5 comments about Lifting Our Eyes: Finding God's Grace Through the Virginia Tech Tragedy The Lauren McCain Story.

1. This is a heart-wrenching account of the lives lost on April 16, 2007. This tragedy will never leave me, but neither will Lauren McCain's words. Her faith, evident through her journal entries, her words of praise and her love for God have touched me so strongly that I think of her and her words of praise daily. She lived her life so deeply for someone so young and she will continue to witness to others through this book and inspire others as she has truly inspired me. She is a true child of God.



2. Using the story and journals of VT freshman Lauren McCain, whose love for Christ emanates from her like a sweet fragrance, combined with other witness testimony and police accounts, Lueders explores the events of the Virginia Tech tragedy and tackles tough issues like God's presence in tragedy and whether forgiveness is necessary and possible.
   
   This is not the first tragedy where someone was asked "Where was God?" or suggested vengeance and blame were more probable reactions than forgiveness. The book covers well the accuracy of understanding God is with us even in the midst of the fallout from the evil humans choose to enact. As for forgiveness, it examples and guides a truth I have learned to live long ago and wish more people knew - with Jesus Christ in your life, true forgiveness is possible and life can go forward.
   
   The best parts of the book are taken from Lauren's journals, her myspace page, and statements from friends and family which show Lauren not as a victim of violence, but a victorious inheritor of Heaven. The book gives you permission to grieve, and power to know what a difference God really does make when the relationship is real.



3. Some stories stay with you. This is one. You'll find yourself thinking of it long after you put it down, and you'll be happy you spent the time doing it!



4. I started reading this book last night and just could not put it down.
   
   What an amazing story and what a special young lady Lauren McCain must have been. His story is an absolute inspiration and her parents ae very special as well.



5. While interviewing the author Pat Robertson said, "People asked, 'Where was God when this happened?' He was right there." And that point is made throughout this book. Award-winning journalist and author Beth Lueders brings her years of experience to bear in crafting a book that not only tells about a tragedy and its aftermath, but challenges us all to "lift our eyes" and see the good that can come from even the worst mass-murder in U.S. history.
   
   Besides the well-written story, the book includes a comprehensive appendix with tips on how to help or receive help--both from a biblical and psychological point of view--when trauma invades our comfortable world.

No comments about Gregory the Great (The Early Church Fathers).

2 comments about The Fighting Nun.

1. "THE FIGHTING NUN: MY STORY" is the autobiography of Sister Margherita Marchione, mpf, Ph.D. Sister has written the story of her life with humor, serious philosophical thought, interesting anecdotes, and more. The author is a Professor Emerita of Italian language and literature at Fairleigh Dickinson University and is the author of many books. She is also a nun ~~ a member of the Italian religious congregation known as the Religious Teachers Filippini. Sister Marchione's life has been intensely lived ~~ complemented by worldwide experiences with popes and royality, presidents and Nobel Prize winners, and internationally known artists and writers. Her teaching and administrative positions include more than 50 years of experience at the high school, college and university levels. The first five chapters of "THE FIGHTING NUN: MY STORY" presents Sister Marchione's life from early childhood through her achievement of a Ph.D. This part of the book shows Sister Marchione's serious religious convictions. She committed herself to joining The Religious Teachers Filippini at the tender age of 13! Her struggles with homesickness are testament to her devotion to the religious life. And, since there does not seem to be much written about the Religious Teachers Filippini, it gives the reader a look inside this congregation and its beautiful Mother House ~~ Villa Walsh. The anecdotes of her college and graduate studies are interesting and demonstrate what is possible if one is determined enough. Chapters six and seven are an introduction to contemporary Italian literature and history. These chapters are effective introductions to the literary achievements of modern Italian literature, philosophy, and political thought. In other words, these chapters are very informative. The anecdotes regarding Giuseppe Prezzolini introduce readers to a thoughtful man who was an important figure in modern Italian literature and thought. Prezzolini's close relationship to Popes, Sister Marchione, and other Catholics is interesting in that he did not share their religious convictions in any obvious way. Yet he was very close to Sister Marchione and appreciated her work in publishing his literature and promoting Italian culture. Chapter eight shows Sister Marchione's diverse interests. She did outstanding study in exposing the work and thought of Philip Mazzei ~~ a man who influenced such figures in early national U.S. History such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Her books on Mazzei's work are impressive and these works would be useful to anyone interested in U.S.History. This is an informative chapter. Chapters nine and ten recall anecdotes of Sister Marchione's students as well as the numerous awards she has received. These chapters are not self-serving comments but rather an indication of how a devout Catholic nun can accomplish so much when motivated by religious conviction. Her audiences with Popes also indicate how esteemed this little nun was in the highest circles of The Roman Catholic Church. In chapter eleven, Sister Marchione reveals to the reader her spirited defense of the Pope Pius XII's actions toward the Nazis during World War II. One interesting anecdote is the debate she had with John Cornwell who whined that the good nun made him angry when presented with honest history rather than his own false hallucinations. She offers an excellent summary of Pope Pius XII's kindness and heroic efforts to save refugees and innocent victims during World War II. After reading this chapter, the interested reader should then read Sister Marchione's books titled "YOURS IS A PRECIOUS WITNESS, POPE PIUS XII: ARCHITECT OF PEACE, and CONSENSUS AND CONTROVERSY". This chapter of "THE FIGHTING NUN" is a good introduction to these other works. Chapter twelve discusses The Roman Catholic Church after the tenure of Pope Pius XII. There is interesting commentary on his successors, including the late Pope John Paul II. Chapter thirteen gives a brief comment on Sister Marchione's later life. This chapter tries to encourage the reader to study and learn. It is also an incitement to readers to live patiently and meaningfully. One could learn a very valuable lesson in how to live a meaningful life. Published in 2000 by the Religious Teachers Filippini, this 240-page, soft covered book introduces the reader to a nun who has led a very inspiring and interesting life.



