1 comments about God Through the Looking Glass: Glimpses from the Arts.

1. This was required reading at my Bible college. Because it's out-of-print, we were given the opportunity to sell it back to the school for the same price we purchased it. Upon reading it however, I couldn't part with it! A good book all around.

No comments about The Truth Sings in Circles: The Trail of the Black Madonna.

2 comments about Good Taste, Bad Taste, and Christian Taste: Aesthetics in Religious Life.

1. Frank Burch Brown is one of the star professors of my seminary. One of the things that made me select the seminary was their interest in aesthetics, the arts and theology, and by the arts, we mean a wide variety of arts -- architecture, visual arts, music, drama, and more. Frank Burch Brown does credit to this range of the arts in his text.

   First, perhaps a word on the title is fitting. By 'taste', Brown does not mean necessarily to imply preference or status in an elitism way, although well aware that this particular meaning will likely be the first one perceived. Rather, think of 'taste' as an action, something one does, like taking a bite of an apple -- art is too often a passive construct in modern society; Brown calls upon the individual or community experiencing art to participate with it. This is particularly important in church communities, whose ideas of art and the relative value of the same vary widely.

   Taste, Brown states, is something intimately connected to morality and to religious feeling and belief. One can see this demonstrated both in reactions to museum displays that are controversial as well as the critique Christians give to each other about church architecture, hymnody, or vestment and design styles.

   Brown shares in-depth theological analysis well supported and supplemented with historical information, talking about the good and the bad throughout the experience of Christendom as it relates back to modern experience. However, this is not a history text either in form or function. Perhaps the strongest section Brown presents is on music; music has become a vital piece of worship for many, sometimes the sine qua non of worship. Also, Brown's artistic background in strong in music, as he is a composer in addition to professor and writer. Music is one of the most community-building and the most divisive of elements in modern worship practice -- anyone who has dared suggest a different style of hymn in church can attest to this! In music as a case study one can see the different pieces that go into determining taste across age, culture and social lines.

   Perhaps the most novel and entertaining section is chapter five, dealing with Kitsch, Sacred and Profane -- the question of quality. In amusing but instructive fashion, Brown compares the Hagia Sophia and the early Russians' experience of it with the Precious Moments Chapel in Missouri, and how both have value but both can also be suspect in different frameworks. The difficulty of dealing with kitsch, to a large extent determined by the mass-marketability and commodity-nature of the offerings, is an instructive one; kitsch is designed to easily produce a response, often in a base or 'cheap' manner, as often occurs with the million-plus visitors to the chapel of tear-drop eyed children.

   In the final chapters, Brown offers a critique of the current situation, from which Christians of all backgrounds may draw inspiration and none escape the occasional tweak. Brown also offers a few suggestions and alternative ways of thinking about things through his observations. While this book is primarily for a Christian audience, Brown does bring in examples from other faith traditions.

   This is not a book for scholars exclusively, but those of an academic bent will appreciate the generous notes and the extensive index. However, the text is accessible and the writing style engaging such that any reader of undergraduate training or higher should have little problem with understanding. My one real disappointment with the text is that there are relatively few illustrations and figures, which in a text dealing with art and aesthetics is a bit surprising. The illustrations included fit the text perfectly, and one wonders what more could have been included to good effect.

   Take a bite.




2. Good Taste, Bad Taste, and Christian Taste, by Frank Burch Brown, a slow read at first, evolves into a very reasoned and interesting look at how the church regards the arts, and how the arts regards the church. Do not be put off by the elitist sounding title of the book. Brown uses the word "taste" as "to savor" and "to experience" much as the psalmist does in Psalm 34:8. The title is intentionally deceptive.

   Interestingly, the author utilizes the terms religious and sacred somewhat ambiguously, without clearly defining a distinction between the reality of the institutional church and the "holy". As a composer of church music himself, Brown is clearly more pragmatic in his discussion of the musical art, but resolute in an absolute consideration of other arts. His chapter on "kitsch" is especially refreshing and enjoyable to read, and his analysis of today's worship wars is well thought out and objective. One caveat concerns Brown's approach to the subject of worship itself, which is here treated as a passive event in which the worshipper is a bystander. For Brown's purposes, this may make sense, as this puts music, as an art, on the same plain as the other arts (also considered here) in which performance is not an opportunity. Worship, however, is an act of the church in which all present participate. The unique aesthetics of the participant and performer of worship and the lively arts is perhaps a subject for another book. I recommend this book highly for all church leaders: clergy and laity alike. Tragedy is, those who really need to hear the wisdom of this book, will never read it.

