"'Why Was That Tree in the Garden, Anyway?' is a thought provoking work that, like a rich meal, must be tasted slowly and with much digestion. The author has attempted to explore one of the most written about works of the human endeavor - the Bible. Like a scientist exploring a distant world, he has attempted to divest himself of excess baggage in the form of pre-suppositions, imposed dogma, and tradition. As a result, he notes intriguing connections and explores possibilities not found in the canon of most traditional biblical studies models. Not all will agree with his methodology, not all will agree with his connections, but all will agree this is a book that challenges and expands the horizons of what we think we know about the Bible and its message." --- Ann Brown, reviewer, Review It!
"Why Was That Tree in the Garden, Anyway?" by Stan Robertson is a book that covers many multi-dimensional topics concerning the nature of God, humanity, and redemption. Content includes chapters on "Jesus", "The Mission of St. Paul", "The Spiritual Progress of the Christian", "Heaven", and "Mind, Matter and Christianity." The author reads widely from many philosophies, schools of theology, and even utilizes new theories in quantum physics to provide a re-interpretation of familiar religious concepts within Christianity. It is an enlightening, conflicting, uncomfortable, but ultimately liberating reading of traditional literature. Each reader will find something uniquely individual, a resonating chime, that will haunt and seek out an answering chord in the heart.
One key idea is that the scriptures are more in tune with a more metaphysical interpretation, much like the opening verses of the Gospel of John. The recent discovers from the Nag Haggmadi texts may prove to support many of the ideas expressed by the author and force a re-evaluation of the way we have understood spiritual life and the message of the Christian Bible. The author notes "We are not what we appear to be. We are not fleshly spirit or spiritual flesh. Flesh and spirit are forever spirit. We are born of spirit. We are spirit. We are spirit imprisoned in flesh..." (pg. 360).
As all around people are reaching out and seeking 'something more', reaching past what has always been taught or understood, dissatisfied with things as they have been, sensing that they are on the cusp of some great cosmic awakening, Stan Robertson's book is timely. As all around there is the magnetic pull of change and a growing search for meaning and truth, "Why Was That Tree in the Garden, Anyway?" provides a needed direction in achieving a synthesis of deeper understanding and a vision for future possibilities.
--Marilyn A. Hudson, Review It!
