1 comments about Ven Se Mi Luz: Las Cartas Privadas de la "Santa de Calcuta" (Testimonio).

1. Este libro recoge cartas de la Madre Teresa que son una ventana a su vida interior. Es fascinante su peregrinación en la fe a través de la oscuridad de la noche y cómo llegó ver la luz. Jesús se le mostró en los pobres, desamparados y ella respondió al llamado evangelico de dar de comer al hambriento, de beber al sediento, de vestir al desnudo... La Madre Teresa encarnó el evangelio y su vida fue toda servicio a pesar de estar atravesando por su oscuridad interior. Que sea su ejemplo uno digno de admirar y que nos anime a seguir peregrinando en este mundo.

5 comments about James the Brother of Jesus: The Key to Unlocking the Secrets of Early Christianity and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

1. I know the title of my brief review sounds crazy, but it can mean two things. Either pick up this book in a library or peruse it in a B&N while you are drinking a latte, before you invest good money in in purchasing it.
   Eisenman has made a reputation of writing off-beat material that goes squarely against all academic trends, whether they be conservative or liberal! His ideas on the Dead Sea Scrolls, which feed into this book as well, have been either panned or simply ignored by sensible Scrolls scholars. The book is SO long and tedious and based on so many esoteric and exotic views that it is hard to know where to start. If you are one who buys into either the "conspiracy" view of history or you like the Ehrman/Pagels reinterpretation of early Christin history, you will be fascinated by many of Eisenman's ideas.
   OK, but you say that your public or college library does not have this volume and you are too ethical to do the B&N thing I suggested. Well, try this. Read the Excursus on Eisenman's book in John Painter's sober and scholarly work titled "Just James: The Brother of Jesus in History and Tradition," pages 277-288. If you still think it is worth buying, go ahead. Eisenman is fascinating and creative, even if his ideas are screwy at times.
   Oh, by the way, he identifies James with the "Righteous Teacher" in the DSS.



2. This was a challenging read, to say the least. It is almost as though the author believes that his sheer breadth of scholarship and mastery over fine details are enough to convince the reader. So he overlooks the absurdity of his central argument - that the Dead Sea Scrolls were compiled by Christian scribes. According to Dr. Eisenman, Jesus is not mentioned or alluded to anywhere in any of the scrolls, even by pseudonym. Yet he is certain they were written by followers of James, Jesus' brother. How the followers of a religion centered on Jesus did not actually mention him in their literature is baffling. Much more feasible is the notion that the Dead Sea Scrolls were the product of a sect that was more Baptist-oriented than anything else, decidely anti-Jesus.



3. Many of Eisenman's ideas are anticipated by Hyam Maccoby's Revolution In Judea and Paul The Mythmaker. In particular, the appendix of Revolution In Judea presents the idea that the several New Testament characters named James are actually one and the same historical person. And Maccoby is sooooo much more readable than Eisenman.



4. Concede that Eisenman is dead wrong in his dating of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Concede that they predate New Testament times by at least one hundred years. Concede that Paul is not the "Lying Spouter" of the Scrolls, and that Jesus' brother James is not the Scrolls "Teacher of Righteousness." Concede that this book is tedious, overlong, repetitive and often incomprehensible. Has the sting in its tail been drawn? Not at all. What remains is a revolutionary understanding of the social, political and religious context which gave birth to the New Testament literature and from which Christianity came. Christianity is peculiarly dependent upon historical claims it makes in regard to events in Palestine in the first half of the first century C.E. "James, the Brother of Jesus" shakes those foundational claims to their very roots. The book convincingly demonstrates a radical disjunction between the Pauline Christianity we have inherited and the ministry and legacy of Jesus as embodied in the Jerusalem Church. Is that important? In his book "Why Study the Past" Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, says, "The New Testament sets out to show that Jesus' story is the key to all other stories of God's dealings with his people, despite the discontinuities, the newness of what has happened through him. It also has to display a unity within the life of Jesus and the life of the early Church." In Eisenman's book that unity between Jesus and the life of the early Church is demolished. I would like to add "once and for all" but that would be overly sanguine.



5. I found Robert Eisenman's book "James the Brother of Jesus" to be a very lengthy and redundant work that makes big assumptions but proves very little. It is a study that raises many questions (over and over and over), but never does the author (in this reviewer's opinion) really satisfactorily prove any of his claims.
   
   The narrative is a bear to get through. I try to completely read every book that I begin to read. Very rarely in my life have I put down a book and simply stopped reading to the end. I had to put this dull and lethargic work down several times out of sheer boredom and the author's tendency to repeat himself ad nauseum. When Eisenman feels he has a point to make, he insists on beating it into your brain again and again.
   
