1 comments about Saint Monica: C. 332-387 : Model of Christian Mothers.

1. Having just really appreciated the story of Saints Monica and Augustine, this was an excellent short read on the mother/son story of two of heavens greatest saints. This delicate little book will make you appreciate and ponder on her inspiration.
   
   This paperback tells of the infinite faith of Saint Monica and her unceasing cries and prayers to heaven for the redemption of the body and soul of her son, Augustine, whose youth was being spent in paganistic ways, much like his father, Patricius. But just as her prayers were in earnest for her son, likewise were they for her husband, who eventually became a Christian, being affected by the love, patience and purity of his wife's life and example.
   
   Monica's being also became a profound influence on her mother-in-law, who made Monica's life miserable, along with Patricius. But in her elder years, she began to take notice of her spiritual daughter-in-law, who always showed her the utmost respect, despite the reproaches thrown against her.
   
   And of course, the most touching and profound story of conversion due to a mother's plea, is that of Saint Augustine. He is considered by many to be one of the most gifted saints, due to his natural insights and blessings, that he initially fought against during his early years, but which brought him such gifts of witness and teaching, in his later years.
   
   The conversion stories of her mother-in-law, her husband, and then most profoundly her son, Monica is a wonderful example for anyone struggling with a yearning and desire to bring their loved ones attention to Our Lord. At the same time, you realize that her journey of truth for her family, took years of patience and blind faith, and it is then that we once again understand, that everything is in God's time, and not ours. And for those who have the true understanding of His love for us, we become grateful servants as we wait for the Master's Word.
   
   This would be a most treasured pocket-size book for those who admire the faith and perserverance of St. Monica, as well as something to give to a struggling wife or mother, in need of encouragement.
   
   God bless and peace in Christ!
   
   Addendum: Located in the second to the last section of this book is the description of, and information for, "The Confraternity of Christian Mothers" which is a society in which Christian mothers and wives "offer mutual prayers for husbands and children who have gone astray" as well as "frequent and regular prayers with other women in the same vocation, talks, discussions, frequency of the Sacraments, as well as the edifying examples of other members".
   
   The last section offers the prayers to St. Monica (The Litany, Novena, Mother's Prayer for the Intercession of St. Augustine, and the Daily Prayer for the Children).

2 comments about George Washington Carver: Man's Slave Becomes God's Scientist (Sower Series) (Sower Series).

1. Great book, I highly recommend adults read with youth and discuss. I thought the ideas contained in this book were very positive and overall very appropriate for motivating young minds. I look forward to reading more from the author and sharing it with the youth that I come in contact with.



2. I bought this as a gift for my niece last Christmas. It was admittedly an attempt to expose her to other cultures and achievements. The best compliment was paid as she described the book to her teacher, who asked that she bring this in to read it to the class. I read this and its a good explanation of a brilliant man who thrived in his time. A good read for kids of any background.

3 comments about Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought.

1. Nichols uses sound scholarship to make an easily accessible book that is an easy read in providing some of Luther's basics.



2. First of all, please see my rebuttal to the awful one star reveiw in close proximity to mine.
   
   And on to my reveiw...
   Though this is certainly not the best work on Luther, I would venture to say that it is the best popular introduction. The book is layed out nicely. It reads quickly. Covers all of Luther's major epochs and works in a compact fashion. Having read the book, the average high schooler will have a reasonable amount of knowledge about Luther and a desire to learn more. My only complaint is that it would have been nice to have more than two chapters of biography at the front end. Nichol's is a good scholar and is doing a service to the church by writing history in a way that is easy for the layman to digest and enjoy. If you are mildly interested in understanding Luther, I would get this book, a good biography (Bainton or Kittelson), and Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings edited by Lull. Nichol's also has great suggested reading sections and a good bibliography for further study.



3. This is the worst book I have ever read on the topic of Martin Luther by a person claiming to be Reformed.
   
   The book is littered with historical and theological mistakes from start to finish.
   
   Nichols asserts that Luther himself wrote "Table Talk" in one part of the book. Nichols writes, "Luther, in one of his table talk entries..." page 162. Any novice of church history knows that Luther did not author "Table Talk." This is poor scholarship.
   
