Question: The series of books about “Joshua” by Joseph Girzone has sold extremely well in ...

Question: The series of books about “Joshua” by Joseph Girzone has sold extremely well in Christian bookstores. What is your opinion—for example, of Joshua, the first one in the series?

Response: Joshua is an appealing story and teaches some valuable lessons. Unfortunately, its errors outweigh its truths. The basic idea that Christ could come back as a flesh-and-blood person is unbiblical and, though presented as fiction, is destructive of the truth that He came once to die for our sins, was buried and resurrected and is eternally in a glorified body without blood in its veins (Lk 24:39; 1 Cor:15:42-50 [42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: [43] It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: [44] It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. [45] And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. [46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the LORD from heaven. [48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. [50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
See All...). Reincarnation rather than resurrection is implied (pp 19-20, 111, 143). This “Jesus/Joshua” never mentions that Christ came and died for our sins. Instead, he tells people that God wants them “to love him and love one another” (p 109), leaving out “with all your heart, soul, might and neighbor as yourself.” No human ever loved in that way and that’s why Christ died for us, but Joshua never explains that!

That Girzone is a Catholic priest is reflected throughout the book. Joshua sees the pope as Peter’s successor (123, 216, 262-63), depicts fisherman/apostle Peter wearing a “three-tiered tiara . . . toga and stole” (pp 154-55) and teaches other serious errors: “you can best find God if you look within yourself” (p 113). Denying miracles, he makes the boy’s restoration to life on the ship a “natural” event (p 236); declares that all humans are God’s children from whose spirits “the things of God . . . flow as naturally . . . as the air we breathe” (hardly!); says the Jews have “remained faithful” (p 197). Contrast what the real Jesus said in John:8:31-47 [31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [33] They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? [34] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. [35] And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. [36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. [37] I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. [38] I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. [39] They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. [40] But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. [41] Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. [42] Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. [43] Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. [44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. [45] And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. [46] Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? [47] He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
See All...!

Joshua is a humanistic “Jesus” whose mission is to bring out the goodness inherent in mankind. He suggests good works for salvation and not once presents the truth that all have sinned and that Christ died for sinners so we could have eternal life as a free gift of God’s grace. Instead, Joshua subtly presents a false gospel. Yet Christian bookstores sell it by the tens of thousands!