Templars of the Christian Brotherhood
by
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FADE IN: IN BOLD PRINT OVER A SETTING SUN IN REMOTE WILDERNESS: THE FOLLOWING IS THE STORY OF THE TEMPLARS OF THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD: THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE. EXT. REMOTE CABIN IN MINNESOTA WOODS: DUSK. The cabin, though far removed from civilization, has a GENERATOR for electric power and a SOPHISTICATED ANTENNA for satellite communication. INT. CABIN. We enter the small cabin and look around the interior which is cluttered with EVERYTHING ELVIS. This includes a PICTURE OF HIM WEARING HIS FAMOUS "TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IN A FLASH" LOGO. Complementing this are MEDIEVAL-STYLE BANNERS OF THE CRUSADES AND A LARGE BLOW-UP POSTER OF ELVIS AT HIS ALOHA CONCERT taken from the second place image in the Elvis stamp contest. We also notice prominent PICTURES OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. In a central position above what appears to be a GOLD-PAINTED THRONE is a BANNER with the "TCB-FLASH" logo with TWO OTHER PICTURES OF ELVIS WEARING THAT SAME LOGO. Above the "TCB" banner is a LARGE BLOW-UP PICTURE OF THE TEMPLE MOUNT IN JERUSALEM. At a desk, with his back to us, sits an ORDINARY-LOOKING THIRTY-FIVE YEAR OLD MAN in front of an ADVANCED COMPUTER SYSTEM. He wears a SEQUINED SUIT similar to the one Elvis is wearing on the stamp poster. The man turns around, appearing surprised. He immediately clears his computer screen, which goes blank. MAN So you really want to know? Very well then. He stands and sits on the throne beneath the banner. MAN (cont’d) I am King Saint, Grand-Master of the Templars of the Christian Brotherhood. I was appointed to this position on January eight, nineteen-ninety by the guardian angel of Jesse GaronPresley. My word is grace, my heart is a land of peace. Hear then the truth. A FLASH OF LIGHT SUDDENLY INVADES THE SCREEN.
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About the Book
Whatever one’s religious background, it is hard to doubt that there might be a connection between events on earth and events in a different, spiritual, realm. Seen in this context, the beliefs of the Templars of the Christian Brotherhood are particularly interesting, as they focus on the fight of good against evil on both the earthly and the heavenly planes of existence. Thus they center their faith on the struggle between angels and demons as reflected in such events as the American Civil War, World War II, and in particular the struggle for Civil Rights in America. Central human figures in the struggle for good include Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and especially Elvis Presley, from whose Gospel songs and apocryphal writings the TCB believe they have had special revelation.
This book comprises a dramatic rendition of a speculative inquiry into the teachings of the TCB. While the authors are uncertain as to the validity of the claims of the Templars of the Christian Brotherhood, there is no question that much of what they teach has an element of truth to it. Their opposition to racism, for example, must be highly commended.
The book is divided into several sections. Part I, which comprises the bulk of the book, consists of a story written in screenplay format that accurately portrays the Apocalyptic beliefs of the TCB. Part II is a record of the Manifesto of the Templars of the Christian Brotherhood, which includes the teachings of its current Grand Master. Two Appendices follow, serving to further clarify the issues which concern the Brotherhood.
The book not only entertains, but provokes deep thought, especially as we enter a new millennium and an age when individuals are focusing more and more upon spiritual concerns.
About the Author
David Paul has earned a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard University. He has also studied at the Institute of Holy Land Studies and Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. He has taught "Logic, Ethics, and Critical Thinking," at the University of Cincinnati. But David is much more than a philosopher and theologian; he enjoys a broad variety of interests, including politics, mixing music, and sports. His extensive travels, avocations, and academic credentials make him the perfect person to write about the Templars of the Christian Brotherhood. David lives in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.
Geoffrey A. Todd was a MA/Ph.D. candidate in Ancient History at the University of California at Berkeley before catching the writing bug. Like David, he has traveled extensively, and has lived in several countries, including Israel, where he and David met. He loves Elvis, Jerusalem, and genealogy. Geoffrey lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.