   Another mistake is seen when Nichols asserts that the 5-Solas are Protestant presuppositions. This is the type of mistake we expect someone from a completely different religion to make, not one who is supposed to be Calvinistic. Nichols writes, "Perhaps more than any other person, Luther shaped the presuppositions that define Protestantism. Theologians use a series of Latin expressions to capture these concepts. Known as the "Reformation Solas," they include: sola Scriptura, Scripture Alone; sola fide, faith alone; sola gratia, grace alone; solus Christus, Christ alone; and soli Deo gloria, to the glory of God alone. These ideas all take root in Martin Luther's thinking" page 16.
   
   Sola Scriptura is the Axiom of Christianity. It is the belief that the Bible alone is the word of God. It is the only "Sola" that is presupposed. The other 4 are either explicitly stated or logically deduced from the Bible alone. Nichols is therefore wrong. For Nichols to make the absurd claim that all of the "Solas" are presupposed by Protestants is to completely misrepresent Protestant theology. Furthermore, the "Solas" do not take their root in Martin Luther's thinking. Luther merely rediscovered these principles and published them openly. He did not come up with them. John Wycliffe and John Huss, for example, each asserted the Protestant principle of Scripture Alone. Both were persecuted for their profession, and Huss even died the martyr's death for it.
   
   These are two mistakes I came across in my reading of this book. There are many more.

5 comments about Stormie: A Story of Forgiveness and Healing.

1. This book is absolutely amazing! I've read it twice and could hardly put it down both times. Stormie lays it all out, and this book is so honest and real. Thank you Stormie, for being willing to share your story with the world. It helped me tremendously!



2. Stormie's story is truly a story of what a great Redeemer and Savior we have in Jesus Christ!! The bible says that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. AMEN!! Thank you for writing this story. I have read the other books of Stormie ... the power of a praying woman, wife, parent, the prayer that changes everything: Stormie's story gives the rest of her books a little more hope. Because who she was, wasn't who she remained. There is complete and 150% hope in the Lord. Thank you STormie, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.



3. Even for those who have been brought up in a loving family, this book will be deeply moving. To those who have experienced an unhappy childhood, lacking love and perhaps experiencing abuse, this book will surely encourage one to believe that Jesus is indeed the one who is anointed to heal the broken hearted and bring hope, healing and wholeness to any who turn to him.
   
   Stormie tells her story with amazing frankness and honesty. Truly this is a book that cannot be put down. The pain, trauma and emotion flow from each page with heart rending effect. In the final chapter where she tells of sharing her story in a women's prison, its impact on the inmates reflects its moving power as she relates how Jesus Christ took the broken pieces of her life and made her whole. If you know anybody who has suffered abuse and broken relationships this book is a must read for them, but it is highly recommended to all readers whatever their background.



4. One of the best, authentic Christian biographies on how God delivers us from evil into the light of His Son, Jesus. A truly inspiring story of forgiveness and healing. I could not put this book down until I finished it! This is absolutely a "must read" for all Christians who need to understand the power of God and the process of sanctification.



5. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have a look into Stormie Omartian's life and heart. It was easy to relate to the open way she told her story, through pain and loss, through mistakes and fear, through faith and triumph. She got real, more real than I even expected, and she truly touched my heart. As I read, I felt the grace of God covering her writing and allowing her to express the truth of her faith and her experiences in a way that could heal and bless others. When you read this book, no doubt, your heart will connect with Stormie's story and feel just as blessed as mine did. God bless you, Stormie. And thank you for your courage...

5 comments about God's Generals II: The Roaring Reformers.

1. Infact, the first book of the God's Generals series that I read blew me to the realm of the spirit. I finished that book in no time. I rate it a five star. I'm now reading the second one and I surely recommend the series to anyone who has the zeal to be a general for God. Nana



2. I've enjoyed God's Generals II very much. There is a lot of history contained within it's pages. I have learned a lot that I didn't already know so I can say it is definitely worth reading. I did, however, enjoy God's Generals I more, but I think much of that has to do with the fact that it was more modern generals. Anyway, I recommend you get it.



3. This is an okay book, about Great Men
   
   The people reviewed in this book are great men of God. The book itself is kind of awkward. The author presents biographical sketches, interlaced with comments like, '...I admire the sacrifices that Hus' mother must have made, because I also had a mother and a grandmother who taught me to pray and seek the Lord from my youth. I can relate to the dedication and love that Hus' mother gave to her son. The love of a mother remains the same, no matter what generation she lives in.'
   
