would suggest the "religious right" read this with an open mind.
April 15, 2020
Some really good stories, but others didn't work for me.
August 26, 2020
A fun, thought provoking read. Especially liked stories by Tom Barlow and the late Mike Resnick.
July 13, 2025
interesting collection of stories and poems involving religion and its impacts.
December 31, 2025
Insightful and thought provoking!
September 10, 2018
Alternative Theologies is a fantastic anthology that explores religion and the idea of faith in the 21st century. From Heather Truett's Counting Sunrises to the Liberal and Conservative prayers by Gwyndyn T. Alexander to Lilith's Daughters by Liam Hogan there are so many great essays and stories that it's hard to pick my favorite. Oh! This also includes my first ever published story, Temple Tantrum. So go check out this fantastic anthology with great stories by even more amazing and awesome writers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews