5 comments about Won by Love: Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe V. Wade, Speaks Out for the Unborn As She Shares Her New Conviction for Life.

1. Norma is a gifted writer. Like her first book, this one is interesting and thought provoking. I didn't want to put it down once I got started.
   
   However, I was disappointed at her portrayal of the abortion debate as a simple conflict between the "good guys" and the "bad guys." According to Norma, most everything ever said or done by the pro-choice camp is the result of malicious motives. The pro-lifers on the other hand are saints who, by definition, never do anything wrong.
   
   Some of her criticisms of abortion providers seem legitmiate. She correctly notes that abortion is not subjected to the same regulations as other similar medical procedures. She accurately points out that pre-abortion counseling is often perfunctory and slanted in favor of abortion. Patients who go to clinics for counseling are not encouraged to consider other options.
   
   On the other hand, Norma's claim that all pro-choice advocates are child-haters who want to live in a childless world populated only by adults is simply absurd. She also claims that the legalization of abortion is the cause of all the tragically "empty playgrounds." She makes this claim after observing an empty playground at a school which she acknowledges was closed for the summer. She makes it sound as if everyone stopped having kids when Roe v. Wade was decided.
   
   According to Norma, most, if not all, doctors who perform abortions do it out of pure greed and for no other reason. She refuses to recognize that many abortion providers and pro-choice advocates sincerely believe in the moral correctness of their actions.
   
   I also question the accuracy of some of her claims. She reports one incident where a woman came in and had an abortion at 6 months gestation because she found out she was carrying a girl and she wanted a boy. I suppose it could happen but it sounds far fetched.
   
   It is also clear from the book that Norma is often prone to volatile behavior and angry outbursts. She gleefully recounts one incidents when she stood next to a heating vent in the office of Operation Rescue. At the time, OR shared a wall with the clinic where Norma had been employed. She turned on a vacuum cleaner and shouted comments to the clinic doctor about "killing babies." This from the woman who claims she was "Won by Love" and that the pro-lifers always treat their opponents with nothing but love and kindness.
   
   Norma correctly notes that she was often manipulated and treated badly by the movers and shakers of the pro-choice movement. I'm not saying they drove her to the other side, but it is obvious that Norma was desperate for compassion and community. When she started hanging out with the folks from Operation Rescue she was seeking friendship and love.
   
   I keep wondering if there isn't some reasonable middle ground concerning abortion. Most of the folks on both sides are good hearted, sincere individuals who truly want to do the right thing and make the world a better place. I wish we could find some kind of compromise where abortion would be truly safe, legal, and rare. Where unwed mothers could get the help and support to make adoption a more viable option and where 2nd and 3rd trimester abotions would be unheard of except in cases of true medical necessity. This book won't do anything to advance such a compromise. But if you are troubled by the issues and want to explore different viewpoints, I recommend this book.
   
   I also feel compelled to point out that Christian is not synonamous with pro-life and pro-choice is not synonamous with anti-Christian. Pleanty of Christians are pro-choice and some non-Christians are pro-life.



2. I didn't know much about Norma McCorvey ('Jane Roe' of Roe v. Wade) until just a couple years ago, and I knew absolutely nothing of Sandra Cano ('Mary Doe' of Doe v. Bolton - the case which extended abortion rights to the ninth month of pregnancy) until I read this book.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about abortion in this country - anyone who wants to know the history of it, how we could go from the Hippocratic Oath to willfully taking the lives of 40+ million (and counting) innocent babies.
   
   There are facts and insights which this book revealed which will forever be written on my heart - life-changing and mind-changing information.
   
   I am thankful that Norma McCorvey was willing to tell the good, the bad, and the ugly - that she was willing to be honest and transparent. She is to be commended for not pulling any punches, but simply telling it like it was and is.
   
   This passage from her book stood out to me:
   
   "In the abortion movement, we always assumed that Christians were mean-spirited, judgmental, pleasure-hating radicals. If they opened their mouths at all, we thought, it was only to condemn sinners and deliver a sermon about the wages of wickedness.
   
   In fact, I found out we [the abortion movement] were the ones who were mean-spirited, self-righteous, and judgmental. It was those in the abortion movement who were ruled by hatred and spite. My entire frame of reference had changed."
   
   page 168 - Won by Love, by Norma McCorvey



3. After reading S. Fatina's review I was compelled to write this in response.
   
   Why must people make hateful remarks such as " rabid abortion-rights activists " and " Feminist-in-Chief Hillary Clinton ", as highlighted here? Its rude and discriminatory. Hillary Clinton doesn't represent the feminist movement, which isn't a outlandish idea at all. Feminism is derived from the (at the time) radical idea that women are people too. That we have hopes and dreams that aren't limited to running a household or being a parent. That we want the option of independence and opinion in society, just like men. That's all feminism is based on. And, FYI, there is no stance that I know of that is "pro-abortion" as you put it. That says too me that people haphazardly believe every pregnancy should be terminated, and thats just rediculous. It's called pro-choice for a reason. Women have and should continue to have, in my opinion, the fundamental right to choose a life of happiness whatever that may mean to them, under our laws and be free of persecution for that choice.
   
