5 comments about Oscar Romero: Reflections on His Life and Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series).

1. While living in Central America during the 1990s I came into contact with the writings of Oscar Romero,many biographies of his life and work, and writing about his writings. As I read this book of Reflections on His Life and Writings I was once again inspired by Romeo's life, thought and writings. I would like to quote a line from the Introduction that I believe is important to understanding Romer's life- "he discovered a God who was emeshed in the ordinary, messy, conflictive struggle of the Salvadoran people." Oscar Romero represents another side of Catholicism that is often forgotten and ignored in favor of more anteseptic forms of thought and practice. I highly recommend this book for all those seeking a spirituality for living in the world as Christian people.



2. Dennis, Golden, and Wright offer an informative and interesting biography with "Oscar Romero: Reflections on His Life and Writings" (2000). Originally penned to persuade Roman Catholic officials toward canonization of Archbishop Romero, this small book (only 127 paperback pages) provides a necessary witness for a great man's extraordinary life.
   
   Introducing Romero with his birth (in an El Salvadoran barrio in 1917) the authors tells of his training and ordination (in 1942 Rome), and his quick rise through church ranks to the arch-episcopacy during the turbulent era of 1970s Central America. The authors witness his saintly qualities and his pursuit of holy living. They regard him as a 20th century prophet whose life was a symbol for the struggle of the Meso-American poor. Romero's life is characterized as "the mystery of faith and God's grace as well as...the mystery of betrayal and evil". Archbishop Romero "tried to make the world see the value of every human life".
   
   The authors explain Archbishop Romero's theology through each of the book's 5 chapters. The centrality of the poor, the historical demand of the Gospel, and the testimony of the martyrs provide the principle basis for his Christo-centric accompaniment theology. Romero's call to the universal church is to offer itself to the poor. His invitation resulted in the inevitable clash between the "haves" and the "have-nots". In the end everyone lost something (the Archbishop lost his life).
   
   After various unfruitful public confrontations with the corrupt (U.S. backed) Salvadoran government, Archbishop Romero decides, in 1977, to challenge its avarice, greed, and human rights violations. He formally requests the secession of U.S. aid, he preaches against repression, and he publicly invites the western media to see his country's plight. With his own bishops opposing him, Romero is reminded that a prophet always stands alone. Gunned down during worship, by government soldiers in 1980, Romero's life became a cry for Central American social realignment. (This calls to reform remains yet to be heard by many south of the Rio Grande.)
   
   Unfortunately, the authors only glance over Romero's writings. They offer signifcant research (with 7 pages of endnotes) into the Archbishop's sermons, books, and college lectures. Several notable theologians and church colleagues are also quoted about Romero's life and influence. (By book's end, I wondered as a non Roman Catholic what the hold-up is for Romero's canonization.)
   
   "Oscar Romero" is a poignant and gripping read. It tells a story a few others do. This book is recommendable to all students of Central America, church history buffs, and as a class text. Its story should never be forgotten.



3. OSCAR ROMERO: Reflections on His Life and Writings is a slim volume written by three American scholars expert in and inspired by the new care for the poor in the Latin American church for which the martyred bishop worked. It is published by Maryknoll's Orbis Books, which is known for its many titles in support of liberation theology. This loosely-knit series of reflections by Marie Dennis, Renny Golden, and Scott Wright is no mere biography, but rather approaches a traditional hagiography.
   
   The focus of the book is on Romero's work and illustrated by numerous quotations from his writings and homilies. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see that the authors kept his life in context by briefly mentioning some of his contemporaries among the disadvantaged of El Salvador. The mention of murdered NGO workers or continually victimized campesinos shows the repressed people for which he gave his life.
   
   I found two facets of the book unsatisfying, however. The first is that there is a great deal of needless repetition; I feel that the book could have benefitted from tighter editing. I was also disappointed to see that only the English translation of passages from Romero was provided. Romero was an excellent rhetorician--that is why his homilies continue to inspire--but one can enjoy them best in the original language, so the Spanish should have been represented here.
   
   For those who want to know what all the fuss is about in the remembrance of Romero's martyrdom and why his memory continues to give hope to the poor of El Salvador and Christians around the world, this is a book worth reading for a simple explanation of the archbishop's piety. A more serious theological study can be found in Jon Sobrino's ARCHBISHOP ROMERO: Memories and Reflections.



4. Amazing! When a man takes the plain words of Jesus to heart, when he preaches them and practices them, the poor flock to him, and the powerful fear, despise, and execute him.

   "The poor are a sacrament who can transform our lives if we are willing to open ourselves to them, to accompany them." (p. 14)

   This book briefly outlines the story of Oscar Romero, his message, and his death. It touches on the violence and injustice taking place in El Salvador. It contrasts the Christian commitmen to life with the Capitalist/materialist commitment to death. The book cites his writings and journals on nearly every page. These passages touched my heart deeply.

   But, this book was week on discussion about =HOW= Romero converted to the poor. I would have liked to know more about that--this was the primary reason I purchased the book, and I felt disappointed that it seemed to take a back seat to Romero's teachings and praxis.

   "There is nothing pretty about Christian hope. Whatever Chiristian hope is, it begins in terror and utter disorientation in the face of the collapse in all that is familiar ... It is no longer the hope of a rescue, but a fixed surety of that which is not seen, where there seems to be no way out, and where death and its system seem absolutely dominant; and it is this fixed surety of that which is not seen which empowers us to the forging of a counterhistory to that of the domination of death." (p. 84)

   As Romero's story is told, he is held up as a christ figure, walking in the steps of his Master, proclaiming the gospel of the poor, to the poor, rebuking the powerful, and finally, executed at the altar during mass.

