Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1946-11-28


pages. Prentice Hall Co. New
York. SITS.
Although PontiuS PLATE saw
through the vaccinations OF the
Jewish priests and despite his con-
NictionS that Jesus was innocent. Il
raging crowd, screaming for the cru
ciiXion of Jesus the Messiah. ana
the release of BarabbaS the Robber.
forced PLATE to accede 10 the de-
mandS OF the mob. This climax 10
the life of Jesus is well-known 10
Christians throughout the world and
IS the event is depicted III the rellgi
Gus historical novel. BARABBAS, II
IS also the climax OF the novel which
tells the story OF BarabbaS.
The age-old theme OF love and
humility versus hate and power as
represented by Christ and BarabblS
acquires vivid realization in this story
of the bandit BarabbaS Part
Samaritan, Il race despiSed by the
Hebrews. BarabbaS rebelled against
the tyrannical rule OF the Romans.
He formed bands Of men who for
aged the country for food and mumi-
ticnS. Their objectiveS We're To cast
off by force the Roman rule ana TO
rule themselves. The crafty high
priest AnuaS secretly allied the
priesthood with BarabbuS and his
forces.
Following this alliance. which
SarabbaS had deduced as Il double
cross plot with the priests retaining
control after he. Barabbas. had ach-
IeNed victory over the Romans. Bar
abbaS heard of another man IN MAJ
areth. Jesus, who was proclaimed rs
man seeking TO free the ISracltas
rom Roman oppression. y meeting
oi the TWO proved Il failure as tho
forces OF love never compromise with
tnoSe OF hate and BarabbaS turned
10 ms mission with temporary less
enlng OF ferVor. After a short tIulr.
however. BarabbaS renewed ms lv,I
Tor the rebellion. only 10 know be-
trayal 10 the Romans.
Throughout the story, POniiUS PHI
ate plays an important part as ha
holds admiration and respect for Jos
eph OF Arithmathca ana loves Mary.
sister of Lazarus. all friends and fol-
lowers OF Jesus. PLATE - aware Of
the Subtertuge OF the priesthood and
decides on 4 neutral policy with oD-
position TO the priests !! the issue b.
came forced. BarabbaS hatred of
all Romans commands the respect ii
Aie'S WIZ dCll HES MS absence OF
ieigned servitude. The Pilatc like
wise admits admiration and he can
lind no wrong with the Man.
A novel OF the time OF Jesus BAR
ABBAS Is written in Il modern man
ner. appealing to the reader as wei! rs
carrying stimulating message. Com
parlSon between BarabbaS and the
robber Hitler could be made and
Hitler would still be on the red INK
side of the ledger. just as Barabbas
collapsed when pitted against Christ.
But 10 the times. Ba.abbas was the
modern Hitler, seeking through
power and hate to achieve a worldly
supreme position: decided differ
ence Is that BarabbaS was oppressed
and Hitler was the OppreSsur. al
though both represented forces of
hate and greed
Readers should remember that the
move! Is religious historical novel.
put II Is one OF depth and SUPERIOR
lty Written by two men VINO wclc
themselves objects of oppression
BARABBAS indicates compassion
ior the prosecuted peoples. Il mas a
recognized literary merit tina, will
Withstand the passing OF time ami
Tor many people this story Of Bar;tb-
odS VIII be their only knowledge @,
The robber who was given life AZ the
death OF JesuS.-Juanita Stalnback.