Tears of Jesus by Peter Chavier is a moving and challenging mystery set in contemporary Rome. Father Yamamoto and Sister Theresa, a priest and nun, emerge as main characters in the story. Early in the narrative we learn of the clergy‘s concern over the spread among Catholics of a “Cross Immolation Syndrome,” symptoms manifested when they viewed a cross with the image of Jesus impaled upon it. Related to the spread of this “syndrome” were reports of incidents in which the holy object appears to have been desecrated. However further investigation reveals that the cross itself, not the image of Jesus, is the object of the suspected vandalism.

As the story unfolds centuries-old positions on important theological issues come into question. What was Jesus mission? Was God’s will regarding his death God’s original intent or perhaps a secondary will required when those to whom he was sent lost faith? Christianity reveres the Cross but what meaning does it have to those of different religious beliefs? Was it out of weakness that Jesus prayed to be spared death on the cross?

Tears of Jesus reveals the author’s familiarity with the history of Christianity, of theology and spirituality. It also shows knowledge of the Catholic Church’s workings of the Vatican and College of Cardinals. The book appears to be a translation into English with occasional usage questions. However, an interesting plot and the action of the story reduce these to momentary distractions for an English speaking readership.

I would recommend this book to clergy, students, writers and lay persons seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus. It would be a good choice for a discussion group or students of church history, contemporary religious dialogue and students of the mystery novel genre. Many will find the dialogue regarding the theological issues enlightening and inspirational. Tears of Jesus is a valuable contribution to the search for the historical Jesus today.

Dr. T.  Stewart