Reviews Written By: AF3X7J0XC391Lprovided by Amazon.com |
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 | A History of Celibacy | |
 | "Interesting when read with a critical eye" | 2009-08-07 |
| Although an interesting skip through ancient to modern history, the author's historical analysis comes across a bit 2-dimensional and lacks the depth of a more serious historical study. For example, the early church teaching on sexuality is little more than the widely held assumption that the early church teachers were essentially dualist in their theology with a low view of sex. There are, of course, examples from their writings that seem at first to support such notions but a more careful study will reveal there is far more depth than is supposed in popular opinion. For an understanding of early church teaching on sexuality, the reader would do well to consult more scholarly works such as David Ford's Women and Men in the Early Church: The Full Views of St. John Chrysostom or Scott Hahn's Living the Mysteries: A Guide for Unfinished Christians.
In addition, the author seems so focused on the empowerment celibacy can provide to women in a male-dominated culture that she seems to miss other important factors that might widen our understanding of the topic. Empowerment through celibacy is an interesting and important topic in itself worth further study. Unfortunately, with the approach taken by the author, it remains only hinted at without the solid historical evidence that might be brought to bear on the topic. Overall, an interesting quick study in an oft misunderstood and maligned ideal. Perhaps the most commendable thought in the work is the author's admission early on that at first she assumed celibacy to be unnatural but she eventually saw the beauty and peace it could bring to her own life. Refreshing sentiment counter to our culture so obsessed by sex. Well worth the time for the critical and discerning reader to explore. | ||
 | The Age of Reform 1250-1550: An Intellectual and Religious History of Late Medieval and Reformation Europe | |
 | "Depth in the Causes" | 2009-08-05 |
| Some histories of the reformation are simple polemics intended to defend the author's own Catholic, Protestant, or Secular religious views. Other histories are dry facts concerning events, people, and places without the context of the underlying cultural, philosophical, political, and religious forces that shaped those events. Dr. Ozment avoids both the passionate partisanship and dull fact reporting to give us the underlying sentiment of the people who made the history. The growth of national identities, the influence of humanist and scholastic schools of thought and philosophy, and the emerging state/church separation are all analyzed with detail to show their influence on the reformation. Few others have treated these topics with the detail and insight Prof. Ozment has provided. This and Durant's, The Story of Civilization: The Reformation : A History of European Civilization from Wyclif to Calvin : 1300-1564 (Story of Civilization) are the two books most recommended for understanding the reformation. Both provide an unmatched depth in the underlying causes that split the western church. Ozment's work is focussed on those causes a bit more than Durant's. Both together provide the best understanding available on the reformation. From the religious angle, Prof. Ozment gives particularly good coverage to the counciliar and clerical marriage forces that influenced the reformation. From the political angle, Prof. Ozment details the rise of centralized authorities and nationalist identity that becomes ever more distrustful of the papacy. From the philosophical angle, Dr. Ozment identifies the backlash against scholastic thought in the humanist movement and how the latter influenced the reformers. In addition, Dr. Ozment is careful to identify the differences between the underlying philosophical views of the movement of Luther's influence and those influenced by Calvin, Zwingli, and Knox. The connection with the easing of divorce laws gives us the context for understanding the reformation's affect on us today. So too the discussion of Calvinist-inspired resistance to tyranny in the movements influenced by John Knox. The continuity of egalitarian thought leading to today's understanding is also identified. The treatment of the counter-reformation is fair and gives insight into the probability that it was less a response to protestant reforms and more an indigenous movement within the church that finally had the strength to overcome the inertia of a naturally conservative institution. This is a brilliant and thorough work of the history of thought that shaped the western world. One of two (including Durant) that are a must. | ||
 | The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia | |
| "A definitive work" | 2009-08-03 |
| A literary style of writing makes this a fast-paced yet historically packed summary of a long history for the control of south central Asia. The context of this history on current events is absolutely essential and Mr. Hopkirk's knowledge of central Asia combined with his ability as a communicator make this an invaluable resource for that context. The color and sweeping drama make this an enjoyable read with vivid details that bring the history alive. This work is a key component in any central Asian historical study. | ||
