Christopher Morgan Lyons

Mary and the Andy Christ Christopher Morgan Lyons

Mary Shaw feels stuck as a copy aide when what she really wants to be is a journalist. A job opportunity with Andy "Christ" Christianson presents itself, and she believes it could be the perfect opportunity to progress her career-and quickly. Since Andy is famous for his PR gimmicks, Mary isn't expecting to connect with him on such a deep level, but with matching idealism, empathy, sensitivity, and desire for someone to share their feelings with, their attraction is palpable. It is not until Mary is able to get past her fear of the inevitable reactions of her mother church, however, that their relationship becomes a budding romance. Andy Christianson is an atheist battling the powers that be to find solutions that benefit the greatest number of people. A proponent of "Truth to Power," a personal empowerment for the betterment of all, he ironically sees the value in religion, particularly when it comes to political reform. And his chemistry with Mary is too much to say "no" to, especially when it can do two people A LOT of good. Embarking on a zany journey through a world full of self-empowerment, religious dogma, and inept politicians, Andy and Mary must confront their own truths as they are forced to decide if their budding romance and Andy's organization for change can survive. Discussing religious conflicts in four distinct sections and across multiple social levels, Chris Lyons's debut is a hilarious, eye-opening look at the Truth to Power concept and the modern applicability of utilitarianism. Examining such concepts as empowerment, justice, cooperative intelligence versus competitive faith, memetics, false and true religion, and Christian conservatism with a comedic flair and irreverent panache, Mary and the Andy Christ is a laugh-out-loud meditation on the state of humanity and our need to advance in a direction of mutual beneficence.