1 comments about Ratzinger's Faith: The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI.

1. Associate Professor Tracey Rowland, Dean of the Melbourne John Paul II Institute, is described by Cardinal Pell in the foreword to this book as making progress towards "becoming Australia's leading theologian." Anyone who has read her 'Culture and the Thomist Tradition: After Vatican II' will understand that she is a theologian of substance. Those who read 'The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI' will see why she is indeed becoming a leading theologian, not just in Australia but in the English-speaking world.
   
   For her present work demonstrates a profound grasp of the wide-ranging theological work of Pope Benedict XVI and of the theological and philosophical schools within which and in contradistinction to which he has written. No one book can hope to encompass his theological achievement, but certainly one finds here a reliable and sympathetic introduction to it. For serious students of Catholic theology and indeed for those seeking an insight into Pope Benedict's vision of the Church's role in the modern world, this book is a must.

3 comments about Finding the Monk Within: Great Monastic Values for Today.

1. This book is absolutely wonderful. The title caught my attention, and I hoped that the book would answer some of my questions about living a more contemplative life. A mixture of textbook and spiritual guide, this is a must read for ministers of any kind, and for those wishing to balance life in today's culture with a very prayerful interior life. I find that I am carrying the book around with me even though I've finished reading it, and have begun reading it again after only about a week. Very simply, I highly recommend this book!



2. An entertaining and well researched history of Western Monasticism traced though the spiritualities and personalities of its leading figures. On a minor discordant note: Be prepared for some preachy interludes about empowering the laity, including (and ordaining?) women in church leadership and a puzzling if only passsing reference to the Islamic world's justified suspicions of Christianity due to Bernard of Clairvaux's preaching the Second Crusade.
   The book does not describe modified monastic practices for the modern person living outside a monastery, but rather a spirituality for engaging the world.



3. FINDING THE MONK WITHIN - is an excellent read. For anyone wishing to get a good understanding of the history of monasticism, this book is for you. It is an interesting and easy read. I loved every minute of this book. Pam Nashville, TN

5 comments about In Good Company: The Fast Track from the Corporate World to Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience.

1. This might have been an excellent book had it been written as a biography. With biography, the reader is kept at the natural distance created when a third party tells another person's story. Sadly, that is what _In Good Company_ feels like.
   
   The author takes us from his corporate days at GE through his period of indecision - trying to discover the path of vocation, to the first two years of his Jesuit-in-training experience.
   
   With each turn of the page, I found myself hoping that at some point the author was going to relax his stiff-arm and invite me into the intensity of encounter with himself. From the scenic winter retreat in New England to the oppressive Jamaican heat; from the necessary submission required by the novitiate and his fellow novices and leaders to the necessary submission required by the desperately ill; from waiting for a sign directing him to vocation to the hours spent in contemplative prayer, the author was embraced by God in the richest natural, human and spiritual landscapes. Yet, while it was obvious that he was deeply moved by these confrontations with life, there was a distinct disconnect when he put pen to paper, his prose maintaining a clinical sterility one expects from an "objective" journalist. When I arrived at the final page, I did so without ever having met Father Martin.
   
   When writing a spiritual autobiography, the author has an obligation to vulnerability. The experience of surrender and subsequent emptying of the heart has to be conveyed to the reader, or the one hearing the story, if the writer wishes his experience to be complete and come to full fruition. The task is the most simple and the most painful undertaken. Consider Martin's quote of Pedro Arrupe, the former General Superior of Jesuits, after he had suffered a stroke:
   
   "I find myself in the hands of God. This is what I have wanted all of my life from my youth. But now there is a difference: now the initiative is entirely with God. It is indeed a profound spiritual experience to know and feel myself so totally in God's hands" (page 144, paperback).
   
   There is nothing special about Arrupe's syntax, no exciting verb choices, no lively adjectives or adverbs - just a simple, transparent helplessness that asks the reader to stop and feel this man's humanity.
   
   Father Martin underestimates himself. He seems reluctant to allow himself (and the reader) the pleasure of full, fearless expression. Perhaps it has something to do with the insecurities he listed in the text or the "dignified" limits imposed on him by collar and title. I am not asking for a Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, or Mother Teresa experience or narrative style. I am, however, asking for Father Martin. His encounter with himself and the divine is too important to be lost in a collection of verbage that doesn't fully tell the story.
   
