The greatest story ever told?

A readership in the billions makes a strong case for the title of "greatest"

Today, Easter Sunday, is the holiest of holidays in the Christian religious tradition, the day commemorating Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Other Holy Week observances leading up to it—Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday—track Jesus’ final week of temporal life. Pivotal events in the story of Christ happen during this week: Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Judas Iscariot’s betrayal, Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate, and the Crucifixion. Viewed from a storytelling perspective, there is no shortage of character drama, conflict, and rising stakes and tension. Considering the billions of people who have been touched by this story, it’s no wonder it’s been called “the greatest story ever told.”

I’ve long held a tremendous fascination for this story, despite being an avowed nonbeliever. Those who know me, and my atheism, have always found this strange. But one doesn’t have to be devout to appreciate the beauty of the story. After all, I share similar feelings for other stories, and the fact that they are works of fiction doesn’t lessen my admiration.

There are many aspects to Jesus Christ’s story that appeal to me. Chief among them is the historical context. I’m a lifelong student of history, and the Roman-era setting is among my favorite periods to study. Universal human emotions are at play: doubt, anger, sadness, regret, and of course love. The story offers drama in the form of secret plots, betrayal, political and legal intrigue, persecution, and murder. And above all, the themes are what have led to this story being told and retold for two thousand years: hope, love, and redemption.

This story continues to capture my imagination as both a consumer and a writer. Jesus Christ Superstar is one of my favorite musicals, and I find myself returning to the soundtrack around this time every year. I can watch epic depictions, such as the eight-hour 1977 miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, despite my lack of Christian belief. And, as my family will attest, I rarely pass by an old church during our European travels without stepping inside to admire the art and architecture.

I’m working on multiple story premises for an upcoming anthology about undead creatures. One idea I’m exploring features Judas Iscariot as the main character, roaming the earth in a quasi-undead state—neither living nor dead—in search of his 30 pieces of silver with which he can buy back his soul. I wouldn’t call it fan fiction per se, but it does demonstrate my enduring fascination with this “greatest story.”

Whether you celebrate Easter with prayer and a sunrise service, an egg hunt and mimosas, or no celebration at all, I wish you a day, month, and year full of equally fascinating stories.

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