 | The Spanish Inquisition: A Historical Revision | |
 | "Spanish Inquisition sans polemic" | 2009-07-14 |
| It is a difficult task to convey historical information on a topic that carries with it the baggage of a 500 year old feud we call "the reformation." Much of what has been written in the past is either Catholic apologetic or Protestant polemic and with time the facts have taken a distortion all their own. Professor Kamen does a good job of trying to raise the discussion to a higher more balanced approach. He does not attempt to convey new information but instead takes a step back from the rhetoric to try and give the reader an ability to see the facts without the emotional baggage we carry. It is a difficult task - perhaps impossible to accomplish entirely - but Prof. Kamen is as close as anyone to accomplishing that task. This is one work on the Spanish (as opposed to general) inquisition that lovers of history have needed for some time. Sober yet passionately involved. It is the Spanish Inquisition sans polemic and a worthy addition to any history collection of the period. | ||
 | Quo Vadis? | |
| "How Christianity Conquered Rome" | 2009-07-13 |
| In the early centuries of the Christian era, the faith Christ began with a small band of 12 conquered the greatest empire. Not with swords and chariots but with love. The introduction to the movie summarizes the rest. And in this film we see all the key players in that drama, Paul, Peter, and the Christian martyrs who shamed the empire and eventually defeated her with the love of their Lord. The title (of the book on which the movie is based) comes from the story that Peter was leaving Rome at the beginning of the persecutions under Nero when he encounters Jesus going toward the city. He recognizes Jesus and asks "Quo vadis, Domine?" or, "Where are you going, Lord?" Jesus answers that he is going back to the christians Peter was abandoning to "be crucified again." Peter is devastated by the implication and returns to Rome to also accept martyrdom. When Christ's body (his church) suffers, so does he. The love stories that interweave the story are tasteful and truly bespeak something more than the current typical hollyweird portrayal of love as an outlet only for physical gratification. The martyrdom scenes are also done without being overly graphic yet conveying the horror just the same. This is one of those rare films that does not shrink from the dignity of man as too sappy or childish for adults. It is a great Christian film without being preachy or simplistic. Some (particularly those of a fundamentalist persuasion) have objected to the "Christian" label being applied to this film since the Bible does not mention Peter being in Rome. But one of the earliest works of the Church in Clement I's (bishop of Rome) epistle to the Corinthians written shortly after the events portrayed in this movie mentions the martyrdom of both Peter and Paul in Rome. That epistle also mentions those two apostles as the leaders of the church in Rome. Other historical documents concur with Clement. This film is about as historically accurate as any film of the early church and very entertaining at the same time. Very well done. | ||
 | Paris 1919 : Six Months That Changed the World | |
| "Enjoyable and historically detailed" | 2009-06-09 |
| By way of anecdotes and biographical sketches, Ms. Macmillan gives a detailed and studious yet thoroughly enjoyable history of the early 20th century treaty that shaped the modern world. Unlike many scholars of the post WWI peace, Ms. Macmillan does not focus on the faults and she does not feed the notion that Paris 1919 made the second world war inevitable. Instead she focuses on the monumental task set before the allies and the impossibility of a just settlement that would please all. In the early 20th century many were still prone to loyalties to their religion or clan rather than identifying themselves with a particular national identity. This made the lofty ideals identified with President Wilson's "self-determination" principle impractical in implementation. Yet those same ideals, one voiced, took a life of their own and became the rallying cry for every special interest group, greedy politician, and self seeking thug. Personal conflicts between the allies only fed the long-standing prejudices and fears that led to further alienating African and Asian interests from the west. In a sense we would agree with Ms. Macmillan that the events of Paris 1919 did not inevitably lead to the second world war. On the other hand, with the obstacles and impossibility of pleasing every party involved as she describes, it seems at times that she makes the point she is denying. But her writing style is absolutely enjoyable and immensely readable while still providing the depth desired by the most ardent student of the first world war years. Ms. Macmillan can only be compared with the likes of Barb Tuchman (see for instance, The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914) in her depth of knowledge and communications skills. A must have for any student wishing to understand the events of the early 20th century and the historical ripples that continue to follow those events today. | ||