   If only this book sold like "The Jabez Prayer" or some of the other, shallow, Christian best-sellers. That would reflect a transformation of mind and heart, one that is sorely needed in a land that condemned Clinton's sexual escapades, but not his policies of economic and structural injustice.

   Five stars for broad coverage of Romero's thought. Four stars for telling the man's story--I wanted to feel how he wrestled through the issue of conversion to the poor, how he wrestled through his inevitable martyrdom.

   (If you'd like to comment on this review or discuss the book more, please click on the "about me" link above and drop me an email. Thanks!)




5. As a biography, this book is a mere introduction - but a good one. Latino country boy works as carpenter, enters seminary, studies in Rome, becomes priest, lives comfortable and respectable life of cleric hobnobbibng with the elite of El Salvador, becomes Archbishop of San Salvador, loses priest-friend to assassination, has conversion experience, condemns elite for oppressing the poor, loses support of elite and fellow Bishops, is assassinated while saying Mass for cancer patients, and is proclaimed a saint by his oppressed poor.

   As a story of a conversion experience and life thereafter, it is an outstanding and soul-stirring book. Dramatic conversions are not new. St. Paul had one. Constantine had one. Both changed the world. Romero had one and, once again, the world will never be the same.

   Romero's conversion makes this book possible. The authors' skill makes it exciting. Romero, a moderately conservative Catholic Bishop, friend of his country's oppressive economic, social, military, and ruling elite, is installed as Archbishop of San Salvador. Warmly welcomed by this elite, he is opposed by the oppressed poor who view him not as a friend of the oppressed but as a supporter of the oppressor. Within weeks of his installation, his friend, Father Grande (supporter of the poor and oppressed), is assassinated by this elite. Big mistake! Romero begins his conversion experience.

   He joins the oppressed poor. They become his spiritual sustenance. In his commitment to them he finds the Sacred. His spirituality increases. His mysticism deepens. He becomes a prophet. He is an outcast from the elite and from his fellow Bishops. He enters his dark night of the soul and emerges from it finding God not in the desert cave, or the isolated monastery, or in the stained glass cathedral, but among his tortured and suffering poor. There he finds the sacred, the spirit of God.

   This is the message of Romero. It is the message which this book conveys with such power, clarity, and depth. It is an onion book whose layers can be peeled back to satisfy every category of reader: the intellectual, the casual seeker of information, the mother at home in her kitchen, the subway rider on the way to work, the solitary monk or nun, the activist in the street, the powerful of the world, and the ecclesiastic in the church. It is a book that will leave no reader unchanged.

5 comments about Seduced By Success.

1. The real Gospel of Jesus is to deny yourself and be willing to follow Him to death. Being a Christian means that you have acknowledged that you are a selfish depraved person and that your are lost and going to hell without Christ. Recognizing it to the point that it shakes your body and soul to the core. True repentance comes ONLY from the holy spirit regenerating ones heart - being "born again." A Christian is one who defines their life as Christ. To live IS Christ to die is just to gain. If you follow Christ you deny yourself, carry the cross (be willing to die). To live you must die to yourself. To be a Christian is the death of one life ambitions, goals, self-esteem. Faith without works is dead.
   
   Ann's version of Christianity doesn't resemble what the Bible or Jesus taught. Hers is a diluted and taken-out of context Christianity. Yes God is love but there's so much more than that.
   
   Ann needs to read her Bible and listen to some sound Theology like John MacArthur's The Gospel according to Jesus.
   
   Her father didn't sound like a pastor who understood Christianity and that may be a large part of the problem. Growing up in a religious family environmet will always damage kids.
   
   I've always suspected Ann of preaching a false Gospel. One that she invented in her mind and not that of the Bible.
   
   The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
   
   It's not about living for yourself, your kids, or your sister but to live for Christ. Only God's grace and Holy Spirit can give you that kind of life. It looks like it took Ann a while to realize it. It's too bad she misguided so many people through her "false" Gospel.



2. I have read all of Ann's books and they were a great inspiration to me as well as my growth as a Christian. She encouraged me and my excitement for Jesus. I respect her honesty and openness in sharing that she herself wasn't this "perfect Christian" that so many others thought she was. Some reviews have commented that they now think she was a fake and they are angry with her for appearing to be someone she wasn't. How many of us appear to be what we aren't? Happy when we really aren't? Acting like we like someone when really we despise them? (sometimes rightfully so). I feel a sense of relief that she really was like us. I recommend this book highly. She shares her struggles being an addict and it was especially moving when she finally "saw the light" into why she has been basically addicted her whole life. You won't be able to put the book down - I read it completely the day I got it!



3. Possibly one of the most raw, honest and authentic books I've ever read. Ann Anderson is a woman of great courage to share her whole story. It was an inspiring read.



4. As a college student with a growing eating disorder I was both inspired and intimidated by Ann Kiemel. I too wanted to sing songs to taxi drivers, and was dismayed at my terror to even attempt it. All these years later having dealt with my own demons, I found her story behind the stories of changing her world, far more powerful, and moving than the originals. How refreshing to read of a Christian who chooses to work through her marriage issues instead of getting a divorce. And starts by focusing on her own issues. I just wish she had spent more time sharing about the healing process. With her prose style of writing we get more condensed highlights. And those babysteps to healing that lead to the highlights are important to hear. Very much recommend this book.



5. This book is the vindication for everything I experienced as a young Christian.
   
   I can remember my brothers and sisters in Christ pointing out my many flaws and exhorting me to be more like adorable Ann Kiemel. I was sunk from the start. There was no way I could be like her. (Not even she was like her.)
   
   Even then, something about her struck me as false. The falseness seemed deeper than merely being a drama queen. But my Christian friends adored her, and chalked my distrust up to my lackluster walk with Jesus. I did not start to trust my own instincts about her until decades later, when I read that as a teen she'd tried to burn her freckles off -- classic self-mutilation and a sign of grave trouble.
   