1 comments about Raffaello Borghinis Il Riposo (Lorenzo Da Ponte Italian Library).

1. As a student living in Florence,Italy I was very much excited to be able to find the book for purchase, since it's not a very common book compared to Vasari's Lives. When I received the book, however was a little disappointed because the author didn't include at all, all the valuable information that Borghini gives about artists, like for example Ammannati.
   However, it's an important book for someone who studies art, and its a first edition, but it would've hurt less if it wasn't so expensive.

5 comments about Every Day Light : Daily Inspirations.

1. This devotional takes relatively little time to read each day, yet gives you plenty of food for thought. I especially appreciated staying with one topic day after day for a period of time, with slight reviews or other connective pieces.



2. I am 105% pleased with the service. The book arrived in excellent condition and within a very short period of time.
   Thanks a million



3. Mr. Hughes' book is a big help to get closer to God. It allowed me to taylor the daily readings to my needs. It challenged me and helped me to find peace in my life. It gave me a greater understanding of God's word. I can not wait to find more of Mr. Hughes' books.



4. An excellent devotional with scriptural support that makes one think. Much deeper than the average meditation guide. Index of themes is also most helpful. Highly recommend to those in pursuit of a closer walk with God. (Each devotional takes around 15 minutes.)



5. Every Day Light is inspiring and it gives the reader a opportunity to study the Bible. This devotional not only gives commentary but challenges the reader to give their input about the overall theme.

   The beautides study was most helpful. Mr. Hughes presented provoking thoughts on this topic.

   I will be looking forward to the next edition.

3 comments about Goof-Proof Skits for Youth Ministry.

1. These are okay. The writing is not as well done as I had hoped.



2. This book is full of great skits that are easy to learn and use. I work with teens and they have really enjoyed incorporating this book into their public worships and church services



3. This book is great for those just starting a drama ministry for youth and teens in thye church.

1 comments about The Renaissance Antichrist.

1. For a book about a great work of art, I would have liked to see some great reproductions. No such luck.

5 comments about Wonders to Behold.

1. The following excerpts were written in 1998
   and published in 1999
   in
   Wonders to Behold: The Visionary Art of Myrtice West
   Mustang Publishing, Memphis, TN
   Edited by Carol Crown
   
   excerpts from chapter 10
   "Mother of Harlots"
   by Norbert H. Kox
   
   
   ...the rise and fall of the Antichrist's beast-system of the great harlot. ...symbolic descriptions given in Chapters 17 and 18 of the Apocalypse or book of Revelation in the Bible.
   
   BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH-as described in Revelation, Proverbs, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel-is a dual prophecy of both false religion and a corrupt political system. Some of the Old Testament references to Babylon have a double fulfillment: one in ancient Babylon, the other in a mysterious Babylon of the end time. All of the New Testament prophecies of Babylon refer to this secret or mysterious end-time Babylon, not the original Babylon that fell long ago.
   
   ...the apostle John...receiving from an angel the vision concerning "the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters" (Revelation 17: 1). He sees her being burned with fire by the ten horns that hate her (Revelation 17: 16). ...
   
   In the foreground [of Myrtice West's Mother of Harlots painting], the child and the lambs represent Yahweh's true followers. They are separated from the waters of the beast, and receive not its mark, neither its name, nor "the number of his name" (Revelation 13: 17). At top center, an angel is announcing the coming of Christ. ... West depicts Christ, saving the lost sheep and pronouncing judgment on the great harlot of Babylon. He is directing the angel in front of him to cast a great millstone into the sea, as an illustration of the violence with which Babylon the Great shall be "thrown down" (Revelation 18: 21).
   
   West's familiar visual interpretation of Christ relates to the traditional image conceived by medieval artists during the Dark Ages. It was popularized by the artists of the Renaissance, and, although consistent with Roman Catholic theology, this depiction does have discrepancies with biblical and historical evidence. These portraits of Christ derive from actual artists' models, who posed in the long-haired style of their time. The earliest portrayals of Yesu Christ depict him with short hair, which was the style of men in the first century. Yesu (Iesu [yay-soo]: name of Christ in biblical languages and English prior to the 17th century) did not have long hair: the Bible says it is "a shame" for a man to have long hair (1 Corinthians
   11: 14).
   
