Dr. Michael Jernigan, a former Vietnam veteran, was teaching a class in comparative religions. The students asked some difficult questions such as: Why Muslim Extremists want to kill Americans. Jernigan uses a parable to explain that we must “empty our cup in order to brew fresh tea.” We must leave behind misconceptions in order to open ourselves to new ideas.

He introduces the class to the Five Sacred Crossings. While serving in Nam, Jernigan stayed with a group of people called the Cardamon. Master Map Nuth shared the sacred crossings with him. This is a fictional story with a great plot. However, this is more than a fictional story. Hazen uses the form of fiction to compare and teach religion to readers.

In one section, we learn about humility. Master Nuth taught, “It is never wise to immediately take a seat in a place of honor. What would happen if someone of greater stature came to the table? You would be humiliated, as you had to move to a lower position. “As the class examines the 5 Sacred Crossings”, they learn the fundamental values that “lead to the authenticity of Christianity.”

The students learned that unlike other religions, Christianity is about God laying down His life for His followers. Five Sacred Crossings is a wonderful parable, teaching grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Hazen is a talented author. He successfully manages to weave together threads of the story to present a tapestry of knowledge. Five Sacred Crossings is one of those books that you will want to read repeatedly. I have read this two times and each time my heart is warmed, and I find a new idea. This is a book for young and old alike.