2 comments about Everything New and Who's Who in Clown Ministry: With 75 Skits for Special Days.

1. I found the book very helpful in my own clown ministry as I learned from the chapters on clowns from around the world and their tips they shared.

   If you want a good perspective on gospel clowning, get this book!




2. This book has the insite for those wishing to do or are already doing clown ministry work. It has interviews with top people in clown ministry today and some folks that are not that well know. Great insite into how others are doing it today. This book also has wonderful skits you can use on your own or with a group. Our "Fools for Christ" group has used several skits with great success. This is a highly recommended book in my opinion.

2 comments about Annunciation (Art).

1. This is a lovely little book of pictures of paintings and frescos of The Annunciation. The quality of the prints is good. It makes a nice little gift for someone who is interested in this subject. I gave it to a friend of mine who gave a tour at an art museum on What Child is This? during the Christmas season. She loved the book as did I so I bought another for myself.



2. This entire of collection of four books (Annunciation, Last Supper, Crucifixion, Descent) will be a treasure to all those who love great art and especially those attracted to religious art. Each book is beautifully bound in its own brilliant metallic color: gold, silver, bronze and copper. The unique size and color of the books make this set aesthetically pleasing. It is a wonderful collection to display on any shelf. The prints, more than 100 in each book, are of superb quality. Phaidon, the publisher, is recognized for excellence and elegance in all their printing. There is scant text; each book has a New Testament scriptural preface, then a brief caption accompanies each image.

   As the titles project, a central event in Christ's life is elucidated by the world's best artistic masters; each brings their own commentary to the selected Christological theme. Most enjoyable, and educational, is the progression through time, starting with early art pieces and finishing with contemporary masters: Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Craigie Aitchison to mention just a few. From beginning to end, each book is a wonderful journey through time.

   In "Annunciation," a book more about Mary than her son, each artist strives to capture this phenomenal encounter; a meeting unlike any other recorded in history. The Apostle Luke wrote; "the Angel Gabriel was sent from God... and he came to her and said..." Each photo plate vividly shows through form, color and light this astonishing angelic address. The progression of art shows how Mary's image has changed over the last two millenniums. This is a wonderful book, in a fantastic collection, at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended

3 comments about Anselm Kiefer: Heaven And Earth.

1. Anselm's artwork is amazing. This book tells all about the artist, his artwork, and the storys behind them. It has amazing photos and details.



2. This is a fantastic book. Anselm Keifer is one of my favorite artists of today. His work is so powerful that it is difficult to imagine it translated into a printed form, but this book does a great job of an almost impossible task. Keifer's work must be seen in person to be fully felt, but short of that, this book still manages to impress.



3. The German artist Kiefer's first project titled "The Heavens" ("Die Himmel") sounded the note for the major theme of his work through the following decades. This first was a book-like project with several leaves completed in 1969. Coming after this were sculpture-like, installation-like works (before this form was widely practiced) using the earthy materials of lead, brick, metal, wood, cloth, and often cast-off materials, as used in "found" art, though with not nearly the effect. Born in 1945, Kiefer could never free himself from the oppressiveness of the German psychoses and atrocities of the Nazi years, especially being a Jew. "[Kiefer] does not assume the existence of a paradise, only the ancient need to imagine one." One sees in the artist's dense, bewitching works usually made of assorted materials this primitive longing for paradise impacted by the carnage and horrors of 20th century's crazed politics and warfare on a huge scale. The touches of brightness in many of Kiefer's works are sometimes overwhelmed by bricks and other materials the color of cinders, ashes, an unmistakable reference to the Holocaust and the "scorched earth" warfare waged by the German war machine. It is the natural materials of the art works such as leaves, ground, and cotton spun into clothing, not religious visions of Heaven, which offer any hope of transformative redemption and immortality there may be. As noted in the "Introduction," Kiefer regarded the earth as a "kind of alchemical fragment" still being forged. "In Kiefer's cosmology, the universe is an immense athanor, or alchemical oven, where spirit and matter are in continued process of creation and destruction." The book succeeds estimably as a retrospective on the span of Kiefer's career. Varying perspectives from distant to close-up on the art works enable one to grasp the complex historical, cultural, and mythical thoughts reflected in the composite, multilayered works and also the undying struggle between hope and memory embodied in them.

