God's Centurion: The Savior and His Soldier (Gospel Series Book 1)

God's Centurion: The Savior and His Soldier (Gospel Series Book 1)

Rich Hites

  • 4.1 out of 5
  • 241 ratings
  • 342 pages
  • R
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Overall Content Rating: Restricted R

This historical novel follows a Roman centurion in first-century Judea as he encounters execution, rebellion, and personal loss while wrestling with the teachings of Jesus. Parents should expect frequent military and religious conflict, with graphic wartime and punishment scenes that may disturb sensitive readers. Language includes recurring strong swearing and harsh insults among soldiers and grieving characters. Sexual content is limited to slurs and a shouted reference to wartime abuse; there is no detailed sexual conduct. The book also reflects Christian faith themes, baptism, and Scripture quotations as part of the centurion’s spiritual journey.

How content ratings are chosen

Reviews first uploaded October 11, 2026 12:29 pm. Page updated October 11, 2026 12:29 pm.

These summaries are AI-generated from relevant Amazon reviews of this book.

Profanity Moderate

36

Strong language appears throughout, especially among Roman soldiers and characters under stress. Insults and exclamations show up in battle, religious arguments, mourning, and vows of revenge rather than casual banter.

Amazon reviews mentioning profanity

Specific words
  • damn: 26
  • bastard: 7
  • shit: 2
  • bitch: 1

Sex Mild

2

There is no explicit sexual activity on the page. A wartime accusation mentions sexual violence against women in passing, and one scene uses a degrading sexual insult in heated dialogue.

Amazon reviews mentioning sex

Specific words
  • rape: 1
  • whore: 1

Violence Heavy

53

The story is set in a violent era and repeatedly depicts flogging, sword fights, stabbings, arena combat, crucifixion, burning buildings, and serious wounds with blood and suffering described in detail. Injury and death are central to the plot rather than occasional background.

Amazon reviews mentioning violence

Specific words
  • blood: 42
  • bleed: 4
  • kick: 3
  • stab: 2
  • punch: 1
  • smash: 1

About this book

A Roman Centurion of the Italian Cohort, Marcus Cornelius, always believed his destiny would be to glorify Rome and its Emperor, Tiberius Caesar, on the field of battle. That is, until this destiny is suddenly interrupted by a new posting in the remote province of Judea and by a strange encounter with a rabbi that the locals call “the Nazarene.” Touched, then consumed by this Teacher, Centurion Marcus enters a completely new journey through one of the Nazarene’s Followers, a mystifying and enchanting woman named Joanna. But what will become of his destiny as a soldier? Will Marcus’ fate be turned inside out if the Nazarene and his teaching end his life in the Legions of Rome? And will he survive the journey toward a whole new life that is as Marcus himself claims, “The man he was destined to become?” This is a soldier’s emotional and rapidly moving story told through his eyes: his letters, his losses, his loves and his sacrifices in the often violent events of the early New Testament and its world. Read more