   These kind of musings occur throughout the book, and distract from the content. The author also provides a lot of opinions about the characters of these people, rather than just telling their stories.
   
   Overall, a book I'd rather borrow than buy. But I'd rather borrow a better book.



4. I loved every bit of this book. Growing up I dreaded the long monotone teachers and memorizing the dates & the timelines in my history classes. After having a great history teacher in college I have grown to love history! It is now a hobbie of sorts for me. And in this book you can see the lives of these men from a different angle than you find in most history books. I found their lives were relatable and I was encouraged by their trials and their accomplishments!



5. Great read. Chapters highlighted key reformers in an interesting and detailed way. All this info in one volume...this book was very informative and a bargain. I found it very helpful and together with God's General's 1 a perfect edition to my library.

2 comments about The Awakened One (Shambhala Dragon Editions).

1. A wonderful account of The Buddha's earliest traditions that are deeply rooted in Hiduism. The book presents the story in a very straightforward path from prelife to death. Not an introduction to Buddhism itself but simply the stories surrounding the man who was its source. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the most ancient stories of The Buddha.



2. This is an excellent book. Much better for eg. than Paul Carus' Gospel of the Buddha, a perennial bestseller, though it hasn't sold much here. Don't be fooled by the low sales. Kohn manages to convey in extremely readable English, the poetry of the Buddha's life from what is evidently extensive research of the original sources. This is not a book about the Buddha's philosophy, though the when, how and what of his enlightenment is amply covered. It is primarily an account of his life, a biography, and in that, an excellent one. One gets a sense of his life, as also of the times in which he lived. The mythical contexts come alive in a way that one rarely sees, particularly the quaint world-space of the time. All the Buddha's major disciples and those with whom he had significant interactions are covered extensively. The most important thing about this book and what may be seen as it's only limitation is that it is not a scholarly work, but an introduction for the curious seeker.

5 comments about Turbulent Souls:: A Catholic Son's Return To His Jewish Family.

1. Dubner's highly interesting family history frames the tale of his own decision to "return home" to his Jewish roots, after his parents, both raised as traditional Jews, converted to Roman Catholicism in their unmarried days. His parents bring up Stephen Dubner and his siblings as deeply-devout Catholics, and all-but turn their backs on their own heritage after the time of their conversion. Dubner tells of about his life growing up attending Mass and living in suburbia in the 1960's and '70's, and about how he gradually took notice of the deep pull within him that directed him to reunite with the Jewish faith after his return to New York City following his college years in the south and elsewhere. He stresses that his return to Judaism was not a conversion, it was a restoration of who he truly always was. A uniquely interesting tale, told with honesty.



2. Fine price, treasure of a hard cover book in new condition. I could not be more pleased!



3. Turbulent Souls gives a fine account of the many journeys that took place within the Dubner Family Tree. Stephen Dubner traces his family roots which amazingly were rooted in Judaism. Its quite interesting how both of Stephen's parents became Catholics. In the case of Stephen's father, Sol(later Paul)it seemed as if he was rebelling against his overbearing father. Paul's story shows you that you cannot force feed religion into a young soul trying to emerge.

   As for Stephen's mother, Florence(later Veronica) the religious influence was fairly weak at home. Not to mention any sort of guidance as Veronica recalls rarely spending time at home during her teen years. Therefore, Veronica became a willing convert.

   Very compelling is the effects this dual conversion had upon this future couples family. In Judaism very often a period of mourning takes place and surely Paul became lost to his original family. Amazingly Paul and Veronica seemd to become perfect Catholics to the point of almost totally denying any past affiliation with their Jewish roots.

   Stephen's life goes through many turbulent periods. His exposure to the Catholic religion is a lot at first. Whereas he does not reject these teachings, over time Stephen develops other interests most notably the desire to become a musician. Like his parents, he encounters people who encourage him to explore his roots. When he finally does, Stephen becomes enamored with his family history and researches his roots to the point of exploring towns which were touched by the Holocaust.

   In spite of the difference of opinion with his mother's own spiritual path, Stephen is able to keep this relationship positive. Furthermore, he creates strong bonds with other family members both Catholic and Jewish. Whereas Stephen's articles meet with feedback both good and bad, at least our hero can say he was able to evolve spiritually while touching others along the way.

