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The Sterling Gospel
Was Jesus Christ a god sent from the heavens, or a man sent from the future?
Long ago, the question was a blasphemous absurdity. However, in the year 2085, technology can perform every miracle recorded in the Bible. Concealed drones allow one to walk on water. Bioremedial ointments cure the blind. And now, a time distortion can send someone back to the past. Having secretly collected each of these modern marvels and more, billionaire recluse William Sterling is convinced it was a tech-savvy man, not God, who first inspired human hope. All he needs to do is find the right man to be the Messiah.
At twenty-seven years old, Amir Saleh is perfect. He’s the right age, has the right ancestry, and is in the right mindset: desperate. Though at first he wants no part of Sterling’s ridiculous plot, he eventually agrees for the sake of his family, wasting away in poverty. In return for their provision, he immediately begins a grueling, years-long training under a manic Sterling and his mild daughter Abigail. It takes years, but eventually he is ready to take on the mantle of the savior.
Thrust back in time to the dusty edge of ancient Nazareth, he navigates the challenges of living in an era vastly different from his own and finds that he does indeed have a role to play in the Christ story—but perhaps not the one for which he was prepared.
Long ago, the question was a blasphemous absurdity. However, in the year 2085, technology can perform every miracle recorded in the Bible. Concealed drones allow one to walk on water. Bioremedial ointments cure the blind. And now, a time distortion can send someone back to the past. Having secretly collected each of these modern marvels and more, billionaire recluse William Sterling is convinced it was a tech-savvy man, not God, who first inspired human hope. All he needs to do is find the right man to be the Messiah.
At twenty-seven years old, Amir Saleh is perfect. He’s the right age, has the right ancestry, and is in the right mindset: desperate. Though at first he wants no part of Sterling’s ridiculous plot, he eventually agrees for the sake of his family, wasting away in poverty. In return for their provision, he immediately begins a grueling, years-long training under a manic Sterling and his mild daughter Abigail. It takes years, but eventually he is ready to take on the mantle of the savior.
Thrust back in time to the dusty edge of ancient Nazareth, he navigates the challenges of living in an era vastly different from his own and finds that he does indeed have a role to play in the Christ story—but perhaps not the one for which he was prepared.
- GenresChristian
ebook
Published December 14, 2021
23 people want to read
About the author
Atticus Mullon
1 book6 followersAtticus Mullon is a nonstop creator. Using his degree in architecture, he applies himself to a number of inspired projects, from buildings to sculptures. In these endeavors and in his writing, he strives to expose new ways to consider and challenge accepted truths. Applying this approach to his own faith led him to write this debut work, The Sterling Gospel. Atticus lives with his beautiful wife and kids in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 17, 2022
I received a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE STERLING GOSPEL
By: Atticus Mullon
REVIEW
THE STERLING GOSPEL has left me unsettled and at odds with myself. On one hand, I have major concerns about the validity of the premise (which I will discuss in due course). On the other hand, I was an emotional wreck for the last fifty or so pages of the book, turning the last one in tears (a testament-no pun intended-to strong writing). Evidently, I am torn.
"It was with this preservation of hope in mind that I first considered the making of a new God, or perhaps an old one. It occurred to me that the singular event that subsequently created the greatest faithful elixir of hope was the life and death of Jesus Christ."
I find this idea, the foundation of the entire story, bewildering and incomprehensible. Granted, parts of the book are confusing, but such is the nature of time travel and advanced technology. My issue is this: if the the story of Jesus Christ already exists, and if Jesus has, does and will continue manufacturing hope for believers, why is it necessary to travel back in time and recreate Him? Why create what has already been created? I cannot grasp or validate this concept. I do, however, applaud the author for out of the box thinking with a wholly original idea.
" "Governor Pontius," he began. The name brought into stark reality the historical gravity of my predicament."
If you recognize this name, I'm guessing you also know its biblical context. Grave circumstances, indeed. I will not expound here upon the situation because to do so would spoil the story. Instead, I will discuss the emotional impact left by the latter part of this story.
Amir, the main character, develops and grows exponentially during the last fifty pages. The reconciliation he experiences is profound, as evidenced in his thought patterns and perspective. After all, Amir tells the entire story, so he is the eyes and ears of readers. His opinion matters, and anything that happens to Amir leaves a lasting impression. The author vividly recounts Amir's experience in a manner that is raw, unflinching and unapologetic. I literally felt sick and stunned at the conclusion. I do not say this in a negative sense, rather, I offer praise to the author for amazingly descriptive impactful writing. I might as well have been in Jerusalem that day because I certainly felt grounded and centered in the time and place. Moreover, the trauma Amir described left a haunting refrain echoing through my mind, and I honestly believe I will never forget it. I was, I am, heartbroken, and I am glad of it.