   But that's about this author does in this thick book: he merely makes bold assumptions and then repeats the assumption numerous times. He never cross-examines himself, or states a question, but actually claims things which I have never heard anywhere else before in any other study of early Christianity before this.
   
   I gave this book a chance because it was published by Penguin (whom I usually respect quite a lot for the books they publish). But this time Penguin miss the mark and back a hack writer who really doesn't prove anything and tries to discredit orthodox belief that's been established for well over two-thousand years.
   
   Is the true story of James the actual cover-up that Eisenman claims that it is? I doubt it. We have no real way of knowing just who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls and when and for what purpose. Using the Dead Sea Scrolls as evidence is dangerous to any argument. We simply don't know enough about the Dead Sea Scrolls to use them for or against any proclamation.
   
   I found the author's insistence that St Paul and the early diaspora Jews as being "pro Roman" and antisemitic as being a bit belligerent and intolerant. The author attempts to discredit the Christian faith and I found that distasteful and arrogant on his part. It's a free country and he is allowed the freedom of speech and the press, but we are also free to call him out in return. I found the author's entire thesis as being very much based on agenda, rather than merely a detached observation which began its life as a mere questioning.
   
   There is no proof that the Righteous Teacher of the Dead Sea Scrolls is in fact the same James named in the writings of the New Testament and other early Christian texts. The author makes this claim many times, and I assume his strategy is that repetition will make the wary reader start to release all thoughts of skepticism and just start to assume that the allegation must be true. It's mere conjecture, not proof.
   
   Other than the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are highly dubious writings that are very inconclusive, even today, there hasn't been any recent archeological discoveries that would back any of the arguments made in Eisenman's book. We simply don't know any more about the true identity of the so-named "James" than Eisenman does, or the authors of the early Church histories seem to.
   
   I doubt this was an overwrite. More likely, the numbers of Jewish converts probably was never that numerous after Jesus' Crucifixion. The heavily Hellenized overtones of Jesus' thoughts and beliefs is most likely the explanation why there were so many diaspora Jews and gentile early Christian converts as opposed to purely Jewish ones in Palestine. Thus, it seems most probable that, like St Paul's and St Peter's travels according to Christian legend, Christian belief and conversion soon centered in the Mediterranean world of Alexander the Great and his successors rather than in the middle east. I doubt James was "written out" as much as the absence of mention of him and his role would indicate what it seems to indicate: and that is that whomever "James" truly was historically, he probably wasn't that important or significant a personage. The dominance of the Church in Rome was neither a political nor a racial plot, but most likely just a natural progression as tradition holds to this day.
   
   Read Eisenman's book with an open mind, but always keep in mind that the author never fully backs his claims and most are unfounded. I cannot disprove his theories any more than he is able to prove them. They shall remain what they are: questions to ponder and little more.

5 comments about The Life and Times of Constantine the Great.

1. This is an excellent book. After centuries of analysis and research into the ancient Roman world have been written, Professor Kousoulas writes a very intelligent and objective look at the life and times of Constantine The Great. He hopes that you see what he sees. He works hard to bring dimension and reality to the days and nights and events of this time. He does not, as so many historians before him, cloud our effort to illuminate historical images and happenings with his ego and ethnocentric sway.



2. I got the book because of a recent fascination with Roman political history and because Constantine was the first "Christian" emperor. I also wanted to do a pre-read of the history before my wife and I head to Rome/Greece/Israel later this year.
   
   The book was highly enjoyable and readable for a lay person like myself. It gave me a real flavor for the political ebb and flow that was empire politics, how emperors came to the purple and how large the empire of the period (AD 300-350) was and how complex to govern.
   
   I wanted to know why and how Constantine came to embrace Christianity and the writer successfully conveyed the degree of religiosity of the public. He also gave brief explanations of the more significant of the competing "non-main stream" sects that were around at the time and how Constantine came to favor Christianity among them. Finally, there is a fair amount of detail provided around the subject of early church history, issues and personalities.
   
   Where possible, the author uses citations from the actual writings of Constantine - which gives some texture to the subjects and brings the times to life. Overall, this was one of the books which, once completed, I was glad that I had picked up.



3. I disliked it, even though it is patently written to amuse the general reader, because it stresses the issues that I don't care about. Just like it was a biography of a modern celebrity, the author goes on about the private life, loves, cares, deeds of this man.On the background are these things that were going on in the world and that happened to cross the paths of our "heroe". These other issues are dismissed almost as a bother. And I should think it was the other way round. If Constantine's life matters today is because of the times he lived in, the spread of Christianity into Europe and European history in general.
   