   I doubt that anyone having to make a choice of this magnitude is exbuerant or enthusiastic about having terminating a pregnancy, however, I also don't believe that a child born to a mother who is ill-prepared for the serious undertaking of becoming a parent before her time will have the opportunities or life that it deserves. The life and happiness of not ONLY the mother are at stake, the potential child must also be considered. The problem with doing away with abortions in our society is that we haven't addressed the issue at hand or the driving force to terminate a pregnancy. There is for some women no other forseeable option. When we as a nation are allowing government cut backs or the complete elimination of federally funded family planning organizations, which help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies to begin with, where we teach 'abstinence only' sex education, which is proven many times over not to be effective, where we cut wellfare programs for un-wed parents, we ignore reality and leave no fit option in many peoples lives. It's not a tax issue. The amount of money we are spending supporting a war that kills many innocent civilians and young soldiers is by far more than is spent or has EVER been spent supporting family planning organizations or wellfare recipients.
   
   How do you suppose, if all fetuses were born, they should be cared for? A teenage mother with no high school diploma has very little chance of gaining decent employment. Walmart and fast food restaurants in most parts of our nation don't pay a living wage. Many young, single fathers aren't held responsible for their actions and if they are, $200 a month for child support doesn't buy much more then diapers. So other than writing a check every month, he's off the hook. There is no such thing as forced visitation and I certainly don't see many young men jumping from their seats, biting for the responisiblity of caring for the child on their own. The parents of the unprepared or unwilling mothers should not be forced into having to financially, and most likely physically, care for these unintended newborns. Adoption is an option but the trauma of giving birth and moments later not seeing the child again is heart wrenching and pregnancy has far more potential health risks then receiving an abortion from a licensed provider. In addition, the average cost of a hospital delivery and 24-hours of care to the mother and a healthy child ALONE is around $9000, double that for cesarians. The average cost of an abortion and after care is $300-600. Besides if every child was born and placed for adoption in similar circumstance there would be far too few willing families to take in these children. The foster programs would be more overwhelmed than they already are. In my county alone there are multiple hundreds of children in the foster system available for adoption or placement with no person or family to take them in and thats just to put a roof over their heads. Those are just the monetary issues.
   
   Should a child, born to a young mother, have to bare the guilt or shame that is often associated with the life they had no choice in creating? Who will love and care for this child emotionally? Will they be doomed to repeat the mistakes of their parents if they are raised in situations where their mother has to compromise what's best for the family vs. what is feasible? Until society, individual states and the federal government address the reality of unintended pregnancy and come up with acceptable programs to address those issues, I feel that it is a choice of the potential mother or both parents that matter most and not the choice of a man, standing behind an alter, preaching about an issue he would never have to face, nor that of a man in a suit on capital hill. It is the decision of the potential mother and father; end of story.
   
   One last side note: "Jane Roe" never had the opportunity to have the abortion that she fought for. Her pregnancy came full term and she delivered the child during litigation. As for her not being invited to attend major pro-choice functions, perhapse being that she used a fictional name during her court battles it was believed that she wished to maintain her anonimity and privacy, not becoming a poster child for the issue. Though her opinion on the matter at hand has changed as she "found god", she still never had an abortion. I believe that the vast majority of women who terminate a pregnancy continue to believe in a womans right to choose, even years later, and do not regret the decision they made. Though the circumstances themselves are regretable, at the time, it was their decision to make and was made so they might be better able to achieve their hopes and dreams.



4. This book is a good read. It discusses the whole issue of abortion in very detail begining from its roots. Its also about abortion and how Norma McCorvey's life revolves around it. Pro-life vs Pro-choice is a never ending controversial debate. But Norma is a good writer. She is sometimes very humourous (she uses a lot of her dark funny side). She also discusses how she fought with pro-life leaders in the begining and eventualy became their friend. The debate between pro-life and prochoice is written so that a layperson can understand. She has clearly depicted how abortion industry has killed babies. Nonsensical abortions should come to an end in the States.



5. I think it's swell that Norma McCorvey has found Jesus and all that but some of the world (including me), well, we're not Christian and as sinful as some see it, we're not huge believers in God.
   