2. Sister Marchione, Ph.D. wrote an interesting autobiography that has humor, serious philosophical thought, interesting anecdotes, etc. This book combines devout Catholicism, sheer determinination, and heroism that should attract any reader of residual common sense. Those who enjoy "The American Success Story" would find Sister Marchione's THE FIGHTING NUN well worth reading.
   
   The first five chapters give a precis of Sister Marchione's life from early childhood through her achievement of a Ph.D. This part of the book shows Sister Marchione's serious religious convictions. Sister Marchione committed herself to joining The Religious Teachers Filippini at the tender age of 13. This writer does not know of anyone who entered the religious life in modern history at such a young age. To say that Sister Marchione was serious is an understatement. Her own priest, who should have perhaps known better, did not take her commitment seriously. Sister Marchione's struggles with homesickness are testament to her devotion to the religious life. The anecdotes of her college and graduate studies are interesting and demonstrate what is possible if one is determined enough.
   
   Chapters six and seven are an introduction to contemporary Italian literature and history. These chapters are effective introductions to the literary achievements of modern Italian literature, philosophy, and political thought. In other words, these chapters are very informative. The anecdotes regarding Giuseppe Prezzolini introduce readers to a thoughtful man who was an important figure in modern Italian literature and thought.
   Prezzolini's close relationship to Popes, Sister Marchione, and other Catholics is interesting in that he did not share their religious convictions in any obvious way. Yet he was very close to Sister Marchione and appreciated her work in publishing his literature and promoting Italian culture.
   
   Chapter eight shows Sister Marchione's diverse interests. Sister Marchione did outstanding work in exposing the work and thought of Philip Mazzei who influenced such figures in early national U.S. History such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Sister Marchione's books on Mazzei's work is impressive, and these books would be useful to anyone interested in U.S.History. Rev. Edmund Opitz, who is not Catholic, was quite impressed with this work and favorably reviewed Sister Marchione's work regarding Mazzei, Jeffoerson, etc. This is an informative chapter.
   
   Chapters nine and ten should be read in tandem. These chapters recall the anecdotes of Sister Marchione's students as well as the numerous awards she received. These chapters are not selfserving comments but rather an indication of how a devout Catholic nun can accomplish so much when motivated by religious conviction. Her audiences with Popes also indicate how esteemed this little nun was in the highest circles of The Roman Catholic Church.
   
   Sister Marchione's defense of Pope Pius XII is worth the price of the book. In chapter eleven, Sister Marchione reveals to the reader her spirited defense of an honorable and brave man who has been smeared by Catholic bashers who reveal their own ignorant bias. One interesting anecdote is the debate Sister Marchione had with John Cornwell who, in a fair and honest forum, whined that the good nun made him angry when presented with honest history rather than his own false hallucinations. One could learn an excellent summary of Pope Pius XII's kindness and heroic efforts to save refugees and innocent victims during World War II. One should note that many of those who were rescued were Jews who personally praised Pope Pius. After reading this chapter, the interested reader should then read Sister Marchione's books titled YOURS IS A PRECIOUS WITNESS, POPE PIUS XII: ARCHITECT OF PEACE, and CONSENSUS AND CONTROVERSY.
   This chapter of THE FIGHTING NUN is a good introduction to these other books.
   
   Chapter twelve updates the reader of The Roman Catholic Church after the tenure of Pope Pius XII. There is interesting commentary on Pope Pius XII's successors including the late Pope John Paul II. One should note that Pope Pius XII's successors worked closely with him, and Sister Marchione indicates how they both praised Pope Pius XII and worked closely with him to save W.W. II refugees including Jews. This is espeically true of Pope John XXIII.
   
   Chapter thirteen gives a brief comment on Sister Marchione's later life. This chapter tries to encourage the reader to study and learn. It is also an incitement to readers to live patiently and meaningfully. One could learn a very valuable lesson in how to live a meaningful life.
   
