Has anyone seen Joshua? did you like that movie?

I have not had a chance to do so. I like the book, but I am like that.

I would expect that anyone open minded enough to see the movie would like it, and anyone not so would not like it anyway. But I could be wrong.

Sean

-- Sean Cleary (seanearlyaug@juno.com), September 04, 2002

Answers

Sean,

I love the book, Joshua and the entire series of books, Joshua and the Children, Joshua and the Holy Land, etc...by Joseph Girzone, a former priest.

I assume that is the book you are referring to?? I did not know there was a movie. I would love to see it.

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), September 04, 2002.

Well glad there is someone you folks like that happens to be a personal friend of mine. I will tell him of your remarks. He is coming to dinner here next month. Joan

-- Joan (godessss@mindspring.com), September 04, 2002.

Ah, yes, but didn't "Joshua" in the book say that he didn't want His Church to be run by a Pope, etc? That it was too monolithic? Maybe Girzone believes the same? Maybe we should put the governing of the Church in the hands of the laity? Sounds a bit, well,....if Joan knows this fellow and he is a good friend, I REALLY question the safety of reading these books!

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), September 04, 2002.

I was just going to say that Christina!

-- Jake Huether (jake.huether@lamrc.com), September 04, 2002.

The book was critical of the Church, but not terminally so, If I Recall Correctly. The movie, I have been told, has been sanitized of such, leaving a loving Jesus. Actually the book was one of a series. I liked them all, but the problems noted in the book are my problems too. I would not expect a Catholic to like the books unless at least slightly dissatisfied with the institution. But Back to the Movie.

Joan: Tell the writer thank you for me. It was wonderful. Sean

-- Sean Cleary (seanearlyaug@juno.com), September 05, 2002.

Actually, the book portrayed a loving Jesus who brought peace out of chaos, did not judge others, was patient, kind, humble, and knew what was really important just like he expresses in the New Testament.

It did not cause me to convert to another religion, it did not have a negative affect on me in any way. It made me feel very peaceful, made me think about the important things in life and what it is that Jesus really wants us to do, how He wants us to live.

I see nothing wrong with the book at all, or any of the books Joseph Girzone wrote. As a former priest he 'knows' a lot more about the inner workings of the church than I do and if he brought some of those to our attention, that is a good thing.

Although I love my church, it is not a perfect one. There are no perfect religious institutions because they are all run by human beings who are imperfect.

How can a book that makes one think, makes one see what is really important in life, brings Jesus real message to others, and provides one with a profound sense of peace, be wrong?

I read all of the books and am still Catholic. Are we supposed to read only books that have one view? That is not learning, is it?

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), September 05, 2002.

Joan,

I am probably going to make lots of enemies on the forum now, but if you are really friends with Joseph Girzone and he really is coming to your house for dinner, tell him thanks for the great books!

I always wondered why he left the priesthood. I guess that will remain a secret. I happen to like the way he thinks.

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), September 05, 2002.

Mary Lu, Don't want to get you in trouble with the narrow minded here, but I must say I have always felt you were a step above. Your openess, vision and rich wisdom serves you well and all those who connect with you.

I do know Joseph Girzone and will tell him when I talk with him. I would also recommend his good friend's book "Colors of the Spirit" with an introduction from Joe. The author is Dorothy K. Ederer, a Dominican nun. Father Girzone "retired" from the priesthood in 1981.

Will send your endorsement also Sean, thanks. Joan

-- Joan (godessss@mindspring.com), September 05, 2002.

Hi Joan,

I am aware that he retired because it says so on the jacket of his books, but says it was due to health reasons. Hope he is well. I just had a feeling there was more to it than that, but that is no one's business, including mine!

Surprised Andrew Greeley is still in the church....his views are so radical...but I like him too.

Not only have I read all of his books, but I buy two copies of each book I read and pass them on..."Joshua and the Children" is absolutely one of his best. Everyone should read that one.

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), September 05, 2002.

I saw the movie and loved it. I wish it had received more publicity. The movie was not anti-catholic. God Bless

-- John Placette (jplacette@catholic.org), September 13, 2002.

Thank you John. Glad that someone found it. I wish It would turn up here, but since it is dying in the bible belt, it may have to be a Christmas video present (my list always has a few hard to find easy to buy items). Sean in Los Angeles

-- Sean Cleary (seanearlyaug@juno.com), September 16, 2002.

I just saw it. It was wonderful. Catholic affirming. Also definately on my want list. The movie was only 1.5 hrs long. Well if it hit LA area (actually orange county) then it may be near you too. Sean

-- Sean Cleary (seanearlyaug@juno.com), September 22, 2002.