The Sterling Gospel was the winner of the Spiritual category of the 2022 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Atticus Mullon.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Sterling Gospel, December 12th 2021
What’s the book’s first line? “I had watched the man for days.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Was Jesus Christ a god sent from the heavens, or a man sent from the future?
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.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I wanted to make faith a question again. So often, the reality of our beliefs is so thoroughly cemented, we forget the thrill of uncertainty. I wanted to create a plausible alternative, at least for a moment, to again experience that thrill.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Amir is distinct in his constant honest assessment of life. I hope that he reminds people of a Holden Caulfield type of character, unflinching in their own appraisal of authenticity.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
If you are interested in making faith an exciting question again, and embracing the tougher questions in life, this book is for you.