No comments about Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer's Life.

5 comments about Out of the Flames: The Remarkable Story of a Fearless Scholar, a Fatal Heresy, and One of the Rarest Books in the World.

1. Before reading this work I had, at best, a very cursory knowledge about Michael Servetus, John Calvin, the role Switzerland played in the Reformation, the evolution of printing and it's impact on European religious thinking / the Enlightenment, and the more subtle interplay and tensions between the Catholic church and the reform protestant religions of the 16th century. This book fixed all that!!
   
   The tracing of the history of the rare heretical volume, it's presumed "extinction" and surprising resurrection, and it's impact on liberal Christian thought just adds to the intrigue and value of this well told and well documented story.
   
   I'll leave it to others to give a detailed synopsis of the main historical characters and the specific events, as so many reviewers have already done so effectively. I'll just add that the writing is concise and expressive; the events engaging and exciting; the depth and breath of the subjects and historical characters perfectly developed and delivered. I couldn't put it down.
   
   If you have an interest in history and religion buy this book. You won't be disappointed.



2. This book appealed to me due to its coverage of a fascinating period in the evolution of religious ideas and its portrayal of a freethinker I'd never heard of before. The authors do a great job of providing the context in which Michael Servetus came to his own ideas about God, the Bible, the Catholic church and protestants. Thankfully they don't try to portray him as some sort of freethinker's saint. My only complaint is that the book does not provide much detail on Servetus views other than on the Trinity. I'd have preferred more pages on his religious views and less on the backgrounds of some of the other people in the book.
   
   I was a little concerned with the fact that the authors are not historians, but this concern was tempered by the fact that their bibliography indicates they did extensive research in writing this book.



3. Scholarly work. Yet humorous passages that had me laughing out loud. Excellent writing that brings the period (1400s-1500s plus) into vivid, current relevance. Shows John Calvin for what he really was: hypocritical, cruel. Shows the almost forgotten Michael Servetus as the hero he was and is. If we hadn't forgotten so much history, we wouldn't be repeating so much of it today--some trying to turn back the clock on religious liberty--and we would be much better off today!



4. I was only slightly familiar with the account of Michael Servetus' fatal disagreement with John Calvin during the early Reformation until recently. This short, but thoroughly entertaining and informative, book is written so very well, that I feel compelled to praise it. One discovers much more than a very intelligent "heretic"; we come to understand the man's motivations, his inquisitive and earnest efforts to educate men about what he saw as erroneous theology, and the personal enmity of John Calvin towards him.
   
   Where the book excels is in the area of tracing out the paths of these two arch rivals as they increase in knowledge, but not always in good graces or wisdom. What really drives these men and how their lives are interwined with the advances made in book publishing, is contrasted with the previous disemmination of knowledge and the iron grip the Roman church had on it until this time. The barbarity of intolerance and the political incest between the Roman church and governments of this age are amazingly foreign to our way of thinking, but really did happen. A very good argument for "separation of State and Church"!
   
   A great story that may change the way you see the Reformation movement and Calvinism as well as the Roman Catholic church. Highly recommended for it's historical value and thoroughly interesting story.



5. I found this to be an interesting "historical" novel and learned much from it. The significant historical importance of the printing press at the time in regard to religions. Michael Servatas' contribution to science as well as to liberal, progressive religion is significant and how his writings have survived through the years is fascinating.
   The style of writing was unimpressive as far as I'm concerned but the facts I learned more than made up for it.

5 comments about Mover Of Men & Mountains.

1. This man's innovations changed the way we build major infrastructure in the world. From a early involvement in auto racing to the most powerful earth moving equipment of his times. R.G. LeTourneau changed the way we build and power the big machines. This is a inspirational book !



2. This, to me, was a good example that you don't have to be cut throat to run a successful business. You don't have to be a Harvard graduate. You just need to be energized to help other people the best way you know how, and not be afraid of change, but be excited about innovation.



3. I could not put this book down. What a great book! One reviewer said to buy a second book to give away. I did, but I should have bought several extras! Now I'm buying more. This book has helped me to recognize God's purpose for my life and the incredible gifts He has given to each of us. A great gift for anyone, especially for someone who has ever been in the construction industry.