   ... Revelation 17: 18 identifies as "that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." Many biblical scholars see within the harlot a dual prophecy concerning both political and religious fulfillments. In the prophetic fulfillment of political or secular Babylon, New York-the original capital of the United States-is the "great city." The United Nations is headquartered in New York City. The Greek New Testament rendering for "reigneth over" is basileian epi, meaning "kingdom superimposed." The harlot is the great city "having a kingdom superimposed on the kings of the earth." The troops and policies of the United States and United Nations are superimposed on virtually all the nations and kings of the world. Thus, New York, representing the United States, is that great city which reigns over the kingdoms of the earth.
   
   The Vatican City fits the prophetic fulfillment of religious Babylon. This was more easily seen in the time of the Inquisition, when the Roman Catholic Church forced its kingdom upon all the kings of the earth. Resisters, so-called heretics, were imprisoned and often executed, their properties confiscated by the ecclesiastical hierarchy. "In her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth" (Revelation 18: 24). In light of these dual prophetic fulfillments, the judgment of the Mother of Harlots may be the destruction of New York (and possibly the United States) as well as the destruction of the Vatican.
   
   On the harlot's forehead was written the name "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS THE EARTH" (Revelatoin 17: 5). Mystery Babylon?! What is a mystery? This word is translated from the Greek word mysterion, which means "secret." This verse should read, "SECRET BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS [i.e., pornography] AND DISGUSTING CONDUCT OF THE EARTH." Here we are told that Babylon is secret; its true identity is not recognized by the masses.
   
   Many modern preachers and scholars have been side-tracked into looking for the fulfillment of end-time Babylon prophecies in the geographical area located at the head of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Iraq, where the first Babylon was situated. Because some Bible scholars believe the prophecy requires the rebuilding of Babylon, many preachers were enthralled with Saddam Hussein's claim to be Nebuchadnezzar III [c.1984] and his attempt to rebuild the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. They even thought that thwarting Saddam Hussein's plans [with Desert Storm, 1991] could delay the appearance of Antichrist.
   
   These end-time exponents would not have been deceived had they considered the following points: First, regardless of how magnificent the rebuilt Babylon may be, it can never fit the description presented in the Bible of the greatest secular nation and the greatest merchant in the world (Revelation 18: 10-19). New York City is the world's greatest port, and the United States fulfils every aspect of this prophecy. Second, the Roman Catholic Church has long been associated with this scripture by Protestant preachers, who have identified the Catholic Church as being the spiritual or religious Babylon. FinaIly, if the city is called Babylon, is on the old site of Babylon, and looks like old Babylon, it is not a secret; thus, its name cannot be "MYSTERY [SECRET] BABYLON THE GREAT."
   
   One of the seven heads of the beast of Revelation was wounded to death by the sword but did live. It is the resurrected beast of the bottomless pit. Scripture says he is the eighth beast and yet is of the seven. Most biblical scholars see the succession of the seven heads or kingdoms (world powers) as the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, Roman, and revived Roman (seen by some as the Holy Roman Empire and by others as the European Economic Community). This leaves an eighth head to be identified. It is called the eighth head but is of the seven. The beast is seen with only seven heads, but one head received the death blow by the sword and is later resurrected as an eighth world power.
   
   Of the world powers mentioned, which one received a wound or death blow by the sword? The answer is Babylon. The fall of Babylon was prophesied in the word of God (Jeremiah 25: 11-12). On the night of destiny, part of a man's hand (the fingers) sent by God wrote these words upon the wall:
   "ME-NE, ME-NE, TE-KEL, UPHAR-SIN" (Daniel 5: 25). ME-NE was interpreted by Daniel as "God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it." Babylon was to receive a double judgment and a double destruction: one for ancient Babylon and one for modern Babylon: ME-NE, ME-NE. The sentence was pronounced by the word of God. Scripture tells us "the sword of the Spirit...is the word of God" (Ephesians 6: 17). Thus, Babylon received a wound by the sword and was put to death or destroyed by Yahweh's word.
   
   Babylon was conquered by Cyrus when he diverted the Euphrates River and marched his armies on the dry riverbed through the open floodgates and into the city, as prophesied in Scripture (Isaiah 44: 27; 45: 1). Then he set the Judeans free from their seventy-year Babylonian captivity to return and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. This happened in 537 B.C. It had all been prophesied, right down to Cyrus' name (Jeremiah 25: 11-12; 29: 10; Isaiah 44: 26-28). Ancient Babylon was wounded to death by the sword of the Spirit. The resurrected, end-time Babylon described in Revelation is the eighth world power but also one of the seven heads of the beast. The final resurrected Babel exhibits the characteristics of the first Babylon.
   
