perfectly human.

Kenny Kemp’s The Welcoming Door is a compilation of the parables found in the Bible, taught by Christ. The perspective is from the people in the parables; the prodigal son, the servants and multiplying their talents, and the good Samaritan. Christ plays His part as a carpenter; fixing a door, building a well, and adding new rooms to an inn. It depicts Christ, named Jeshua in the telling of these parables, as a person who works and interacts with normal, everyday people.

As he works on a door for a wealthy man, he observes the family relations as the younger son is gone, living riotously, while the older son remains, faithful and hardworking. He watches and is kind to all, as he works hard and listens perfectly. He sees the best in those around him as he builds a well—the readers see him work even harder, struggling to be successful in his work, nearly discouraged, but never giving up. He finds the most redeeming qualities of even more individuals as He works at an inn, coming into contact with thieves, liars, and imposters. He humbly teaches a murderer to pray as they all navigate through miracles surrounding Jeshua. Readers can see Him sad, frustrated, hard-working, and perfectly human.

It may seem unrealistic with how understanding and non-judgmental Jeshua is portrayed as—but He’s not just another character that this LDS author is writing about. It is the person of Christ, of the one perfect being to walk this earth. I was not bothered by any of the seemingly idealistic outcomes from these stories because Christ was a player in them. These are interpretations of Christ’s life during His years the Bible does not cover, so they are fictional. However, any Christian wanting to become closer to and understand Christ better should read this book.