Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

To many, the biblical Jesus is an enigmatic figure. Christians themselves are divided regarding who he was and what he taught. The scriptures are open to many interpretations. Jesus Walks into a Bar by Rome Washington examines questions of faith. Jesus embodied compassion, love, forgiveness, transformation, and a connection to the Divine. He was also a radical thinker and reformer whose teachings remain relevant. He reached out to people marginalized by society, while his mission was more than just a backup plan to rescue humanity. The author points out that Christianity is experiential rather than theoretical, and that the Bible is more than an ancient rulebook. Early Christian history during turbulent times is described, including the pivotal role of women in shaping it. The author asks whether Jesus is God or human, and what he would look like today. Other topics include science versus faith, the Holy Spirit, eternal life, free will, and heaven versus hell. The End Times and its unpredictable timeline feature strongly. The Old and New Testaments present a cohesive whole. From Genesis to Revelation, there is an underlying message of hope.

Rome Washington reflects on the life of Jesus, his teachings, healing, and sacrifice. He brings a very different view of Jesus to readers that will resonate on many levels. It shows a more human Jesus, who combines philosophy with a sense of fun. Jesus Walks into a Bar is written for skeptics, confused Christians, and those who are curious. It is essentially practical and written in contemporary language and with humour. It is an exploration that will provoke thought and stimulate discussion. The book highlights the ongoing debate as to what constitutes Christianity and whether Christians embody what Jesus taught. The book is a call to surrender, with no false promises. It is not a coaching manual or self-help guide. Christianity isn’t a tick list or scoreboard, nor is it a call to prosperity or a New Age shortcut. It is about building character. The writing style conveys the ethos of Christianity perfectly. The cameo appearance of Jesus in various bars and other unlikely spots is innovative, entertaining, and amusing, yet sends a profound message. The miracles attributed to Jesus are listed in an appendix, together with a glossary of Christian terms. This book will educate and inspire, providing a new look at a familiar topic.