American Savior: A Novel of Divine Politics

By Roland Merullo
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2008, $24.95

What if Jesus were to run for president? How would people respond to him? What might he call us to do? One of the first things to happen, according to Roland Merullo in his new novel, would be the formation of an inexperienced, rather bumbling band of “disciples.” They would organize his campaign, deal with the public, and provide security. Of course. And although this work is obviously fictional, we can’t help but draw parallels between what happens during the tale of the most unusual campaign in history and current politics. Using wit and irony, the author shows that even if a candidate were the real Jesus Christ come back in modern dress, people would still be people, politics would still be politics, and the darkness in human nature could still be provoked to shameful acts by small, seemingly insignificant events.

Merullo has written nine other books to critical acclaim, including Golfing with God, a story of a man’s most unexpected spiritual journey. American Savior, although lighthearted and entertaining in its approach, will encourage some serious thought about the important issues that affect us and the future of our world.