Book review of SHE The Messiah

by James Burch (Author)

Updated at: 30/01/2025

"SHE The Messiah" reimagines the New Testament through the lens of Jesua, a female Jesus. Author James Burch presents a feminine version of the Gospels, arguing that gender is irrelevant to the core message of Jesus' teachings. Based on a "New New Testament," channeled by a scribe, this book portrays Jesua as a striking, dark-skinned Middle Eastern woman, possessing magnetic appeal and profound spiritual depth. Burch challenges readers to consider a different perspective on a familiar story, promising a powerful and transformative experience that connects directly with the reader's understanding of God and offers a path to profound joy. The book invites readers on a journey of faith, questioning their preconceptions and ultimately leaving them with a powerful message of love and connection.

3.5 / 3 ratings

Review SHE The Messiah

Wow, "SHE The Messiah" is quite a journey! The premise itself – reimagining the New Testament through the lens of a female Messiah, Jesua – is incredibly bold and thought-provoking. It immediately challenges deeply ingrained assumptions about religious figures and gender roles, prompting a powerful reconsideration of the core message of Christianity. The description emphasizes that the gender of the messenger is ultimately irrelevant; the focus should remain on the message of love and connection with God and humanity. This feels very much in line with modern interpretations that strive for inclusivity and understanding.

The book's claim to be a re-written New Testament, channeled through a scribe, adds an intriguing layer of mysticism. It piques curiosity, certainly, and the promise of a direct, powerful connection with the divine is a compelling draw for many readers. The description's vivid portrayal of Jesua's appearance – a striking, dark-skinned individual who embodies a universal human beauty – further enhances the book's appeal, moving away from traditional, often Eurocentric depictions of Jesus. This speaks to a broader desire for a more inclusive and representative religious narrative.

However, the description also raises some questions for me. The phrasing, particularly the emphasis on the transformative power of the reading experience, feels almost…over-the-top. While the desire to convey the emotional impact is understandable, it risks coming across as hyperbolic or even slightly manipulative. The insistence that if the book doesn't leave you with a "powerful feeling that God has just spoken directly to you," you should "go on your way," feels a bit aggressive. Spiritual experiences are personal and varied, and suggesting a singular, prescribed reaction minimizes the diversity of faith and interpretation.

The mixed reader reviews further highlight this complexity. While some praise the concept and find the book incredibly moving and impactful, others label it "horrible," indicating a profound difference in reception. This disparity suggests the book may not be for everyone, and its success depends heavily on individual expectations and spiritual leanings. The inherent subjectivity of religious experience means that what one person finds deeply resonant, another may find unconvincing or even offensive.

Overall, "SHE The Messiah" seems to offer a fresh, challenging perspective on a familiar narrative. Its bold reimagining of a central religious figure and its focus on inclusivity are undeniably intriguing. However, the overly enthusiastic descriptions and the starkly contrasting reader reviews suggest a book that is likely to elicit strong, and potentially very different, reactions. The core message of love and equality is certainly commendable, but whether the execution lives up to its bold ambitions is something that only a reader can ultimately decide.