   Based on the reviews I've read here, the majority of readers are Christian. I'm not going to criticize them for their beliefs but it seems that they feel it's ok to criticize mine and put legislation on my body.
   
   Before Norma found religion she was ok with making her own medical decisions. Now that she's found it, she doesn't think I should be able to make my own medical decisions.
   
   I applaud her for choosing not to abort the fetus she carried. That was the right decision for HER. Abortion is the right decision for some people and not all of those people suffer the grief claimed by anti-choice advocates.
   
   Congratulations on finding God, if that's your desire. Some of us are happy believing in a version of God that doesn't espouse hate and dictation over women's bodies. Some of us don't believe in God.
   
   Your religion should not dictate my medical decisions. And neither should Norma McCorvey's. My medical decisions should be left to me, my doctor and my god, IF I have one.
   
   TY & GN.

4 comments about Yearning for the Living God: Reflections from the Life of F. Enzio Busche.

1. The book starts off with a wonderful insight into the German people before and after Worl War 2. Having spent time in Germany with German people, this helped me understand where they came from in current history. This is followed by stories about his conversion and finding a living God who answers prayers and is a real source of assistance to people. It appeals to the spirit rather than the intellect that is not to say the brain is left out of the book. It is difficult to put down and at the same time so engaging that you have to take a rest while reading the book. Very uplifting to me! I have suggested it to many of my friends and those who have read it have the same opinion.



2. F. Enzio Busche recounts the spiritual experiences that led him to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as many experiences since his conversion. His humble and powerful example truly inspires rededication to God. Elder Busche (as members of the Church in his position are called) lets his experiences speak for themselves in teaching the importance of dedicating our lives to God, serving others in charity and love. He minimizes editorializing on the stories, recognizing that they teach better than any summarized moral conclusion could.
   
   The first ten chapters of the book give the narrative of his conversion and early membership in the Church. As a young father, I found chapter nine ("Raising a Family") particularly insightful in showing how love, respect, and being prepared for inspiration can help us lead our children in good directions. Several of the later chapters are dedicated to recounting spiritual experiences that others shared with Elder Busche, and many of these reminded me that I often aim too low in my spiritual expectations. An example of this is in chapter fourteen, in which a woman visiting Salt Lake City from Eastern Europe tells Elder Busche, "Can you imagine? I have found people in Salt Lake City who have never seen an angel."
   
   Almost every chapter of this book, especially once I reached the beginning of Elder Busche's spiritual life in chapter four, left me pondering how I could reorient my life towards God and draw closer to Him.
   
   Another excellent spiritual memoir by a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is An Abundant Life: The Memoirs of Hugh B. Brown, edited by Edwin Firmage.



3. This is a collection of autobiographical vignettes written by F. Enzio Busche, a German-born leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Mormon). The vignettes are arranged in chronological order and are almost exclusively religious. They chronicle the spiritual development and conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of the author.
   
   The story starts with his growing up in Hitler's Germany. Even as a young boy he begins to have spiritual experiences that leave him yearning for something more. The author describes well the post-war disillusionment in Germany and the counter-development of cynicism and distrust of any noble-sounding idea or endeavor after being so misled by the Nazi's. His war experiences including his being drafted at war's end at the age of 14 are poignant.
   
   Eventually he encounters Mormon missionaries and joins the Mormon church when there is little Mormon presence in Germany and little respect. His personal spiritual growth parallels the growth of the Mormon church in Germany. Then he is called as a General Authority of the church and serves in a variety of callings from Mission President to Temple President.
   
   The latter portions of the book are a collection of experiences from his later life and are not as conprehensive as the earlier parts of the book. I would have liked more of these later experiences and a more complete time-line of the authors more recent life events.
   
   Overall, the book is filled with many inspiring and informative experiences and I would recommend it highly to anyone.



4. Besides only the holy scriptures themselves, this is the best, most inspiring book I have ever read. Full of important spiritual insights, it deserves to be read and contemplated. I have been recommending it to friends and family, and all who have read it agree with my assessment. The book's anecdotes are fascinating and stunning. You will be moved to strive for the benefits of a spiritual life.

5 comments about Forever Young : The Life, Loves, and Enduring Faith of a Hollywood Legend ; The Authorized Biography of Loretta Young.

1. This book is pretty straight forward. Like the title says this is a book about Loretta Youngs life; loves, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracey, Tom Lewis, etc, etc.; and faith one of the mainstays in her life threw all the good and bad times she experienced.
   
   All in all a very good book about Loretta Young. The best part about it is that finally Loretta admitted that Judy Lewis was her biological child with Clark Gable.