5 comments about Athena and Eden: The Hidden Meaning of the Parthenon's East Facade.

1. I don't profess to know enough about Greek history or archaeology to say that the author is right on target; HOWEVER, his theory does fit the facts of Greek mythology and Biblical revelation.
   
   The author's premise is that Greek mythology is really the story of Creation, the Fall of Man, and the Great Deluge, except told from the side of Evil. There are a lot of photos of various aspects of Greek art to back up his theory, and he does a good job of explaining it in terms a novice can grasp. This work has piqued my interest and I'm going to have to do a lot of further reading.
   
   One thing the author didn't point out, but which I've theorized for years, is that the portions of Greek myth typically referred to as "The Clash of the Titans," was a perversion of the true story of Lucifer/Satan being cast out of heaven. I'd like to see Mr. Johnson chase that rabbit in the future.



2. I have accidently seen this book in Tampa Museum of Art downtown, and intrigued by its title, I bought it. Little did I know how revealing this book is.....
   
   I always pondered about the ancient fascination of womanhood, and modern condemnation of womanhood -- where and why it all changed?
   
   Well, the author nicely connects the ancient female divinity emphasis and the one the Bible gives in the garden of Eden.
   
   Indeed, because of Eve's choice to be seduced by the Serpent, humankind serenity of life ended. Later generation, perhaps out of deperation and mystic of new life birth, elevated woman again, and Athena (a-thanassos -- immortal) carries the symbols of woman 's fall from the garden, yet, in sense that through the Serpent she gave humanity freedom from God, and then presented a new connection through her outstretched hand.
   
   So strange why females were so elevated back then----Cybele and Kaabala connection (Muslim worship of black stone just like in Ephesus Artemis and black stone)...
   
   I am often shocked to see how ancient beliefs carry over to nowadays...
   
   D.Barbara Zapal



3. If you know who "the prince of the power of the air" is then you will probably find this book very interesting. I came across the book almost by accident on an Amazon list and found it to be very well reasoned and argued.
   
   The author's main idea is that greek myth and religion consists of a retelling of the story of mankinds origins (familiar to us through the first 12 chapters of the Bible) from a greek or humanist point of view. Wow, he got me right there!
   
   The book shows how many of the seminal events of human history such as the original sin, the murder of Abel, the flood etc. were depicted on the sculptures decorating the Parthenon. However, they have almost the opposite meaning and sentiment as the biblical depiction.
   
   If you are interested in ancient history and how it intersects with the bible you will love this book. I bought the author's second book Athena and Kain. It supposes to make the same basic points looking at a wider selction of Greek myth than found solely on the Parthenon. However, as many follow up books do it spends a lot ot time covering material from the previous book. That's ok if you have not read the previous volume but tedious if you already have.
   
   The book is also well illustrated.



4. The focus of Greek civilization, the Parthenon captures viewers imaginations even as it conceals its true meaning. In his ground breaking work, Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr. author of ATHENA AND EDEN: THE HIDDEN MEANING OF THE PARTHENON'S EAST FACADE demonstrates that when Athena is seen to be Eve, then Greek mythology becomes narrative art. Consequently, the marble sculptures on the east pediment of the Parthenon relate the story of the origin of mankind, matching the Genesis account in detail.

   Johnson asserts that scholars have previously been unsuccessful in identifying most of the figures in the east pediment because they have failed to connect Athena with Even and the story of Eden in the Book of Genesis. Through careful research, Johnson demonstrates that we do have the literature and art to serve as a source of reconstruction. Painstaking comparison demonstrates shows that the sculptures of the eastern pediment depict the Garden of Eden, the birth of Eve, the Great Flood. Furthermore, the goddess Athena, whom the Greeks worshipped as the one who brought the serpent's wisdom, is the same person the Book of Genesis calls Eve.

