The Sterling Gospel

Long ago, the question was a blasphemous absurdity. However, in the year 2085, technology can perform every miracle recorded in the Bible. Concealed drones allow one to walk on water. Bioremedial ointments cure the blind. And now, a time distortion can send someone back to the past. Having secretly collected each of these modern marvels and more, billionaire recluse William Sterling is convinced it was a tech-savvy man, not God, who first inspired human hope. All he needs to do is find the right man to be the Messiah.

At twenty-seven years old, Amir Saleh is perfect. He’s the right age, has the right ancestry, and is in the right mindset: desperate. Though at first he wants no part of Sterling’s ridiculous plot, he eventually agrees for the sake of his family, wasting away in poverty. In return for their provision, he immediately begins a grueling, years-long training under a manic Sterling and his mild daughter Abigail. It takes years, but eventually he is ready to take on the mantle of the savior.

Thrust back in time to the dusty edge of ancient Nazareth, he navigates the challenges of living in an era vastly different from his own and finds that he does indeed have a role to play in the Christ story—but perhaps not the one for which he was prepared.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Dartfrog books.

Book club questions for The Sterling Gospel by Atticus Mullon

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

Unlike his mother, Amir struggles to reconcile the supposed provision of faith with his own experiences of painful loss. How do you think you would approach this dissonance? Did you find yourself agreeing with his thought process? Why or why not?

Amir initially adheres to his own moral code and focuses on providing for his family. Do you believe his morals change throughout the story? Why or why not? And if you think that they do, is the change for the better?

Considering the technological advancement discussed in the book, Sterling is convinced that even human despair can be solved or done away with entirely if one uses the right tools. In your experience, has technology had a positive or a negative impact on the human emotional state? How so?

Throughout the story, Amir is forced to consider a realistic alternative to the story of Christ. Do you believe that faith is strengthened when individuals truly consider alternative explanations? Why or why not?

If humans do eventually discover how to go back in time, what other historical figures do you think could turn out to be future agents sent to ensure the formation of an idea or movement, and why?

Even after meeting Christ and seeing God in the flesh, Amir is reluctant to embrace faith. Why do you think is it so hard for him to yield? Do you think you would be so resistant under the same circumstances? Why or why not?

Sterling is willing to sacrifice Amir for the hope of mankind. Do you believe it is ever right or acceptable to hurt one in the name of many?

The Sterling Gospel Book Club Questions PDF

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