“What if God were not the one we imagined?”
Chapter 1: The Birth of Jesus
The novel opens with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, but Schmitt reimagines the event with a darker tone. Joseph, haunted by guilt over failing to protect the infants slaughtered by Herod’s decree, struggles with his role as a father. Mary, meanwhile, senses an ominous destiny surrounding her son.
Chapter 2: Childhood and Omens
Jesus grows up in Nazareth, displaying an unusual awareness of the divine. Strange occurrences—visions, prophetic dreams, and an uncanny connection to nature—hint at his extraordinary fate. A young Jesus questions his parents about God’s nature, unsettling them with his insights.
Chapter 3: The Revelation in the Desert
As a young man, Jesus ventures into the desert, where he encounters a mysterious figure—later revealed to be God. This version of God is flawed, burdened by loneliness and a need for worship. He reveals Jesus’ destiny: to become a martyr whose suffering will ensure God’s glory.
Chapter 4: The Temptation of Doubt
Jesus grapples with his divine mission, torn between obedience and rebellion. He meets Judas, who becomes a confidant, and Mary Magdalene, who introduces him to earthly love. Their relationships complicate his understanding of sacrifice and free will.
Chapter 5: The Miracles and Their Cost
Jesus begins performing miracles, but each act of healing or resurrection comes with a hidden toll—suffering elsewhere in the world. He realizes his powers are part of a divine balance, forcing him to question whether his role is benevolent or cruel.
Chapter 6: The Confrontation with God
In a climactic dialogue, Jesus challenges God’s morality, accusing Him of valuing devotion over justice. God admits His own limitations, confessing that He needs humanity as much as they need Him. This revelation shatters Jesus’ faith but deepens his empathy.
Chapter 7: The Passion Reimagined
The crucifixion unfolds not as redemption but as a tragic bargain. Judas’ betrayal is reframed as reluctant compliance with God’s plan. Jesus dies disillusioned yet compassionate, his final words questioning the very system that demanded his sacrifice.
Key Ideas
- A subversive retelling of Christ’s life, emphasizing moral ambiguity.
- Explores the relationship between divinity, free will, and suffering.
- God is portrayed as flawed and dependent on human worship.
- Challenges traditional notions of sacrifice and redemption.
- Blends philosophical inquiry with biblical narrative.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in philosophical reinterpretations of religious stories.
- Fans of literary fiction that challenges dogma.
- Those who enjoy existential themes and moral dilemmas.