Anyone who remembers the controversy over the release of the Golden Compass movie may be surprised that Philip Pullman to retell Biblical stories. Pullman has always been open about the anti-religious themes in his books; The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Pullman as saying, "My books are about killing God." (The Shed Where God Died" by Steve Meacham, December 13, 2003.) With that in mind, it makes sense that the agnostic author's latest book, The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ, is about physically and spiritually killing the Jesus.
Overview of The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ
Even non-Christians are familiar with the story of Jesus. The Bible says Jesus was born in a manger, gained a following as he worked miracles with his disciples, and defeated death by returning to life after crucifixion. The Bible says Jesus didn't manage all this alone; he was aided by God. Pullman agrees that Jesus didn't work alone, but he gives Jesus another helpmate: his twin brother, Christ. Pullman weaves Biblical stories into the book with varying degrees of accuracy.
In The Good Man Jesus, Jesus is the cool brother who gets in trouble for his rambunctious play. Christ is otherworldly, even as a child, and the boys have distinctly separate reactions to the same experiences. This leads to a community where "all the adults were filled with admiration. [Christ] was so modest and thoughtful...but the children of the town preferred Jesus."
Characterization of Major Biblical Characters in The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ
Pullman explains the conundrum of the virgin birth by making Mary, the mother of Jesus and Christ, excessively naive. Mary is a pretty, graceful teenager who doesn't respond to the flirting of boys her age, even when her older husband is out of town. One of the young men appears at her window late at night and tells Mary he's an angel. Perhaps he is divine; perhaps he is manipulative. Either way, when he leaves, Mary is pregnant.
Pullman's Christ is spiritual and powerful; he brings clay birds to life. Like Mary, he is trusting and naive. He is robbed, he is tricked, and he is seduced. Christ is a loyal, visionary protector for his twin. Eventually Christ takes on the role of Judas after being misled by a stranger, who is orchestrating Jesus' downfall in the shadows of the ancient world for an elusive purpose.
Pullman's Jesus is a wise teacher; he works for fairness and predicts the complications of formalized churches. He even foretells the damage that will be done when powerful people decide to reform religion. Pullman makes Jesus appealing and enjoyable. Perhaps Pullman reveals his personal debates on who Jesus was when he writes, "He's a man of great integrity. Say what else you like, you must grant him that."
The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ is part of Canongate's The Myths series. Pullman is not promoting the Christian faith; he is retelling a myth and making a statement about mythologized history. He gives Christ a mortal life and mortal flaws. He gives Jesus a mortal death on the cross and a spiritual death by separating from God, suggesting that the divine stories can be created my mortal impulses.
Publication Information
The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ by Phillip Pullman was published by Canongate in May, 2010. The Kindle ebook is produced by Amazon Digital editions. The ASIN is B003IGR19Q.
Canongate released an enhanced app that combines the ebook and the audiobook for The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ. It is available through the iTunes store.
Alex Sharp - Alex Sharp is a teacher who has been keeping Suite101 readers up to date with the latest in audio- and e-book gadgetry since 2008.
