Beyond the Biography of Jesus: The Journey of Quadratos
by Alexander J. Shaia
Fr. Paul Keenan
1946-2008
Fr. Paul died suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday June 10th. He was a man and a priest of great wisdom, care and humility - and a dear friend to Quadratos.
Listen to the final interview between Fr. Paul and Dr. Shaia.
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Beyond the Biography of Jesus: The Journey of Quadratos, Book I
READERS' COMMENTS ON BOOK I
Joseph L. Subbiondo
President, California Institute of Integral Studies
"This work provides a perspective that will stimulate rich discussion. While there are explanations why some gospels were not chosen, this is the first work I have read that offers a rationale as to why the four gospels were chosen by the early Christians. And it offers an explanation for the order of the gospels."
Kay and Brad Bradway, Jungian Analyst and Artist
Sausalito, CA
"We are reading your book out loud and are tremendously impressed with what you say and how you say it. You just use the right words. We are passing this book to others. Congratulations, Alexander."
Cynthia B. Burnside, Ph.D., Psychotherapist
Fredericksburg, TX
"I am reading your book, but had to stop to write and tell you what a gift you have given to seekers around the world. What nurturance this offers for both heart and soul. Thank you."
Sr. Francine Barber, OP
Director, Office of Lifelong Catechesis
Roman Catholic Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado
"At a time when many novels and so-called 'scientific and historical studies' are calling into question the veracity and wisdom of the Gospels, Dr. Shaia reveals the pattern of Quadratos, the 'code' that opens up the deep spiritual nourishment and roadmap that inspired the earliest Christian communities as they dealt with crisis and loss. This understanding of the content and sequence of the Gospels was of immeasurable help to me in facing the polarization and pain I find in many parishes and in our country as a whole."
Frank X. Savage
Director of Catholic Education and Lifelong Formation
Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama
"The four Gospels are treasures of the Church. Dr. Shaia in his book provides an understanding of why the Gospels were written and how they how they can guide us as individuals and communities in our journey of faith. It is simple yet profound. His book touches the heart."
Rev. Brendalyn Batchelor, Minister of Unity
Santa Fe, NM
"Quadratos speaks to the heart of Christianity. It brings the gospels to our daily lives in a meaningful and spiritually transformative way. I recommend this book, and Dr. Shaia's speaking - wholeheartedly!"
Rev Francis Zlotkowski, CSC
Roman Catholic Priest - 30 years ordained, San Antonio, TX
"I strongly recommend this book, especially to anyone in ministry. The perspective and insights in Book I have helped me bring together many aspects of what I have seen in my study of Liturgy, Scripture, Justice and Peace and especially Adult Faith Formation. It provides an overview for what I have sensed but not seen clearly in my work in sacramental formation, RCIA, RENEW, etc. and especially in my preaching."
Valerie Andrews
Writer/Editor/Producer
San Rafael, CA
"I am enthralled by every word of this book. I have felt a hunger for this kind of message for many years---one that outlines the basic experience of enlightenment and re-entry, followed by a new phase of enlightenment. This book takes the Christian journey back to what it was meant to be: a pilgrimage through different stages of life development. This work emphasizes wholeness and reconciliation at a time when we sorely need it. And it puts us back into development and growth, as opposed to squaring off with other systems of belief. It is a terribly important antidote to fundamentalism which always gets stuck in one stage of the journey--the 'aha!' moment of conversion and exalts that moment above the rest, and then exalts one belief above all others.
"This is more than a new Da Vinci code---for it isn't about the cult of an individual. Instead it is about a universal process that has the power to bring all religions back to their roots and to help us move beyond the notion of 'who's right' and 'who's wrong.'
"The story is told so beautifully, beginning with such personal examples, that you immediately make a strong connection with the heart. I thank you for this wonderful book and look forward to the next one. I'll tell many others. This work is going to have a wide-ranging effect."
Stephen Terrell, Psy.D.
Austin Attachment and Counseling Center
Austin, Texas
Thank you for writing this book. For the first time since I became a therapist, I understand the purpose of my practice, and my work with adoptive parents and therapists in-training. But more importantly, the message of quadratos is changing my personal life.
Rev. Randy Wilburn
Lutheran Pastor, Boston, MA
"Your work offers a clear response to the DiVinci Code and the Gnostic Gospels. Beyond the Biography of Jesus affirms the historical, exegetical, and theological integrity of the Gospels. Thanks for this timely presentation of 'the truth'."
Sara Armstrong
Retired, Vice Provost, Academic Affairs
California State University Chico
"The gospels make sense to me for the first time."
Colleen Gregg
Director, Mercy Center Auburn, Auburn, CA
This message is exciting - its newness and freshness and the contemporary writing and the invitation to a treasured exploration of my spiritual journey. This is a good thing!
Rev. Anne Ritchings
Episcopal Priest, Albuquerque, NM
"Beyond the Biography of Jesus is genuinely liberating. I heard the familiar stories as if I were hearing them for the first time. This work has profoundly touched my heart, my intellect - my soul. Quadratos is a gift beyond measure."
Ann Norwood, Ed.D.
Educator and Counselor, New Smyrna Beach, FL
"This book is pure gold."
Virginia Graham, Ph.D.
Art Psychotherapist, Daytona Beach, FL
"This book re-opens my relationship to the traditional gospels. Through its fresh lens and simple wisdom - the presence in these words lives again, and are loving, moving and applicable to my life."
John Shaia, MD
Washington, D.C.
Book I is excellent - well written with great facts and engaging story lines that keep it interesting. A beautiful work of art!
Jean Holsten
Director, Spirit in the Arts, Sacramento, CA
"I just finished Matthew in the 'worth the wait' Book I. I am delighted. I find such deep resonance and longing and 'home' in this writing and The Spirit it calls me to engage. So many times I have come away with a new 'aha' in reading scripture and have not had a framework or a place to engage that powerful 'aha.' This book has given me a way to journey with 'the word' and with myself. I am deeply grateful. I am also appreciative it is so easy to read and understand yet still holding a powerful message. Thank you so much. I will be ready for the next one soon!"
Cover Photo © Jack Hollingsworth/Corbis
Author Photo by JR Lancaster