Despite my concerns about the premise, I do believe THE STERLING GOSPEL is worth your time. This story has a strong message, and the full impact is only felt after the last page. Once you reach that point, though, you will not be sorry. Take a moment and check out this book!
THE STERLING GOSPEL
By: Atticus Mullon
REVIEW
THE STERLING GOSPEL has left me unsettled and at odds with myself. On one hand, I have major concerns about the validity of the premise (which I will discuss in due course). On the other hand, I was an emotional wreck for the last fifty or so pages of the book, turning the last one in tears (a testament-no pun intended-to strong writing). Evidently, I am torn.
"It was with this preservation of hope in mind that I first considered the making of a new God, or perhaps an old one. It occurred to me that the singular event that subsequently created the greatest faithful elixir of hope was the life and death of Jesus Christ."
I find this idea, the foundation of the entire story, bewildering and incomprehensible. Granted, parts of the book are confusing, but such is the nature of time travel and advanced technology. My issue is this: if the the story of Jesus Christ already exists, and if Jesus has, does and will continue manufacturing hope for believers, why is it necessary to travel back in time and recreate Him? Why create what has already been created? I cannot grasp or validate this concept. I do, however, applaud the author for out of the box thinking with a wholly original idea.
" "Governor Pontius," he began. The name brought into stark reality the historical gravity of my predicament."
If you recognize this name, I'm guessing you also know its biblical context. Grave circumstances, indeed. I will not expound here upon the situation because to do so would spoil the story. Instead, I will discuss the emotional impact left by the latter part of this story.
Amir, the main character, develops and grows exponentially during the last fifty pages. The reconciliation he experiences is profound, as evidenced in his thought patterns and perspective. After all, Amir tells the entire story, so he is the eyes and ears of readers. His opinion matters, and anything that happens to Amir leaves a lasting impression. The author vividly recounts Amir's experience in a manner that is raw, unflinching and unapologetic. I literally felt sick and stunned at the conclusion. I do not say this in a negative sense, rather, I offer praise to the author for amazingly descriptive impactful writing. I might as well have been in Jerusalem that day because I certainly felt grounded and centered in the time and place. Moreover, the trauma Amir described left a haunting refrain echoing through my mind, and I honestly believe I will never forget it. I was, I am, heartbroken, and I am glad of it.
Despite my concerns about the premise, I do believe THE STERLING GOSPEL is worth your time. This story has a strong message, and the full impact is only felt after the last page. Once you reach that point, though, you will not be sorry. Take a moment and check out this book!
March 3, 2022
This is a futuristic sci-fi time travel tale, about Amir, a thief from the dystopian year 2085. Amir is "saved" from a steep prison sentence by an eclectic billionaire named Sterling, only to find out that Sterling's plans for him may result in a fate even worse. Sterling, a dedicated atheist, believes that Jesus Christ was not the Son of God, but a man sent from the future to impart hope on the masses and generations to come. He trains Amir in the role of Christ and sends him back to 29 AD, where Amir discovers that Jesus is in fact already there.
The author is very literate and the book is well-written, although several typos and errors still slipped through and it could use an editor. The world-building of the book was fantastic, and the characters relatable. The book swept me away and had me hooked from the first page.
However, there were several major problems I had with the book. The biggest problem for me was how the author changed the character of God into something of his own creation, rather than sticking to the character of God as outlined in the Bible. I can appreciate artistic liberties, but not with God's character and nature. This book says that in the beginning of time, there was God, and He was lonely, so He attempted to create another God like Himself but failed as the energy was reabsorbed into His own being. He then created man flawed and mortal, because he was unable to create another god. This is blasphemous and wrong on many levels. Our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14), and there no gods other than Him. A jealous God would not attempt to create another god, nor would He attempt anything at which He would fail, for His work is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4). The whole duty of man and the reason for his existence is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13), not to make God less lonely. God had created His angels long before mankind was created, which is why when mankind was created God said he was made in "our" image. Plural; the image of God and His angels.
Jesus was also made fallible in this book, lacking strength, lacking faith, lacking love, crying and needing to lean on and hold hands with Amir for moral support as he is hung on the cross. This is how the author made Jesus relatable, but it contradicts the Bible, because the Bible says that Jesus' strength was made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and that Jesus himself was a perfect man (Ephesians 4:13). He would have needed only his own strength and faith in God; he would have looked to God, not man, for support.
The book adheres to the trinitarian belief that Jesus was God Himself, but the author turns God into a weak and needy imperfect being capable of failure. For this reason, and a couple other reasons, I will only be giving the book two and a half stars, or three stars where half stars are not permitted. The author has much talent, but I cannot in good conscience support a book which twists the character of God to such an extent.
