1 comments about Happening at Lourdes.

1. I really liked this book a lot. It told a lot about Saint Bernadette and what her life was like.

No comments about Religious Art in France: The Thirteenth Century, a Study of Medieval Iconography and Its Sources (Bollingen Series Xc:2).

1 comments about Painter And Priest: Giovanni Canavesio's Visual Rhetoric And the Passion Cycle at La Brigue.

1. Featuring high-quality paper and quite a few stunning full-color illustrations, particularly reproductions of classical artwork, Painter And Priest: Giovanni Canavesio's Visual Rhetoric And The Passion Cycle At La Brigue is a close examination of Giovanni Canavesio's works in order to distinguish its characteristics drawn from Piedmontese art, Netherlandish painting, and German wood engravings. Painter And Priest emphasizes the paramount importance of intellectual and academic honesty, and how when making comparisons one should not simply "cherry-pick" iconographic imagery sources but rather look at the broader general context. An immense amount of research has been poured into this in-depth study, especially recommended for advanced scholars of religious art; extensive notes, appendices, bibliography and index round out this one-of-a-kind academic scrutiny of the history, religion, context, and philosophy of Canavesio's masterpieces.

No comments about Vom Orient bis an den Rhein: Begegnungen mit der christlichen Archaologie : Peter Poscharsky zum 65. Geburtstag (Christliche Archaologie).

No comments about Prayer and Power in Byzantine and Papal Imagery (Collected Studies, Cs396).

No comments about Rome, the eternal city: Its religious monuments, literature and art.

1 comments about Living Shrines: Home Altars of New Mexico.

1. Beautiful photos and interesting stories behind them. If you love staring at photos for minutes at a time, this is eye candy!

No comments about Between the Text and the Canvas: The Bible and Art in Dialogue (Bible in the Modern World).

1 comments about The Electronic Golden Calf: Images Religion and the Making of Meaning.

1. This is a paperback version of this book. "A chilling analysis of television's construction of our sense of reality by a leading artist and art critic." --Sally McFague (Vanderbilt University). "All visual art...is fundamentally sacramental in character: that is, it mediates values and meanings, worldviews and visions of life. [The author] shows in a very effective way the powerful - sometimes frightening - religious meanings which are epxressed in many contemporary visual images, from the esoterica of contemporary 'high art' to the advertisements on todays TV screens. This is a very thought-provoking book." Gordon Kaufman (Harvard Divinity School)

5 comments about David And Bath Sheba.

1. At a time period when religion is not only the main theme of many heated discussions and conflicts all over the world, but also the root of doubts, at the center of which resides the notion of an omnipotent and dark unknown brewing over our heads that is bound to injure us if we don't take extreme measures. Aida Bode's book about David and Bath-Sheba provides the reader with a sense of doubt but only in the good sense of the word. It makes one doubt the cynicism and negativity surrounding the topic of religion, whether from a political perspective or otherwise. It is not arrogant or commanding, forceful or overwhelming, neither is it threatening or dooming. Its effectiveness lies in its subtleness, independent of violence and free of the graphic gory images of what Hell must be like if one strays from the right path if only for a moment. On the other hand, the book is not sugarcoating the bible by focusing only on a love story -- Aida has made sure she portrayed the anguish that the characters go through and the consequences they have to bear as a result of their actions, to end the storyline on a positive and hopeful note.
   
   Aida Bode writes descriptively and clearly, introducing well-rounded struggling characters, each fighting for a cause, humble in their beliefs and wanting to turn their lives for the better. The book doesn't point fingers and claim with prepotence "My God can beat your God!" God is loving, forgiving, and patient. I call this a refreshing point of view, one much needed for the political and religious climate that is defining the first decade of the new millenium.



