12 Parables
About
12 Parables is a new collection of timeless Christian stories about the things all of us face in our spiritual walk – doubt, fear, change, pride, grief, disappointment, and other issues that often make our lives so challenging. Using tight, entertaining prose, Wayne Faust manages to convey difficult concepts in a simple, straightforward way. You can read these stories over and over, to yourself, to your spouse and family, or in a group setting. They will stay with you for a long time because they are packed with emotion and just enough mystery to keep you wondering as you read, and to provide points to ponder or discuss when you’re through. Jesus appears in most of these stories - as Hero, Shepherd, Server, Supervisor, Lifeguard, and more. As a result, the gospel message is related in new ways and in the tradition of the greatest speaker of parables the world has ever known.
Praise for this book
4.0 out of 5 stars Reviewed by Sarah Heath
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2013
12 Parables by Wayne Faust is a collection of twelve thematic stories. Much like the parables Jesus told in the Gospels, Faust's parables illustrate life, death, and many more concepts essential to the Christian faith.Although I wouldn't label 12 Parables as being a strictly young adult novel, I would say it is written in such a way that makes it appeal to many ages. The parables are written so that both young readers and the more mature readers are each able to get meaning out of 12 parables. While the stories don't necessarily build upon one another, there are common themes that are explained in different ways in some of the parables.
Within the stories, Jesus himself makes appearances, as "The Server," "The Lifeguard," and, in the most gut-wrenching of the stories, as "The Stranger;" a man who gives his life up for a city that doesn't even know His name.
I think the one that was most poignant for me was the eleventh parable titled "The Church." In it, Faust points out the ways the Modern Church has lost the true message of Christ and exchanged it for a commercial faith. "The Church" was a definite eye opener, and reminded me to get back to the heart of Christ instead of only going through the motions and the traditions of Church.
Although 12 Parables is a quick and easy read, the stories leave the reader with a lot to think about. Wayne Faust's parables are at times convicting, uplifting and even joyful. I think Wayne Faust wrote a book that will stick with me for a long time to come.
(The Wordsmith Journal strives to guide readers to books of personal interest, with the understanding and respect that what appeals to some may not appeal to others. Therefore we attempt to keep our reviews focused on content, genre and style. The rating is necessary to make use of Goodreads and Amazon. It reflects the reviewer's own level of enjoyment, but the review is intended to be informative for the benefit of all readers.)
4.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful parables for your spiritual journey.
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2011
12 Parables offers a variety of colorful, deep stories with biblical themes. These 'modern' parables are simple enough for youngsters and profound enough for adults. I started reading one parable each evening before I retired as part of my quiet time. The stories had me thinking about my own spiritual journey in fresh ways. 12 Parables shows how the good news of Jesus can get clouded or crowded out. Each parable catches a theme found in Jesus' parables in the Bible -despair and hope, slavery and freedom, life and death, frenzy and rest, forgiveness and sin.One parable, The Church, was especially profound for me. Like the Apostle Paul's warning in the New Testament Book of Galatians, we end up tacking on things to the message of Jesus such as Jesus and______(as in fill in the blank).....instead of Jesus alone. The Church takes you on a walk with a man, wandering, at night, on a city street. He comes by a modest church building and steps into the sanctuary. What he views brings hope at first, until one by one, others come in and cover it up. Only one thing carries away the man's darkness and that is... I won't tell you. That's part of the gift and surprise of this parable!
Readers might well identify with one parable in a special way. The characters Faust writes about pop out and come to life. They too are searching for meaning and hope. Be aware, something may truly speak to a deep or tender place in your heart. I think 12 Parables will help on the faith journey not with advice but with promise. I'll recommend 12 Parables to congregational teens and adults. Enjoy!
Pastor Richard A. Johnson
All Saints Lutheran Church
Fitchburg, WI. USA
5.0 out of 5 stars
12 Parables is an excellent collection of modern day insights to life
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2016
12 Parables is an excellent collection of modern day insights to life. Wayne has made many important concepts understandable through the use of great story telling. I first used the book as families devotions on a vacation. Each night the kids would press me for the next captivating Parable. Since then I have used selected parables for confirmation classes, church suppers, and other faith events. I highly recommend this book!