Laura J. Davis
Come to Me
It takes a brave person to take on Scripture, especially well-known Scripture, and retell it from a different view point, but that is exactly what Laura J. Davis has done. She has taken the life of Jesus and woven the story - as related by the gospel writers, Matthew and Luke - into a memoir as told by Jesus’ mother, Mary. And the finished product is a story worth reading.
It is evident that Laura Davis has done much research. We learn not only some of the Biblical facts surrounding Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection, but many cultural and historical facts to enhance the story. And because the story is told by Mary, we are forced to stop and think about what life may have been like for Jesus’ family, how they may have reacted to his divinity, his teachings and his ultimate sacrifice. Often when we read or tell the story of Jesus’ life, we tend to downplay or even omit these human factors in the story and while not everyone may agree with Laura’s interpretation and presentation of some of those human factors, they do make one stop and think.
The novel, and we do have to remember that it is a novel, is interwoven with the actual, true words of Scripture wherever possible, presenting us with the truths of the story. For the uninitiated or new believer, this mixture of fact and fiction may be somewhat confusing. To help with that, Laura has written an accompanying study guide, Learning From the Master, which makes distinctions between the true and fictitious. While the novel can be read on its own, for those wishing to go deeper the study guide is a must. (review below) And, of course, keeping the gospels at the ready to confirm the truths helps.
I enjoyed reading the novel but I must admit that at some points I found the story becoming just a little bit ‘preachy’. I imagine one of the reasons for writing such a novel is to get the story of salvation out there, and Laura has done a great job in that department, but, to me, some parts came across as being somewhat forced.
Reading the author’s back story adds a poignant dimension to the book.
It is evident that Laura Davis has done much research. We learn not only some of the Biblical facts surrounding Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection, but many cultural and historical facts to enhance the story. And because the story is told by Mary, we are forced to stop and think about what life may have been like for Jesus’ family, how they may have reacted to his divinity, his teachings and his ultimate sacrifice. Often when we read or tell the story of Jesus’ life, we tend to downplay or even omit these human factors in the story and while not everyone may agree with Laura’s interpretation and presentation of some of those human factors, they do make one stop and think.
The novel, and we do have to remember that it is a novel, is interwoven with the actual, true words of Scripture wherever possible, presenting us with the truths of the story. For the uninitiated or new believer, this mixture of fact and fiction may be somewhat confusing. To help with that, Laura has written an accompanying study guide, Learning From the Master, which makes distinctions between the true and fictitious. While the novel can be read on its own, for those wishing to go deeper the study guide is a must. (review below) And, of course, keeping the gospels at the ready to confirm the truths helps.
I enjoyed reading the novel but I must admit that at some points I found the story becoming just a little bit ‘preachy’. I imagine one of the reasons for writing such a novel is to get the story of salvation out there, and Laura has done a great job in that department, but, to me, some parts came across as being somewhat forced.
Reading the author’s back story adds a poignant dimension to the book.
Learning from the Master: Living A Surrendered Life
This book is a study guide for either individuals or groups who are reading or have read Laura’s book, Come to Me.
It is a well though-out companion with both information gathering and detailed, though-provoking types of questions. The questions presented can be worked through at the belief level of the reader, whether that be a new Christian, a seeker, or a long-time follower of Christ. The questions and comments are challenging enough to make even the most knowledgeable Christian think about his or her beliefs. Although the book and study guide can be done on one’s own, working as a group will add an extra dimension and challenge for all involved.
It is a well though-out companion with both information gathering and detailed, though-provoking types of questions. The questions presented can be worked through at the belief level of the reader, whether that be a new Christian, a seeker, or a long-time follower of Christ. The questions and comments are challenging enough to make even the most knowledgeable Christian think about his or her beliefs. Although the book and study guide can be done on one’s own, working as a group will add an extra dimension and challenge for all involved.