2. "David and Bath-Sheba" is a book written simply and without complications, where the author has remained faithful to the story, just as it has been given in the Bible.
   The way this story has been considered, which means, how the facts have been interpreted, what tools have been used to engrave the personages, what philosophy has been presented, and what artistic linguistic effects have been used to fully provide this story: all this makes me approve that this lively material is original, deep, touching, and here and there with wonderful poetic details and moments.
   The conflict of this novel is very moving and deep. It goes beyond the borders of a common "love affair", or a banal adultery. In this conflict there is something from eternity, something from the human moral that goes beyond the conflict of a family, even a nation, why not of an era. The philosophy of the book is based on four pillars, which have (and also gain) undeniable and universal values like: love (with its power, zigzags, ego, but also its greatness, triumph, and beauty) sin, punishment and forgiveness. These four pillars of human life have on the background an eternal, omnipresent, and major force: the force of God. This concept: God with His power has been given in a thorough and comprehensive way. God in this book isn't an omnipotent conductor, who with a stick in his hand directs arbitrarily humanity from heaven. God in this book is the incarnated Law of Life, that Law which sustains, regulates and gives harmony to the world, universe, human life, everything. Everything must submit to this Law, even a king. Before this force, even a king, is powerless and must obey. This is so clear especially when David cries out: "Have mercy on me o, Lord!"
   In continuity of this concept of God, the book brings the idea that the judge and the universal justice are not against man and human life, but on the contrary. They are their basis and their protectors, that's why they forgive the sin, this unavoidable act that eats human creatures, they forgive for life's sake, love's sake, human world, continuity of life.
   The characters in this book are given in a complete way, each with his/her own world and drama. They are fully believable, and as you read you feel like you're seeing them alive.
   So:
   Saul - He's a contradicting type, a big but also small person at the same time.
   David - He's the main character that is so real, with his ups and downs, with his big spirit, but also selfish regarding Bath-Sheba and Uriah, with his spiritual tortures, humanity and great goodness that he represents.
   Bath-Sheba - She is born for love; with a rich heart, but broken in two (between David and Uriah); she's hungry to be not just a woman, but also a mother.
   Azubah - she's one of the best sculpted personages. She's wise, trustworthy, and knowledgeable; she's the embodiment of mercy and hope.
   Uriah - He's a committed warrior to the king and his people. His feelings of doubt are given so skillfully; he's a man of honor; he's worthy of Bath-Sheba.
   Other points
   The psychological analyses of the characters are very concise, touching, persuasive, realistic, and poetic. The atmosphere of Biblical times is written beautifully and intimately, with the morals of time, and primitivism of life. The sentences formulated in a biblical and religious way, are very genuine. They give exceptional values to this book. Not everyone, even a writer, can do it so authentically. The dialogs are concise, convincing, and adapted to each character.
   Briefly said, this is a MUST READ!



3. The Biblical story of David and Bath-Sheba is well-known to me, but Aida Bode in this personalized adaptation brings it to life in a descriptive and unforgettable way. At first I was understandably cautious, wondering how anyone could hold the attention of readers by the retelling of this familiar story that appears in 2nd Samuel. Let me take the next paragraph to briefly introduce the characters and remind readers of the story line before I explain just how the author does this.
   
   David, the chosen King of Israel, had remained in Jerusalem while his armies were fighting the enemy. While strolling the rooftop of his palace, he saw a beautiful woman bathing in a pool below-a woman whose name was Bath-Sheba. Though she was married to Uriah, a strong and trusted military leader, David summoned her to the palace, and she became pregnant with his child. Ultimately, after granting Uriah leave and trying unsuccessfully to get him to spend the night with his wife, he addressed a letter to General Joab, asking Uriah to deliver it to him personally. The letter contained instructions to have Uriah put David in the front line of battle, knowing that this order would result in his death. When the mourning time was past, David made Bath-Sheba his wife. But he would soon understand the consequences that individuals must face when they disobey God's laws. Though he was a king who had the love of God in his heart and many wives and riches, he gave in to temptation and committed adultery and murder. But could anything good result from David's transgressions? What was the path to forgiveness?
   
   In this beautiful, expanded adaptation by Aida Bode, readers are given the opportunity to go beyond the facts and listen in on the thoughts of the various individuals. Aide begins with some touching scenes of a mother's pride in David, her young son. What mother could not equate to the feelings of love that are so vividly described by the woman who sees her child with her heart and spirit. Whether describing his curly hair, the way he moved his small body or even the act of breathing, one sees how she cherishes each day with her son. Through her spirit and soul, David understands the love of God; he sees his future in the desires of his mother.
   
