Official Review: Barbelo by Riaan Booysen

[TammyO]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Barbelo" by Riaan Booysen.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Barbelo: The Story of Jesus Christ was written by Riaan Booysen. The book was published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. The company is located in North Charleston, South Carolina. Booysen has written another novel entitled Thera and the Exodus. Both books are currently in eBook format and print.

Rian Booysen was raised with Christian beliefs since he was a very young boy. His skepticism concerning Jesus began one day when his minister referenced a text in the Bible that was inaccurate. Since discovering the discrepancy, Booysen has been on a mission to prove that Jesus Christ is indeed a myth and everything that he has been taught is a lie. After extensive research, Booysen lost faith in Jesus Christ and ultimately religion. Booysen touches on controversial topics such as Jesus’ appearance and his relationship with the Apostle John. Was Jesus an unattractive, short creature who was prone to great violence? Were Jesus and John involved in an illicit relationship? Booysen shares his theories on these concepts and so much more.

Barbelo: The Story of Jesus Christ is a very well-written novel. The book can also be used as a reference tool. The author’s attempt to show an alternative way of thinking about Jesus Christ is contentious; however, it is very engrossing. It made me ponder my own beliefs at times. The author’s references are pristine and the bibliography leaves little room for argument. I checked many of the author’s references and resources and they were all accurate. I must point out that I especially appreciated that the author included links. By doing so, it makes it easy for the reader to cross-reference his theories with various scriptures throughout. In this way, the reader never gets confused while reading. The reader also realizes that the author has done extensive research to prove his ideas.

Although Booysen’s novel is interesting, it is not a new one. These ideologies have been written about and discussed extensively in various texts for centuries. Also, Booyen’s opinions are very biased. The author claims that he is not an atheist. Yet, some of his theories are a transparent attack on Christianity. In addition, there were parts in which the author’s repetitive style became to be very distracting. For instance, after discussing a topic thoroughly in one chapter, it is later referenced again in other chapters. This slowed the flow considerably and took away from the overall reading experience.

I did not always agree with Booyen’s theories. But, I enjoyed reading about another perspective on this subject. His research was detailed and well-organized. I am not a theologian, so I cannot say if the author’s theories are right or wrong. Therefore, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I did not give it a 2 star rating because the book is very informative and readers who share Booyen’s agnostic beliefs will enjoy reading this novel. Furthermore, I couldn’t justify giving it the ultimate 4 stars because of the many repeats which was a bit redundant. Also, the author promises the reader an objective viewpoint. However, the book is extremely one-sided. I have read many types of religious texts and scholarly journals. I have also studied religion in search of answers to my own questions. There is more than one way to view religion. Unfortunately, the author missed the opportunity to appeal to all readers.

Overall, this was an interesting book. I would recommend it to open-minded individuals interested in reading about another perspective on the Bible. I would also recommend it to anyone who has ever questioned religion in general. This book will definitely captivate those who choose to read it.

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Barbelo
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Like TammyO's review? Post a comment saying so!

[C S Harper]

Great review! This sounds really interesting. It sounds like the author has some interesting theories in this novel. I am definitely intrigued.

[TammyO]

Thanks, CS. It is definitely an interesting book. The author does share quite a few interesting theories that I found interesting. Do you enjoy reading these types of books?

[Stevefromtheblock]

This sounds like an interesting book! Thank you for your review!

[gali]

Great review! I enjoy reading your review, but the book isn't my cup of tea.

[C S Harper]

Thanks, CS. It is definitely an interesting book. The author does share quite a few interesting theories that I found interesting. Do you enjoy reading these types of books?

I will read any type of book. I enjoy books that make me think or teaches me something that I may not already know. Religion is definitely a controversial topic. I like debating this issue because there are so many different theories out there. I also enjoy reading about what others think about it, especially when it is fact-based as this novel seem to be.

[TammyO]

Thanks, everyone for taking the time to leave a comment. I may not have agreed with all of the author's theories but, I enjoyed and respected how much research he did to develop them. I would really like to have a conversation with this author. It would be really interesting.

[bookowlie]

Tammy, I enjoyed reading your review. Controversial theories about religion are not my favorite subject matter to read, particularly when it appears that the writer's perspective is biased. However, you made the book sound interesting, particularly when you mentioned that the book was well researched and included links with further information.

[TammyO]

Thanks, bookowlie. I feel the same way. I don't really like it when views are biased.

[csimmons032]

I think you did a great job on this review, but I don't think this book is for me. I am a Christian, so I don't really want to read about an atheist. Like I said though, you did do a good job on the review. Your review was very descriptive and informative.

[TammyO]

I think you did a great job on this review, but I don't think this book is for me. I am a Christian, so I don't really want to read about an atheist. Like I said though, you did do a good job on the review. Your review was very descriptive and informative.

Thank you, Csimmons. As a Christian, you may be offended by this book. As I stated in my review, it is very unfortunate that the author decided to write it in this way. He didn't claim to be an atheist, but many readers will come to this conclusion.

[Valleygirl1985]

Great review! Really nice information!

[C S Harper]

This book is definitely a very controversial one. I am still considering rather I should read it or not. I currently have it on my list of books to read.

[bookowlie]

Tammy, It's funny that we both reviewed controversial books about religion. Maybe this subject is becoming trendy.

[TammyO]

It is kind of funny bookowlie, it sure looks that way doesn't it..