 | The Reformation | |
| "Good conventional history for this 3-part series" | 2009-02-07 |
| Chadwick's history is a solid conclusion to this 3-part history of the Church. Though avoiding the theological debates few of the Protestant, Catholic, or Anabaptist partisans will be pleased. Instead, this is a middle-of-the-road easy read that assumes some knowledge of the topic already. It is a fair introduction in a way but the assumptions of additional learning will leave some puzzled with unexplained references. This would be a fine companion, for instance, to one working through a more detailed lecture series such as, The Teaching Company: History of Christianity in the Reformation Era 18 Audio Cds with Course Outline Booklet (The Great Courses). We would have enjoyed also a more thorough coverage of the proto-reformation movements such as the Lollards and Hussites of the preceding centuries. True, there is a limit in the amount that can be covered in under 500 pages but those movements in particular seem especially relevant to this study. For a more in-depth study that takes those earlier reformation movements into account, see The Reformation (The Story of Civilization VI). For a study of this period, there are many works that cover the material with far greater detail. Others may provide a reasonable introduction to the reformation. This one falls somewhere in between. A solid, conventional history that attempts not to offend any of the Christian traditions involved. Despite the rather drab approach to history, it still manages to entertain and incite a desire to learn more. For that we can highly recommend this well-respected work. | ||
 | Salvation at Stake: Christian Martyrdom in Early Modern Europe (Harvard Historical Studies, 134) | |
| "Pathos without prejudice" | 2009-01-23 |
| Prof. Gregory has given us all the pathos required of such a volatile topic without the religious or secular prejudices of so many before. Prof. Gregory, despite his Catholic background, does not attempt to justify a Catholic prejudice to the history of the reformation in any way. Instead, he gives a moving description of all three major Christian traditions of the times: Protestant, Anabaptist, and Catholic. And he accomplishes these descriptions in a way that draws us in so that we relate to each of the traditions and gain respect for the commitments they demonstrated to their beliefs. Prof. Gregory begins his work decrying the reductionist approach to history that so many histories seem to apply in order to marginalize the people they describe all the while judging the people outside the context of their times. Then Prof. Gregory describes the times and culture immediately preceding the reformation. In so doing, he gives us the context of understanding the willingness of those in power to kill and the willingness of the non-conformists to die which are the obvious yet overlooked prerequisites to martyrdom. In addition, Prof. Gregory challenges the theories that fail to take into account the importance of beliefs. Those who fail to understand the cultural importance of convictions of the past because they cannot (or will not) think outside the relativism box of our own day, make the mistake of viewing martyrs as outsiders even going so far as to attribute mental illness as their cause. Those who were willing to die for their cause were not insane nor ignorant of the full consequences of their actions. They were truly devoted to a cause that demanded no compromise and to explain such convictions away is to fail to understand the relevance of their actions to our own time. The concluding chapters condense the importance of understanding the martyrs and their stories in the context of their times in order to perceive their relevance to our own time. Prof. Gregory demonstrates his ability as an historian to think outside the cultural box in order to identify the appropriate points of contact needed to understand and analyze the past. It is no small feat in this modern age of relativism and indifference. This is a thorough and scholarly study with the emotion required to keep the interest of the professional historian as well as the casual reader. It is an historical work that has been needed for some time and a worthy addition to any historian - but church historians in particular. We would also highly recommend Prof. Gregory's lectures, The History of Christianity in the Reformation Era [18 audiocassettes and 3 course guidebooks] (Great Courses). | ||
 | How Firm a Foundation | |
| "Top-notch story-telling with insightful apologetic" | 2009-01-02 |
| Mr. Grodi proves himself a gifted story-teller in this fictional account of a Protestant minister who discovers what so many others have discovered before him, his teaching foundation and authority is made of sand. Intertwined in the primary plot are a collection of subplots with the intricacies of a Tom Clancy novel giving the growing intense drama leading to an inevitable climax that shocks and tugs at our emotions. Along the way we learn a great deal about why the Catholic tradition is the most solidly biblical tradition. And we discover the root issue of authority in heart-wrenching detail as we relate to the minister wishing to be certain he is teaching the truth. This is a great story and a great way to convey the truths of the faith that grips both the heart and the mind. An entertaining, insightful, apologetic tale of a heartfelt search for absolutes. A challenge to the relativism of the Protestant movement and a must read for anyone interested in the key distinctives of the Catholic tradition. | ||
