This review was written for LibraryThing Member Giveaway

Since many of the readings for this liturgical year include the Gospel of John, I wanted to read John’s Gospel : the way it happened. The book was not quite what I expected. Author Lee Harmon weaves together the fictional account of John dictating his gospel to two of his followers, another fictional account of the activities of Jesus, the gospel readings (and other readings, especially Revelation), and a commentary on the book of John. This should not work well – but surprisingly it does. And to help the reader, the author has put each section into a different font so it’s so easy to tell where you are. The chapters are short and can be studied individually or in groups. Harmon also has included several interludes of general commentary to help the reader as well as a bibliography of his favorite commentaries (sadly without full bibliographic information) and footnotes which lead to other good sources.

The style is informal and accessible to the average reader. Although not strictly scholarly, this is not a simplified look at the gospel. The book would also work well with a Bible study group since the readings are broken into manageable chunks. However, a word to theological conservatives and literal Christians – there are some conclusions that might be disturbing to you. The author uses contemporary scholarship along with his own conclusions and they do not always follow orthodox thinking. (An example would be the feeding of the five thousand.)

I was concerned when I saw that this was a sequel to the author’s book on Revelation. However it can stand alone since he explains some of the points made in the first book which are important for an understanding of John.

Would I have picked up this book had I browsed in a library? Probably not. And I would have missed a truly outstanding work on John. I do know that Harmon’s first book is on my wish list and I will reread John’s Gospel. ( )

JOHN'S GOSPEL: THE WAY IT HAPPENED by Lee Harmon is an interesting Christian Book & Bible/Reference/Educational. It is "A Dubious Disciple Book" and the sequel to "Revelation: The Way It Happened". What an interesting concept on the Gospel of John.

"A collection of individual writings,compiled over a thousand years,with the author of each one expressing his unique opinion."

The author has interwoven fiction with fact in his account of the Gospel of John. It is brilliantly written, although, you may not agree with all his assessment. He has woven scriptures throughout,the story is told from various points of view and opinions,as the story progresses. Very interesting,educational and thought provoking. You will have to read "John's Gospel" and find your own opinion. I would recommend this title to anyone who enjoys Biblical gospel,historical events,religious studies and anyone interested in a very good read. The author has written a vivid account and added characters to make the Gospel of John seem you are there. We often forget the Bible was written based on real life accounts,by real life people who struggled,fought oppression and came through years before our time. What a lesson we can and have learned. A blessing! Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: NONE(RELIGIOUS/CHRISTIAN BOOKS & READS)

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews/My Book Addiction and More ( )

Author and Bible scholar Lee Harmon releases his second book and sequel to his “Revelation: The Way It Happened”. This time deciphering the fourth New Testament book, “John’s Gospel: The Way It Happened” offers a fresh, enlightening, and downright surprising look at these scriptures while explaining why our traditional translation simply does not make sense.

While “Revelation” concluded with the protagonist, Matthew, as a Jewish-Christian boy reaching the ‘manhood’ age of 13, “John’s Gospel” picks up with a more grown-up, discouraged Matthew during his 28th year. As the story begins, the apostle John, aware that his life is coming to an end, is compelled to pen his last letter. A stubborn Matthew refuses but a Gentile woman now living in Matthew’s boyhood home agrees to transcribe John’s words. The trio discusses and debates the text as John explains why the customary idealism of a ‘conquering warlord Messiah’ who comes to wipe out and destroy all ‘bad’ in the world is way off the mark. Matthew’s obstinacy provides the platform Harmon needs to delve into his explanations, which are structured and clearly detailed. Not only does he make his points, he makes them exceptionally well and with plenty of source material to back them up.

“John’s Gospel: The Way It Happened” embodies the same brilliant organization and style of its preceding volume, “Revelation: The Way It Happened” - with a fictional story woven in and out of Harmon’s interpretation of the biblical gospel. And like his first book, he ensures that Bible scripture, his interpretations, and the fictional story stand out as discernible sections by using separate fonts and utilizing appropriate spacing. The organization is imperative in being able to follow Harmon’s train of thought and he provides that and much more in this skillfully organized format.

As with “Revelation”, “John’s Gospel” is easy to follow and enjoyable to read, especially for those less inclined to read a straight forward, biblical analysis (read: dry). Harmon writes with passion grounded in intelligence and a profound background on the subject which not only makes the book educational but entertaining. Its message is one that those frustrated with the rigid legalistic or fundamentalist translations of the Bible will greatly appreciate, identify with, and even happily embrace. The set up of the book works in a relaxed story-reading scenario for families or as prepared Bible study utilizing sections or chapters as starting and stopping points. Regardless of the environment in which it’s used, ‘John’s Gospel: The Way It Happened” is a must read for any Christian. Once again, very well done!

Reviewed by Vicki Liston, author of “Europe for the Senses – A Photographic Journal” ( )

Of the making of gospels there is no end. Matthew and Luke both revise Mark. Then comes John. Why John? Why his rewrite? What was his message and how does it differ from the previous ones? How does it relate to other Johannine literature such as the Book of Revelation? This very readable book probes these important issues in an innovative, scholarly and vivid fashion. Highly recommended.”

(review copied with permission, provided by Barrie Wilson, Professor, Religious Studies, York University, author How Jesus Became Christian.) ( )