   Johnson, a West Point graduate, author, teacher and public speaker based his research on surviving sculptures, the ancient writings of Homer, Hesiod, Pindar and others, plus myths, vase art and the work of numerous experts. His controversial approach will certainly garner attention from all who are interested in the classics, religion, art, and mythology. Indeed, Johnson's unique perspective will provoke avid discussion among academics for years to come, yet is easily approachable by any who hold an interest in our origins.




5. Athena And Eden: The Hidden Meaning Of The Parthenon's East Facade by author and educator Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr. offers the non-specialist general reader a unique, accessible, and provocative look at classical artwork and human spirituality. Athena And Eden focuses on the majesty of the Parthenon and its mystical connection to the Book of Genesis. Illustrated with numerous black-and-white photographs of Greek artistic treasures, sculptures, and pottery, Athena And Eden is an original, seminal, ground breaking, unforgettable, and highly recommended perspective that will be of particular interest to students of Hellenic art, architecture, mythology, and religion.

1 comments about Graven Images: New England Stonecarving and its Symbols, 1650-1815.

1. Particularly striking are the many plates which provide a rare insight into the artistic notions of a culture that generally frowned on decoration. As a document on early American notions of form, the books holds its own with the best studies of architecture, pottery and antiques that I have seen.

2 comments about The Madonnas of Europe: Pilgrimages to the Great Marian Shrines.

1. This large picture/coffee table book is a treasure for all ages. This book has pictures of the gorgeous Marian shrines throughout Europe and each section describes the statues, when, where, and how they were made. Imagine Mary statues with real diamonds for tears, some made from wood, others have fine gold threads for garments, others still are ordained in gold, silver,diamonds and other precoius metals and gems. But what really made me buy this book was the pictures of the Black Madonna shrines. I am African-American and all my life I went to Catholic church and I saw Caucasian Mary statues. In Europe, of all places, there are MANY shrines that have Mary statues that are black. I won't go into the history of the Black Madonna, seeing as how many Catholics will not believe me anyway, but the Black Madonna statues far surpass the Caucasian representation by centuries!! I am glad to see that this book has many pictures of these gorgeous statues. This book is gorgeous and a treasure for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Definetely woth the money.



2. Perhaps one of the best books on the subject in print. Beautiful pictures and wonderful text make this a book to treasure for years to come.Anyone who has devotion to the Blessed Virgin . Or would like to go to her shrines in Europe , but can't, need this book.It is all the way a A+ book. Large its makes a good coffee table book. But also one of those books that you can't put down.Well worth the price of the book.5-stars

2 comments about Service With a Smile: 52 Humorous Sketches for Sunday Worship.

1. Funny with a theological message. I have bought skit books from other authors and paid twice as much to use one--maybe two skits. Mr. Wray gives you 52 skits for the same price and I've used, at least, fifteen of his skits in worship services.
   A perfect resource for drama directors and pastors.



2. This book contains a variety of short and light sketches to use as a lead-in to a sermon. They vary from lightly amusing to slightly slap-stick. Sometimes one has to be careful about the theology of skit books, but this one is very good with only a few that may be questionable if your congregation is not of a fundamentalist faith.

No comments about Spiritual Seeing: Picturing God's Invisibility in Medieval Art (The Middle Ages Series).

1 comments about Icons of American Protestantism: The Art of Warner Sallman.

1. Most children of Protestant families, like myself, are probably familiar with Warner Sallman's "Head of Christ" and have seen it many times. However, Morgan and his fellow authors give us a reason to actually look at Sallman's work. They debunk the myth that Protestant privelage of the word has brought forth no visual culture and that popular visual piety has no place in scholarship. The writings in this book give the reader a clearer picture of Protestant immigrant visual piety and a man named Warner Sallman, who created a Jesus Christ Superstar for a conservative Christian movie era audience.

2 comments about Tortures and Torments of the Christian Martyrs: The Classic Martyrology.

1. From the review: "and 24 illustrations by a variety of well-known artists, performers, and infamous criminals including Daniel Clowes, Joe Coleman, Raymond Pettibon, and Kaz."
   