 | A Philadelphia Catholic in King James's Court | |
| "Small things with great love" | 2008-12-27 |
| A wonderful story with a lesson of faith and the joy of simplicity in life. Young Michael, through the tragic death of his father, is sent to live for a summer with his Fundamentalist uncle. While learning the value of the simple life of subsistence farming he learns not to underestimate the people of this simple life while also learning to make his faith his own and to defend it in and out of season. Through study and prayer, Michael learns his faith and learns to share it in an environment often hostile and challenging. But with his prayers and those of his mother, he perseveres to be a worthy spokesman for his faith able to rightly divide the word of God (even being limited to the King James Bible alone). This is a must read for every young Catholic to search their faith and make it their own faith. It is a coming-of-age novel wrapped in a philosophical discourse of simple pleasure and family entwined with Catholic apologetics. A little slow at times, perhaps. But overall, a good reward of understanding and joy at Michael's success as we identify more and more with his persevering and humble attitude. A fantastic story for young adults in particular but also for anyone interested in living their faith. | ||
 | The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith | |
| "Moving" | 2008-12-23 |
| This is one of the finest children's books I have encountered in a long time. The story is one that speaks to parents and grandparents as much as it does to children. It is a story of a time of lost faith challenged by the ancient faith of our fathers. In the end we are drawn back to a new appreciation and love for the Mass. Very highly recommended. | ||
 | Charity and Its Fruit | |
| "Authentic, not sentimental platitudes" | 2008-12-20 |
| Dr. Edwards, the greatest American theologian, did not mince words. These are not the feel-good sentimental platitudes intended to leave us feeling good. These are sermons designed to convey the truth of an authentic love that has the power to change hearts and cultures. The truth does not always make us feel good, sometimes it stings. But the sting is that of an iodine that cleanses the impure infection of the world's thinking and leads to true healing. These are some of the most profound and moving sermons ever penned on the 13th chapter of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Be ready for truth and be ready for the costly but effectual grace that Bonhoeffer would later so clearly lay out in his great work, The Cost of Discipleship. This is a love that will cost you your life and gain you everything in return. | ||
 | Agile Software Development with SCRUM | |
| "Good but not the best" | 2008-11-26 |
| My first exposure to Mr. Schwaber's work on Agile development was through one of his later books, Agile Project Management with Scrum (Microsoft Professional). I would recommend that other book more highly than this. This one conveys more of the history of how Scrum developed through practice and for that it is a good resource. Knowing why some aspects are not included and having the benefit of the author's train of thought on the topic is useful. But it can also be cumbersome to sift through those lessons learned without the book seeming a bit disorganized. Therefore, if you have time for only one book on this topic, I would recommend the other mentioned. A good resource but not the best from Mr. Schwaber. | ||
 | Fathers Of The Church: A Comprehensive Introduction | |
| "Fair but still short of the title" | 2008-11-05 |
| To echo what Dr. Varner said in his review, we would expect more from a book with the rather presumptuous subtitle of Comprehensive Introduction. It is understood that this is the fault of the translators more than the author. Nevertheless, there is much to praise in this volume. For instance, the background material concerning heresies confronting the early church (and still with us today to be certain) provides the necessary background for the context of the early fathers and their writings. Also of value is the all too brief section on oral tradition. This is not so much a discussion of early church writings as it is a contextual biography of the early church writers. Perhaps the author was ambitious in attempting a single volume work for a mutli-volume subject but, after all, it is an introduction rather than a comprehensive study despite the misleading English subtitle. Something must be mentioned of the organization of material. The organization provides for quick reference by both period and type of literature. Overall, it is organized into 5 parts generally by era and each part/era is organized by type of literature or language depending on the era. The translation is clear and reads as if English were the original language for the most part. Very well done overall and a worthy addition to any library of patristic study. But, you will want further study in addition to this introductory material. I would, however, also recommend with Dr. Varner that the serious student seek more in a work such as Patrology: 4 Vol. Set. And, to remedy the lack of Didache information, one can find none more enjoyable than that by Dr. Varner, The Way of the Didache: The First Christian Handbook. | ||