   A completely flawed book because it takes the leaves for the carrot. Even worse: being a highly reader-friendly book, it becomes a rather obscene exercise of history, an object of riducule for achieving the hardest thing but missing the target totally. Well-told; only the wrong story. The title is absurd and misleading.



4. I have read this book twice, and found it to be equally as good the first time as the second. One reviewer cites Kousoulas' treatment of this subject as "vapid". I know where he was coming from, but heartily disagree. If you want a complete scholarly work on Constantine, it would require volumes...something you simply cannot get in one book. I found many things in this book that I wanted to know more about, so I bought more book sand read more about the specific events I was interested in.
   The book is very readable. Something I look for when reading history. History can be dull and lifeless, or engaging and animated. Such is the case with this book. In my opinion, this book is a must-read. Lively and well-written, Kousoulas delivers.
   Since reading this book, I have read others on Constantine, one on Diacletian, one about the Council of Nicea and another about the Coptic Church in Egypt. In other words, if you want more detail, read more!



5. An excellent detailed and riviting account of Constantine, his childhood and rise to power, the Roman empire in general before and after Constantine took power, and how Constantine converted to Christianity and what he did for Christianity afterwards. I highly recommend this book to two categories of people: those interested in Roman history and those interested in the early history of Christianity.

5 comments about My Struggle with Faith.

1. In "My Struggle With Faith," Joseph Girzone, retired priest and author of the best selling Joshua series, retraces the steps in his faith journey, spanning over sixty years. "It has been a painful yet joyful faith journey, and a most productive one. I have attained not only a deeper understanding of God and the critical role of Jesus in our destiny, but many rewarding insights into our journey through this life. I have learned that sinner is a name we call people...they are the ones whom Jesus would have befriended."
   
   Girzone pulls no punches and bares all as he maps his life (he entered the seminary at age fourteen), the evolution of his beliefs childhood, and his struggles - with faith, Christianity, and the Roman Catholic Church.
   
   Key questions addressed by Girzone should provide ample interest for most readers: What about the Universe? Was it created by God? How was it created? Is the bible history or myth? Is the New Testament inspired? Was Jesus a myth? What is Mary's role? And his answers are those he found after years of searching and a personal struggle with faith.
   
   He writes about his coming he to peace with the Catholic Church and how he has gained great admiration for its resistance to the changing fashions in morals and its insistence that only the original sources can be used to ascertain Christian truth. But he cautions that the Church was set up to be the medium for the message, not the message. Those who believe the institution is our religion are wrong. He asks, "Where is the living Jesus in our churches today?" People desperately need and are looking for the flesh and blood Jesus - a Jesus who can fill one's soul with divine love. This Jesus is our religion.
   
   Grizone exhorts us to understand the pain in peoples lives and to give strength to others in times of weakness and desolation, light in times of darkness, joy in times of great sorrow and pain, and the will to struggle when all seems futile.



2. What is faith and what does it mean to us? No matter what the denominational title or popularity, one fact remains undeniable; every person of any kind of faith today must find within themselves what their faith means to them as well as discovering their own reason for holding their beliefs. Esteemed author of "Joshua" and retired catholic priest Joseph Girzone recounts his own questions, doubts, & perplexities facing his own faith with his latest praiseworthy read aptly titled "My Struggle With Faith".
   
   If you're skeptical of reading a spiritual book written by a priest, possibly under the impression Girzone's book is 29 chapters of a Sunday sermon, the vivaciously surprising structure and substance of book will most likely appease even non Christians alike. He approaches the two thousand year old theology with many questions all of us ask sometime in our lifetimes; from questioning if God exists or just who really was Jesus. His unique down-to-earth frankness, in which no subject affecting the church today is not touched upon; from fundamental spiritual questioning of how the Universe was created to contemporary church issues such as priest celibacy or marriage and divorce, are of invaluably important to be addressed in the modern day age.
   
   Captivating and clear cut, Father Girzone's book is easy to read and asks provocative questions about our faith today. His questioning and deepened understanding of his faith will undoubtedly awaken you to understand yours. If we begin to address our own questions or demurrals it will strengthen the conviction of why we believe at all.



3. Prior to reading My Struggle with Faith, I had been familiar with the "Joshua" character by Father Girzone. I came to learn about this book through an excerpt appearing in another publication, which piqued my interest in purchasing this book. I had also read some online comments (both good and bad) about Girzone and his other works and thought I'd experience him on my own.
   