4. This was one fantastic book that I could hardly put down. It is a great story of a man with dreams that were larger then life. He always said there are no big jobs, only small machines. Mr. LeTourneau had the capacity to envision larger and larger machines to make man more productive.
   
   This book is 290 pages short with 26 untitled chapters which cover most of Mr. LeTourneau's life. From his childhood and quiting school in the 7th grade to his struggles and almost bankruptcy, he does a great job at unfolding his life the way it happened. He tells of how his business grew during the depression and of the great success he had in creating machines to do a job that none had done before. He was laughed at by people who couldn't see the value in some of his gigantic creations which were ahead of their time. But he didn't allow other people's negativity stop him from accomplishing his goal of benefiting man by making him far more productive then he would have been otherwise.
   
   He talks about his relationship with God and how he believed that God was with him to protect him and help him to succeed. LeTourneau lived his beliefs by helping others and starting a school called LeTourneau Collage. He had given 90% of his stock in his business to a foundation he started for the benefit of others. He is not overpowering with this but just lets his beliefs take a natural course through the book.
   
   Overall I think anyone would really enjoy this book. It really was one of the more interesting biographies I have read. His life again proves that it doesn't matter what kind of education you have or where you are financially, the only thing that can stop you from fulfilling your dreams is yourself!



5. A must-read for every Christian, and a great tool for ministry.
   
   
   Blessings to Amazon!

5 comments about And There Was Light: Autobiography of Jacques Lusseyran, Blind Hero of the French Resistance.

1. I received my first copy of And There Was Light in 1977. The book was out of print at the time and members of my spiritual group had to resort to copying it for study. I'm grateful that it's back in print and Jacques Lusseyran's life and work are receiving more attention. Regarding the subtitle, I wonder what Jacques would say about being called a hero? Perhaps he would just laugh and shake his head since he conveys so clearly in And There Was Light that he was just an ordinary person who trusted his heart in a world gone mad. I think the best compliment I can pay the book is it makes me long to be better myself.
   
   As others have said it's a book about blindness, coming of age, WWII, the Holocaust, the French resistance, etc. What is truly unique about it though cannot be easily described, and is best appreciated in the reading. Just get a copy and read it.



2. This is a very unique perspective that has a miriad of themes. Keep in mind that this book has been translated from french. The semantics and verbage is somewhat awkward at times, but the message remains clear. This meling pot of personal experiences encompass: blindness as a youth, minds-eye interpretations of a blind individual, internal strength, the occupation of France during WWII, the French Underground, detailed brutality of the Nazi Party, prison camp conditions, and repatriation. Once again, I will stress that the themes are broad and this is a translated text, yet it still succeeds in painting a well orchistrated picture of each theme. Most importantly, the theme of hope and strength solidify the foundation and triumph in the end.



3. This is a beautifully writen book. Read it for yourself. You will really enjoy it.



4. This is the autobiography of a blind hero of the French Resistance during WWII. Lusseyran lost his eyesight as a young boy through an accident at school, caused by a bully. But instead of sinking helplessly into darkness he gradually developed his other senses to extraordinary capacity.
   When seventeen,while interviewing volunteers, willing to join the Resistance, he perceived colors when they answered questions. These colors revealed to him whether they could be trusted or not. Once, however,his friends disagreed with his recommendation. They all were taken prisoner and sent to the Concentration Camp.It was there, that the 18 year old found his second calling: Poetry. Reciting poetry by heart, he assembled the prisoners daily. The imagery had life-sustaining quality for them and a moment of renewal to all that participated. His experiences and observations there, later led him to choose to study philosophy and literature at the Sorbonne.He lectured at the various American universities until his death.
   recommended additional reading by Lusseyran: "Against the Pollution of the I"



5. A classic study in overcoming adversity and finding hope in hopeless situations. If it were a work of fiction, we would doubt the author's credebility - but this is not fiction, this is the real life of an ordinary individual made extraordinary by the light of his saviour. It is an inspirational book and adventure action novel all in one. Rarely do we find a hero so authentic and humble as Mr. Lusseyran - and only he could share the story because only he has access to that light so necessary for the complete telling.

No comments about Ignatius of Loyola: Founder of the Jesuits (Library of World Biography Series) (Library of World Biography).

5 comments about Run, Baby, Run.