2. The book was interesting and I learned more about Loretta Young's life. I agree, it was a bit "candy coated", but I think it explains the "sign of the times" and that is where she was in her life. I think it is great that she had such a strong faith in God and that her religion played a very important part of her life. Her life is a good example for others. In this day and time, we let too much just "hang out there". It would be nice if our world was a little more "reserved".



3. Whilst Loretta Young unquestionably lead an interesting life, you would not know it from this whitewashed, saintly version. This book would have been far better promoted as a commentary on Loretta Young and her relationship with god. Certainly those readers wanting to know about her experiences in Hollywood in the 1930s would be disappointed. Her screen career was largely glossed over - we are talking about a woman who worked with pioneers such as Lon Chaney - you'd barely know it from this book. Similarly, there was little on her relationship with her sisters or any comments of substance about their lives or careers. Even the more 'scandalous' elements of her life were only worth a couple of pages - the rest of the book was more like a conversion exercise. Whilst the religious element was obviously something that influenced who she was as a person, the author did not delve beyond this. It is an injustice if this is the best that can be offered in her memory.



4. She is not like you would have imagined from the TV Show. She had a lot more going on than the glamour that she displayed with her swirling entries each week.
   She was not the angel one might think either but she was human and she faced it, or not, within the pages of this book. She sometimes came off as a saint and sometimes as naive but you did not always believe she could be THAT naive. Other times she came of as competent and adult, which, in my book makes her as real as a Hollywood siren can be.



5. This book is written through Ms. Young's eyes and appears to be her somewhat romanticized and (more importantly)spiritualized take on life. She tends to gloss over the tawdry or questionable aspects while dwelling on the spiritual aspects. Having read her daughter Judy's book, I can clearly see that there was a lot of moral conflict in her mind and this book was clearly a good way to absolve herself of most of the negatives in her life. That said, the book is an o.k. read once you begin to differentiate the truth from the romantic fiction.

5 comments about Sabbatical Journey: The Diary of His Final Year.

1. This book made me feel like the "Beloved", the "Prodigal Son". I have never read a book that made me feel so close to the author. This book made me closer to my God.



2. On page 51 in Henri's own words are his personal theology of salvation for the world. It is so good, that he was able to capture this simple idea and present for all who would take time to look. "Every one will be saved." "Anyone can find his own way to God." What a great idea. So let's just not mention John 14:6, "I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father but by me," and how Henri's little theory is an utter contradiction to the Bible.



3. This volume of journal entries from Henri Nouwen's final year is an amazing and wonderful read. If you have read other Nouwen books, this one offers more insight into the man behind the wise books, and his often painful human struggles. If you are new to Nouwen's writings, this book will introduce you to one of the greatest spiritual writers and teachers of the 20th century.
   As he does in most of his books, Nouwen is able to reveal his own struggles as a tool for his readers, but also to explore some very deep, meaningful themes without getting dry and academic. Each of his books is a treasure, and this one ranks right up there with his best, in my opinion. I would highly recommend it!



4. Sabbatical Journey: The Diary of his Final Year was the last book written by Henri Nouwen. It's a chronicle of his sabbatical year which was intended to provide a restful time for prayer, writing and solitude. In actuality it became the most active period in Nouwen's life. Although he always made time for prayers and writing, there was little resolve for solitude; either people sought him or he invited their company. Not a week went by that he wasn't on a plane or train visiting family and friends, attending meetings and conferences, performing sacramental and ceremonial rites, always moving at a space age pace.

   Nouwen's diary reads like a travel essay. There are several spiritual nuggets to be found on his non-travel days, but most entries are of his observations and experiences with an accompanying commentary. Unlike travel writers, he never describes a meal by describing the food; instead he gives an account of the dinner conversation, the topics, the mood, the intensity, and the background of every dinner guest.

   Travel stories are peopled with diverse characters that reflect different cultures and backgrounds. Nouwen offers his readers a personal glimpse of over 600 people; all sparkle with individual personality and purpose.

   Only a talented writer could elicit such strong empathy for the traveler who loses keys for the rental car, drops suitcases on the airport's escalator, and always packs more gifts than necessities. I enjoyed Sabbatical Journey as a well-written travel book with a spiritual perspective.




5. This was my second Henry Nouwen book (the first was a book of selected writings edited by his friend Robert Jonas, with whom he stayed during part of the sabbatical described in this book), and I can assure you, this will not be my last Nouwen book. I have long been intrigued by this Catholic priest so often quoted by my Protestant pastors, and this book was recommended by one of them at a low point in my life.