   Obviously, this reviewer highly recommends THE FIGHTING NUN. If one protests that the book is boring, such a complaint reveals that this person is boring. This is a summary of the significant achievements of one little nun born of poor but very good immigrant Italian parents. This book is also a lesson on how effectively serious religious convictions can assist one in living a meaningful and productive life. To say this reviewer enjoyed this book is an understatement.

No comments about The Ocean of Love.

1 comments about Zen Pioneer: The Life and Works of Ruth Fuller Sasaki.

1. ZEN PIONEER: THE LIFE & WORKS OF RUTH FULLER SASAKI offers a survey of the life of a spirited Chicago turn of the century woman who might as easily have become a society matron, but chose the path of Buddhism at the time - a path most odd for a woman of her stature and upbringing. She was the only Westerner - and only woman - to be made a priest of the Daitoku-ji temple, and here provides three of her translations, an overview of her life, photos, a chronology and more. As a blend of biography and religious literature, it can't be beat.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

3 comments about So the Woman Went Her Way: A Personal Journey.

1. I just finished this lovely book again... and the second read was even more enriching than the first. This is a lovely personal perspective on so many rich passages. A treat.



2. If you are a woman who loves the Bible, this book is a "must read." I found it enlightening and a fast read. The title comes from a passage in I Samuel where Hannah has prayed.
   
   "Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad."



3. From the moment I read the title to the last page, I was caught up in a journey through one women's life, that though different from my own, was so familiar. Here was a woman who treated the Word of God, with clarity and mysterious awe, yet simplicity. "So the Woman Went Her Way" is a reference book for me. I keep it for those times when I need a spirit refreshment. Another great spiritual "journey" book for women is "The Feminine Face of God", a must have for any woman seeking spiritual sustenance and kindred spirits.

No comments about Before the Manifesto: The Life Writings of Mary Lois Walker Morris (Life Writings Frontier Women).

1 comments about Michael Faraday: Physics and Faith (Oxford Portraits in Science).

1. APPROX 60 YEARS AGO,MY LATE MOTHER GAVE ME A MAGAZINE OR BOYS ADVENTURE BOOK ,AND I WAS ABSORBED BY THE STORY OF MICHAEL FARADAY;THIS DESCRIBED HIS WORK ON ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCES.I WAS FASCINATED THEN AND AM VERY PROUD TO SAY I AM STILL FASCINATED NOW AT 70 YEARS OF AGE :I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AS A MUST READ FOR ALL--REGARDS,ALBERT ANDREWS

No comments about The Preacher's Demons: Bernardino of Siena and the Social Underworld of Early Renaissance Italy.

2 comments about Karl Barth's Critically Realistic Dialectical Theology: Its Genesis and Development 1909-1936.

1. Let's be honest -- Barth would despise most contemporary so-called "Barthians." All sorts of folks who are teaching theologies he abhored and risked his career to battle have tried to appropriate his name. Most "Barthians" are far less orthodox than Barth. Often they have affinities to some small aspect of his approach to theology, while rejecting the rest of this thought that hangs with it.

   Bruce McCormack is not one of these pretenders! While perhaps not a "slavish" Barthian, McCormack is a Barthian that Barth would recognize, appreciate, and support.

   In general, McCormack wants to present Barth as classically orthodox, not "neo-orthodox." This is a difficult task in many ways, because of Barth's novel appraoch and his departure from the theology of the Reformation on many points (outright rejection of all natural theology, Barth's universal salvation, his rejection of Biblical inspiration opting for an emphasis on illumination instead, etc.)

   McCormack is one of the sharpest minds in the mainline church. I studied under him for two degrees at Princeton, where he was clearly the brightest theologian in a brilliant department. Unfortunately, like his hero Barth, he is not often kind to his reader. He makes you work very hard. This is a difficult read. But many will find it worth the effort, not matter what their view of Karl Barth.




2. This book won the 1998 Karl Barth prize in Germany, which is awarded to secondary sources on Barth. That is an honorable prize, considering that one of the judges was Eberhard Jungel, who is a great Barth scholar himself. For any interested in Barth, this is a book that must be read in order to understand the current state of discussion.

   McCormack manages to trace through the complex world of pre-WW2 Germany to show Barth's influences from the Marburg neo-Kantians, expressionism, socialism, etc. His basic point is that Barth's break with liberalism and his "decisive turn to analogy" were not as radical as one would think. In other words, the Barth of Romans has far more in common with the mature Barth of the Church Dogmatics. This book also proceeds to correct a number of misperceptions about Barth, based on historical work. In the final analysis, McCormack has hoped that his work will press theologians to read the primary sources firsthand, rather than relying on "received interpretations."

   I would recommend reading this book, then von Balthsar's _Theology of Karl Barth_ (in that order). The von Balthsar book is interesting, because it tells you how people have understood Barth (up to now), and because of von Balthasar himself. But in the final analysis, I find McCormack's book to be more technically correct.