The following book review is from the Summer 2026 MIT Monthly newsletter. If you would like to sign up to receive this newsletter from the Missional Initiatives Team, you can fill out this form.
Theo of Golden
“I Want to Be Like Theo”
By Cam Roxburgh, VP of Missional Initiatives
I still remember leaving the theatre 44 years ago having just watched the first in the Indiana Jones series, Raiders of the Lost Ark. What emotions! I wanted to sign up then and there to become a history professor who travelled the world in search of artifacts that had religious meaning, while fighting off those who represented evil. I was going to conquer the world.
I remember walking out of concerts, recommitted to practicing my instrument. Or out of a sporting event when I was convinced I could turn pro with just a little more effort. Such events have the power to inspire and create an environment for life change.
And now, it is a book: Theo of Golden. I want to be like Theo.
Many people read theological books to prepare for a sermon or to correct doctrine. Reading a novel occurs only on vacation when we need a break from the pursuit of growing in ministry. But after reading this book, I am convinced of the power of parables in allowing the Spirit to work in me. When asked to look back on my life and list the five most formative books on my life (outside of Scripture), this will easily make it into that list.
Why?
Well, start with the title, which is worth the cost of the book. It speaks volumes even before the story begins. “Theo” cannot help but be a short form of Theos – God. “Of” reveals the deep truth that we all belong to a people in a place. “Golden” happens to be the name of the town to which Theo is called, and in which he begins to live.
But Golden is more than just a place. Community is formed among the people as Theo lives out his life as a reflection of Christ who moved into the neighbourhood.
I watched The Chosen attentively for several seasons. Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus caught my attention. He made Jesus come alive. Funny, emotional, and profound. He was human. In reading Theo of Golden, I have found another resource to seeing Jesus come alive. Although the book is not a “Christian” book, one cannot help but recognize the person of Jesus in becoming a neighbour to the people in Golden. He gives them value and worth. He fosters community even among the least likely. He produces happiness and joy and brings healing to those who live there in so many ways. He is in every way a person you want to become.
At times we hear the phrase, “I cannot put this book down.” That was partly true. I wanted to keep going, but there were moments when I had to pause . . . for great lengths as I either wiped tears from my eyes or needed me to speak to the Lord about something he was revealing to me. The further one gets into the book, the more the character of Christ is revealed in this man simply known as Theo of Golden.
It’s a must read . . . for your soul. You can’t help leave the book becoming a little more like Jesus.