"The Shepherd"

Paper Summary:

The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss and analyze the book "The Shepherd" by Joseph Girzone. Specifically, it contains a book report on the book which has been re-released under the title "Joshua and the Shepherd." It contains a summary of the main points and how the novel relates to traditional Catholic beliefs. "The Shepherd" is a beautifully simple and yet complex look at the ins and outs of the Catholic religion and one man's fictional efforts to modernize and reform the Church. A dedicated Catholic, David Campbell comes to rethink his role and his Church's role in the lives of its followers and dedicates his life to an even higher calling, that of the prophet to reorganize and reform an institution that has existed for thousands of years.

From the Paper:

"Girzone's book "The Shepherd," which was re-released in paperback in 1996 under the title "Joshua and the Shepherd" is one of several in a series of "Joshua" books Girzone has created. This book tells the story of a newly consecrated Catholic bishop, David Campbell, and his meeting with an unnamed stranger who the reader realizes is Joshua the prophet and leader. From the opening pages of the book, the author's message is quite clear. The welling of support from the community at Campbell's consecration as bishop shows he is a respected and well-loved member of the community who overlooks cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds to embrace everyone as members of his community and his congregation. In addition, with the regal and highly structuralized ritual of the consecration itself, Girzone immediately illustrates the strict rites of the Catholic Church, and their rigid reliance on rules, structure, and pomp throughout their religious ceremonies."

More papers on "The Shepherd" :

• Analytical Essay # 9015 : "Female Characters in "The Winter's Tale"
• Poem Review # 139803 : "Poem Analysis - "The Nymphy's Reply to a Shepherd"
• Analytical Essay # 89747 : "'The Passionate Shepherd to his Love'"

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