   Then this book came out, and I heard her weeping and quavering on Dobson that her "perfect" marriage had been a sham, that the whole thing had been a sham. I find a measure of peace in that it endorsed my early decision to leave the whole evangelical Christian scene behind.
   
   I am glad she came clean, although I doubt she had any other alternative, since her "perfect" husband had left her destitute and there was little else to do but try to revive her moribund career, and this would have been the only way to regain the attention she still seems to crave.
   
   Whatever the motives: Thank you, Ann, at least for eventually setting people free from the horrific burden you laid on us.

No comments about Short Life of Christ (Highlights in the Life of Christ).

2 comments about Faustina: Apostle of Divine Mercy.

1. This book is simply written for people of all ages to enjoy. This book shows the life of St. Faustina and devotion to the Divine Mercy in a very spirited way. A must read for any one interested in the lives of the Saints or the Divine Mercy.



2. This book is simply written for people of all ages to enjoy. This book shows the life of St. Faustina and devotion to the Divine Mercy in a very spirited way. A must read for any one interested in the lives of the Saints or the Divine Mercy.

5 comments about Spirit of Shaolin (P).

1. David Carradine was an actor in the original "Kung Fu" television series of the early 1970s. Although Bruce Lee introduced martial arts to mainstream American living rooms as Kato in "The Green Hornet," this program had a deeper martial arts theme, and the show was very popular. Mr. Carradine was asked by his martial arts master, Sifu (Master) Kam Yuen, to write a book that would present the teachings and principles of Kung Fu. The book is divided into three parts: Stories, Ancient Wisdom, and Lessons. I will devote more commentary to the last two sections. This work was published in 1991. At the time, Mr. Carradine had studied Kung Fu and related martial arts for 18 years.
   
   Book One: Stories
   
   Ironically, Mr. Carradine, who never had any martial arts training prior to the television series, beat out Bruce Lee for the part of "Kwai Chang Caine." Sifu Yuen was hired as the Kung Fu consultant, and Mr. Carradine remarked, "We concentrated on what I did well, and stayed away from the stuff that looked awkward on me." Mr. Carradine did not begin to study Kung Fu rigorously until the third season of the program.
   
   Due to FCC censorship laws, "Kung Fu" could only film four minutes of actual fight scenes per episode. The show followed the journeys of a Chinese immigrant in the American West during the late 18th century. "We just kept beating our old drum, by coupling excellent production values with historical accuracy, kung fu fighting, and Chinese wisdom. We documented redneck prejudice and gave an authentic chronicle of the difficulties of the Chinese people in America." After the series ended in 1975, Mr. Carradine appeared in a few movies. He also produced two video tapes with Sifu Kam Yeun. One on Kung Fu, and the other on Tai Chi.
   
   Book Two: Ancient Wisdom
   
   Roots of Kung Fu
   
   The Chinese martial art of Kung Fu traces its roots to the 6th century A.D. A Hindu monk, Bodhidharma, was traveling through Northern China. One of his visits took him to a Shaolin (which means "Young Forest") Buddhist monastery. At this locale, he developed 18 forms called "ahrat" movements that would provide the basis for modern day Kung Fu. Actually, Kenpo was also developed at Shaolin monasteries in Northern China. Kung Fu means "To know what to do." As Mr. Carradine states, "(Kung Fu) continues to teach the body and mind throughout life, and further establishes and strengthens the communication link between the two."
   
   Chinese Teachings
   
   Chinese philosophy traces its roots to two distinct sources: Taoism and Confucianism. Taoism was created by Lao Tzu, a teacher whose name means "Old Master." He published his thoughts in the "Tao Te Ching," which remains a classic in Oriental literature. The word "Tao" means "The Way." The book title means "Changes in the Way." Confucius, who is also known as K'ung Fu-tzu, lived sometime between the 5th and 6th Centuries B.C. He developed a social and familial code of conduct. His philosophies were presented in the Wu Ching, along with the Ssu Shu.
   
   Yin-Yang Concept
   
   The symbol of all Chinese and Eastern religions is the T'ai c'hi t'u, which we know as Yin-Yang. This image, which depicts two fish, one black with a white eye, and the other white with a black eye, describes the passive (Yin: female) and active (Yang: male) energies of the universe that are in perpetual motion. This theory is also found in acupuncture. Some illnesses have Yang elements, while others have Yin components. For example, muscular problems are usually the result of too much Yang. Mr. Carradine provided an excellent explanation of Yin-Yang. "In the darkness is the light. In strength is the softness. In the question is the answer. It is all one thing... Choose the positive to begin with and most of the rest will follow. Choose courage instead of fear. Choose success instead of failure. Choose harmony not conflict. Choose love not hate. Choose life instead of death."
   
   Chi
   
   This is the vital energy or force that flows throughout our bodies. Chi can be developed by deep breathing techniques, coordinated flowing movements found in Kung Fu, along with stance training.
   
   Book Three: The Lessons
   
   Healing
   
   Mr. Carradine views Kung Fu as a way of life. He also discusses the healing nature of this Art. "The use of special massages and pressures, herbs and tinctures, corrective and healing movements and stances, and certain mystical disciplines, having to do with meditation and divination (predicting the future), all of which can be tailored to benefit specific viscera (upper torso region), organs, maladies and conditions, are part of any Master's general knowledge." As we can see, the Kung Fu instructor is much more than a martial arts teacher.
   
   Nutrition
   
   Fresh and/or raw fruits and vegetables are relics of our hunter-gatherer past. Our distant ancestors did not eat much red meat. A diet that minimizes animal products has been shown to reduce the threat of modern day health concerns such as high cholesterol, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer.
   