   Nouwen's spirituality and humanity come through so well through the pages of this journal. His reflections as he celebrates the Eucharist on a nearly daily basis are a source of spiritual food that sustains not only his community of friends (and he has many!) but his readers as well. He also writes about the tug of war he feels between wanting to write more, yet wanting to be available as a pastor for his friends, to preside over their weddings and baptisms and funerals. The anguish he feels over the death of Adam, a young disabled man who brought him to the Daybreak community he pastored for the last decade of his life, brought tears to my eyes. And he talks candidly about his hurts and disappointments, his anxieties and his fatigue, a haunting undercurrent, given the knowledge that three weeks after his final entry, he died of a massive coronary.

   In short, you have to love, respect, and listen to a priest with the courage to write "...my faith and unbelief are never far from each other. Maybe it is exactly at the place where they touch each other that the growing edge of my life is" (p. 143). I am sorry I will never meet Nouwen in person, but I look forward to getting to know him better through his writings, and I look forward to someday meeting him in God's kingdom in Heaven.

3 comments about Hidden Women of the Gospels.

1. This is truly a must read for laity and clergy alike. The book is not only inspiring, but also thought provoking. Ms. Coffey reaches deep into the gospels and weaves ancient stories that can help each of us live in today's contemporary society. This book deserves a bravo!!!!



2. I found this book to be wonderfully moving. It helped me to understand the women of the bible within the context of their everyday lives. And so it made me more able to then relate their lives to mine. This book is an exciting read for women (or men) who want to know the women of the bible on a more personal, emotional and every day level. It's also a great jumping off point for prayer, meditation, or bible study.



3. A rare book of encouragement to all the silent Christian women. Funny, moving and a very good read.

5 comments about George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the Eighteenth Century - Volume II.

1. I won't reiterate what I wrote in my review for the first volume. The second volume has some very interesting chapters on Whitefield's impact on history and the measure of the man. Although, it may be argued that he started Methodism, the Wesleys are more associated with that denomination. Whitefield concentrated on his preaching and stepped down from leadership roles. In spite of that decision, he was crucial in starting two universities in North America (Princeton and Dartmouth). He was instrumental in the spiritual awakening on both sides of the Atlantic. He started open air preaching and shook up the Church of England from its slumbers. He preached the Gospel until literally his breath gave out. No matter what you think of his doctrine or decisions, you have to respect his dedication. His death is well written in this volume and it is a painful read for an asthmatic.
   
   These volumes should be read by all preachers so they can learn from both the wisdom and folly of Whitefield.



2. "Justice has at last been done to the greatest preacher that England every produced." This was the judgment of Martyn Lloyd-Jones concerning the first volume of Arnold Dallimore's biography of George Whitefield. This is perhaps the most authoritative work to date on the life of Whitefield, surpassing the older work of Luke Tyreman in both breadth (since Dallimore had access to far more material than Tyreman) and objectivity (Tyreman was a Wesleyan who was somewhat unsympathetic with Whitefield's theology).
   
   The two volumes together are divided into eight parts, which help give some navigation to understanding Whitefield's life. The sections are: (Volume 1): I. The Years of Preparation; II. The Youthful Ministry; III. The Period of Transition; (Volume 2): IV. The Controversy; V. The Calvinist Evangelist of Two Continents; VI. The Helper of all the Revival; VII. The Years of Failing Strength; and VIII. Death and Commemoration.
   
   Volume 1 traces Whitefield's life from birth to conversion through the early years of the Great Awakening which came under his preaching in England, Wales, and the Colonies of North America. It is full of details about his travels, excerpts from sermons and journals, and is exceptionally well documented. Special attention is rightfully given to Whitefield's relationship with John Wesley, and several mistaken notions concerning the two men are corrected with careful research supporting the conclusions.
   
   The second volume begins with an introduction that gives more attention to the mistaken conceptions about Whitefield's relationship with the Wesleys. Chapter one then steers the reader back into the narrative, picking up where volume 1 left off with Whitefield's return to England from America in 1739. Several chapters are then devoted to the controversy between the Whitefield and Wesley. A broad-brush coverage is given to Whitefield's work in both Great Britain and America, with occasional detours detailing events such as the Cambuslang Revival and the contributions of other prominent figures in the revival such Howell Harris and John Cennick.
   
   Dallimore writes with an obvious admiration and appreciation for Whitefield, yet he does not whitewash his faults. Whitefield's respectable, though less than ideal marriage to the widow, Elizabeth James (who had also been courted by Howell Harris - an interesting love-triangle there!) is discussed, as well has the enormous load of debt he carried for the Orphan House founded in Georgia. While there was nothing in Whitefield's life to tarnish his integrity, his humanity is clearly evident in more than one instance.
   
