Beyond Jerusalem

Beyond Jerusalem is set in Palestine with a group of first-century Christians shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus. The Jewish religious leaders are frustrated by his popularity. Just when they seem to have managed to make animal sacrifice a profitable enterprise of the Temple, a country preacher (Jesus) comes into town and starts telling people that God is not pleased with the way they are running things. The occupying Roman government ultimately crucifies Jesus, to the delight of the Temple leaders, to quell the political unrest.

Much to the chagrin of these Jewish leaders, the followers of Jesus, known as "Followers of the Way," persist and multiply in number. His body disappears. People start claiming that he has been resurrected. Some of his followers dare to show up in the Temple and heal people, apparently miraculously. Throwing them into jail doesn't help. They have infiltrated even the priests themselves. Some studious priest recalls a warning back in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus) that authorizes the burning of a priest's daughter if proof can be found that she has become a prostitute.

Beyond Jerusalem begins with the burning at the stake of a 15-year-old daughter of a Jewish priest who has chosen to convert to Christianity. It occurs in the city square in the shadow of the Temple. The story then follows the life of two converted priests and their families. The primary character, Deborah, is a same-age daughter of a priest. The families must move beyond Jerusalem, both figuratively and literally, to continue their new life as the Romans destroy the Temple and Jerusalem, the hub of what was Judaism at the time. Deborah must confront conflict with societal and religious norms, as well as face spiritual debates within herself as she is thrust into challenges with her own faith over the martyrdom of her best friend. Her inner turmoil is not just for early Christians but for all men and women who face love and loss and must confront their own doubts about a loving God in a life filled with both joy and heartache.