   Hopefully, he will write another book telling of the years following his novice experience. And then, perhaps, we will finally meet.



2. I plan on giving this to a business major I know. Martin's memoir of his time in corporate America is eye-opening, even though it is 20+ years old. And, I like his honesty in describing how ignorant he is of the religious life, which would ring true for many worldly young people today. All this in a breezy style that makes for a quick read. Don't think it is just for young men who have a religious vocation.



3. If you are thinking of a religious vocation, this is the book for you. James Martin (Society of Jesus) was fresh out of college, making big bucks at GE, and living a party life in NYC when he realized how empty it all was. He needed something more in his life and, to the shock of his family and co-workers, entered the Society of Jesus.
   
   The memoir covers Martin's college years, his job at GE, his enterance into the Jesuit order, as well as his novitiate in Boston and Jamaica. During these two years, Martin is challenged to live the life Christ is calling him to live. The memior ends with First Vows at a church in Boston, after which Martin flies to Chicago where he'll begin philosophy studies (the second stage of Jesuit formation).
   
   This was an exciting book to read. I found myself in Martin's shoes, as I have at times thought of becoming a priest. But even if you're a career person, and aren't interested in religious life, read this book anyway--it's a great place to see G-d at work. Highly recommended.
   
   Also recommended: The Gospel of Arnie



4. When considering a vocation, this book might provide a little relief to those who hear that discouraging little voice whispering, "You're not holy enough." For that reason, I think this book could serve as a thoughtful gift to someone in the process of discernment.
   
   The story of Fr. Martin hits on some pretty interesting topics. For example: his first career as a corporate man who makes good money, but is probably too overworked to enjoy it. Also, it's interesting to see those around him (e.g. friends, co-workers, etc) react to his discernment process and entrance into the Society of Jesus as a seminarian.
   
   The real story, though, is Fr. Martin's own reflections on the meaning of his journey to the priesthood, and the comparisons to his life "in the world."
   
   Sadly, I identified with his story of someone who grew up as a Catholic, and yet reached adulthood without a deep understanding of the Catholic Faith, its teachings or its traditions. Fr. Martin confronted his religious illiteracy, even if he felt silly asking what might have been seen as simple questions.
   
   Possible Negatives
   
   Fr. Martin is a "down-to-earth" person who lives in the real world. He is someone that is easy to identify with. He's a sinner--just like the rest of us. On the other hand, seeing his "warts," I sometimes felt that there was an ambiguous message about how to deal with our own imperfections. For example, should we see these imperfections and say, "that's just who I am"? Or, should we follow the Gospel message of Our Lord, to "Be Perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect"? (Matt 5:48)
   
   Also, Fr. Martin clearly lived the Gospel message to serve those who are in need. I don't mean to belittle these good works which are worthy of imitation; but, sometimes I fear that people make temporal good works the primary goal of religion, instead of the salvation of souls.
   
   Overall, I recommend Fr. Martin's enjoyable, well-written vocation story.



5. I have not been disappointed yet by the work of James Martin, SJ. I appreciate the honesty of his experience. I believe that the issues he presents in this book that surround religious formation are well written. I do share the opinion of one customer reviewer on Amazon.com who presents a concern about Martin's lack of transparency on the issue of sexuality and the vow of celibacy. HOWEVER, having perhaps a unique insight into religious life from my own experiences in formation, I can attest to the fact that the vows of poverty and obedience are much more divisive in community life than celibacy - and that celibacy is more often the heated issue of those outside religious communities looking inward with curiosity.
   
   I have shared this book with a number of other religious and lay people alike with the recommendation that this is another well-written James Martin book that is candid, humorous and honest.
   
   You will not be disappointed.

5 comments about Reluctant Saint: The Life of Francis of Assisi.

1. This is an amazing book that shows how Francis was a real human being, not the figure of legend that we've all grown up to believe. It shows how he struggled his entire life trying to figure out what God's will was for him and how he failed repeatedly. This gives us a Francis we can actually relate to. But don't buy the DVD that's supposedly based on this book. It's terrible, leaving out huge amounts of important information and done with really cheesy production values.



