My Cousin Jesus

'My Cousin Jesus' introduces readers to the charismatic Jew whom his cousin Simeon knew, a fascinating man, who attracted a large following among the ordinary folk of his homeland. They were drawn to him by his extraordinary compassion, his revolutionary moral teaching, his remarkable gift for storytelling, and his miraculous powers of healing. But he scared the authorities, so they put him to death. Set free from the mythology and theology that have come to shroud him, Jesus of Nazareth emerges as a refreshingly real human being. His cousin Simeon (the son of Jesus' uncle Clopas) was a real person as well, although the established church has succeeded in rendering him virtually unknown. He led The Way, as the fellowship of Jesus' first followers was known, for roughly 45 years after the martyrdom of Jesus' brother James, who had led the movement during its first 30 years. Simeon records what these Jewish followers believed and how they were marginalized by the Gentile converts of the apostle Paul, who (with the writer/s of the Fourth Gospel) founded Christianity. Although 'The Gospel according to Shim'on bar Halpai' is a work of fiction, it is based on the latest scholarly research. It challenges conventional renditions of the life of Jesus and is guaranteed to cause Christians some serious soul-searching. At the same time, it should entice adherents of other faiths, including Judaism, to take a fresh look at Jesus. Even atheists and agnostics should find food for thought. Packed with information (including extensive footnotes), 'My Cousin Jesus' provides laymen with as accessible look at Jesus and his teachings through the eyes of the foremost contemporary historical-critical scholars. It is a welcome addition to the genre of religious literature.