1. I have loved this book since it was read to me by my 8th grade English teacher. I even reread it back then. I recently ordered it to give to my children to read.
   
   The misspellings and punctuation errors make it very hard for a first time reader to grasp the full meaning of many parts of the story.
   
   I see now that there is a later addition to the book. Hopefully these errors have been corrected.
   
   A very powerfull book that needs serious editing.



2. The first part of this book is sometimes scary and ugly to read, but so real you may not be able to put it down. Think you had a rough childhood?
   This book may lead you, like me, to count your blessings! The second half deals with Nicky's life after his dramatic conversion. It is the reason I did not give five stars. Mr. Cruz has mentioned elsewhere that he was not happy with the collaboration and "help" he got in "writing" this book. Sometimes, by no means not all of the time, after the time where Mr. Cruz is converted, some parts read like a Hollywood version of Christianity. Some words just don't seem to match the people who supposedly spoke them. Some of the conversions seem at least a little too fast, pat and formulaic. Overall though, I beleve the truth shines through. I really felt a great spiritual blessing in reading this book as if I were witnessing some of the true followers of the apostles in Acts. So moving. If you haven't seen The Cross and The Switchblade, where Eric Estrada plays the role of Mr. Cruz, by all means do so. Thousands have come to Messiah after watching it. It too seems to bring the presence of the Holy Spirit down upon one.



3. I was a young teenager when I first read this book. It has never left my mind. Now, I'm 45 years old and have children and very young grandchildren. I do not know that it will have the same affect on them that it had on me, but, since I home school my two youngest children (6 and 8) I will have them read it in a few years. I feel so much for Nicky Cruz. I always have. I felt sorrow, and pain, and hope. His story has helped me to realize that no matter how bad things seem for me, they could be so much worse. And, it has helped me to love my children more clearly and demonstratively so that they will always know they have a place to be ... they have someone who loves them.



4. Although I haven't read this book by Nicky Cruz, I thought I'd just add my own "2 cents". This is just a bit of trivia about the author. This is the same Nicky Cruz who is mentioned in the book, The Cross and The Switchblade. He was portrayed in the 1970's movie, of the same name, by a young Eric Estrada (TV's CHIPS).



5. When I was a middle school teacher in the 80s and 90s (I left teaching for another occupation), I used to read this text to my students the last 10 minutes of class (with my school principal's permission). My students were riveted to Nicky's story and begged each day for more time with the reading. Nicky's message is a powerful and positive one. I believe this story is still very relevant today. Some of the religion, although vital to the story, may need to be toned down for public school classrooms. I would edit the reading during the read-alouds but even doing this, the story remained compelling and transformative. I highly recommend the book and am pleased to see that its appearance has been updated and that Nicky Cruz's message continues to inspire young people today.

5 comments about Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret (Hendrickson Classic Biographies).

1. This book is simply one of the most powerful books you could read to draw you to the Lord, in increased trust, fervor and understanding of His love.



2. This work regarding the testimony of God's faithfulness to Hudson Taylor is truly inspiring and amazing. Hudson Taylor was truly a unique individual that sought to pioneer the mission movement in inland. While other missionaries were content to stay in the large metropolitan centers of Asia dotted along the coastline, Taylor ventured forth with a firm faith in God with the purpose of bringing the Gospel to the Chinese countryside. The title of the book is somewhat of a misnomer as the secret is no secret. Taylor bowed his knee in simple obedience to clear biblical commands. The secret of the book is how it documents Taylor's account of how God used him. God said "Go!" and Taylor went, and the influence of that is still being impacted on Asia. The book shows the uniqueness of Taylor as God worked in his spiritual formation, mission philosophy and practice. The Hudson Taylor's spiritual secret is attributed to his radical commitment to live a life in which he completely trusted in God and the living out of the Great Commission.



3. Very informative and honest account of what it is really like in practice to trust in Jesus Christ to fulfill your needs when you are loving and obeying the Lord's Word (the Bible).



4. Very well written and worthy of commendation. I recommend in for all, especially to those who are seeking, with hope, a trophy of God's dispensations in the diverse and many operations of this world about them, and in them.
   There certainly is a refuge in the midst of the storms, who is Christ Jesus...but, sometimes, it is neddful to direct thy bow to face the storm, and to ride the waves right into the storm. It is there, that we may find an "eye" in the storm, with peace and tranquility our anchors and mainstay.