   The interest and usefulness of this excellent biography is enhanced by the thorough index (at the end of volume 2), thirteen appendices (six in volume 1, seven in volume 2), thorough documentation (with hundreds - maybe thousands - of footnotes), nine-page bibliography (volume 2) and over sixty illustrations.
   
   But the true value of the two volumes lies in their soul-stirring account of the great work of God in and through Whitefield's life. A Christian could hardly ask for more delightful reading. To quote Lloyd-Jones again, "To read the wonderful story of his life is to be reminded again of what is possible to a truly consecrated Christian, and how even in the darkest and most sinful ages God in His sovereign power is able to revive His work and shower blessings upon His people."



3. Few recent books have so wide and so deep an impact as Arnold Dallimore's magisterial biography of George Whitefield. The first volume, stretching from Whitefield's birth in 1714 to his section visit to American in 1740 was published in 1970 and has since been reprinted six times. The second volume, which stretches from 1740 until Whitefield's death in 1770, was published ten years later in 1980. It has been reprinted three times. Together the volumes comprise some 1200 pages of detailed biography. Rarely have I had a biography recommended to me by so many and by men of such distinction. Rarely have I benefited more from reading about another man's life.
   
   I have noticed a strange phenomenon with this biography. Where most books of this one's scope and impact have been widely and thoroughly reviewed, this one seems to be an exception. As I attempted to write a review I may have found out why this is: it is very difficult to adequately sum up so much content in just a few words. And, as with any biography, it is difficult to measure and summarize the impact of such a book. Instead I am left doing what others have done--writing thoughts on the book that somehow seem disconnected and inadequate. Even Gary Gilley, a reviewer who is rarely lost for words, can write no more than this: "It would be difficult to lavish too much praise on Dallimore's two volume biography of the famous eighteenth century evangelist George Whitefield. This is the definitive work of Whitefield's life and ministry, dispelling many misconceptions while showing the true character and impact of this most remarkable man. Along the way the reader also receives valuable insight into the lives of the Wesleys, Jonathan Edwards and the Moravians. This is one of the greatest biographies ever written."
   
   The Foreword to the first volume is supplied by no one less than Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The Doctor suggests that he waited decades to find a thorough and authoritative biography of Whitefield, a man he regarded as a historical hero. This book, he felt, which appeared on the bi-centenary of Whitefield's death, achieves the excellence Lloyd-Jones knew had long been missing. Reflecting on the life of the subject he writes "May the reading of this book produce in us the same spirit of utter submission, ready obedience, and unshakeable reliance upon the power of the Holy Spirit that characterized his life and ministry. Whitefield never drew attention to himself but always pointed people to his God and exalted his Lord and Savior. May he, though now dead for nearly 200 years, do the same for countless thousands through the reading of this book!" The intervening years, almost forty of them, have shown this to be the case.
   
   This book's subtitle, The life and times of the great evangelist of the 18th century revival, is important in understanding the book. Whitefield found himself one of the sparks of the the Great Awakening and the revival of the 18th century. While other men played important roles, Whitefield was the pin at the center of the wheel. His tireless itinerancy took his preaching ministry to almost every corner of the United Kingdom and to almost the whole of the settled portion of the United States. But for illness he would also have extended his ministry to Canada. Perhaps one of this book's greatest contributions is in helping people separate the life and contributions of George Whitefield from those of John Wesley--a man who Whitefield always loved but who so often opposed him. This biographies shows conclusively that it was Whitefield's ministry that sparked the awakening.
   
   I was grateful to see that Dallimore deals fairly with Whitefield's shortcomings in these volumes. This is no hagiography--worship of a saint that is free from difficult examinations of the subject's failings. Though Dallimore has to confess that he finds surprisingly little fault with the man, he deals frankly and forthrightly with those areas in which Whitefield showed immaturity, poor judgment or poor discernment. He questions Whitefield's decision to marry and the unusual circumstances surrounding his first rejected proposal of marriage. He does not shy from discussing Whitefield's role in justifying and even promoting slavery in the colonies. He does not allow the passing of the years or his deep respect for his subject to mislead him or to excuse sin. Experience shows that this quality is surprisingly rare in such biographies.
   
   Eminently readable despite its length and depth, this biography only reinforces my belief that biographies can be among the greatest catalysts to spiritual growth. It is a classic and one that takes its place among my favorite biographies along with such great titles as Marsden's Jonathan Edwards and Dallimore's own Spurgeon. It will prove valuable to pastors or evangelists as they see the example of a man who labored tirelessly for the gospel; it will prove valuable to all Christians as they see the example of a man who labored tirelessly to grow even and ever closer to his Savior. Whitefield is a man who stands as an example to all of us. Dallimore has done us a great service in opening up to us the life of this great man of God.
   
