 |
Writer Gregory St. James praises some aspects of generally accepted Christian teaching and condemns others. His book comprises a plain-spoken examination of the bible—he never capitalizes that word—and commonly accepted ideas about God (always capitalized). He asserts that God never actually appears to anyone, despite biblical stories to the contrary, but that God gave him messages in dreams. He believes Jesus was crucified and died, not for anyone’s sins, but as a man dies, no more. He states that God spoke to Jesus before his death, and recounts pronouncements not recorded in scripture. He debunks the notion of the resurrection, pointing out, perhaps fairly, that those who purportedly saw Jesus after his death did not recognize him. The author augments his narrative about biblical events with a chapter of his poems at the end of the book. The poems advance some conventional spiritual tenets and express more piety than is evident in earlier chapters.
As in the quotation offered above, the author, about whom no biographical information is given, frequently begins sentences with “I St. James, say unto you…” implying a certain elevated status, despite avowing that he is an atheist. He knows that readers may reject his book, but that God appointed him to write it nonetheless. The author’s main thesis—that religion per se is a manmade construction—might appeal to some seekers. Had he adhered more closely to that theme, his book might find acceptance. But he is certain to dismay many religious readers by his descriptions of Jesus as, for example, his “brother” and someone who wanted to “share in some of the fame” of God’s work. St. James’ ideas may generate a small following among those who have doubts and questions about religion in general and Christianity in particular.