   Appearing on the reverse of the great seal of the United States are the Latin words Annuit Coeptis, Novus Ordo Seclorum, meaning "Our Under takings have been Favored, The New World Order," [translation was changed by editor; it should be: "Announcing the Birth of the New World Order" click] and the depiction of a pyramid (see the reverse of a one-dollar bill). The original seal had a ziggurat or tower of Babel. [1. See Robert R. Hieronimus, America's Secret Destiny: Spiritual Vision and the Founding of a Nation (Rochester, Vt: Destiny Books, 1989), and John H. Allen, Judah's Scepter and Joseph's Birthright, 7th ed. (Boston, Mass.: A. A. Beauchamp, 1922).] The U.S. thus proclaimed itself to be the final world order, a Babylon tower-builder and the extension of ancient Babylon.
   
   The front side of the seal has the words E Pluribus Unum: "Out of Many, One." At the building of the original ziggurat of Babylon, all of the earth had one universal language (Genesis 11: 1). This one-world empire was in opposition to Yahweh's plan for humanity to be spread out over the earth. God confounded their language to accomplish his will (Genesis 11: 7 8). He had to break up the "one-worlders," for it was not yet time that the beast should arise. By giving them many languages, God caused them to break into groups and separate themselves from one another. The union was split. The people became many out of one. In the end-time Mystery Babylon, this process is reversed. The people once again unite, this time under the English language, and become one out of many: E Pluribus Unum.
   
   ...a reference to "the waters. . .where the whore sitteth," which are "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues" (Revelation 17: 15). "Nations" is rendered here from the Greek ethnos (viz., ethnic groups), and "tongues" are languages. (The English language is a conglomeration of many world languages.) Thus, the United States of America is Mystery Babylon, the Great Harlot.
   
   The Statue of Liberty, as a symbolic representation of the United States, is the image of the great harlot. In fact, Scripture foretold that a woman representing wickedness would be erected and stand upon her own pedestal in "the land of Shinar" (Zechariah 5: 7-8, 11), a synonym for Babylon and thus the United States. The Statue of Liberty-supposedly the Greek and Roman goddess Libertas-is a false light and a false deity. The formal title of the statue is "Liberty [Libertas] Enlightening the World." This is an anti-Christian declaration; Yesu Christ is the true light of the world (John 8: 12: 9: 5; 12: 46; cf., 3: 18-21).
   
   The "New Colossus" is the name of a poem inscribed at the base of the statue. The Colossus was Helios (Apollo), also known as Mithra the sun-god and Baal or Bel of the Babylonians. He originated in ancient Babylon as Dagon (Dag: fish, and
   aun: sun). Is the Statue of Liberty truly Libertas, or is it in fact a representation of Sol Invictus, the sun god? The statue wears a crown of sun rays like the ones pictured on images of Mithra and Helios.
   
   As torch bearer, the Statue of Liberty is Lucifer, "the bearer of the light." This is representative of Babylon. The inhabitants of earth are "drunk with the wine of her harlotry" (Revelatoin 17: 2). Through her sorceries (Greek pharmakeia, the "use of, and administering of drugs") all nations are "deceived (Revelatoin 18: 23) and driven "mad" (Jeremiah 51: 7). "Mad" is from the Hebrew word halal [2. See entry 1984 in the Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary in James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Vol. II. Appendix (New York: Hunt and Eaton; Cincinnati: Cranston and Curts, 1894), 33.], which is the root of heylel, which is translated "Lucifer" in Isaiah 14: 12. Thus, it may be ascertained that by drinking the harlot's false teachings, the people become false lights, like Lucifer.
   
   Scripture points to an end-time testing and inspection period of Yahweh's people-"the time of Jacob's trouble"-which the Bible says will begin 2,520 years after Judah's release from Babylon in 537 B.C. [3. Jeremiah 30: 7; Leviticus 26: 17-19; Daniel 4: 16, 23-ff; Ezekiel 4: 6. One prophetic year equals 360 days. Seven prophetic years equals 2,520 days (7 x 360); and 2,520 prophetic days stands for 2,520 calendar years.]
   
   Subtract 537 from 2,520 years, and add one (for transition from B.C. to A.D.): the year is 1984. One of the signals of the beginning of judgment is that the light of the lamp will stop shining in Babylon: "and the light of a candle shall shine no more in thee" (Revelation 18: 23). This was fulfilled in 1984, when the torch was removed from the Statue of Liberty for restoration. The torch had been restored several other times, but there always remained a glass lamp with a light inside. When the torch was removed in 1984, it was replaced by a flame of gilded copper plates. It is no longer lit from within, but has spotlights reflecting on its golden exterior. It is no longer a lamp.
   