   Together these two volumes represent a financial investment that is not insignificant. Purchased together they are likely to cost at least sixty or seventy dollars. But I can testify, as can a long list of people of far greater wisdom and discernment than I, that they are well worth the investment.



4. The best history / biography I have ever read. George Whitefield's life is exceedingly interesting and Dallimore covers it and all the history of others surrounding it, exhaustively!



5. Well, I finally saved up the money and sprung for this two-volume full-length account of the life of George Whitefield. I had whetted my appetite on the abbreviated volume "George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century" by the same author. I can honestly say this is one of the best investments I've ever made. Reading the life of such a great saint--this Christ-loving, gospel-centered minister--has served to rekindle my passion for the gospel and rejuvenate the love of God in my soul more than once. I most highly recommend it.
   
   This Volume: This is the SECOND volume of Dallimore's two-volume biography of George Whitefield. This is very important if you intend on buying one volume now and purchasing the other later. The information on the Banner of Truth (the publisher's) website is incorrect--the green volume is volume #1 (picture of Whitefield in a field surrounded by a crowd) and the red volume is #2 (picture of an older Whitefield in a church pulpit). I had to wait an extra few months to recieve the first volume before I could begin reading either. Each volume is about 600 pages in length and is chock full of stories, information and insightful commentary. Dallimore does not spare the details of the lives of those closest to Whitfield--including John Cennick, Howell Harris, Jonathan Edwards, and of course John and Charles Wesley. This second volume deals with the period of time from Whitefield's return to England in the wake of Wesley's controversial ministry, his reconciliation with the Wesleys and continued work in both England and America, and finally his death.
   
   The Subject Matter: Wow. Simply wow. I mean--who knew? I'd always heard that John Wesley was the sole founder of Methodism. In fact, the only thing I knew about George Whitefield was that he was attributed with a few neat quotes (ie. "Let the name of Whitefield perish, but Christ be glorified!", "I am weary in Thy work, but not weary of it", etc.) and that he once spoke at Jonathan Edwards' Northhampton church (at which time he left Edwards in tears). I fully expect that if it were not for this work of Dallimore, the name of Whitefield truly would be lost to persons such as myself. What I expected was another (Calvinistic) Wesley. What I found was a man whose zeal, love, holiness of life and passion for Christ seemed to equal even those I hold in highest regard (among whom are Martin Luther and Charles Spurgeon). Whitefield was a tireless worker for God and his zeal for the gospel was only matched by his selfless compassion for his fellow man. He was the first of the great open-air preachers and nudged both John and Charles Wesley into evangelistic ministry. Whitefield's life is a beautiful illustration of Christian ministry and evangelistic zeal. I cannot recommend this man highly enough.
   
   The Author: Dallimore was a Baptist pastor and semi-prolific biographer. This two-volume biography of George Whitefield is truly Dallimore's magnum opus. He has delved deeper into the mind and heart of this great evangelist than any of his previous biographers. It is both informative and inspirational. No space feels wasted despite the length of the account and the multitudinous strands of the storyline are brought together in a masterful way.
   
   The Reader: Who should read this book? I would recommend it most highly to pastors and other evangelical Christians whose zeal for God and spiritual wells have begun to run dry. Evangelical Calvinistic Christians will get the greatest benefit from this read. But it may also prove of great interest to those of the Methodist heritage. Also, all who are called to the ministry of evangelism (teaching and preaching) could not but benefit from this work. Whitefield's zeal is contagious and his meekness humbling. The mere historian might enjoy the factual aspects of the book, but it was written from a distinctively evangelical Christian perspective.
   
   "Weary in Thy work, but not weary of it." -G. Whitefield

4 comments about C. S. Lewis: Images of His World.

1. This reissue of the out of print C.S. Lewis: Images of His World puts together a fine collection of photos depicting the places Lewis lived and visited as well as the people he knew. It does a good job of filling in the imagination for the reader of C.S. Lewis. The photos are accompanied by subtexts explaining each picture's content and in many cases they are accompanied by a quotation from one of Lewis's works. An introduction, chronology of Lewis's life, and brief biographical sketch complete the work.
   
   Although this is a reissue of the original book that came out in 1973, there has been a major overhaul to the layout, yielding both positive and negative results. First, the new edition is slightly smaller in size. Second, the orientation has been changed: the original book was 9 inches high and 11 inches wide, whereas the new book is just the opposite orientation of 10 1/2 inches high and 8 inches wide; (imagine a regular magazine and you have the layout for the new edition; turn the magazine on its side and put the binding on the left and you have the layout of the old edition.) These changes unfortunately have resulted in some photos that were formerly seen in their entirety on one page now being split over two pages. Result: artistically inferior.
   