   Stance Training
   
   Mr. Carradine discusses several important stances found in Kung Fu. The horse stance is a fundamental concept that all Shaolin students would study for at least six months. This is complemented by the forward, reverse forward, heel, toe or cat, and the crane stances. They are better illustrated with pictures rather than words. "The dynamic method is to strike a stance momentarily, and change smoothly to the next, altering the position of the arms as well... Drift with the wind, float like the clouds."
   
   Become Who You Want To Be
   
   Chien: The teacher. "Reaching to Heaven. Creative, strong, the leader."
   Kun: The healer. "The Earth power: devoted, receptive, soothing, selfless."
   Chen: The warrior. "The arousing thunder. Always moving. Sudden and quick. Ambitious."
   Kan: The artisan. "As soft, as vital and as powerful as water: the artist."
   Ken: The sage: "Standing perfectly still, strongly based like a mountain, the wind in his ears, the sun in his eyes, wisdom comes to him and stays."
   Sun: The musician. "Gentle, penetrating, the entire sweet and terrible story of Creation can be heard whispering and roaring in the wind, rustling in the leaves."
   Li: The poet. "Clinging to thoughts and words, giving light to the darkness, shining like the sun, crackling with fire."
   Tui: The fool. "Filled with the joy of life, pure pleasure, spreading himself across pain and sorrow like a lake of gladness, the clown reigns supreme."
   
   Which one of these describes you?
   
   Thank you for the opportunity to review this very intriguing book.



2. It has authentic convictions that are expressed out of personal experience regarding many spiritual, motivational and practical matters. The content veers away from trying to express what is most commonly accepted through traditional teachings and instead offers an honest insight into the personal take on the full spectrum of the martial arts as a very human way of life.
   I give David Carradine credit for placing personal truth with a greater priority than acceptance from others in his writings. I am a little critical myself of some of the comments made regarding some other styles and have found what I would guess to be some inaccuracies. Maybe even a couple of differences of opinion on some material. But what is here is like listening to someone who is real, like a friend who is sharing what he is made of. There is a lot of perspective here that is surprisingly uncommon yet enlightening and precious.
   
   The book is basically divided into three sub-groupings.
   
   Book One-The Stories: A biographical history of the author's experience in the martial arts.
   
   Book Two-The Ancient Wisdom: A history and overview of Shaolin ways and David's take on what shined through to him.
   
   Book Three-The Lessons: A practical breakdown of wisdom and advice on a variety of levels.
   
   Like Bruce Lee has said... "All knowledge is ultimately self knowledge" and with this book a deeper knowledge of one's self can certainly be had as well as a deeper knowledge of David Carradine.



3. I found this book slightly misleading from the title but should have known considering books like this are a dime a dozen. This book starts off basically giving a low-down of Carradine's start with the Kung-Fu movies and TV series and then discusses some of his other films involving martial arts. From there it proceeds to give general lessons and personal musings on what kung fu is and encompasses. There are some historical mentionings like Bodidharma spreading the art to China from India, the significance of the Tao Te Ching, and a general history of Kung Fu. This book is by no means comprehensive and lacks that extra depth that is appealing for novices wanting to learn more about the art. I found the book to contain profound truth on many subjects but never really felt the message as most of it seemed like recycled cliches and stories you've heard a million times if you are familiar with the Eastern arts. One particular gripe I had about the book involves lack of accuracy. On page 92 Carradine writes, "The limitation of karate stems, at least in part, from its association with Japanese-style Buddhism, which ignores or forgets the Chinese Taoist principles and replaces them with specific, and generally radical, ideas peculiar to the Japanese culture, i.e. Zen. Much could be said about the subject of Zen, but we are interested here in kung fu, so best look elsewhere for that." This is simply not true. There is a large body of work out there related to and examining Zen Buddhism. In this work you'll find that it's common knowledge that Zen is a combination of Chinese Buddhism and Taoist principles. Thus the word in Chinese for the Japanese Zen is Chan. Furthermore, Japanese karate is not necessarily limiting. It's just an evolved development of the spread of martial arts from the mainland to an island. The same philosophical lessons and achievements to be gained in kung fu can also be gained in Japanese karate with the proper attitude and focus. Anyway, this book reads pretty quick and if you are interested in some light-philosophical reading that you shouldn't take too seriously you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, delve into the fascinating martial arts by reading other material.



4. Great intro to Shaolin, philosophy, spirituality, way of life and self defense. Serves as great launching point for more in depth studies. I find it amusing that one reviewer critises it, stating it calls Bruce Lee an actor. Carradine gives nothing but respect and credit to Bruce Lee in this book. He merely states some facts about Lee's life that include having an actor father and having some acting experience...



5. this book is expressed suberbly the way and the spirit of the shaolin temple and their kung fu. as the name of this book,it is try to show and explain the true phylosophy of kung fu and the real meanning of kung fu,because it is actualy based on a dicipline (a way of life) wich a kung fu fighting is a part of the dicipline and not a brutal thing as most of the films usualy shows.this book will teach you what are the guidelines you should understand in order to understand the kung fu phylosophy,what kind of teacher is more suitable to you,and what to expect from the school,system,teacher,but most of all----discovering yourself through understanding of the true meannings of the shaolin kung fu spirit.it is not a technical book,but it is a much more fullfiling.this book is having a lot of sayings that are very much enlightning as the true phylosophy (and a practical one)of shaolin kung fu. there are also personal expiriences of david carradine in his film making and he shared his enlightning expiriences through his journy of life.i enjoyed,learned and growing through this book, thank you david-carradine,god bless you!. and to the readers i bless you all that you will enjoy,learn, and progress through this book,and into the life,because learning is a life time process!.superb book,i recommand it!

1 comments about Heroes of the Faith: Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

1. I have heard a lot of quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer and always wanted to read more about this man of God. This book goes through his entire life but the focus is on the time of the Nazi regime. The book was a very easy read and gave some good insights about his life.
   