   I highly recommend this biography which interweaves the spiritual journey of a family over the course of this past century.




4. I was raised Catholic and really not happy with the Church so I was a little wary of the book when it came time to read it for my book club. I could not have been more wrong about how this book would affect me! It was absolutely wonderful. The author was able to write with detail without being long-winded. The feelings that he had about his religions/cultures, both Catholic and Jewish I could relate to by the way he wrote. With each step in his spiritual journey I felt like I was cheering him on to find out what his truth was and where he felt he belonged in his religious life. It gave me many things to ponder both from what he wrote and what he quoted from others, Jewish and Catholic. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who is unsure of their faith. It will not answer your questions, but it will help you answer them on your own. It is also a wonderful book for anyone with a strong faith of their own.



5. I have to say the main reason I bought this book was because I too am from the little town The Dubner's lived in and I remember Stephen since he was my youngest brother's age and the thing everyone knew about his family was that they were probably the most devout catholic's in our area so it was very interesting to learn of his families true roots. I had no clue of his lineage since as Steve describes our town was not very diverse for the most part it was an all white community in the middle of nowhere anyone new was noticed right away and everyone knew what everyone else was up to there is the Our Lady of Fatima church and 3 other presbyterian and episcopalian churches in the area but no temples. I had no clue until reading this book that he had such an interesting lineage and I applaud the fact that he chose to find out about and return to his heritage it took alot of courage to defy his mother on this subject!!!! I only hope that now he has found the answers he was looking for and lives a long and happy life!!!!!!

5 comments about Teresa of Avila: The Book of My Life.

1. I am no Bible scholar nor am I a Catholic. I am of the Evangelical corner of Christianity. This is the first biography of any Catholic saint that I've ever read. To me, Teresa's story is very personal and is certainly no coincidence that I read it at this particular time in my life. I have no idea how much of her writing in anguish about how she feels she failed the Lord has been edited out, but after reading the book, I have an understanding that she must have been quite severe on herself. That is often my own struggle. Her story has given me a tremendous amount of encouragement in pleasing the Lord which was my hope when I picked up the book. How you approach this book may depend entirely on the condition of your heart and whether or not you were lead to read about Teresa's life.



2. The beauty and art of Mirabai Starr's translations of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross is her ability to convey their lives and souls and consciousness for today's seeker. The place and time in which Teresa lived is so completely different from even the monastics of our day that to render her every word, including her copious remarks of self-deprecation, would be an injustice to her spirit. She was a free thinker of her day and powerful in a way that was almost unknown for a nun in medieval Spain, but her world was significantly different than anything any of us would experience today, whether we are a monastic or a lay person. Mirabai's greatest triumph is her ability to communicate with the saints through her meditative and prayerful listening heart and to convey their spirit and message to seekers who come from diverse traditions. What comes to mind are the renderings of Rumi by Coleman Barks, the original language, metaphors and nuances of which are simply impossible to translate into contemporary English. It is only by becoming a "drinking buddy" with Rumi that Coleman has been able to bring Rumi's ecstatic poetry into our world. This, i feel, is a genius that Mirabai Starr possesses, to bridge the world of these Spanish mystics and ours so that their aspirations ignite ours. For such a glimpse into the souls of these saints, i am deeply grateful.



3. Mirabai Starr's review makes Teresa of Avila come alive for the twenty-first century spiritual seeker. Faithfulness to spiritual teachers of the past requires us to hear their voices in the language and images that they would use were they alive today as well as the voice of their own time. The Book of My Life is an invitation to the reader to explore the book of her or his own life and experience God's presence in the ordinary as well as extraordinary moments of life. Mirabai Starr has the gift of enabling the voices of the past to resonate in new and exciting ways for our time. This translation of the Book of My life will awaken today's readers to the spiritual insights of an earlier era and inspire their own spiritual adventures in our time.



4. Mirabai Starr is a gifted interpreter of the Spanish mystics--John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. In her newest endeavor, "The Book of My Life" by Teresa of Avila, Starr reclaims some of Teresa's original passion and integrity as a woman and a powerbroker in the Church at the time. Starr's approach of reading deeply into the original text and liberating it from the bonds of historical patriarchal and doctrinal rectitude allows the reader to know Teresa as the courageous spiritual and social innovator that she was. Starr's window into how Teresa internalizes her visions in prayer and embodies the wounds of Christ will be immediately recognizable to women readers--as will Starr's rendering of how Teresa struggles with authority and power. This is a must read book for women who are rooted in faith and seek to engage the powers of the world.