   The third change, is that the order of the photos has undergone a major reshuffling, as has the texts that accompany them. Most of the material in the first book still appears in the second, but the order is different. (A couple of C.S. Lewis drawings in letters to Owen Barfield that appeared in the first edition of this book have been dropped from the new edition.)
   
   The fourth change is quite positive. It is amazing to see what a difference a mere three decades can make in photo reproductive technology. The book has a mixture of black & white and color photos, and while the black & white photos don't change much between the first and second edition of this book, the color photos are FAR better in the new edition. The subjects depicted have had their color restored and no longer appear to be so drab: one is reminded of what the Sistine Chapel looked like before and after the late 20th century restoration. Photos of such things as Tintern Abbey or Beaumaris Castle are brought to life by the new technology and are much more pleasing to the eye.
   
   To sum, many overall changes have been made to the quality of the photos as well as the layout of their presentation. I think the net effect is zero: two steps forward and two steps backwards. It's a pity, really, because the old layout could have been kept while using new photo reproductive technology to enhance the photos. Oh well, the bottom line is that if you don't have a copy of this book, by all means buy it - you'll be pleased with the purchase. If you have the original book, you still might want to purchase the new edition as many of the photos have been vividly enhanced. (Conversely, if you have the new edition and run across a copy of the old, this, too, is worth obtaining for the better layout of some of the photos.)



2. If C.S. LEWIS: IMAGES OF HIS WORLD sounds familiar to avid scholars of Lewis, it's because this is a reissue of a classic which probes the people and places which inspired the religious author. Photos and text - much of which are Lewis's own words - survey his friendships, beloved places, friends, family and colleagues in a fine survey of his life and faith. Lewis was captivated by the myths and legends of the North as a young child: his interest served as both a starting point for his involvement in religion and as a starting point for his literary creations. Any who would understand Lewis will find this a visual treat and a powerful starting point for understanding his vast wellspring.



3. If you love C.S. Lewis as much as I do, then you will find this book captivating, transporting you into the world of Jack as a boy and as a man, as a pagan and as a Christian. Hopefully it will be back in print soon. Every page is lavishly illustrated with photos and artwork of people and places that were dear to Lewis. What makes it even more special are the descriptions of each place or person by lewis himself, taken from his letters and books. IT is the best gift a Lewis fan could receive, too, so look for a friend!



4. It is most unfortunate that this superb book has gone out of print. It is a pictorial tour of the places and people familiar to C.S. Lewis. Next to each picture or illustration is a caption explaining the relation to Lewis, with most of the country scenes having vivid, picturesque quotes from Lewis himself. This book can be read in one sitting or slowly digested over several days. If you ever find a copy, hang on to it. It's a lovely book.

5 comments about House Calls And Hitching Posts.

1. This is an excellent book. I have recommended it to one of my colleagues who is a recognized authority on the history of medicine. Dr. Lehman comes across as a realist and a caring professional. His practice is/was heavy on births and traumatic farm injuries. While there are many examples of these in the text, they never become tedious.
   
   The book also gives a warm glimpse into the lives of the Amish people and their lifestyle and beliefs. One enlightening incident involved an elderly farm woman who had sustained a stroke at home in bed. Her husband sent for the doctor. Dr. Lehman recognized that the woman had little time left. The husband asks, "Is there anything the hospital could do for her that we can't do here?" The answer came back, "Essentially 'No." The woman passed away a few hours later in familiar surroundings, in her own bed, with her family and friends at her bedside. All of us readers can only hope for so peaceful an ending ourselves.



2. I've always been interested in the Amish People and this book is good learning for anyone who is interested in the Amish. I've read this book 2 times already and I hope there will be a sequel.



3. If you are interested in Amish culture, this is a great book to read to get a snapshot of what types of challenges, ethical and medical, on a typical Amish farm. The writing style is easy to follow and very descriptive. The Amish people have such a strong faith and are very family oriented which is a refreshing change to read. If you are a nurse or a physician, you would really appreciate the ingenuity that is needed when dealing with blunt force trauma from a farming accident or just the challenge of getting to someone's rural home in 6 feet of snow.



4. This was a wonderful book . Once I started reading it I could not put it down. It is amazing to realize that there are still Dr.'s out in the world that care so much for their patients.



5. If you enjoy reading and learning about the Amish, you will enjoy this book.

1 comments about Yun: The Illustrated Story of the Heavenly Man.

1. This novel is a great introduction to persecutions that many fundamentalist Christian Chinese people have faced. Appropriate for adolescents and adults alike. Packed full of faith, excitement, and adventure--worth purchasing and sharing with others.

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

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



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



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



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



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