Metta Valley Gospel, Book 1 cover art

Metta Valley Gospel, Book 1

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Metta Valley Gospel, Book 1

By: Zachary Helton
Narrated by: Zachary Helton
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About this listen

A story for those grieving the faith that once defined them.

Raised in a world of rules and shame, Jesus has always questioned what others accept. He’s sharp, restless, and tired of being told who he’s allowed to be. When his defiance finally erupts in a clash with the rabbi who trained him, he is forced to leave his home behind. Angry and unmoored, he wanders the ancient world in search of a new beginning—stumbling instead into a journey that will overturn everything he was taught to believe.

His path leads him east, into a remote Buddhist monastery tucked in the mountains. There, as he faces the voices of shame and fear within him, he begins to unlearn the stories that once held him captive and to imagine a freer, more compassionate way of being.

Metta Valley Gospel is a work of literary, philosophical, and historical fiction about Jesus—an engaging, imaginative retelling for anyone healing from fundamentalism or reconstructing their spirituality.

Perfect for fans of The Book of Longings, The Alchemist, Lamb, and other character-driven, historical and spiritual fiction.

If you're ready for the Jesus story they never taught in Sunday School, this is a good place to start.

©2025 Spark & Scroll, LLC (P)2025 Spark & Scroll, LLC Genre Fiction Metaphysical & Visionary

Critic Reviews

“For anyone healing from fundamentalism, this book feels like freedom.” —Cindy Wang Brandt, author of Parenting Forward

“Helton’s engaging adaptation of Jesus’s story… opens the imagination to the depths of our shared histories.” —Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life

“Not since Christopher Moore’s Lamb has there been a fictionalized retelling of the Jesus story that had this much imagination, style, and punch.” —Rev. Dr. John R. Mabry, author of The Worship of Mystery
All stars
Most relevant
Familiar stories given new life and a perspective that feels more real. I thoroughly enjoyed the irreverent humour and wit of the characters.
The storytelling had enough depth for an adult yet simple enough for young teens to understand. The narration was good.

A gospel/story I wish I had of read when I was younger

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If you like stories that not only engage you, but also challenge you - this is a book for you. A masterfully told story that reaches right into your soul and shines a light onto the deepest vulnerabilities in the characters hearts - and offers healing to both the characters as well as the reader. I’m so grateful for works of art such as this captivating story.

The offering of expansiveness

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.