1. This arresting novel raises challenging questions about the meaning of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. New insights on many aspects of early Christianity emerge from the narrative of events during the unsettled years a generation after the crucifixion. Readers will find especially thought-provoking interpretations of the apostle Paul and Mary the mother of Jesus. This story brings key tenets of theology to life in vivid form. (James M. McPherson, Ph.D, retired professor, Princeton University and Pulitzer Prize winner.)
2. By imagining Jesus' family and followers in the world of Judaism, Mr. Nyce questions basic assumptions of modern Christians. These are important questions and fascinating perspectives, worth discussing in any church or study group. (David Tatgenhorst, pastor St. Luke's United Methodist Church Bryn Mawr, PA)
3. This is a gripping and compelling story about an epic moment in human history. Joe Nyce has brought the characters to life in all their grandeur and pathos. He invites the reader to re-live history with a profound spiritual purpose. (Jeremy I. Adelman, Ph.D., Professor of History Princeton University.)
4. For those with an interest in Jesus' central message of love, self-sacrifice, and kindness above all else, Nyce's thought-provoking narrative of the early years of Christianity will provide a rich and rewarding experience. (Herman Tull, Ph.D., Visiting Associated Professor of Religious Studies, Lafayette College)
5. Through Mary's plaintive eyes, Joe Nyce illustrates a historically rich and thought provoking story about individuals who knew and were spiritually impacted by the life, teachings and death of Jesus. The beautiful message of love and humility is a wonderful read, especially now with societies electronic barriers. (Tim Mathews, D.Sc., mayor, East Amwell Twp. NJ)
Mary's Lament is an attempt to connect our religious struggles of faith with those who lived through the birth of our religion, and it provides a narrative walk with Jesus's mother, brother, and sister as a way to assist us in honoring Jesus's command to walk with him through the kingdom of God's love. Author Joseph C. Nyce also explores through this narrative the tragic religious history of violence, presenting a fresh look at the violent beginnings of Christianity.
The violence of nascent Christianity still haunts us through the barriers of belief, and we can explore this transformative time in our religious history to discover a deeper meaning of faith through imagining real persons caught up in this division of faith between two groups of people devoted to the same God and agreeing that righteousness was the way to honor him.