 | Blues All around Me: The Autobiography of B. B. King | |
| "The makings of the blues" | 2008-10-16 |
| The blues are not just a style of music. The appeal of the blues is it's unapologetic approach to the human condition. Rather than ignore the ups and downs of life, the blues find the human dignity revealed in suffering and rejoices in it. A good blues musician/singer is one who has discovered that human dignity in his own life and has become able to communicate it with others. B. B. King does that so well that he has done more than probably any other in promoting the blues in our time. In this heartfelt account, Riley King shares his life in pros with the same passion he has always shared it in music. He admits that his writing is an attempt to understand himself and he claims (unconvincingly) that he is not very good with words. And that is, perhaps, the only thing that seems a misrepresentation to the reader. Far from seeming to stumble and falter, Mr. King conveys such emotion that we are quickly drawn in to his story and held captive by his words. This is the story of the deep heartfelt emotion from which good blues springs. The human suffering that produces that kind of emotion is not remembered with bitterness but with an underlying joy in seeing that he has been a better man for it. The story of Mr. King's life is the story of his impassioned performances. It is the story of being human and embracing all that comes with the human condition. | ||
 | Late Great Planet Earth, The | |
 | "Shallow exegesis leading to mass hysteria for years" | 2008-10-14 |
| The historical significance of this book makes it an important read. It was the first of a series of books building into a mass end-times hysteria of our day. But do not buy into the hysteria and the tendency to go "antichrist hunting" in the latest newspaper. First, consult a good commentary to see the alternative views. Of all the eschatological constructs, this is the least sound as should become apparent when viewed side-by-side with others such as in Steve Gregg's wonderful book, Revelation: Four Views: A Parallel Commentary. Take this study seriously and not fall prey to popular fiction such as this and the "Left Behind" series of books. The serious student of eschatology will also wish to become more rounded in their understanding of the book of Revelation with Dr. Hahn's The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth and The End : a Study of the Book of Revelation. The world of eschatological study is a whole lot bigger than Mr. Lindsey and his evangelical friends care to admit. Do not fall into the last-days-madness trap that leads to a paralyzing fear and shallow understanding of scripture. Read this work for it's historical significance but do not let it be the last word in your study. | ||
 | Agile Software Development, Principles, Patterns, and Practices | |
| "An excellent introduction by examples" | 2008-09-12 |
| This is an excellent introduction to the Agile Software Development concept for anyone who learns best from examples. Mr. Martin's book is essentially a collection of introductory concepts and principles he has spoken or written about elsewhere. Much of it may be available on the web with some searching but here it is organized logically into 3 major approaches to learning: concepts, principles, and case studies. In the first chapters Mr. Martin takes us on a high flyover of Agile Software concepts such as extreme programming and test-driven development practices. Next he takes us through Java and C++ examples to demonstrate programming with key principles in mind such as "The Single-Responsibility Principle" and "The Interface-Segregation Principle." Finally he sums up the concepts and principles by examples using several real world case studies. Mr. Martin is a master at this sort of approach to teaching software design. Those familiar with his work will immediately recognize his hand. Some (perhaps most) learn well from this approach and the organization of the book lends itself well to a classroom study or self-directed learning. This is an excellent introduction to an important and timely topic. | ||
 | Robert E. Lee on Leadership: Executive Lessons in Character, Courage, and Vision | |
| "Leadership Personified" | 2008-09-09 |