5. Mirabai Starr is a genius once again. Having read her previous translations, "Dark Night of the Soul" by John of the Cross, and Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila--I expected "The Book of My Life" to be compelling. But I didn't expect it to knock my socks off. Teresa's Book of Lives paints a portrait of a mystic in the making, and over time we begin to see where Teresa is headed---the unitive state.
   
   With one eye on precise translation and the other on the meaning behind every word--Starr sees clearly not only what Teresa was saying but also the mystery to which her words point. Starr introduces us to a Teresa who is down to earth but capable of soaring, nevertheless. Through her open translation Miabai Starr opens the eye of our understanding as to the unitive state toward which Teresa is headed. When Teresa longs for the unitive state, Mirabai Starr helps us get in touch with that longing.
   
   This ability to bring Teresa close, to make her live, to make her breathe, to ask her what it means to be human--to find ourselves in Teresa and find her in us--this is the greatest gift of "The Book of My Life."

5 comments about Journals of Jim Elliot, The.

1. When I was a student at Moody Bible Institute in the late 1960s hardly a missionary conference would go by without someone quoting Jim Elliot, a missionary who had been martyred by the Auca Indians. The quote was always the same: "He is no fool who give up that which he can never keep to gain that which he can never lose." This is a powerful quote and one worth repeating. He was saying to those that believe - everything on this earth is temporary and will pass away; what is done in the name of Christ will stand forever.
   
   What a surprise to learn that as a college student Elliot began keeping a journal and did so until his death. This in itself is mind boggling. The fact that the journals are now available is even more mind boggling. His wife, Elizabeth has taken all of his journals and with the exception of a total of two to three pages of total content has presented them to us as a legacy.
   
   There are hundreds who would say that Jim's story as told by Elizabeth in her book, "Through Gates of Splendor", was responsible for them dedicating themselves to Christian work of various kinds - especially missions. This book more fully reveals the man, who along with his flaws reveals an incredible heart. A heart that wanted to know God and who wanted to fulfill God's plan for him.
   
   From every-day life as a college student to the trials of being a missionary in a remote jungle - it's all here for you to read, reflect - and perhaps find some inspiration and guidance.
   
   Armchair Interviews agrees.



2. I bought this book not for the theology, but for the practical struggles revealed in the day to day life of a man of God as he sought to live by faith and find that very special Will of God for his life beyond salvation,separation and surrender.
   
   I would recommend this book for any saved person that wants to be encouraged to live daily in the will of God, for the Lord Jesus Christ, in a world that from a religious and secular stand point knows nothing of or very little about a real meaningful relationship with our risen Savior.
   
   The journals of Jim Elliot demonstrate, that inspite of the real daily struggles we all face, it is possible to live by faith in His written word and not just on mere feelings that can change from day to day.



3. This is a very impressive book. It is the honest writings of a hero to many. In the book, you see that he was just like the rest of us and that he had a great passion for God. I certainly hope that more will read this book to get a glimpse of what a life turned on to God can do.
   
   This book in many places is very good for personal devotions. There are also many sections that are great expositions of scripture. This book is biographical, devotional, and expository.



4. I'm a native missionary kid from India, and I would love to read this book. I searched and tried every possible way to get it in India, but couldn't. To buy online, the shipping charges are unaffordable for me. Do you know of any store that ships to India? I would deeply appreciate your help. Jim Elliot's life has been a challenge and example to me



5. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

   And so was Jim Elliot, martyr at the hands of South American Indians who later gave their lives to Christ. In this, his autobiography via his journals, we see the life this young man led and the preordained road that led him to gain what he could not lose.

   "The Journals of Jim Elliot" had a profound effect on me as a young man as I happened to be at a similar stage in life as Elliot during most of the pages. What I found on those pages - the lifeblood of a man fully sold out to God - changed my life.

   A long book, "tJoJE" calls anyone who wants to know how to live a committed Christian life throughout the slow unfolding of Elliot's life. As an encouragement to young men, it is peerless. Its only detraction is due to the very nature of the autobiographical style as derived from journal entries. While you see God's hand moving in Elliot's life, sometimes the nature of the entries is lost, slow-moving, or repetitive. Such is the style of the book.

