The Trials of Bishop Dan Davidson - by Terry Ewing (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Dan Davidson is as strong and sensitive a soul as one could hope to be. Incidents from his childhood, young adulthood, marriage, and career as a United Methodist minister demonstrate a truly extraordinary man. Nevertheless, as Dan's career progresses from pastoring growing churches to being selected to serve as a bishop of the denomination, it seems he becomes an example of how 'power corrupts'. Finally, confronted in court by attorney Sonny Richardson, in a class action lawsuit accusing the denomination of breach of contract, Dan will have the opportunity to redeem or condemn himself. Will he be the one to show that a faithful believer could stay and serve within the denomination, or will he be revealed to be another spiritual leader corrupted by the power and position the church has bestowed upon him?

Review Quotes

With a cast of relatable and sympathetic characters, Ewing invites the reader to participate as a juror in a very human case. Marriages begun and ended, institutional failure, the ability of one man to make a difference or not - all are present in a story which on the surface is about church polity and the church as an institution. More than once, I felt my own heart-strings tugged as I recognized my shared humanity with Ewing's characters. Whether a member of the UMC or not, readers can take away much insight on how to be human both in private and within the church. Well done indeed and highly recommended. - Josh Zotta

The Trials of Dan Davidson is a gripping narrative that you will emotionally respond to as you read. It details factual experiences in the UMC struggles of orthodox theology and political wrangling within the denomination........I was very curious to see what ending Terry Ewing offered the reader since the struggles are not yet fully resolved. - D.A. Bennett - UMC pastor, recently disaffiliated with the denomination

Enter the jury box as you read, The Trials of Bishop Dan Davidson. Examine the evidence and take a good long look at the church, its members ... and yourself. This book is well-written, challenging the reader to dig deep! - Linda Snowberger, Plumbline Ministries board member

The amount of detail and description truly brings the characters to life, all the while tying in historical theology and our faith is outstanding.

- Tony Proctor, Plumbline Ministries board member

I was struck by the pull-back-the-veil perspective of the book; the inner workings of church life in relationship to an ordinary life. This is such a good book I wanted to slow down and take my time but found it difficult to stop. I am glad to see the author articulate the theological critique of the UMC church in America. This book validated some of my personal church experiences. Finally, the heretical church leadership has been held accountable. - Roy Shiplet

This was an emotional read. If you've ever been involved in church leadership or employment it will move your heart. Church is made up of sinful people with their own agendas, This book is a reminder that God loves us all and we need to maintain our integrity as we seek God's way for us. - Beth Williams, Librarian