| I am always a bit distrustful of books that claim to provide leadership lessons for business. In my opinion, leadership is a universal concept that transcends a particular setting and applying leadership lessons so narrowly always ends in somewhat stretched examples to fit the narrow definition. Better is the approach of conveying leadership skills for life or for character. The author rightly points out in his introduction that everybody plays a leadership at some time in their lives. That alone is reason enough to look for heroes we might emulate. And in that we find Robert E. Lee. The bottom line is, Lee was a great leader because he had a well-formed character. Mr. Crocker is wise to continually return us to that fact again and again in this work. Mr. Crocker is also wise to identify the primary role model in Lee's life - Jesus Christ. Lee's deep abiding faith was the furnace that forged the human epitome of a servant leader. Servant leadership is probably the most antithetical form of leadership to the business world. Mr. Crocker recognizes that as well and perhaps that is why he attempts to force the issue in order to prove the point against the tide of conventional thinking. But even with those stretched points, Mr. Crocker conveys the importance of servant leadership in everyday life. A good leader is not simply the person identified to play the role of leader - a good leader is one who has earned the respect required to lead and who inspires others to follow. Short of the New Testament, you will not find a more perfect example of servant leadership of this type than you find in Robert E. Lee. Mr. Crocker has chosen his example well and correctly applied the lessons to a life of character. Leaders of all persuasions, and not just business, will find leadership personified in these pages. | ||
 | The Spy Who Came in from the Cold | |
| "Classic cold-war thriller" | 2008-09-05 |
| Classic cold-war thriller that portrays the sacrifice of the individual for the good of the state. The Richard Burton character is involved in a mission to frame an opposite spy and in the end finds himself also expendable to that same cause. Rich undertones of the cold war chill and it's cost. Very well done and an excellent choice in Mr. Burton for this intense ambiguous role. | ||
 | The Jungle is Neutral: A Soldier's Two-Year Escape from the Japanese Army | |
| "Action-packed and detailed" | 2008-09-05 |
| This is an action-packed yet highly detailed account of jungle guerrilla warfare. In simple yet descriptive language, Mr. Chapman provides for us the details we need to understand just how challenging such warfare is for the guerrilla as well as the counter-insurgency forces. In the process we see why the jungle so often favors the small and light guerrilla force that can sustain itself only through support from the indigenous people in the jungle. Mr. Chapman demonstrates once again as Col John Boyd used to say, "Machines do not fight wars, people do. And they use their minds." br /br /A detailed inside account of guerrilla warfare offering a deeper understanding of the key components to their being effective. A must read for anyone interested in unconventional warfare and the history of guerrilla warfare in southeast Asia. | ||
 | Town without Pity | |
| "Truth at what price?" | 2008-09-01 |
| Classic courtroom drama challenging the methods that must be used to expose truth at the cost of relationships and reputations. Well done with intense drama fitting to Mr. Kirk Douglas' talent. Very highly recommended.br / | ||
 | Town Without Pity | |
| "Truth at what price?" | 2008-09-01 |
| Classic courtroom drama challenging the methods that must be used to expose truth at the cost of relationships and reputations. Well done with intense drama fitting to Mr. Kirk Douglas' talent. Very highly recommended.br / | ||
 | Windows XP Home Edition w/ SP2 | |
 | "Not up to par" | 2008-08-28 |
| Of all the MS Windows(R) versions, this is the one I have liked best. Yet, it still gets only 2 stars? The "bang-for-buck" ratio is too low. MS Windows versions are too expensive for what they provide. It is time to consider the better alternative, Ubuntu 8.04 DVD. | ||
 | Cushing: Civil War Seal (Brassey's Military Profiles) | |
| "Enjoyable but perhaps a bit forced" | 2008-08-27 |
| If you enjoy something a little out of the ordinary from traditional military histories, this could be ideal for you. At times the writing style seems directed more at young adults than adults, it is still an enjoyable read with enough serious content to entertain most military historians. The swashbuckling Cushing on the edge of the modern era proves to be an interesting topic in himself and the writing style that focuses on action at the expense of depth may be precisely what conveys his story best. All in all, an interesting and concise study of unconventional warfare in America's War Between the States. | ||
 | Cushing: Civil War Seal (Brassey's Military Profiles) | |
| "Enjoyable but perhaps a bit forced" | 2008-08-27 |
| If you enjoy something a little out of the ordinary from traditional military histories, this could be ideal for you. At times the writing style seems directed more at young adults than adults, it is still an enjoyable read with enough serious content to entertain most military historians. The swashbuckling Cushing on the edge of the modern era proves to be an interesting topic in himself and the writing style that focuses on action at the expense of depth may be precisely what conveys his story best. All in all, an interesting and concise study of unconventional warfare in America's War Between the States. | ||