   The book did not go into much detail on Bonhoeffer's theological convictions but more about his overarching defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I wish there was a little more about his theological convictions but just to hear how he stood up to Hitler and the Third Reich Government Church was facsinating. Dietrich was defnitely not an "underground" player during the War, he was very much on the front lines of the church and state debate.
   
   I would recommend this book to give a better understanding of what those were going through that were inside Germany and having to preach and teach against the newly established government church.

5 comments about Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness: Escape from the Watchtower Society.

1. Reading the writings of the early church fathers before the time of Constantine prove without a doubt that they
   taught and believed that Jesus is God and not a god as Arius (A.D. 250-336) taught and now Jehovah Witnesses teach.
   Here are some Examples of the earliest writings from Ignatius A.D. 30-107 who was a Disciple and student of the Apostle John.
   
   There is one physician who is possessed both of flesh and spirit.
   He is both made and not made.
   He is God existing in flesh, True life in death.
   Ignatius (A.D. 105) Volume 1 Page 52
   
   God Himself was manifested in human form for the renewal of eternal life.
   Ignatius (A.D. 105) Volume 1 Page 58
   
   Continue in intimate union with Jesus Christ, our God.
   Ignatius (A.D. 105) Volume 1 Page 68
   
   I pray for your happiness forever in our God, Jesus Christ.
   Ignatius (A.D. 105) Volume 1 Page 96
   
   Here are other Examples from the very earliest writings of the Fathers:
   
   As a king sends his son, who is also a king, so God sent Him.
   He sent Him as God.
   Letter to Diognetus (A.D. 125) Volume 1 Page 27
   
   It is said that God came down from heaven.
   He assumed flesh and clothed himself with it from a Hebrew virgin.
   Aristides (A.D. 125) Volume 9 Page 265
   
   The holy, pre-existent spirit person who created every creature, God made to dwell in flesh, which He chose.
   Hermas (A.D. 150) Volume 2 Page 35
   
   The Father of the universe has a Son, And He, being the First-Begotten Word of God, is even God.
   Justin Martyr (A.D.160) Volume 1 Page 184
   
   He deserves to be worshipped as God and as Christ.
   Justin Martyr (A.D.160) Volume 1 Page 229
   
   He made Him known, being Christ, as God, strong and to be worshipped.
   Justin Martyr (A.D.160) Volume 1 Page 237
   
   If you had understood what has been written by the prophets, you would not have denied that He was God, Son of the only, Unbegotten, Unutterable God.
   Justin Martyr (A.D.160) Volume 1 Page 263
   
   But the two goats contained a representation of the one economy of God incarnate.
   Justin Martyr (A.D.160) Volume 1 Page 301
   
   We do not act as fools, O Greeks, nor utter idle tales, we announce that God was born in the form of man.
   Tatian (A.D. 160) Volume 2 Page 74
   
   He needed sustenance inasmuch as He was man; yet, He did not cease to feed the entire world inasmuch as He is God.
   Melito (A.D. 170) Volume 8 Page 756
   
   God was put to death, the King of Israel slain!
   Melito (A.D. 170) Volume 8 Page 758
   
   Being at once both God and perfect man, He gave us sure indications of his two natures...
   He concealed the signs of His Deity, although he was the true God existing before all ages.
   Melito (A.D. 170) Volume 8 Page 760
   
   But inasmuch as Christ was God, Christ did not judge according to glory, nor Reprove after the manner of speech.
   Irenaeus (A.D. 180) Volume 1 Page 423
   
   But Jesus is Himself in His own right, beyond all men who ever lived, God, Lord, King Eternal, and the Incarnate Word...
   Irenaeus (A.D. 180) Volume 1 Page 449
   
   God, then, was made man, and the Lord did Himself save us.
   Irenaeus (A.D. 180) Volume 1 Page 451
   
   He is God, for the name Emmanuel indicates this.
   Irenaeus (A.D. 180) Volume 1 Page 452
   
   Christ Himself, therefore, together with the Father, is the God of the living, who spoke to Moses, And who was also manifested to the fathers.
   Irenaeus (A.D. 180) Volume 1 Page 467
   
   He received testimony from everyone that He was very man and that He was very God.
   Irenaeus (A.D. 180) Volume 1 Page 469
   
   He was man, and He was God.
   This was so that since as man He suffered for us, so as God He might have compassion on us.
   Irenaeus (A.D. 180) Volume 1 Page 545
   
   He is God in the form of man, stainless, the minister of his Father's will, the Word who is God, who is in the Father, who is at the Father's right hand.
   Clement of Alexandria (A.D 195) Volume 2 Page 210
   
   God the Word, who became man for our sakes.
   Clement of Alexandria (A.D 195) Volume 2 Page 215
   
   Our Instructor is the holy God Jesus, the Word.
   Clement of Alexandria (A.D 195) Volume 2 Page 223
   
   Nothing, then, is hated by God, nor yet by the Word.
   For both are one-that is, God.
   Clement of Alexandria (A.D 195) Volume 2 Page 225
   
   
   
   If you don't believe it, look it up yourself.
   I have listed the Volume and Page number where to find it at.
   I used- The Ante-Nicene Fathers, 10 vols ISBN: 1565630823
   A Book which is Excellent also is A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs ISBN: 1565638700.



