Joshua in a Troubled World: A Story for Our Time

Joshua #8

by Joseph F. Girzone

The bestselling Joshua series takes an invigorating, timely new turn as Girzone’s beloved hero spreads his message of love and compassion from the streets of our nation’s capital to the blood-soaked lands of the Middle East.Joseph Girzone possesses a unique ability to make Jesus’ words and actions come to life for contemporary audiences. His fictional depictions of Jesus’ return to the present-day world—the Joshua series—have inspired millions of readers. Joshua in a Troubled World is at once a magnificent continuation of his perennially popular series and an enlightening perspective on the political paranoia and destructive acts of vengeance that fill the front pages of our daily newspapers. Arriving in Washington, D.C., Joshua walks along Pennsylvania Avenue with a cool detachment and determination that sets him apart from the bustling crowds. Under ordinary circumstances, he would no doubt be seen simply as a man wrapped in his own thoughts. But in these security-obsessed times, his Middle Eastern appearance and his spontaneous stops at various churches, temples, and mosques inevitably arouse suspicions. Taken into custody by two government agents, Joshua challenges the legal and moral justness of their actions and they reluctantly release him to continue his mission. It is the most difficult and controversial mission he has ever undertaken—a plan to unite Arab- and Jewish-Americans and to work with them to resolve the bitter wars and religious animosities in the Middle East. Peopled with prominent figures such as Ariel Sharon, and moving from Washington to Beirut and then to Oslo while the peace accords are being hammered out, Joshua in a Troubled World explores the most explosive issues of our day and offers a realistic, compassionate assessment of the things that divide us and the beliefs that can serve as a foundation for a new, more peaceful world.

Genres: Fiction, Religion, Christian Fiction, Christian, Spirituality, Philosophy

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

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

[Thomas Doscher · Rating 1 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I read Joshua books. I had forgotten how horrible they are. Girzone writes from a Roman Catholic perspective; a Roman Catholic that knows NOTHING about the Bible. The plot of the book is that Joshua/Jesus brings about peace in the Middle East. Girzone is blissfully unaware that the Bible clearly states that the ANTICHRIST will bring about a peace treaty in the Middle East. He similarly is unaware that the Bible does not support Mary appearing to people on Jesus' behalf. Yes, that is Roman Catholic tradition, no it is not supported in the Bible anywhere. Mary is just a human being, like all of us. Jesus appears personally to His followers, He does not send His mom. I only found one grammatical error. The first time I read his book Joshua, there were 4 pages of typos, grammar and spelling errors.
He also claims through his book that both sides Israelis and Palestinians, want peace, except for a small group of radicals. NICE TRY. In Muslim controlled countries, the geography books do not even show Israel on the map under the lie that Israel should not exist. Israel has made thousands of concessions, and given up A LOT of land. This is not even mentioned, as I am sure the author has no real knowledge of the situation. Palestinians declare they want all Jews to be killed, they train their children from toddlers to adults to hate Jews. Peace will not come in the Middle East until the AntiChrist brings it about because the descendants of Ismael (Arab nations), the Bible declared, will always be fighting with everyone else.
I gave the book one star, only because there is no lower rating that I could give.

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book posits a situation where Jesus has returned to earth, and is going by the name of Joshua. He is giving the folks from Homeland Security a run for their money as he goes from mosque to temple, working to reconcile the Arabs and the Jews. The author has some interesting ideas, particularly since his plan to bring peace to the Mideast begins with people of different religions becoming friends and talking with others one on one. The language in this book, though, is too simple. I applaud the author's sincerity and believe he makes some valid points, but if I had not committed to reading this for a group reading program, I would have stopped around page fifteen.

[Lance · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enjoyed Joshua. This book though has some interesting points, of which none are really new. The writing is simplistic, true of both books, and predictable. Girzone does a nice portrayal of the fears the US government has of everything, also the not invented here mentality. I found I was skimming though the book looking for interesting material to read, very disappointing.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girzone's earlier Joshua books were very inspiring and felt POSSIBLE. This is almost so unrealistic that it is off putting in it's naivity.

[Glenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry, did not finish last CD

[James Schoonover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Good Christian Read

I'm a fan of all the Joshua books. They renew my faith and feeling of how we can make a difference in the world if we work to be like Jesus.

[Darius Murretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend "Joshua In a troubled World " to all my christian Jewish Muslim and Buddhist friends because Grzone makes it very clear that Jesus ( AKA Joshua ) considers himself a jew and also considers true Muslims as good people who follow the God of Judism and in this series Josuha visits both synagogues and Mosques and loves and is loved by Jews , muslims and christians and buddhists .
He makes it clear that "My Father " loves all .

I a way this is like the Jack Reacher novels . Joshua roams about as a homeless guy hitch hiking around ( no disciples although sometimes his mother Mary shows up ( in the human form of a teenage girl ) to help comfort people with whom Joshua works . In "Joshua In a troubled world" which revisits the aftermath of the 911 attack Mary goes about among the harassed american muslims assuring them to keep faith in God , be loving and everything will be alright.

As always Joshua is suspected and prosecuted by the worldly authorities and politician's who are not true followers of any religion but who
only pose as righteous but spread religious strife . Joshua can see the hearts of the good sincere
Christians , Muslims , Jews and Buddhists and goes to them and organizes them into a untied front to help spread peace among God's children .

[Ktmholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second 'Joshua' book dealing with conflicts between Arabs and Jews, this is unfortunately just as timely now as when it was written, in 2005. In this volume, Joshua (i.e. Jesus, returned to earth) gathered influential persons in Washington, D.C., and the Middle East who could help with his peace project in Jerusalem. A gentle, introspective book.

[Barbara Cryer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure that this is the worst book I have read all year.

[Abigail G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand the sentiment the author was presenting but there were certain things stated and restated that counter everything I know about foundational Christianity.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book i have ever read so far. i highly recommend especially during the times we live in now.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of the Joshua books I have read and it is excellent in theory of which we can only wish. He appears in this one as a person of interest for Homeland Security and two operatives who were assigned to follow Joshua. I had to laugh at how he evaded them at every point while he met with persons concerned with the climate e in the Middle East and decided they can use their powers to bring the areas into considering peace. Peace which would benefit them economically and other areas in their lives. Although he wasn’t the person meeting with the people who could urge the changes he was in the background. If only this would work. Another one by this author which I enjoyed reading.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joshua--a.k.a. Jesus--solves the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He gets a massive assist from the Prophet Muhammad and the Blessed Mother, both of whom show up to help him out. Fr. Girzone writes very movingly about God, love, peace, and forgiveness. I enjoy these books very much.

[Mike B · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF----Simply awful leftist propaganda, 15 minutes into this I knew I couldn't finish it. The whole post-9/11 is ridiculously exaggerated. I loved the first few Joshua novels and I thought this one would be an inspiration, the preaching and stereotyping in this book has ruined this author for me.

[Mel Allred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girzone's books are easy reads and allow the reader the opportunity to look at the world of today and say "What would Jesus Do?" And the author tells us.

[Laurie Furness · Rating 2 out of 5]

not as good as some of the other Joshua books.. it was ok

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm never disappointed by the Joshua series. Great story, awesome character development. A must read if you love books about good, honest people who are true to themselves and others.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good, but makes me wonder how it will differ from Joshua in the Holy Land.

[Jeannie Mertens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good, but definitely didn't hook me like his other books in the Joshua series. Nice idea, but a bit too idealistic. A bit too convenient and not very plausible in my opinion.

[Angie Iozzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple answers for the issues going on in the world today. Extremely insightful.