First published 1995
Patrick McAuley discovers fragments of an ancient text that might contain a fifth gospel. The biblical scholar finds himself caught between academic ambition and spiritual crisis as he pursues what could be the most significant archaeological find in centuries. His quest takes him from university libraries to the Middle East, where he must navigate corrupt dealers, rival scholars, and his own doubts about faith. The manuscript fragments suggest a radically different version of early Christianity, one that challenges everything the church has taught for two millennia. As Patrick gets closer to the truth, he faces a choice between protecting his career and exposing a discovery that could destroy the foundations of Christian belief. The search becomes deeply personal as he grapples with his own relationship to faith and scholarship.
Genres: christian-fiction, historical-fiction, archaeology, academic
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic-intrigue, crisis-of-faith, personal-journey
Setting: Middle East, University Libraries
Period: 21st Century
788 pages · Paperback · Pan Macmillan