Content warning: This book contains recurring foul language (some of which is rather harsh), Biblical inaccuracies, brief innuendos of sexual perversion, and two young people living together as man and wife and sharing a bed without a marriage (although no sexual content is mentioned). Biblically, a marriage must take place before witnesses and God to be recognized, which did not happen in this book.
The author is very literate and the book is well-written, although several typos and errors still slipped through and it could use an editor. The world-building of the book was fantastic, and the characters relatable. The book swept me away and had me hooked from the first page.
However, there were several major problems I had with the book. The biggest problem for me was how the author changed the character of God into something of his own creation, rather than sticking to the character of God as outlined in the Bible. I can appreciate artistic liberties, but not with God's character and nature. This book says that in the beginning of time, there was God, and He was lonely, so He attempted to create another God like Himself but failed as the energy was reabsorbed into His own being. He then created man flawed and mortal, because he was unable to create another god. This is blasphemous and wrong on many levels. Our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14), and there no gods other than Him. A jealous God would not attempt to create another god, nor would He attempt anything at which He would fail, for His work is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4). The whole duty of man and the reason for his existence is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13), not to make God less lonely. God had created His angels long before mankind was created, which is why when mankind was created God said he was made in "our" image. Plural; the image of God and His angels.
Jesus was also made fallible in this book, lacking strength, lacking faith, lacking love, crying and needing to lean on and hold hands with Amir for moral support as he is hung on the cross. This is how the author made Jesus relatable, but it contradicts the Bible, because the Bible says that Jesus' strength was made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and that Jesus himself was a perfect man (Ephesians 4:13). He would have needed only his own strength and faith in God; he would have looked to God, not man, for support.
The book adheres to the trinitarian belief that Jesus was God Himself, but the author turns God into a weak and needy imperfect being capable of failure. For this reason, and a couple other reasons, I will only be giving the book two and a half stars, or three stars where half stars are not permitted. The author has much talent, but I cannot in good conscience support a book which twists the character of God to such an extent.
Content warning: This book contains recurring foul language (some of which is rather harsh), Biblical inaccuracies, brief innuendos of sexual perversion, and two young people living together as man and wife and sharing a bed without a marriage (although no sexual content is mentioned). Biblically, a marriage must take place before witnesses and God to be recognized, which did not happen in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
(Thank you to DartFrog Books, Lauren Becker, and the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!)
🖊TITLE: Sterling Gospel
🖊AUTHOR: Atticus Mullon
🖊MINI-REVIEW:
This was a creative narrative about religious aspects. I found this interesting as it had many components that made it enticing to read. Recommended if you like sci-fi and futuristic books.
🖊TITLE: Sterling Gospel
🖊AUTHOR: Atticus Mullon
🖊MINI-REVIEW:
This was a creative narrative about religious aspects. I found this interesting as it had many components that made it enticing to read. Recommended if you like sci-fi and futuristic books.
February 6, 2022
he Sterling Gospel by Atticus Mullon is a novel with a futuristic bent that explores the life of Jesus Christ. The novel begins in the year 2085, a time during which all the miracles described in the Bible can be performed scientifically. Billionaire recluse William Sterling is convinced that it was a tech-savy man, and not God, who first inspired human hope. Sterling believes that all he has to do is find the right man to be the Messiah. At 27 years old, Amir Saleh is perfect. Even though he wants no part of Sterling's plot, Amir participates for the sake of his family. After years of training, he is thrust back in time to ancient Nazareth and discovers that he does have a role to play in Christ's story - just not the one he thought.
The Sterling Gospel was an interesting read. The beginning of the novel highlights the skepticism felt towards Christ's story in modern times. Slowly the attitude described in the book changes as the author refers to a firm belief in Christ. Mullon has carefully thought out his novel especially with reference to the technical explanations of Christ's miracles and the way a tech-savy, futuristic person may have performed them. My curiosity kept me reading this book and I finished it with a sense of satisfaction.
This is a novel that looks at Christ's story from a different viewpoint and it is one I enjoyed reading - though I do acknowledge that the novel would not be a title everyone would pick up. The Sterling Gospel was an interesting read that made me think while reading.
The Sterling Gospel was an interesting read. The beginning of the novel highlights the skepticism felt towards Christ's story in modern times. Slowly the attitude described in the book changes as the author refers to a firm belief in Christ. Mullon has carefully thought out his novel especially with reference to the technical explanations of Christ's miracles and the way a tech-savy, futuristic person may have performed them. My curiosity kept me reading this book and I finished it with a sense of satisfaction.