   The "infamous criminals" being rapists and murderers whom the publisher considers innately "cool" - moreso since they doodled.
   
   The publisher, "Feral House" ("Den of the Unwashed" is more precise), seems to think it decadent or "sub-culture" to abase an historical text by interposing poor, yet bloody (the qualification for inclusion, to be sure) illustrations done by convicted rapists and murderers. Stupid, inbred - and untalented - predatory waste like Gacy, Manson and Ramirez. What a lapse of taste, a punk's sensibility. What an insult to the material, not to mention the familes of the victims of these brutes, here presented as artists.
   
   I suspect the blunted sensibilities at Feral House assumed a readership that would also conflate the awful mystery of the bond - if such there was - between the Christian martyrs and the representatives of the State who systematically, often ornately, tormented them, with the unfortunate coincidence of any given person and the fantasies of a common killer.
   
   The boys kidnapped, tortured, raped and killed by John Gacy are not martyrs and the predatory coward who cut their lives short to please himself was not empowered by the State, the Church, or anything else. No one went willingly to their fate. There was no political, psychological or religious bond - or any bond of any kind: only bad luck, opportunity and appetite void of compassion. Shame on Feral House.
   
   My scorn is not based on piety - I certainly didn't buy the book to strengthen my faith - I'd have adored it if it had been bound elegantly - as Des Esseintes might have had it, and illustrated by some contemporary strain of Egan, Majeska, or Mahlon Blaine. Instead we have trash. Happily, I ordered off this site second-hand: no profit to Feral House.



2. For this [the Cross] it was whereon the Saviour of the World, bursting the bonds of death, did vanquish that cunning serpent, the Devil, and by His sufferings earned for His servants so great fortitude as that they were ready in gladness of spirit to endure the most arduous hardships of every sort, even, if need were, to the shedding of their blood and the most cruel lopping off of all their limbs. ? Chapter 1.
   
   _Tortures and Torments of the Christian Martyrs_ was written by Roman Catholic priest Reverend Antonio Gallonio in 1591 and dedicated to Pope Clement VIII. The book relies heavily on previous martyrologies as well as histories of the church and the lives of the saints. The purpose of the book is to show the believing Christian soul the glory won for him by the steadfast belief of his predecessors in faith, who stood firm against the tortures and torments of their captors, enduring till the end and never breaking with the faith, winning for themselves the crown of martyrdom. The book includes gory details of the various implements of torture ? from the Cross itself to the rack, the wheel, the wooden horse, etc. ? used by the Roman heathen or the Jews against the early Christian believers. In addition, various woodcuts are provided detailing with exactitude the bloody nature of these torturing implements. Much is recounted from the lives of the saints and martyrs who were offered up to God as sacrifice, remaining steadfast in their faith. Many blessed Christian virgins were defiled by the heathen?s armies, and many Christian soldiers were put to the test. The cruelty of the Roman emperors to the early Christians is thoroughly seen throughout. The book also details other manners of torture including torment by scourging and fire, as well as being fed to the wild animals (the notorious lions and wild beasts to which the early Christians were made to suffer). The book includes details of the martyrs being sent into exile or made to work under harsh conditions in the mines, blasphemed against, or made to blaspheme their God by means of idolatry to the Roman emperor. In addition, the author also notes how Catholics in his own day were made to suffer under the Anglican schism, providing details from the lives of martyrs in England referencing the works of Sanders (_Origins and Progress of the Anglican Schism_). For the Christian believer, this book provides countless images of cruelty inflicted upon Christian souls suffering in countless lands before tyrannical governments. The author prays, ?Here on earth, most gracious Lord God! let the torments of the body be multiplied an hundredfold, that there in paradise gladness and peace may be increased. Oh! breasts burning with the flame of love divine, oh! hearts kindled with the ardour of the Holy Spirit!? The book includes an introduction by the translator A. R. Allinson. In addition, this Feral House edition is supplied with an appendix detailing the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ written by noted medical specialists. This appendix/essay was used by Mel Gibson in his making of the recent film, _The Passion of Christ_.