New York Times Bestseller: A “beautifully written” and “truly outstanding” novel based on the life of Paul the Apostle (The Cincinnati Enquirer). Born a veritable great lion of God to a devout Jewish family, Saul of Tarsus is raised by his parents to embrace their love of humanity. Dogged by what he perceives as a lack of true faith, he embarks on a journey to save his people from sacrilege. … journey to save his people from sacrilege. But on the road to Damascus a vision of the resurrected Jesus changes the course of his life. Converting to Christianity, the newly christened Paul transforms from persecutor of blasphemers into apostle to the gentiles, becoming one of the supreme influences on the Catholic Church and the Western world.
Great Lion of God paints a unique and very human portrait of Saint Paul, one of the most passionate, dauntless, and complex figures of early Christianity–Pharisee, lawyer, theologian, and above all, a “man like ourselves with our own despairs, doubts, anxieties and angers and intolerances, and ‘lusts of the flesh.’”
The central novel in author Taylor Caldwell’s biblical trilogy, which also includes Dear and Glorious Physician and I, Judas, Great Lion of God is both “sheer entertainment” and a moving tribute to the majesty and power of the Christian faith (Fort Worth Star-Telegram).
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Taylor Caldwell including rare images from the author’s estate.
more
It is rare that I don’t finish a book, but this one I didn’t. It was laborious to read. The descriptions went on forever. After 200 pages, I gave up. I would not recommend this book. I have read other Taylor Caldwell books I liked, just not this one.
very interesting expanded version of Paul’s debates with roman rulers, but not much about his crucial 2 years as a roman prisoner in Rome, debating the faith with Jews and Jewish Christians, and writing his prison letters, I hoped her imagination would fill in some possible gaps in his personal life.
I have enjoyed reading a few books by Taylor Caldwell, which led me to pick up “Great Lion of God”. I am at the 65% mark in the book and have taken to reading the beginning of each paragraph, as the description of every plate and curtain has become tedious. I appreciate Caldwell’s attention to detail, however Saul’s struggles and angst expressed by her has also become exhausting and depressing. Her literary license is particularly saddening, as making Saul to be a father is beyond credibility and was unnecessary for the plot I look forward to the remaining 35% and will finish the book, but would highly recommend Dear And Glorious Physician instead.
The author makes first century life and the ancient world of Roman rule come to life. There is evidence of extensive research and realistic ways of life un those times. Her psychological insights are amazing and her deep spirituality evident. I highly recommended this book for everyone.
Apostle Paul’s life is what I would describe as a lifelong study. Taylor Caldwell did an amazing job of portraying him from infancy into adulthood and beyond.
He is one of God’s chosen and his story of becoming a believer & follower of Jesus Christ and the great Apostle Paul is fascinating.
Brings to light a number of possibilities regarding the foundation of the followers of Yeshua. Only issue I have is from time to time, the author allows their biased theology to take over the story.
Liked the way she went from one character’s tho’ts to another’s. Loved her idea of how Saul’s early life may have been.
excellent complex character presentation
Good read
I started reading Taylor Caldwell books 55 years ago and continue to re-read them for her wonderful characters, wordsmith ability, and historical storylines.
I love it it made me imagine biblical personages vividly, Taylor Cadwell, just wonderfully creative!
I really struggled with this book. I had a hard time distinguishing between reality and fiction. (Understanding what author found to be true in her research and what was made up) Additionally, there were many times when there a was a narrative rabid trail that made it more difficult to keep my interest. It was fun to put a story to Saul, but left out some major biblical points of his life.
Really enjoyed!
Taylor Caldwell never lets you down! I thought I had read all of her books, but recently learned there is a whole slew of them that I missed when I went through that period of my literary interests decades ago. So…..for everyone, everything I have read of Caldwell’s thus far has been more than worth the time and effort. Please take the time to delve into her books…bearing in mind that she is an old-fashioned conservative and surprisingly misogynistic. Her writing is truly a gift to all of us though!
I wasn’t sure what to expect with a narrative of the life of St Paul, but it’s engrossing. Some of it dragged, but in all I really enjoyed it. I guess it’s hard to make a novel out of the bible story.
Does not seem Biblically accurate.
History comes alive with this story of a great Saint.
Needs to be read with a dictionary in hand. Despite my extensive vocabulary, I found uncommon words on nearly every page. the book was w-a-y long – a lot of overly detailed exposition about what characters believed – almost like a collection of college lectures. so much fictionalized happenings that it left the reader wondering “Where did that idea come from?”
Wonderful novel of the lite of St. Paul. Granted it is fiction, it is still a good overview of the life of Paul. Taylor Caldwell adds a lot of “story” to the biography, so it is fiction, yet also includes a good deal of material that is fact.
Was very impressed with the writing and the fact there were notes at the end of each chapter show where she had obtained her info. I know it’s a novel but it fits beautifully with the book of acts…..compelling and inspiring.