2. I hate to write this, but I have to be honest. This book is nicely written, but it really tells us nothing about the real Francis - the human being behind all the myth and fanciful legend. Perhaps that is simply not possible to do, since all the source material is written by purveyors of the Francis cult. But there are so many imponderables, so many holes in the popular story of his life...yet this author doesn't even adopt a skeptical approach.



3. I have been enjoying reading this book because not only do we learn about francis, but we also have the opportunity to learn about the society in which he lived in and its values, etc. And what I also love is that francis is portrayed as the human he was and not as some fantasy land, high in the clouds character. You will enjoy this book!!!



4. St Francis is a model saint. Donald Spoto wrote a thorough and moving account of his life. It is hard to get in the mind of another person but this book certainly provided a framework of St Francis's life and thought process. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to further understand the life of this very spiritual saint.



5. Donald Spoto's Reluctant Saint is good introduction of the life of Francis of Assisi. It pulls together many of the "lives" of this saint written by original sources and the modern reflection on his life.
   
   One of best features of the book is clearly breaking the chapters into dates so you can sequentially go through Francis's life and compare with the events occurring at the time in the rest of Europe.
   
   The book does not have the emotion and passion of some the "lives" of this saint but this somes times makes his subject closer to us.
   
   Clearly shows Francis as both a man of his times but also one for ours.

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!!!!!!

1 comments about Prophetess of Health: Ellen G. White and the Origins of the Seventh-day Adventist Hearl Reform, 30th Anniversary Edition (Library of Religious Biography Series).

1. As a former SDA myself who was educated in that church's school system through the first year of college, this book had a huge impact on my life. Ron Numbers is not just a disgruntled former SDA, he was SDA "royalty", related to some of the top names in Adventist leadership. He started the book with the intention of simply providing a historical context for the writings of Ellen White, and his connections within the church gave him unusually broad access to her writings and writings of her contemporary church leadership. He strikes a balanced, academic tone throughout the book and does not stoop to the axe-grinding of many former SDAs. It is my understanding in talking with several SDA friends of mine, that Ron Numbers will be invited to an Adventist History conference as a speaker. I believe anyone interested in a balanced view of SDA history needs to read this book.

2 comments about China's Christian Martyrs.

1. This book opened my eyes to the way things are in the world. True Christians are willing to both live and die for their faith. They don't have to have padded pews and a gymnasium and a crystal chandelier in the foyer. They have a simple message and a simple faith and their lives speak volumes. I will treasure this book always. When I think things are tough, I will revisit it and refocus.



2. Hattaway has provided an invaluable service by producing the first ever book profiling all the Christian martyrs of China between 835 AD and 2006. More than 250,000 Christians have been killed for their faith in China, and more martyrs have perished in China since 1900 than in all other countries of the world combined. Hattaway has written in his normal thorough and inspirational way. It is not a mere account of slaughter and death. Rather, the author has skillfully interwoven background and personal touches to the accounts, which connects the reader to those who are profiled. All serious students of Christianity and/or China, or Christians needing inspiration and encouragement in their own walk with God, will benefit from this book.

5 comments about The Jew Store.

1. A wonderful story, thoroughly enjoyed, and similar to my family history. The book was not, however, well written.



2. The Jew Store was both charming and telling. The author was insightful, but always kind and her humor was gentle.



3. This is an exquisitely written memoir that reads like fiction. What a talent to take what is true and create a story! In the 1920's, my grandparents ran a "Jew store" in Lawrenceville, Virgina, but left after a year during which the KKK made it known they were unwelcome. My grandfather became a "Jew peddler" in North Carolina, and much of this story rang true with the tales I was told as a child. Residents looked on the "Jew peddler" with suspicion, but also with awe because he brought the big city with him. He was expected to be sophisticated; his opinions were taken seriously. During the Great Depression, one North Caroina farmer gave his daughter to my grandfather because she was starving. He took her home to Norfolk, Virginia, to raise with his own five children, and a life-long relationship ensued.
   
   My book club enjoyed this book and had a lively discussion.



4. This was a definite surprise me novel. I picked it up for no other reason than the shocking title. This has become one of my favorite books, and she, a favored writer. I love how she brings the people from her childhood to life in the reader's mind, the language, the sayings, a delightful Southern Yiddish flavor. This book has been passed among friends and allowed us to have an interesting discussion with 3 generations of Southern women.