5. This got me an A on a college paper on Missionaries in China. It is a great primary source.

5 comments about Jerry Falwell: His Life and Legacy.

1. I highly recommend the book, JERRY FALWELL-HIS LIFE AND LEGACY, written by his wife, Macel Falwell. Having briefly met Jerry Falwell on the campus of a Christian college in the early 70's, my memory was marked with the impression that he was an extraordinary man. While reading Macel Falwell's book about her beloved husband, Jerry, my initial impression of him was validated and my respect for this man of God increased immensely. As Mrs. Falwell describes in her book, Dr. Falwell's life was not easy, yet it was abundantly blessed because he gave his all to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Macel Falwell intimately shares how Jerry's life and legacy impacted our world. He loved God, his family and his ministry of love to people around the world. Throughout his life, Jerry Falwell was truly a good and faithful servant for God.



2. What a great book! I love what this book represents and how it is written. Well worth the read!



3. I was lucky enough to attend and graduate from Liberty University. In the years since I've graduated I've gotten used to the need to be prepared for all reactions when I tell people I was one of "Jerry's Kids". The opinions are rarely middle of the road..either love him or hate him. I can say I loved him..He was a great role model to students, he seemed to be a great father and husband and he was exactly as Mrs. Falwell presented him in her book. It was great to hear her side of the story after all these years. The book was excellently written and once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I appreciated hearing all of their stories from their life, and the excerpts from folks who knew him well only added to the book. Whether or not he agreed with a person, he always showed a love for them...perfect example is Larry Flynt. I count it a privilege to have been able to see how God can use someone when they are completely willing to serve Him. Jerry and Liberty truly instilled in me the knowledge that anything is possible with God. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks that the Jerry Falwell presented in the media is the only side of him there was. There was much more to him than that, just as there is with all of us.



4. I am from Lynchburg,Virginia therefore I am very familiar with Jerry Falwell and TRBC. I think the book portrayed Jerry just as he is and I am very proud to be from Lynchburg because of Jerry! I was glad that Mrs. Falwell set the record straight on alot of things and I hope people will remember the good things he did during his life time. I had to reach for the tissue box when he was offering the waitress a scholarship but that was Jerry through and through. I purchased another copy of the book for my dad for Father's Day and I have passed my copy on to my sister and neice. I hope everyone enjoys it!



5. I bought the book because I herd so much haltered from the media I wanted to know why.
   
   I now know why. Jerry Falwell devoted his life to one thing, to telling everyone he could about the love and salvation of Jesus
   
   He did it well, and he did it with no hidden motive. This is impossible to understand if you don't know Jesus. They tried everything to make him mad, to find him out, to uncover his weakness and he just kept smiling and telling them about the love of Jesus. There was nothing to uncover, he said he cheated no one, and he didn't, he said he hated sin but loved the sinner, and he did love them. He said he cared about people and when they checked carefully it turned out that he cared about people. That made them mad.
   
   Praise God
   
   Frank

1 comments about Francis Schaeffer: An Authentic Life.

1. I think it is safe to say that, of all theologians contemporary or ancient, few have had as profound an affect on my life as Francis Schaeffer. Though I've read little of what he wrote, though he died when I was only a young child, and though I have never heard even one of his sermons, I know that my faith has been shaped by him. He was, after all, a major influence on my parents and on so many of their friends. Shortly after their conversion, my parents went three times to various European L'Abri locations, spending upwards of a year at them. In so many ways Schaeffer shaped their fledgling faith just as they later shaped mine. I am indebted to him as I am to them. And in this I am hardly the only one. Though it has been almost twenty five years since his death, Schaeffer's impact is still felt throughout the Christian church.
   
