There is an alternate story of the life of Jesus. One the early Church fathers found so menacing they outlawed the books that documented it, ordered them burned, and threatened anyone found copying them with death. International bestselling authors and award-winning archaeologists Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear put more than thirty years of exhaustive research into this fascinating novel.
In A.D. 325, Brother Barnabas is a student of the ancient holy texts. These books paint a portrait of Jesus that is radical, heretical, and irresistible. In the writings of Mary Magdalene, Phillip, and James, Barnabas finds clues to a secret he must protect at all costs. But the Ecumenical Council of Bishops has just declared his cherished books a hotbed of manifold perversity. Emperor Constantine has decreed that the documents must be burned and that anyone found copying them will be executed as a heretic.
Barnabas's monastery is attacked. Brother Barnabas flees with his trusted companions, but they are being followed, for the True Church cannot allow them to find the most sacred place on Earth. In fact, it will do anything to stop them...
Author Biography
KATHLEEN O'NEAL GEAR began her career in archaeology as a biblical archaeologist and historian. She received her Master's Degree in the History of Religions, was twice selected as an American Bible Society Scholar, and worked on excavations at the Sea of Galilee.
W. MICHAEL GEAR is a scholar in ancient Greek and Latin, holds a master's degree in archaeology, and has worked as a professional archaeologist since 1978.
The Gears, whose First North American novels are international and USA Today bestsellers, live in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