5. The authenticity of detail hit me over and again, describing not only how it felt to be Jewish in white anglo-saxon Prodestant Tennessee, but the way everyone was: open armed but not altogether open minded, graciously phrasing back-talk, helpful when you least expected it, back-stabbing the same way, and sugar-coating every topic but money. When it came to money, you didn't pay protection after the fact, like industrial cities; you first worked for permission. Fabulously The Jew Store tells this tale! True to my own memory is the white woman whose lemon merangue pie was acclaimed, only it was her cook's. The cook, called that but doing cleaning, gardening, child rearing, and everyting else. Learning to listen backwards if you wanted to know what someone was actually saying, as in "we're so glad you came over and didn't even call!" The sugar-coated talk from mean, angry men. The social standing that harked to who-knew-where... This was the small mill town I grew up in in NC, too. It produced the fragile sounding Southern-belle diction that was good for date bait 'up north,' as her daughter found out; but that belied the resolve of strong, smart women with wonderful senses of humor, as shown in her characters. Anyone who grew up in a small mill town in the South prior to -- say 1970 --- met plenty of folks just like these. How glorious to have this touching volume of remembrances.

2 comments about Seven Days in Haiti.

1. I received this book perfectly on time. Great condition and great service. Thank you.



2. This powerful little book is definately a must read. Michael Barrick journeyed to Haiti on a mission to discover what it really meant to be "a bond-slave for Christ", and in 7 short days, found out that and so much more. He tells of the places he went, and how life really is in Haiti for Christians and non-Christians alike. He talks of how the churches in Haiti are very much like the 1st Century churches of the book of Acts. He meets many interesting people, from missionaries to pastors to kids being helped by various ministries in the country. That is also why I say it is a must read for child sponsors, as we see first hand how sponsorship of these children changes their lives in ways we cannot imagine.
   
   I wish I could adequately put into words how good this book really is, but my advice is buy this book and read it for yourself. Its short and sweet, but powerful nonetheless. It is money and time well spent.
   
   If you are interested in child sponsorship of children in Haiti, I would recommend His Hands For Haiti, where 100% of the cost goes directly to the children. You can check out the many children still waiting for sponsors at [...]

5 comments about No Stones: Women Redeemed from Sexual Shame.

1. My wife is in recovery from sex and love addiction. We wish that we would have found this book prior to reading any other literature on the subject. There many great books out there, but by far this is one of the best. If you are a woman suffering from the shame of sex addiction, sex and love addiction, or romance addiction, this is a must read. You owe it to yourself to read this book. I read the book to improve my insight and understanding of the addiction. It was eye opening.



2. Marnie shares her story of struggle and redemption in such a fantastic way. I couldn't put the book down. It felt like she was writing to me. I loved it and it has helped me tremendously.



3. The book, "No Stones" by Marnie Ferree is an excellent book. Very in-depth and compassionately written, I would highly recommend it to any woman who has any kind of struggle in the area of sexuality or relationships. Marnie has tackled a sensitive subject with great sensitivity and compassion. She is truly a pioneer and her work is breaking ground for others.
   The book is easy to understand but not always easy to read. It has the potential to open up painful areas of one's life. I would consider this book a gift from God to humanity.
   Sincerely,
   C.H.



4. "No Stones" is a comprehensive approach to recovery for female sex and love/romance addicts. In part one, Marnie defines the secret sin of sexual addiction, then explores messages about being female. She details the consequences and cycle of addiction as it presents in females and provides a diagnostic tool. In part two, Marnie explores the roots of sexual addiction: unhealthy families, abuse, abandonment, generational patterns, and the core beliefs and emotions of an addict. In part three, Marnie outlines the path to recovery and healing: surrender and sobriety, disclosure, community, accountability, boundaries, healing from trauma, and on-going recovery. There is a special chapter for the husband, family, and friends of a female addict. Marnie's writing is engaging and professional. Highly recommended.



5. This book is does a great job of defining sexual addiction from a female experience...it is different than men! Marnie shares her personal journey as well as her professional expertise. It has transformed the lives of many female sex addicts that I know from my counseling practice.