2. The best book of its kind on Jehovah's Witnesses. Diane captures perfectly the life of the average Jehovah's Witness. (I should know I was one for over 30 years). It's honest and revealing and I couldn't put it down.Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness: Escape from the Watchtower Society



3. I read some of this book a while back for only one reason. My mom knew Diane, because SHE was in OUR Santa Clara South congregation. Do you know where ALL those people that Diane talks about in her book are? They are out of the truth! Yes, ironic as it may seem, most of the witnesses in the congregation that Diane was in are not even Jehovah's witnesses anymore! It just goes to show that Jehovah takes care of his organization when there are bad seeds in the congregation, hyprocritical and demanding, unreasonable people as are mentioned in her book. Well they are all gone. I'm in that same congregation today and if anyone was to compare them to the one back then, they would see a dramatic transformation. The utter opposite.
   It is a shame to cut off ones relationship with Jehovah God because of imperfect people that may seep into the congregation. But Jehovah always makes sure to cleanse his organization from such ones. My mom suffered an ulcer from these people pressuring her but she trusted in Jehovah, not allowing them to tear her relationship with God. Today she has so much blessings and has experienced proof of God's spirit.
   Diane goes and blames the society because of these people's problems, people that were unable themselves to stay in the truth. No man has a right to judge but Jehovah--time and time again I have heard this all my life in meetings and articles by the Watchtower. These people who judged are no longer there.
   Also Jehovah's witnesses don't even believe in hell, pergertory, which other people of religions may be in constant fear of; and they dont ever bear arms like Christendom. There have been more wars in the name of religion, and none of these wars did Jehovahs witnesses ever partake in.
   This organization is not a cult because they dont follow a man leader, they follow the teachings of Jesus only. Cults generally don't survive either, but this organization has been growing year by year. They don't "control minds," they reccommend you read the bible on your own everyday, and they offer evidence from the scriptures and allow you to ask questions, unlike some churches where people can't even ask the pastors question, let alone get to know them. The witnesses are against self-condemning thoughts and feeling guilty when their is already repentance, their main concern is to encourage and build up. Ask the majority of Jehovah's witnesses who have not allowed a couple of self-righteous individuals to tear them down. You need to see Jehovahs witnesses as a whole, not for a tiny handful of bad seeds. The majority spent hours across the entire globe preaching the good news of the kingdom (which is fulfilling the prophecy at Mattew 24:14, the only religion who have) only because of love for neighbor and God and nothing else. They don't get paid, their not controlled, they really want to. I should know as I have been a Jehovah's witness all my life and the last thing I know they would do is try and manipulate. This book is just an emotional spew and she just let irrational people make her irrational.
   
   I know my review will not be 'helpful' to those anti-JWs out there but among all other reviews for this book this is the most helpful regardless, because i know the facts.



4. Would be great if all JWs would read this, but that's not going to happen. A great validation for an ex-JW!



5. I have a publication from the Watchtower Society called "The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life". On pg. 13 it counsels, "We need to examine, not only what we personally believe, but also what is taught by any religious organization with which we may be associated. If we are lovers of the truth, there is nothing to fear from such an examination." So I decided to put the Watchtower Society itself to this test. Jehovah's Witnesses seem to be so fearful of Ms. Wilson's book, that I read it to see what the stir was all about. And I am so glad I did! I think JWs are so against Awakening of a Jehovah's Witness because it reveals shocking information about the Watchtower that JWs would prefer to ignore. This book is not a book of allegations--it is a book of facts. It is also the author's personal experiences while a JW for 25 years. And it backs up its statements about the Watchtower with quotes (including page numbers)from the Watchtower's own publications. Like for example the Watchtower's instruction to its women to act respectfully to one's own rapist! And the book makes clear how crazy-making the Society's doctrinal contradictions are. I am grateful for this well-written book, which has opened my eyes so I can at last see this religious organization for the manmade cult that it is.

5 comments about Breathing Space: A Spiritual Journey in the South Bronx.

1. I laughed and cried and "related" to this memoir. I am a teacher in a low socioeconmic area and I so related to this "mission". Thanks, Heidi.



2. Breathing Space takes you on an insider's tour of the South Bronx. Heidi Neumark describes the devastation with an unflinching honesty, but unlike purveyors of "urban porn," she also helps us see the hope, beauty and possibility embodied in her neighbors and parishioners. We are introduced to them in their full humanity. And through their stories, Pastor Neumark's readers are invited into a deeper understanding of a world few of us could otherwise imagine or relate to. It's an understanding that doesn't gloss over the outrageous waste and loss, but it's communicated with such warmth, humor, grace, and power that readers can't help but be inspired.



3. This book was absolutely wonderful. I recieved it from a friend of mine who was an intern under Pastor Heidi -- and am very glad that he sent it to me. It is a bold book and a much needed to hear story. She writes in a compelling manner and has rich experiences to share with the reader. I thank her and the congregation at Transfiguration for sharing this blessing.



4. I don't know where to begin in describing my admiration. The book is remarkable, blending bible studies and religion with politics, etymology, and common sense in telling compelling, well written stories. But even more than that is what the book shows about Heidi Neumark- her courage, feeling, and remarkable commitment to justice and humanity. Some people are committed to humanity as a nameless, theoretical mass. Her commitment is far more difficult and meaningful since it is to real people, one person at a time. The world is lucky to have someone like her. I wish that the rich and powerful could all be required to read this book.
   
   The Publishers' Weekly review says that the book will "appeal to people of faith across the political spectrum." In fact, as someone at the other end of the faith spectrum, it appealed to me, in both senses of the word "appeal."



5. Heidi Neumark was pastor for many years at the Transfiguration Lutheran Church, in the south Bronx area of New York City. Her congregation was fairly typical of what any lower-income inner-city parish might be -- Hispanic, African-American, people in need, people experienced in poverty and violence. The title comes physically from the idea that, in the midst of one of the wealthier cities on earth, the children have the highest incidence of asthma in the nation. However, beyond this physical description, the daily stress and strain of inner-city living, with gunshots, drugs, crime, poverty and oppression continually surrounding, makes breathing easy a difficult task.