 | Many Religions, One Covenant: Israel, the Church, and the World | |
| "Continuity" | 2008-08-27 |
| It seems that Christian theologians have attempted to find the continuity of the faith with it's ancient Jewish roots since the beginning. This has overflowed into the extremes such as Marcion and others who found little or no continuity and another extreme that attempts to liberalize and distill Christianity and Judaism to their lowest common denominators to the point of them losing their significance altogether. As with his work, Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict XVI once again draws us back to the essentials of our faith in order to provide an honest comparison. He finds the essential link of Old/New Testament and Judaism/Christianity lies in God's revealing himself to man by way of covenant. Therein is the key to understanding the continuity of the two faiths and the common ground for dialog and understanding. The identification of covenant makes the Foreword by Dr. Scott Hahn, who lectures and writes extensively on covenant theology, all the more appropriate. A well reasoned, concise, and helpful discussion leading to a deeper understanding of the continuity of faith in Christianity from Judaism. A must have for any Christian or Jewish theologian's library. | ||
 | The Cost of Discipleship | |
| "Cheap grace - same old heresy it always was" | 2008-08-12 |
| It is enlightening and encouraging that such a book could be penned by one of the great Lutherans of the 20th century. It goes counter to the common understanding of what is meant by "faith alone" among many Christians from Protestant traditions. Faith alone cannot be confused with what Bonhoeffer called "easy believism." If it is, then it is really no faith at all. The apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, uses the words obedience and faith as if synonymous (see Romans 1:5 and 16:26) . Faith alone that does not necessarily involve obedience is no faith at all - and so even the great Catholic theologian now Pope, Josef Ratzinger, can admire and quote the great Lutheran, Bonhoeffer as an example for all Christians. One is also reminded of a like mind in the American Evangelical, A. W. Tozer and his great work, I Call It Heresy. Given the works of Protestants such as Bonhoeffer and Tozer, one has to beg the question, why do we remain divided over "faith alone?" The differences are likely not so great as we might think. By the definition of "faith" provided by St. Paul, Bonhoeffer, and Tozer, one might include that Catholics and these Protestants agree that salvation is indeed by such "faith alone." Anything less is simply the same old heresy. | ||
 | Apologia Pro Vita Sua | |
| "You are that man!" | 2008-08-06 |
| Every conversion story seems to adhere to common themes. One of those is entailed in the story of David confronted by the prophet Nathaniel in Nathaniel's accusation, "You are that man!" John Newman's experience was not far removed. He set out to study the development of Christian doctrine with the intent of disproving heretical elements in his denomination and, in the process, found himself to be a heretic as well. His own position was indefensible in light of church history. With each heresy in history he found himself on the side of heresy. No, not because his beliefs were unorthodox but because he found himself challenged by the church that demanded the heretical groups defend their challenge to the authority of the church. He was not at odds with church doctrine so much as he was with church authority. And he realized the common denominator of all heresies was just that - a challenge to the teaching authority of the church. All heresy came down to the same question, who had the final authority to define heresy? And any organization or individual who claims that authority, without the legitimate credentials of the church, is by definition, a heretic. Dr. Newman began to identify himself in every heresy he encountered in church history and the conclusion was apparent. No matter the cost, no matter the humiliation and criticism it might evoke, there was only one choice for him. He had to return to the mother church and turn away from kicking against her authority. His monumental and definitive historical study, An Essay On The Development Of Christian Doctrine, resulted in his now famous quip, "To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant." Dr. Newman's writing style is sometimes complex and difficult to follow. But this conversion story provides a depth of self-examination unmatched by many others. It follows several trails to the same destination at one time in explaining how conversion is seldom a one-track development of thought in a single moment of discovery. His conversion, like most conversions, was one that developed over time and even against his will in many ways. It is the study of a man increasingly challenged by his own presuppositions and the internal contradictions they revealed in his core beliefs. What is of particular interest is his conclusion that there are only two destinations - Catholic or Atheist - and that Protestantism, therefore, is nothing more than an expression of early development in Atheism. Or, more simply, Atheism is the logical and inevitable conclusion of Protestantism. The thoughts behind that conclusion are subtle and beyond the scope of a simple review so you will want to read it for yourself to see how that develops. It is a road many have taken but few have dissected in such exacting detail. This is certainly a must read for anyone in the Anglican traditions. It is an enjoyable and challenging read for any Protestant. | ||