   Despite my indebtedness, and despite his influence over me, I know so little about Francis Schaeffer. Though widely admired, it seems that few people have taken on the challenge of documenting his life (his son's recent attempt notwithstanding). It was with great interest, then, that I turned to Francis Schaeffer: An Authentic Life, a new biography written by Colin Duriez, who has previously written accounts of the lives of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
   
   The publisher's description aptly summarizes the content. "From his working-class childhood in Pennsylvania, to the founding of L'Abri, his personal crisis of faith, and his latter years as a compassionate controversialist in the worldwide spotlight, all the eras of Schaeffer's life unfold within these pages. But Duriez, who studied under and interviewed Schaeffer, also takes a deeper look, revealing those distinct life phases, as well as Schaeffer's teachings and his complexities as a person, within their historical context so that contemporary readers may better understand all of who Schaeffer was--and why he still matters today." Duriez depends largely on oral history he gathered--upwards of 150,000 words of it, to describe the life of this great Christian.
   
   I find that there are at least two kinds of biographies. There are some where the reader closes the cover and feels as if he now knows a lot about the book's subject; then there is the occasional sublime biography where the reader closes the book and feels as if he truly knows the subject. While I wanted this biography to fit in the latter category, I feel that it fits instead in the former. This is not meant as a critique as much as an honest assessment. Though the book has undoubtedly increased my knowledge of Francis Schaeffer, my respect for him, and my understanding of his impact on the church, I do not feel as if I really know him, as perhaps I did with Jonathan Edwards after reading Marsden's great account of his life or with Whitefield after enjoying Dallimore's two-volume masterpiece.
   
   Yet the book stands on its own merits and it stands well. It is thorough without being burdensome and grapples well with the complexities of Francis Schaeffer, his life, and his ministry. It describes a man who had a unique gift for teaching and a deep, reverent love for his Saviour.
   
   The best and, to my knowledge, the only full-length biography of Schaeffer available today, this one is well worth the read. I do not think it will stand in history as the definitive account of Schaeffer's life, but it is still a very good account and one that will bless you as you read it. If you have been influenced by Schaeffer or if you have sought to understand his ministry, you will want to secure a copy for yourself.

5 comments about The City of Joy.

1. An outstanding book. Highly recommended as essential reading for any thinking person and any person who truely cares about the world and the plight of humanity.



2. One of the best boooks of Dominique La Pierre, makes you see reality as is, the acceptance with joy of the life you are to live.



3. One of the reviewers below described the book as "cardboard cut-out disease porn" and that is the most apt, succint way to describe "City of Joy". The book dives into rampant filth, disease and raw physical suffering with about as much preamble and relish as any porn video dives into sex. It is about as uplifting as self-flagellation, and as inspiring as Fear Factor.



4. "...The 'City of Joy' shall be remembered as the best account of the life of the people in Calcutta's slums; of the city's never-say-die attitude. The book presents a very emotional account of the daily lives of the poor in the city, and makes the reader fall in love with these little heros, who daily fight the battle of life to mete out a subsistence existence. The book is an eye-opener to the people who have never faced the adversities of life. The author has done a brilliant job in portraying the poor with compassion and empathy. A true masterpiece..."



5. No other book I had ever read has ever made me more proud about the fact that I am an Indian or importantly, a human being. The moving story, that the author claims is based on facts is probably based on a true one. What is truly remarkable though, is the fact that this is probably not an unusual story or for that matter even an uncommon one! It happens, more so in India that anywhere else, despite 200 years of British rule the Western had not been able to take from these people what they prize most, their dignity. People trying to live a decent life, who hope to live with at least an ounce of self-respect going to great extremes to attain it.
   
   It doesn't surprise me to know this today, nor does it surprise me to know it took so long for the world to know this. What amazes me is that so many Indians have written such bad reviews about this book. It seems ironic that a book that tells a story about the majority of Indians who are uneducated is not appreciated by the minority that are. It makes sense though. This book doesn't directly attempt to glorify India's culture, its traditions or values. Instead it speaks about the bitter realities of a ghetto that almost all educated Indians with a modern outlook likes to pretend don't exist. These are the people that Westerners mostly interact with, these are the people who want to impress India to the rest of the world, and the truths in this book are not what they would think is impressive. It still impressive none the less. In fact it is more than impressive that even at the lowest of low of economic degradation a man can still try to live a life of dignity - the kind that every human being deserves to live with.
   
   IF AFTER READING THIS BOOK YOU SHED A TEAR, either of joy or sorrow, GO TO THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE MOST AND TELL THEM HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM, thank them for who they are and after that thank God for the beauty that is your life and lastly thank yourself because you are a wonderful human-being.