This book is set in the time of Jesus' death and rebirth from a high-ranking Roman soldier's perspective. I enjoyed the historical background of the time, it really brought Jesus' time and influence to life. The topics of love, freedom, government, gods, and revolutions would make this a really enjoyable discussion with others. I am looking forward to reading the author's others book "Magnificent Obsession" sometime in the future. Favorite quotes:--"there is always something fundamentally wrong with a rich man or a king who pretends to be religious. Let the poor and helpless invoke the gods. That is what the gods are for--to distract the attention of the weak from their otherwise intolerable miseries" I do not necessarily resonate with this statement, but it bring up a great discussion topic and food for though.--"All men want more liberty than they have. What the Roman slaves lack is leadership."--"look at our Government! A mere shallow shell! It has no moral fiber!...The Roman Empire is too weak and wicked to survive!"--"You could all do something about this unhappy world, if you would: but you won't."--"Jerusalem wanted her freedom. What would she do with freedom if she had it? Everybody in the world wanted more freedom; freedom to do and be what?...What was this nature of this bondage that Jerusalem so bitterly resented?"--"How would a revolution help the mass of the people? Once a new government was in the saddle, a small group of greedy men would promptly impose upon the public. ... A change of masters wouldn't help the people."--"What kind of government would solve the world's problems? As matters stand all governments were rapacious. ... The real trouble wasn't located at the capital, but in the immediate neighborhood, in the tribe, in the family, in themselves."--"The world was in serious need of something-but it wasn't something that a new king could furnish."--"It was the first time he had ever realized the full meaning of freedom." I love this quote!!--"There is not much dignity in a nation that has no respect for the world and works of geniuses who gave the world whatever wisdom and beauty it owns!"--"The Romans will be crushed,...It will be because they have believed that all men are beasts. Enslaving other men, they have denied their own spiritual dignity."--"he expects to come into power another way; not by demoting the Emperor, but by inspiring the people."--"His kingdom is a state of mind and heart that strives for peace and justice and good will among all men."
One of the repeated discussions I have had and probably will continue to have with my dad is the subject of this book; would we believe in Jesus if we were alive when he was? This book covers all the bases of that question and then some. This book, written in the 1940s, shows the experience of a Roman Tribune given a post in the middle of nowhere Palestine and thrown into the world of "the New Testament" without knowledge, care or concern for the world and life of the Jews. He witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus red-handed, was among those casting lots and won Jesus' robe. The book takes us on his journey of turmoil, denial, faith, discovery and discipleship of Christ and the beginning of the Christian religion. The facts and history weaved into the book painted a wonderful tapestry of what it might have been like to live when and shortly after Jesus lived. The thought and wisdom was touching. The wonderful writing of Douglas shows through every encounter and conversation in the book. I like how the author shows the struggle and process Marcellus goes through, like was mentioned by Chrissy; he does struggle with the idea that this man he had a part in killing was an eternal being and had risen again. To say that I myself wouldn't think I had or would think others were crazy in his same situation would be a lie. The transition was believable. Douglas also did a great job of explaining the parables and events of the New Testament smartly but with wisdom that was easily applicable to the reader. When I was reading this I also thought of how interesting it was to know the power shift that would take place in the future. It's a great reminder that every society has it's rise and fall and those that are at disadvantage often learn how to fight their way to the top. And succeed. Great historical insight and if you chose, great spiritual as well.
Do You like book The Robe (1999)?
I started this book a day before book club and am so sad I didn't start it sooner so I could be a part of the discussion. I loved this book! I enjoyed reading this over Easter weekend as I had the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ particularly in my thoughts. One of the most fascinating things for me was how the people of that time period became so much more real to me than ever before. I could imagine how they interacted with the Savior and how they were improved by their association with Him. I could see how little acts of faith (and big ones) made all the difference in their lives. And I loved the theme that those seeking truth and truly trying to live righteous principles will be blessed with faith and testimony. I am so grateful for my testimony of Jesus Christ. I know He lives.
—Tara
Life-altering.For the first time, I feel like I have an inkling of what Christ's life was like, with whom he socialized, what he ate, saw, did, and where/and whom he taught. The relationships and accounts of Christ's sermons from fictional eye-witnesses were mesmerizng. All of the accounts are what we've read about in the New Testament all our lives, but the fictional stories of how those teachings changed the lives of humble people in forsaken villages in a forsaken countryside made me understand how Christianity spread the world over, (regardless of the Romans trying to squelch it out) and how the influence of a few compassionate acts can slowly, quietly change mankind for generations exponentially. Besides, the details of life in Rome, Jerusalem, and Greece--in Christ's time--were intriguing. Lloyd C. Douglas whisked me to the hills of Cana in a pair of dusty sandals and dropped down in the middle of the sunny, baren hills with an Art History professor whispering into my ear. Delicious! (Except for the dusty sandals part.) Plus, I listened to this book on my iPod and it was nice to hear an Australian accent enacting the Greek and Roman people. The love story isn't half bad along the way either. All of the descriptions of lush Greek melon fields, sunny Roman plazas with fountains, and cool dimly-lit weavers' shops run by old out-spoken Jewish men, were bewitching. I was so sad when this book came to a bang of an end. The characters, those who change by Christ's example even after his death, are of Attitus Finch quality. This one, I will pick up again.
—Emily
Impossible to begin saying how much this book means to me. It was the ultimate turning point in my life, and I've heard others express the same thing.Although set in Biblical times--from the crucifixion of Christ onward--the story itself is fiction (in part). The Robe centers on the Centurion responsible for carrying out the crucifixion of Jesus. For the purposes of the story, he was the one who gambled for Christ's garments and won the robe. From that time, he became "bewitched" by the "power" of the robe.In an attempt to bring the young man back to sanity, Caesar gives approval for him to investigate this Jesus and uncover the truth. The belief was that he would discover that Jesus was no different to any other man.Thus begins a tour of discovery for the centurion, mixing fiction with Biblical fact in an involving and engrossing way.The conclusion to The Robe is powerful and overwhelming. In my case, it was life changing. Thirty years later, I still remember exactly where I was at the time I turned the final page.Anyone who loves a good Roman-set novel, with even a slight interest in finding out more about Jesus, will most probably find this a fascinating and compelling read. As far as I'm concerned, five stars just isn't enough.
—Deborah