   David was spirited and courageous in his youth, possessing great faith in God. It was this faith that convinced King Saul to give him permission to go into the battlefield and fight Goliath, a Philistine who was a giant and seemingly undefeatable. David was victorious and delivered the giant using only a sling and five stones. A sling shot gave glory to the God whom he served and adored. Yes, David loved God and served Him...and eventually became the chosen King of Israel, fulfilling the promise that his mother had seen in her spirit for this beloved son. However, David had given in to passion, taking another man's wife and, for the first time, seemed to forget that man could not be redeemed by his own righteousness.
   
   When David learned that Bath-Sheba was pregnant, his thoughts tell of his pain, his anguish, and his fears-fears that led him to take drastic action to save their lives since the law stated that if a man was found in bed with a married woman, they would both be killed. Because he couldn't face God, he didn't ask for His help but tried to solve the problem his way.
   
   And what of Bath-Sheba? She loved her husband, but her king desired her. Readers feel her emotion as she speaks to her nanny, expressing her innermost thoughts and questions. Was this all her fault? Had she caused the king to sin and break the law? Was she responsible for David betraying God and for the pain in his heart from such betrayal? She had been unfaithful to her husband...their dreams and future plans were gone...the innocence of their youthful love a part of her past. She weeps with uncertainty, torn with conflict, a woman living in the past and present with two different loves. There is so much she doesn't understand...so much she feels and fears. She desperately loves this child that she conceived when the king summoned her to the palace. But what was her future? Then, suddenly widowed, she is forced to deal with the loss of her husband and her own guilt. She wants to give his life back to him...but she can't.
   
   The author brilliantly conveys the humanness of David, Bath-Sheba, and Uriah in this real-life drama that depicts situations and battles that are similar to those we face in present times. We see the characters, not just as historical Biblical figures, but as people possessing unique strengths and weaknesses. There are Godly lessons to be learned about life, love, and the consequences of choices we make.
   
   The talent and creativity of Aida Bode is evident throughout the pages of this book. She is an artist with words, painting vivid pictures in our minds and hearts. Though this adaptation of David and Bath-Sheba is a small book-fewer than eighty pages-it is delightful and unique in its presentation. It is this reviewer's hope that the author has plans for writing future books.
   
   Bettie Corbin Tucker, former publisher and independent professional reviewer



4. Take a story from the bible and make it so that people of today can really relate to it. This is what Aida Bode has done. "David and Bath Sheba" is based on the bible story of David, the shepherd boy, the one who faced Goliath, and became king. What readers take away from the story is a very personal thing.
   David is the king and Uriah is one of his most able and trustworthy military leaders. While Uriah is away at war David looks down from his castle and sees the beautiful Bath-Sheba, Uriah's wife. Unable to resist her beauty he has her brought to him, and being the king, does what he will. It is soon discovered afterward that Bath-Sheba is with child from this adulterous union. What should they do? The law says that they should be put to death. Put the king to death? Unlikely.
   
   David attempts to get Uriah back into bed with Bath-Sheba by calling back the military party for an update and "reward" for their good work, in hopes that the truth will never be known. Uriah though, is a man of honor and will not take pleasure in even the company of his wife when there is work to be done, other men in the trenches of combat. That plan foiled, David resorts to, what is in essence, murder. He sends Uriah into the depths of the battle. Will Uriah survive? What will happen to Bath-Sheba and her unborn child...the child of the king? Will the sins of the king be punished?
   
   The text is well written, telling the story in rich detail and respectful tone. What the reader comes to understand is a matter of personal belief and opinion. "David and Bath Sheba" is an interesting tale and has been given a fresher voice.
   
   review by Heather Froeschl



5. There is so much reality in this story, though it comes as an echo from thousands of years ago. There is the human fight, the good and evil within us, in which God is not the judge, but the rescuer, He's not the punisher, but the forgiver, He's not the one who sentences, but the one who delivers. This book has a way of captivating you and not letting go, till you've finished it. I enjoyed reading every letter.