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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 An historical Jesus rooted in Jewish mystical tradition Jun 07, 2007
This well-researched novel presents the historical Jesus as a passionate mystic-Messiah whose inspiration is his personal connection with the Divine "HaShem." Potter's insights are informed by his own studies of Kabbalah as well as available historical materials including the works of Josephus and the Dead Sea Scrolls in addition to the NT Gospels. The story presents family members of Jesus, including Miriam, his beloved soul-mate and wife, in "flesh and blood" scenarios. It cleverly reconciles many anomalies and contradictions found in the Gospel narratives, while it develops the gradual evolution of the Christ-consciousness in Jesus. This is a story that needs to be told and widely discussed--a valuable contribution to the on-going revelation of the "real" Jesus.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 THE Historical Jesus with verisimilitude & accuracy May 28, 2007
A remarkably good novel for this genre; one can be entertained and enlightened simultaneously. This novel has imagination grounded in a framework of compelling and probable history. We see the rebel Jesus, not the story book Gospels Jesus. As Professor Eisenman said, "Choose it for you must-read list."
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
THE CRIMSON THREAD Oct 02, 2006
Royston Potter bases his book on the accurate perception that the Jews of this period were waiting and preparing for a Messiah who would embody both their spiritual & political aspirations. Far from a pacifist Christ,
the figure waited for by the Jews would, at least for a time, by
necessity be a master in guerilla warfare. In fact, THE CRIMSON THREAD can be seen as a good primer in military strategy & tactics.
The image of THE CRIMSON THREAD itself refers to a colored cord tied around the first infant born in the case of twins. This distinction between one child and the other was an all-important consideration in patriarchal society and affected the rigid laws of inheritance. In this particular case it mattered even more because it involved both dynastic and religious affiliations in the highest degree. The King of the Jews and the Messiah had to prove a clear line of succession from David. In the novel the author explains how these functions could be embodied in two different claimants as long as their bloodline was pure and they followed the letter of the Torah. It was also possible that both King and Messiah could be the same person.
In conclusion, although we may not be in particular sympathy with the Old Testament orientation of THE CRIMSON THREAD, reading it was both an enjoyable & enlightening experience--and proved once again that we learn most from sources we may not agree with. The novel revealed both a solid socio-political grasp of history as well as the author's
intuitive understanding. By "intuitive understanding" we mean a knowledge that surpasses the limitations of ego, space and time. This is why a person can read THE CRIMSON THREAD and realize a series of inner revelations not necessarily inherent in the text--and that the author may reveal information he may not be consciously aware of. In fact, the novel can be seen as a modern Gnostic gospel.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
An Awesome Enlightening Experience Sep 21, 2006
I really enjoyed this book. It provides an interesting glimpse into the history and life of the time. It is evident the author has done extensive research and has a great amount of knowledge which is being translated onto each page for the reader to soak up. Potter goes to great lengths to keep the story accurate with authentic events that anyone can research if they desire. There is plenty of action and surprises to keep you reading on, yet it delivers an important message.
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