The Secret Disciple

There met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who lived among the tombs; and no one could bind him anymore, even with a chain…. And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" He replied, "My name is Legion, for we are many." --Mark 5:29

The Secret Disciple offers a riveting and plausible alternative version of the advent of Christianity, based on a close reading of the gospels.

If you are among those who have always questioned the story of the resurrection, this book is for you.

Even if you are a devout Christian, this book is for you, a challenging version that could make you rethink your beliefs, but not your faith.

In a dramatic story featuring the voices of Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, James the younger brother of Jesus, Jeremiah (“Legion”), and of course Jesus, author Mark Pendergrast has brought these characters convincingly to life. Relying primarily on the Gospel of Mark – the earliest of the gospels, which does not contain the virgin birth, but begins with Jesus as an adult – the author has written a novella that explores issues of religion, feminism, mental health, demonology, and history.

The Secret Disciple is a thought-provoking addition to the burgeoning literature based on the story of Jesus and his followers. Ultimately, it provides a commentary on how organized religions often subvert or twist the original message of the prophetic founder, as Paul and James battled for the future of Christianity, and Paul won.