   Scripture calls Babylon the head of gold (Daniel 2: 32). "Head" is from the Hebrew resh or rosh. The word can also be interpreted "height," "highest part," "top," or "point." The gold flame is the highest part of the Statue of Liberty. It is at the top and is a point. The golden flame parallels the head of gold, representing Babylon in Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2: 38). The golden head of the torch is another key to identify the end-time secret nation of Babylon. (New York State actually has a city named Babylon, about forty miles east of the statue.)
   
   Another synonym for Babylon is "Tyrus," of which the Bible says, "Thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise" (Ezekiel 27: 33). This parallels the United States' giving money, food, technology, and weapons to "enrich the kings of the earth."
   
   Tyrus (Ezekiel 27: 3-4) and Babylon (Jeremiah 5 1: 13; Rev. 17) are both described as being a great merchant seaport that is represented by a woman situated at the entry of the sea. When the U.S. Babylon is destroyed as prophesied, "the kings of the earth.. .shall bewail her" since they will no longer receive gifts, and "the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn" (Revelation 18: 9-11), because they have lost the outlet for their merchandise.
   
   [According to Scripture] ...the merchant ships drift in a sea of blood, keeping a safe distance from the burning Babylon, consumed by the ten flaming horns (Revelation 17: 16). Babylon, the "destroying mountain" (nation), is made a "burned mountain" without a cornerstone or a foundation stone (Jeremiah 51: 24-26). This destruction takes place "in one hour" (Revelation 18: 10)-a nuclear disaster?
   
   ...called-out ones having the name of Yesu-Yahweh on their foreheads. They are the ones who have not accepted the mark of the beast, nor the false Christ nor the number of his name (Revelation 13: 17). They come out of Babylon and partake not of her errors, and "receive not of her plagues" (Revelation 18: 4; cf., 2 Corinthians 6: 14-18). Scripture says one must stop drinking from the cup of devils in order to drink from the cup of Yesu-Salvation (1 Corinthians 10: 14-21; Psalms 116: 13). Those who drink of the harlot's cup of lies are joined to the harlot; they are one with the harlot (Revelation 17: 2; 1 Corinthians 6: 16). "She saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow," yet her destruction is imminent (Revelation 18: 7-8; Isaiah 47: 7-10).
   
   
   Much more could be written on the interpretation of the Mother of Harlots...



2. Wonders To Behold presents an excellent look at the 13 paintings from Myrtice West's Revelations series. There are some wonderful paintings in this group and all the images are presented full page. There are around 3-4 pages of introductory text and analysis of each painting by various folk collectors, critics and artists. So far this is the only book soley devoted to West's artwork and therefore the best. My main gripe is that in addition to the 13 Revelation paintings reproduced, there are only a few other paintings shown. I would have liked to have been able to see more of Myrtice West's artwork in addition to the 13 Revelation paintings. Its a short look at a narrow focus of her artwork and left me wanting to see more. For a [price] cover price, it's rather pricey for the number of color reproductions you get. 3 stars for the great artwork shown, but I was expecting to see more.



3. I bought this book based on a rave review in the Spring 2000 issue of "Raw Vision." The review (as usual) was right on target -- "Wonders to Behold" is a brilliant book on a remarkable artist.



4. Beautiful, intelligent book. Well worth the price



5. Myrtice West is a remarkable outsider artist, and this is a magnificent book on her life and art. Great color, perceptive writing. My favorite art book of the year so far.

No comments about Angels in Art.

4 comments about Illuminations from the Bhagavad Gita.

1. I just reread the Bhagavad Gita and I am in love with it! Then I went hunting for an illustrated edition and this little (purse-size) volume is perfect!!!! (I want a large edition of now.) The art is gorgeous and the passages have been thoughtfully chosen to give the reader the essentials of the Gita.



2. This book was given to me as a child. It is one of the most beautifully illustrated books that I've ever seen. The text is highlights from the Bhagavad Gita which is spiritual based. There are beautiful, large full page detailed color pictures on at least every other page! The opposite pages also all have illustrations on them. If you like India art, this book is a must have in your collection.



3. In this age of digital consciousness it is almost impossible to comprehend how an artist like Kim Murray can draw these images in all their details and textures. The ornate and lush style of the illustrations are a meditation that one willingly surrenders to- a collection of mandala- like imagery that is a feast for the eye and the heart. The print quality of Illuminations is also extraordinary- this book is an incredible deal at this price!



4. This book is a beautifully illustrated book with colorful pictures and beautiful language. It makes you want to be in key with god.