   Neumark recalls some of her difficulties with her own spiritual practices. Drawing on the advice of spiritual masters of the past to incorporate distractions rather than attempting to block them out, she would try to add the stress to her prayer life as a working component -- however, when weapons fire seemed to ricochet every time she went to pray, it became difficult if not impossible.

   In the face of all the difficulties, there was hope and renewal at Transfiguration. Neumark shares the stories of many parishioners, as well as her own internal struggles and personal experiences, that show the way the spirit of God is alive and active even in the worst of conditions. Neumark highlights the irony of the situation at times -- in the South Bronx, there is plenty of money for state-of-the-art prisons, and keeping juveniles in the system is big business, but the money for education and real plans for improvement is non-existent. This kind of societal choice in the face of residents can be demoralising, to say the least. And yet, at Transfiguration, there are elements of hope, determination for outreach and care to address the issues that the governmental powers neglect.

   Quite often, those helped by the church were not church members themsevles. Transfiguration being an urban church, Neumark was frequently approached by those in need, looking for any available help. Milly, a young woman who suffered from the asthma so many bear in the area, was one such person, whose connections with Neumark and the congregation provided a much-needed space for Milly to turn her life in a positive direction. Like many things in the urban church, change was slow and often painful, but Milly (and many others) relied on the church.

   The stories are difficult to read, difficult to understand in a human sense. But the spirit that pervades Neumark's work is a joy to behold. Read with care, and read with prayer.

5 comments about Mary Baker Eddy (Radcliffe Biography Series).

1. I agree with the person who said that this biography is probably better for non Christian Scientists. In one sense, it is long overdue because the author is apparently an honest researcher who does not (as some) have an ax to grind against Mary Baker Eddy. However, a person more familiar with the teachings of Christian Science will want more spiritual perspective.
   
   Regarding biographies of Mary Baker Eddy in general, please see my review of Bliss Knapp's "Destiny of the Mother Church."
   
   An honest look at what Mrs. Eddy "had to meet" is necessary and parallel to one's own progress in Christian Science, because she met it all. This context is hard to grasp for "non-Scientists" of course. No one who begins to understand Christian Science could miss the idea that Mrs. Eddy's experience was not "sugar-coated." But that's just the beginning. It wasn't human effort, and it wasn't a magic wand. Ms. Gill's biography barely begins to convey what she went through. This understanding of what she did and how she did it, has to run parallel with one's growing understanding of Christian Science, or one is not understanding it.
   
   This book probably does help to undo some of the damage done by dishonest authors and may inspire others to investigate further the life of the greatest discoverer of our age.
   
   However, I must say that although I was endeavoring to respect the author's intentions of being fair, when I got to the end, it was like a big "clunk". I felt like, where was God in all of this? Where is the sense of how God was working in Mrs. Eddy's life? (If this is what they mean by "sugar-coating", then give me the sugar-coating every time.) I probably should have given in only two stars, but I was trying to be fair to an author who is not a Christian Scientist.
   
   Another book that students of Christian Science who think of themselves as "feminists" might find interesting is Paul Smillie's "Mary Baker Eddy:
   The Historical and Prophetic Perspective", available from The Gethsemane Foundation. It has a lot of thought-provoking ideas. Also good is David Keyston's "The Healer."



2. I bought this book at the Christian Science reading room in Boston next to the Mother Church at the recommendation of one of the staff members. She said the book was a good fit for someone who wasn't a Christian Scientist, but wanted to learn more about Mrs. Eddy. I found Gillian Gill's carefully documented biography to be thorough in most respects. Some of the financial issues were glossed over -- How did Ms. Eddy really become so wealthy? While she certainly isn't fawning, Ms. Gill seems too gentle in her treatment of Mrs. Eddy's paranoia about "malicious animal magnetism." The second half of the book is markedly more readable than the first.



3. Biographers of Eddy have assumed she was an ordinary woman in possession of an astonishing achievement and success. This strikes Gill as an absurdity. Surely her talent must account for her achievement. Mary Baker Eddy's freedom from domestic care was won at enormous cost when she was separated from her six year old son. She lived with her second husband, Daniel Patterson, in North Groton, New Hampshire between 1855 and 1860. After 1862 she began a transition. By 1875 she was active and independent. She first consulted Quimby, a healer, in 1862. Both Quimby and Mary Baker Eddy were autodicts. Mary Baker Eddy suffered from life-long loneliness. During the Civil War Daniel Patterson had the look of a fool and a failure because he was captured by the rebel forces while he was, remarkably, sight-seeing. The situation encouraged Mary to take an independent stand. For such an undertaking good health was requisite. Under the ministrations of P.P. Quimby she was healed. She became a Quimby disciple and publicist. She made several visits to Portland, Maine between 1863 and 1865. Quimby published nothing in his lifetime. He was barely literate. The Quimby papers were, in all probability, transcriptions of Quimby dictations. Quimby died in 1866. Eddy's healing in 1866 after a fall on the ice, as her marriage was collapsing, was produced through Bible reading. It was a turning point.
   
   Between 1866 and 1870 Mrs. Eddy moved nine times. She was penniless. Hiram Crafts was MBE's first student. While living with Mrs. Webster she met Richard Kennedy and Sarah Bagley. In 1870 MBE and Richard Kennedy moved to Lynn. Kennedy was a healer and MBE a teacher. The early students, except for Putney Bancroft, were a source of endless trouble to Eddy. By 1872 Kennedy had declared his independence. Nearly all of the Eddy-Kennedy correspondance has disappeared. SCIENCE AND HEALTH appeared in print in 1875. Many revisions took place in the foundational text, finally issued for posterity in 1907. MBE underwent social ostracism and cultural and intellectual isolation. She was writing alone in a cultural vacuum. Gill characterizes the work as the loneliest book she has encountered.
   