   However, what I found most helpful in reading this book is the stark contrast between Christian practice of fifty-plus years ago and today. Elliot was distinctly a man of his time, but he was not alone in his complete surrender to God. He was surrounded by many people who were like him. How he lived, thought, and died seems foreign to today's Christians. In fact, he shares more with a Christian of two hundred years ago in David Brainerd than anyone you typically find in a pew today. His example is so profound that it is hard not to feel that something has changed in the last couple decades. Somewhere there are men like Jim Elliot today; I hope I can find them and learn from their examples, as well.

   Anyone who stays with "The Journals of Jim Elliot" will find a great reward in its pages. It has always been one of my favorite Christian books. If you want a book that offers something different, it is a soul-stirring story made more compelling by its truthful historicity.

5 comments about Francis: The Journey and the Dream.

1. I belong to Secular Franciscan order and we are reading this book together. It's one of the best on the life of St.Francis.



2. when some life has passed and you are (even unconsciously) sick of it - then, start here, please --- this book, like the words, "come, follow me" is an invitation. my mother handed me this book fifteen years ago (with a wagging finger of warning - "don't you become like him !") and it has changed my life forever...
   there are other books, too - that I read again every couple of years - but this was the first - the stepping stone. it's an 'easy read' - a group of short vignettes that tell of a wonderful beginning. most highly recommended.
   thank you, mom.



3. I'll have to differ with the ecstatic reviewers before me. This is the wrong book to come to for either a.) a biography of Francis, or b.) a strong narrative line or, even, a cohesive story. Fr. Bodo gives us highly subjective moments from Francis's life, some very beautiful, some funny, all lovingly rendered. Many of his observations do indeed inspire the reader (this reader anyway). What he does not do is meaningfully connect these various moments and bits, most of which are no more than a page or two long, together into a strong story. So we get a very sketchy narrative that works better in individual moments than it does as a whole. The episodes have a sort of chronological unity. They are also continually roped in by the terminology of the subtitle, with lots of talk about Francis's Journey and Dream. But by the end of the book (novel? bio?), these terms have become so ambiguous that they aren't much help.
   
   I think this may be a great book to come to after one has read more concrete and chronological accounts of Francis's life. It's not a good place to begin to get to know him.



4. I first read Maurray Bobo's book back durring the Gulf War when my son was there and in great danger. It brought me to tears. This book was so moving and it so inspired me that I wrote to the author and told hom how much it helped me. I asked him to pray for my son - which he did (My son did make it home after the war). What I remember best is that he took the time to respond back to me with a nice card. So t is the least I can do now is to tell people about the greatness of his book.
   
   This telling of Saint Francis is both readable and enjoyable. He makes Francis come alive and spiritual hug you!
   
   This is the best book on any saint's life that I have read and I have read many. I strongly rememend this book to read. You will find that your life may change! Mine did.



5. I purchased this book hoping to learn more about Francis of Assisi, because it was recommended to me by a few people. I was slightly disappointed in its approach. It is more of a meditative poem about Francis of Assisi's life than a concrete portrait of the individual. There are no quotes about Francis from his writing and the book does not highlight important dates or the historical significance of Francis's actions during the time in which he lived. It is almost as if the book was written in a vacuum.
   
   The story is uplifting as a meditative resource. Francis of Assisi began his life as a member of the wealthy nobility, who had an aversion to the poor and the sick. He had a conversion experience while looking at a crucifix at San Damiano, which changed his life. He started a religious order that was revolutionary in its approach to embracing the poor and avoiding the pitfalls of materialism which plagued much of the Church during his life time. In challenging the status quo, he experienced much opposition, which the book does not investigate, but perhaps in doing so it would lose some of its poetic flow that helps it serve as a meditative resource, because it would require an analysis of politics (nasty business in any time period).
   
   Francis of Assisi is the archetypical respecter of all life. He preached peace, when most of his world was engaged in crusades. He preached equity, when people believed that a state of life was largely a birth right. He is known for his great appreciation for all God's creatures, including members of the animal kingdom. His life was not without challenges, and the book gives the impression that at times he did have doubts about God's plan for him, and was subject to loneliness because of his mission. I wish that the book went into greater details about these aspects of his life, but it does provide much food for thought that leads the reader to greater interest in the character of Francis, his values, and Franciscan spirituality.