WHAT IF CHRIST NEVER WALKED THE EARTH?
WHAT IF ROME NEVER FELL?
As I delved into the manuscript for my upcoming novel, The Seven Seeds, two profound questions continually challenged and inspired me:
These questions formed the foundation of a story that led me to explore the transformative power of faith in ways I had never imagined I would capture in words.
For much of my writing career, I have drawn upon the rich traditions of Judaism, a faith that has deeply informed my worldview and storytelling. Yet, while writing The Seven Seeds, I ventured into new territory, engaging with Christ’s teachings as seen through Pope Gregory’s eyes, a fictional character thrust into a parallel universe where Christ never existed, and Rome remained the unbroken center of the world.
The experience was not just an intellectual journey but an emotional one. Gregory’s mission to sow seven symbolic “seeds”—acts of transformation that could heal a fractured world—revealed profound truths about humanity and the enduring relevance of Christ’s message.
The Seven Seeds, representing virtues that Gregory must embody to plant hope and transformation in a world shaped by Roman dominance, are at the heart of the novel. These seeds reflect universal truths that transcend time and faith, and writing about them gave me a deeper appreciation for their timeless resonance.
❤️ COMPASSION ❤️
Compassion emerges as the first seed. Gregory begins his journey by showing care and kindness to the forgotten and downtrodden, demonstrating how empathy can ripple outward to heal even the harshest societies. In a world hardened by conquest, compassion becomes a revolutionary force.
🙏 HUMILITY 🙏
The second seed, Humility, takes root as Gregory stands before Rome’s grandiosity and realizes that humility is not weakness but strength. His willingness to kneel, serve, and embrace vulnerability challenges a culture that values pride above all else.
🤲 FORGIVENESS 🤲
Forgiveness, the third seed, arises as a radical act of liberation in a world built on retribution. Gregory’s teachings inspire not just personal reconciliation but the possibility of collective transformation, proving that mercy can be more powerful than vengeance.
⚖️ JUSTICE ⚖️
Justice follows as the fourth seed. Gregory confronts Rome’s rigid hierarchies and cruel systems, advocating for justice rooted in fairness and dignity. This seed challenges the empire’s foundation, showing that true strength lies in uplifting the powerless, not oppressing them.
🪶 WISDOM 🪶
Wisdom, the fifth seed, unfolds as Gregory’s journey becomes one of learning and teaching. By listening, observing, and reflecting, he gains the wisdom to bridge the divide between his world and the one he finds himself in. This seed emphasizes the importance of seeking understanding, even in conflict.
💪 COURAGE 💪
The sixth seed, Courage, manifests as Gregory’s mission grows increasingly dangerous. He embodies the courage to stand firm in his convictions. Writing this part of the story reminded me of Christ’s unwavering faith in the face of persecution—a testament to the power of steadfast belief.
🔥 SACRIFICE 🔥
Finally, the seventh seed, Sacrifice, presents the ultimate challenge. Gregory is asked to give everything up for the greater good, mirroring Christ's ultimate sacrifice. This reveals that true transformation often requires letting go of oneself for the sake of others.
The novel’s premise—a parallel universe where Christ never walked the earth, and Rome never fell—allowed me to imagine a familiar and profoundly different world. Rome’s continued dominance created a civilization of grandeur and strength but lacked Christ’s redemptive teachings. Without His message of compassion, forgiveness, and grace, the empire’s harsh structures endured unchallenged.
As Gregory navigates this world, he becomes a bridge between two realities, carrying the essence of Christ’s teachings into a realm that has never known them. His journey reminded me of how deeply Christ’s message has shaped the faith and Western thought's very fabric, offering a counterbalance to power with love, division with unity, and despair with hope.
Writing The Seven Seeds transformed me as a writer. Though I approached the story with intellectual curiosity, I was profoundly moved by the virtues embodied in Gregory’s mission. These virtues—so central to Christ’s teachings—are not bound by time or place. They are as relevant to our world today as they were to the one Gregory left behind.
This journey also reflected on the power of faith to inspire change. Whether rooted in Christ’s teachings, Judaism, or other traditions, faith can illuminate paths of compassion, justice, and courage that lead us to become better versions of ourselves.
During this time of celebration, let us reflect on the Seven Seeds and the virtues they represent: compassion, humility, forgiveness, justice, wisdom, courage, and sacrifice. These ideals transcend cultures and beliefs, serving as guiding principles to inspire a better world. Whether your inspiration comes from spiritual traditions, personal values, or the simple beauty of human connection, these virtues remind us of our shared humanity and our potential to create a brighter future.
As we embrace this season, may we plant seeds of love, hope, and kindness in our lives and the lives of others. Like those who build bridges across divides, let us bring light to darkness and foster unity where there is division.
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