The discussion of Fernando Quiros’ breakout trilogy, The Spirit War, ten years in the making began by indicating that he is an excellent writer with a fascinating story. Unfortunately, errors in doctrine and interpretation combined with the author’s speculation about the life of Jesus must override the beauty of his writing and the mesmerizing tale told in The Spirit War trilogy.


Betrayal and Hope begins with a gathering of all of the angels. The archangels, Michael, Gabriel, Zantor, Mede, Rufo, and Buhl were confronted by Beelzebub, 1st Lt of Lucifer. The seven archangels, along with a contingent of worker angels, had failed to submit to the authority of Lucifer. After a discussion in which we learn that Lucifer created the heavens and the earth, a battle breaks out between the archangels and Lucifer‘s minions. As a result, some of the angels are destroyed. The Lord intervenes and creates a spirit realm where Lucifer, now renamed Satan, and his followers are cast.


The book then launches into the introduction of Mary, her parents, Joseph, his family and the betrothal of Mary and Joseph. Gabriel is tasked with carrying a warm, glowing seed that will one day become Jesus, the man-god, to Mary. Upon her acceptance, she is filled with a warmth and ecstasy. The story of Joseph’s return to Mary introduces Roman soldiers who will, ultimately, remain friends with the young couple through the years. In fact, it is one of these men, Longinus Ciprianus, who comes to their aid when they are forced to flee Bethlehem.


The three wise men visit Herod and find the baby Jesus a few days after his birth. Quiros gives one of the wise men the name of Gaspar. Mary and Joseph are advised by Gaspar to flee before Herod’s troops, who have orders to kill every child aged 2 and under, arrive. As they take flight during the night, they are chased by Herod’s Bedouin guard and captured. Longinus Ciprianus and Drusus come to their aid before the guards can kill Mary and baby Jesus. Once back in Egypt, Joseph resumes his business partnership with Anwar and the two families live happy, peaceful lives. One day, Mary is on her way to draw water when she is stopped by a man who asks her to draw water for him to drink. After explaining that the well in question is dry, she follows his instructions to lower her jug. To her surprise, the well has water. It is at this point that she recognizes the man as Gaspar, the Essene monk who visited at Jesus’ birth. Gaspar proceeds to tell Mary that the power to perform miracles is within all of us who possess the smallest of faith. Mary, Joseph and their family are taken to Qmrum where they reunite with Zechariah, Elizabeth and John who are living in Qmrum after fleeing Jerusalem. The Essene monks give a complete set of scripture books to Mary and Joseph that are to be used to educate Jesus. The story ends with the monks instructing the Holy Family to leave and set up residence in Nazareth.


Without becoming too lengthy, let’s begin a discussion of theological issues that cause concern. In Genesis 1:1, the Bible clearly states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” It is commonly accepted that Jesus is referred to as “The Word.” John 1:1-3 states, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Among other references in the Bible, particularly throughout Genesis, these scriptures give a clear indication that it was God, not Lucifer and his band of angels who created the heavens and the earth. John 1:1, combined with additional Old Testament references such as Micah 5:2 (“Bethlehem…yet out of thee shall come forth unto me that is to be a ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting.”) also support the existence of Jesus from the beginning of time (see also Genesis 18:1--3).


Also troublesome, though effective for a climactic story, is the account of the Holy Family being captured by Bedouin Guards and rescued by Roman soldiers. The near tragedy that is portrayed in Spirit War is neither supported in scriptures nor in any widely regarded writings of the time. In fact, it was the angel, not an Essene monk named Gaspar, who warned Joseph to take his family and flee.


Upon the death of Herod, it was angels who appeared to Joseph to lead the Holy Family out of Egypt and into Nazareth. Quiros’ diversion of the Holy Family to Qmrum sets the stage for a gnostic influence in the future books of the trilogy.


By elevating Gaspar, the Essene monk, to the level of advisor, protector and sage, Quiros removes God as the ultimate protector and guide. As upcoming articles will discuss, this sets the stage for future books that introduce the concept of an impersonal God and the new age flavored modern theology that advances the idea of man relying on himself to reach a higher state of being. It veers away from the biblical teachings of personal salvation and traditional Christian teachings.


Look for further discussion on The Spirit War trilogy in upcoming articles.