This is a novel that looks at Christ's story from a different viewpoint and it is one I enjoyed reading - though I do acknowledge that the novel would not be a title everyone would pick up. The Sterling Gospel was an interesting read that made me think while reading.
May 24, 2022
This is a futuristic sci-fi time travel tale, about Amir, a thief from the dystopian year 2085. Amir is "saved" from a steep prison sentence by an eclectic billionaire named Sterling, only to find out that Sterling's plans for him may result in a fate even worse. Sterling, a dedicated atheist, believes that Jesus Christ was not the Son of God, but a man sent from the future to impart hope on the masses and generations to come. He trains Amir in the role of Christ and sends him back to 29 AD, where Amir discovers that Jesus is in fact already there.
The author is very literate and the book is well-written, although several typos and errors still slipped through and it could use an editor. The world-building of the book was fantastic, and the characters relatable. The book swept me away and had me hooked from the first page.
However, there were several major problems I had with the book. The biggest problem for me was how the author changed the character of God into something of his own creation, rather than sticking to the character of God as outlined in the Bible. I can appreciate artistic liberties, but not with God's character and nature. This book says that in the beginning of time, there was God, and He was lonely, so He attempted to create another God like Himself but failed as the energy was reabsorbed into His own being. He then created man flawed and mortal, because he was unable to create another god. This is blasphemous and wrong on many levels. Our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14), and there no gods other than Him. A jealous God would not attempt to create another god, nor would He attempt anything at which He would fail, for His work is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4). The whole duty of man and the reason for his existence is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13), not to make God less lonely. God had created His angels long before mankind was created, which is why when mankind was created God said he was made in "our" image. Plural; the image of God and His angels.
Jesus was also made fallible in this book, lacking strength, lacking faith, lacking love, crying and needing to lean on and hold hands with Amir for moral support as he is hung on the cross. This is how the author made Jesus relatable, but it contradicts the Bible, because the Bible says that Jesus' strength was made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and that Jesus himself was a perfect man (Ephesians 4:13). He would have needed only his own strength and faith in God; he would have looked to God, not man, for support.
The book adheres to the trinitarian belief that Jesus was God Himself, but the author turns God into a weak and needy imperfect being capable of failure. For this reason, and a couple other reasons, I will only be giving the book two and a half stars, or three stars where half stars are not permitted. The author has much talent, but I cannot in good conscience support a book which twists the character of God to such an extent.
Content warning: This book contains recurring foul language (some of which is rather harsh), Biblical inaccuracies, brief innuendos of sexual perversion, and two young people living together as man and wife and sharing a bed without a marriage (although no sexual content is mentioned). Biblically, a marriage must take place before witnesses and God to be recognized, which did not happen in this book.
The author is very literate and the book is well-written, although several typos and errors still slipped through and it could use an editor. The world-building of the book was fantastic, and the characters relatable. The book swept me away and had me hooked from the first page.
However, there were several major problems I had with the book. The biggest problem for me was how the author changed the character of God into something of his own creation, rather than sticking to the character of God as outlined in the Bible. I can appreciate artistic liberties, but not with God's character and nature. This book says that in the beginning of time, there was God, and He was lonely, so He attempted to create another God like Himself but failed as the energy was reabsorbed into His own being. He then created man flawed and mortal, because he was unable to create another god. This is blasphemous and wrong on many levels. Our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14), and there no gods other than Him. A jealous God would not attempt to create another god, nor would He attempt anything at which He would fail, for His work is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4). The whole duty of man and the reason for his existence is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13), not to make God less lonely. God had created His angels long before mankind was created, which is why when mankind was created God said he was made in "our" image. Plural; the image of God and His angels.
Jesus was also made fallible in this book, lacking strength, lacking faith, lacking love, crying and needing to lean on and hold hands with Amir for moral support as he is hung on the cross. This is how the author made Jesus relatable, but it contradicts the Bible, because the Bible says that Jesus' strength was made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and that Jesus himself was a perfect man (Ephesians 4:13). He would have needed only his own strength and faith in God; he would have looked to God, not man, for support.
The book adheres to the trinitarian belief that Jesus was God Himself, but the author turns God into a weak and needy imperfect being capable of failure. For this reason, and a couple other reasons, I will only be giving the book two and a half stars, or three stars where half stars are not permitted. The author has much talent, but I cannot in good conscience support a book which twists the character of God to such an extent.
Content warning: This book contains recurring foul language (some of which is rather harsh), Biblical inaccuracies, brief innuendos of sexual perversion, and two young people living together as man and wife and sharing a bed without a marriage (although no sexual content is mentioned). Biblically, a marriage must take place before witnesses and God to be recognized, which did not happen in this book.
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