The Autobiography of Jesus of Nazareth and the Missing Years

Before Mel Gibson's 'The Passion' and before the revelations of the recent revelations of the 'Judas Gospel', there was "THE Autobiography - of Jesus of Nazareth and the Missing Years".

This novel is the past-life remembrance of one of history's most charismatic spiritual leaders. Written as a compelling story, it breathes life into the man we have only previously known through religious doctrine.

Richard G. Patton has succeeded in explaining the seeming contradictions of the New Testament in a contemporary and life-affirming way that few people have attempted, or even dared to do, before. For the first time we learn the truth of the 'lost Years' and where Jesus studied - before entering the political arena of first century Palestine. Jesus' profound but simple message that "everything can be known through the heart" has a resonance that bridges the antiquity of the Old Testament with the present day New Age Pundits. Patton takes us from the innocent days of Jesus racing sticks along the narrow stream in Nazareth, to the portent-laden days of the Crucifixion. Among his many travels, Jesus studies in India. Here he learns and masters the Vedic texts of the High-Caste Brahmins. He attends the most sacred of India's spiritual festivals, the Khumba Mehla. This festival occurs only once every twelve years, when the planets are in a specific alignment. This is the only time when the ascetics, that live solitary lives among the Himalayan Vastness, enter civilization. Even today, it remains India's most important spiritual festival and is attended by millions of devotees. It is at this sacred festival that the Masters enter into open spiritual debate. They are judged on the outcome and subsequently carry the appropriate titles for which they are then recognized throughout India. Because of the destruction of all but the strongest of reputations, Jesus believes he has no other choice but to speak out. It is in Benares that he starts teaching the 'Untouchable' Hari-Jans. Enraging the Brahmins, by sharing their most sacred teachings, he triggers off a fierce and bloody riot from which he barely manages to escape with his life. From this point on he becomes a hunted man and escapes to the snow-trapped Himalayas where he continues his studies under the watchful eyes of one of the 'Three Wise Men' that had attended his birth, almost twenty years earlier.

On returning to his homeland of Judea, Jesus is pressured by his Uncle, the Arimathean, to head a political group, intent on replacing the Temple rulers - and placing Jesus on the 'literal' throne of Judea. By right of bloodline, it was intended that Jesus become the King of the Jews.

The truth of history's greatest betrayal, by Judas Iscarriot, is shown in an entirely different light. The man who witnessed so many of the miracles is shown to be far more involved in Jesus' destiny than we have heretofore been lead to believe. Patton wrote this revelation 10 years before NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC recently verified the 'Judas Gospel' - confirming Patton's accuracy of depiction. In a contemporary style, Jesus' message of "as I do, you also can do" is shown to be literally true. This is a portrait of a very human man BEFORE he became the icon of Christianity.

Firstly let me clearly state that despite the title of the book, I make no claims to being the spiritual giant that I know Yeshua ben Joseph (Jesus) to be. Over an extended period of time I have been allowed glimpses of what I believe to be true. ALL truth is subjective and therefore I do not claim that this is the ONLY truth. A man running away from me may be running towards you. Both our perceptions are correct - yet they appear to be contradictory.

In the present times of conflict I believe we are returning to a point in history when each person will have to stand up for their beliefs. None of us are the victims that the media would have us believe. If each drop of water in a muddy bucket takes responsibility for its immediate situation, then the entire bucket CAN be cleansed and made clear. We are NOT victims of our reality, we are each creators.

The intention of this novel is to not only put forward what I understand to be historically correct, but also to honour the limitations of being human. It is this that the great spirit of Yeshua ben Joseph so clearly exemplified.

It is time to honour our differences and not live in a fear-based speration and division.

Life is a journey, not a destination.

I can be contacted directly at rpatton@shaw.ca