At the Cross (Jesus in Love) Paperback – January 15, 2008

The question I put for myself was how to review this opus of Jesus in Love and At the Cross, as theology or as a novel. It was an easy answer to give myself because I am woefully unqualified to review the theology. So this review will be about the novel and its message, its worth as art, its style, its prose, its literary value. At the Cross is the second volume to Jesus in Love. Although the author, Kittredge Cherry, offered them as stand-alone, they are much more comprehensible when taken together. The focus of At the Cross is the culmination of the ministry of Jesus Christ – his crucifixion as a human sacrifice, atoning for the sins of all humankind.The books give us a Jesus who is more human than has ever been portrayed, and at once more divine in a way never expressed before, for he explores all aspects of human love in a way only achieved by an omnipresent soul. For this the novel excels. In his divine form, Jesus knows that he is to be sacrificed in a very vicious and bloody way. His human form knows this too and is frightened in a very human way. He would avoid this horrible end if he could, but his obedience to his Father, and his knowledge that this would be the ultimate act of love for his people, convince to him to face the torture and execution. How Cherry gives us his mind-set as the fateful moment approaches is compelling and convincing. The details of the trial, the torture, and the execution are particularly poignant. The time spent by Jesus between the death and the resurrection are not covered in the Gospels, but Cherry reveals a very believable scenario, entirely keeping with Christian belief.After the resurrection he reunites with his disciples, rendered by Cherry in a touching and very human way. In the second-to-last chapter, the scene with his disciple John along with the Holy Spirit emphatically reminds us that Love is never shameful, regardless of the form it takes.The two novels are a must for any reader, regardless of religious conviction.

Although I have read this book twice in the short months since its publication, I didn't get around to reviewing it here because I had ordered my first, autographed copy directly from Kittredge Cherry's Jesus in Love website. However, I just ordered a new copy from Amazon because I decided I need to keep my cherished autographed one "set aside" (although, unfortunately, it is already somewhat damaged from wear). Anyway, this book is, for me, an absolutely priceless boost to my own spiritual insight. I have shared with many friends my belief that Cherry's vision of Jesus as a truly human, truly sexual individual who none-the-less fulfills the theological concept of "God With Us" is absolutely on target.If a person cares about having a serious, real and vital relationship with Jesus, I believe that the "Jesus in Love" books, culminating in the powerful and incredibly meaningful "At the Cross" are a quantum leap in that direction. I will be reading this book again and again, and sharing it with everyone I can!Interestingly, since I purchased yet another copy of this book for a friend (that makes about five, I think, perhaps more) Amazon asked me to review it again, but when I click on the link, I get informed only one review per reader...but it does let me edit. So - I'm adding a further affirmation. There really is no better testimony to any author's work than the urge to re-read and then share as broadly as possible, even when it means purchasing more copies to give to those who might be skeptical. And that is the key point."Jesus in Love: At the Cross" is a brilliantly developed interpretation of what "God with Us" means in the context of the insights of modern theology that acknowledges the reality of the universe as visualized by modern science. If for nothing else than the scene after the Crucifixion but before the Resurrection when Jesus joins God in reviewing the sins of humankind by looking at the coding errors in DNA, this book contains breakthrough concepts. But way beyond all this, Cherry's description of Christ's post-resurrection interactions with his followers and the Pentecost event are surpassingly beautiful and theologically flawless. Every time I reread the Jesus in Love books, I am more deeply enriched and spiritually uplifted.

It's a beautiful story. I grew up in a catholic house but didn't ever feel part of the faith because of all the austere negativity and rigidity. This series is the opposite of that. I read the first book on good Friday and had to get the second one right away to finish by Easter. These books more than anything made me feel spiritual and I want to thank the author for that conduit because I never felt so inspired by a religious narrative and it's probably because it's the Bible told from a human point of view with lovable characters and the main message really is love and acceptance no matter who you are. There's no preaching or forcing of ideas, it's just a story that warms the heart and leaves you feeling good. It's a book that can appeal to anyone of any religion or philosophy. I'm so glad I read these books. I recommend both of them highly.

This is a powerfully written sequel to Jesus in Love, continuing the saga of Jesus' ministry through his death and resurrection. It is unlike any other Christian story, presenting Jesus as the embodiment of all men and women, able to love without restrictions, including sensual and erotic components. He is a real man, with human desires, but with a divine connection that makes him unlike any other person. If the reader is wedded to any particular religious interpretation of Jesus, this book will shock. But for an open minded reader this book is a revelation and an affirmation of everyone, no matter your sexual orientation.