 | Apologia Pro Vita Sua (Image Classic) | |
| "You are that man!" | 2008-08-06 |
| Every conversion story seems to adhere to common themes. One of those is entailed in the story of David confronted by the prophet Nathaniel in Nathaniel's accusation, "You are that man!" John Newman's experience was not far removed. He set out to study the development of Christian doctrine with the intent of disproving heretical elements in his denomination and, in the process, found himself to be a heretic as well. His own position was indefensible in light of church history. With each heresy in history he found himself on the side of heresy. No, not because his beliefs were unorthodox but because he found himself challenged by the church that demanded the heretical groups defend their challenge to the authority of the church. He was not at odds with church doctrine so much as he was with church authority. And he realized the common denominator of all heresies was just that - a challenge to the teaching authority of the church. All heresy came down to the same question, who had the final authority to define heresy? And any organization or individual who claims that authority, without the legitimate credentials of the church, is by definition, a heretic. Dr. Newman began to identify himself in every heresy he encountered in church history and the conclusion was apparent. No matter the cost, no matter the humiliation and criticism it might evoke, there was only one choice for him. He had to return to the mother church and turn away from kicking against her authority. His monumental and definitive historical study, An Essay On The Development Of Christian Doctrine, resulted in his now famous quip, "To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant." Dr. Newman's writing style is sometimes complex and difficult to follow. But this conversion story provides a depth of self-examination unmatched by many others. It follows several trails to the same destination at one time in explaining how conversion is seldom a one-track development of thought in a single moment of discovery. His conversion, like most conversions, was one that developed over time and even against his will in many ways. It is the study of a man increasingly challenged by his own presuppositions and the internal contradictions they revealed in his core beliefs. What is of particular interest is his conclusion that there are only two destinations - Catholic or Atheist - and that Protestantism, therefore, is nothing more than an expression of early development in Atheism. Or, more simply, Atheism is the logical and inevitable conclusion of Protestantism. The thoughts behind that conclusion are subtle and beyond the scope of a simple review so you will want to read it for yourself to see how that develops. It is a road many have taken but few have dissected in such exacting detail. This is certainly a must read for anyone in the Anglican traditions. It is an enjoyable and challenging read for any Protestant. | ||
 | Introduction To Christianity | |
| "Beyond the unassuming introduction" | 2008-07-29 |
| Let not the unassuming title mislead you. This is not a simple introduction to Christianity but a bold philosophical treatise to the heart of Christianity. In this commentary on the Apostle's creed, Father Ratzinger first dissects what it means to assert, "We believe..." and continues to the conclusion on what (or rather who) is the essence of Christianity. Christianity is not a religion or a creed but a person. It is a challenge to the philosophies of men and their attempts to understand God outside the context of the Son. Father Ratzinger draws on unlikely philosophers and theologians such as Nietzsche and Luther to make his point. He finds and reveals truth in the Lutheran martyr Bonhoeffer and his passion. But Father Ratzinger takes us beyond simply finding deep philosophical truths and guides us to a passion and adoration of the personification of truth in Jesus. Father Ratzinger seems to echo Francis Bacon who said, "A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion." Only, the religion of Father Ratzinger is not a thing but a person. The book ends with the hope that is contained in that person, "A salvation of the world does exist - that is the confidence that supports the Christian and that still makes it rewarding even today to be a Christian." There is enough philosophical insight here to challenge the most theoretical thinkers. But Father Ratzinger does not stop at mere theory but goes on to the concrete implications to the Christian found in that theory. There is perhaps no more thorough "introduction" than this to a vibrant faith. Well worth the investment of reading and re-reading to plumb the depths of philosophical truths contained in that faith. Very highly recommended for every Christian. | ||
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