   The author of the biography functions as a sort of counsel to the defense as she evaluates MBE's essential intergrity and authenticity. She separates the strands of the rival schools of biographers, Milmine-Dakin-Dittemore versus Peel-Wilbur. Asa Gilbert Eddy and Mary Baker Glover, (after separating from Patterson she resumed using the Glover surname), were married January 1, 1877. Gilbert proved to be very useful. He died June 3, 1882. In August 1882 Calvin Frye was offered employment by Mrs. Eddy at her Massachusetts Metaphysical College. His employment with her extended to the end of her life in 1910. Calvin Frye had grown up in the shadow of his mother's insanity.
   
   Mrs. Eddy's religion succeeded as she created a persona appealing to both the rich financier and the aspiring artisan. John Wilson, University Press, became the printer of SCIENCE AND HEALTH to the great betterment of the book in its subsequent editions. Between 1885 and 1891 some editorial services were provided by James Henry Wiggin, a Unitarian minister. Gill argues that SCIENCE AND HEALTH is a flawed but fascinating and radical work. Mary Baker Eddy was unschooled but brilliant. By the end of the 1880's Christian Science was a religious force. It was challenged by the New Thought Movement.
   
   In 1889 Mrs. Eddy moved from Boston to New Hampshire and thereafter appeared in public infrequently. She closed the Metaphysical College and other Christian Science institutions underwent reorganization. In 1892 the Mother Church was established. The building of the church on Norway Street was completed in eight months. Joseph Armstrong wrote interestingly of the building of the church and the extension. The directors supplied on-site supervision of the work. Part of Mrs. Eddy wanted to be entertained and adored. There was, for example, her adopted son Ebenezer Foster. Unfortunately Foster exploited his influence. This biographer identifies one of the problems in Mrs. Eddy's dealings with others is that she hated noise. Pleasant View was a garden and a farm. In her first decade at Concord she enjoyed relative anonymity. In the nineteenth century New Hampshire was a tourist mecca.
   
   A rigid household routine enabled Mrs. Eddy to cope with uneven progress in Christian Science affairs. In her pursuit of domestic perfection Mrs. Eddy may have been a little mad. Household workers learned to fear her anger. Mrs. Eddy taught her last Christian Science class in 1898. Students received special invitations to join the gathering in Concord. In 1906 the New York WORLD reported that Mrs. Eddy was more dead than alive. Her reclusiveness puzzled friends and family. The citizens of Concord were prepared to combat the press attacks. After the Next of Friends law suit Mrs. Eddy moved to Chestnut Hill, (to a great barn of a place, she said). Within three weeks the rooms were reduced to the dimensions of those at Pleasant View and the dwelling became more tailored to Mrs. Eddy's needs. In the end Mrs. Eddy and her followers dealt with Josephine Woodbury and Augusta Stetson, errant leaders of the movement.
   
   Gillian Gill finds that Eddy was not an hysteric, a drug-addict, or deficient in maternal feelings. Acts to change the structure of the religion undertaken subsequent to 1889 are called amusingly the great disestablishment by Gill. Notes, source book descriptions, and an index follow the epilogue in this accomplished and judicious retelling of the life of Mary Baker Eddy.



4. I have read a number of biographies about Mary Baker Eddy and this is probably one of the best. Don't skip the footnotes! They are long but well worth reading. I kept one bookmark in the book and another in the footnotes. A few parts that I really enjoyed was learning more about Mary Baker Eddy's life before her discovery of Christian Science. There seems to be very little reliable information on this time period and Gillian Gill fills this void. I also enjoyed reading about the Next Friends case. Gillian Gill seems to have gone further than any previous biographer and actually read what seems to be practically everything on this subject - from newspaper clippings in Lynn, court transcripts, letters between the individuals filing the lawsuit, and more. It is the clearest explanation of the lawsuit I have ever read. And on top of this, I have a little clearer idea of what life must have been like for women in the 1800s - whether you writing a book about the Bible and healing or not.



5. For far too long, Mary Baker Eddy has been worshiped by Christian Scientists and either castigated or ignored by nearly everyone else. Thanks to this long-needed biography, we now know that Eddy provides an inspiring model for mid to late life accomplishment. As biographer Gill puts it, she was "conventional in her 20s, weak in her 30s, struggling in her 40s, a social outcast in her 50s, indefatigably working in her 60s, famous in her 70s, formidable in her 80s." Over her long life, Eddy overcame ill health, poverty, widowhood, divorce, accusations of plagiarism, lawsuits, mockery and deception, in addition to the expected obstacles of being born poor, uneducated and female in the 19th century. Yet this woman became the most influential and controversial woman in America at the turn of the century. Her writings so challenged contemporary mores that her detractors expended massive amounts of energy producing -- or manufacturing -- damning facts and damaging documents. Over the years, men from Mark Twain to Noel Coward stooped to cheap shots, calling her, variously, shallow, stupid, egotistic, illiterate, illogical, uncultured, poorly read, incapable of love, painted, bedizened, affected, hysteric , paranoiac, mad, ambitious, mercenary, tyrannical, a man eater, a husband killer, a drug addict, a mesmerist, a plagiarist, and even, long after her death, "Hitler with no mustache." Unhappily, most feminists have been so blinded by Eddy's religion that they have failed to properly acknowledge much less honor her considerable courage and accomplishments. Thank you Gillian Gill for setting this straight.

1 comments about Nothing to Fear.

1. Hello. I recently sent this book to a friend who was preparing to go into surgery to remove cancer from his colon. Needless to say he was very apprehensive about the procedure and actually felt like his time on this earth had come to its natural end.
   
   Last night, I got the great news that the surgery went well and my friend is resting comfortably. His brother told me this book helped tremendously and gave my friend the hope and inspiration he needed as he prepared for this dreadful cancer removal procedure.
   
   There's nothing like direct, positive feedback. God bless my friend and here's too many more years of good living!