   The book is not for everyone, especially not for those who don't like their age-old beliefs challenged. Girzone brings many thought-provoking questions (and good answers) to the discussion. He explores his questions in ways that aren't available to many Christians, namely, through extensive examination of Scripture, the early Fathers, even Reformation writings, and finally his own experience.
   
   The chapters are nicely organized and the book progresses along a steady pace from early issues in childhood through the more complicated challenges in his priesthood and ministry, and those which face all of us in this day and age.
   
   The best advice is to approach the book with an open mind and let Girzone take you where he wants you to go. You can decide later if that is where you need to be. Even if it isn't, the next leg of the journey might be the exact turning point you were looking for! That kept me going throughout.
   
   The book helped me recognize that I have not been traveling on a well-worn path, but it has been, at least, a path on which others have journeyed. That reassurance came at an opportune time for me. His descriptions of his experiences hit home with me - often the exact thoughts I had had.
   
   My take-away from the book is that we are all on our way to "The Way." The frustrations he experienced along his way to The Way enabled me to examine my own frustrations in a new light, and to put in perspective the challenges facing the people I encounter each day.



4. It helped me to better understand why I believe in Jesus, rather than church



5. I wasn't familiar with Girzone's other books at all when I snatched this title from my public library's new book shelf last week. Also, I am a former Catholic (ages 20-40) who has been inactive for 20 years. However, I have lately been interested in autobiographical or academic books about the value of faith, and this volume fits into my recent reading. I found the second half more compelling than the opening part of the memoir, but I'm glad I read this. Girzone, a "retired" priest (rare in these days of shortages), is not afraid to criticize the human failings of Catholic clergy and laiety, and indeed, the flaws of Protestant institutions and believers as well. However, he also argues for the validity of the founding documents of what became the Catholic Church. He tells us that one does not blame the pure water of faith just because the rusty human buckets to whom God has to entrust it leak and spill and soil it. I think another recent book, "What Jesus Meant" by fellow Catholic Garry Wills, is even better than "My Struggle With Faith" but Amazon seekers looking up this title probably are going to enjoy both of them.

3 comments about Through the Shadowlands: The Love Story of C. S. Lewis and Joy Davidman.

1. I am buying this book again because I gave my last copy to a friend whose son had been killed. I found this book to be the most comforting book I read when my own son was killed. I almost find that strange beause reading lewis has never comforted me but reading ABOUT lewis and his crisis of faith during his loss helped me deal with my own grief.



2. Of the making and reading of books about C.S. Lewis there seemingly is no end. But readers new to Lewis's life will likely appreciate this re-release, retitling, and re-jacketing of THROUGH THE SHADOWLANDS: The Love Story of C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman.
   
   However, reader be warned: the subtitle is a bit misleading. Aside from a brief introduction set after Joy's funeral, the story of their relationship doesn't begin until page 77. Those who have read biographies of C.S. Lewis may wish to skip to this point, since Brian Sibley spends the early pages telling the story of Lewis's childhood, his time as a professor at Oxford and with the Inklings, and his publications. Although it's a good recap of Lewis's life, some of the observations are vague, such as allusions to sexual encounters Lewis had in his youth (mentioned without any further explanation) or the mysterious relationship Lewis developed with a Mrs. Moore and her daughter. Readers likely will want to consult other Lewis biographies and commentaries for more in-depth information.
   
   Once Sibley gets down to the business of the relationship between Lewis and Helen Joy Davidman, things begin to pick up. Davidman, a Jewish convert to Christianity and a divorcee with two young sons, David and Douglas, is a complicated, fascinating person as viewed through Sibley's eyes. Compellingly, he sketches out her childhood years with an authoritarian father who alternately demanded his children respond to commands given on a whistle and then repeatedly slapped them about the face when they disobeyed. Joy was, as Sibley describes her, chubby, nearsighted, and overprotected by her mother. She loved animals, and became increasingly rebellious at home under the domineering influence of her father.
   
   Her solace was books, and Davidman later became a poet, novelist and teacher --- and interestingly enough, a member of the Communist party. Delight in George MacDonald books such as PHANTASTES and THE BACK OF THE NORTH WIND led her to the fantasy novels of Lewis, which would eventually, Sibley explains, point her toward religion and, of course, a marriage to Lewis.
   
   Sibley chronicles in detail Davidman's difficult marriage to the alcoholic philanderer and novelist Bill Gresham and her own maturation as a mother and a writer. It's with this background that he begins the description of her correspondence with Lewis, starting in 1950, their subsequent meetings and relationship, through her diagnosis with cancer and eventual death.
   
   Adeptly, Sibley shows how Lewis is left with his previous writings on pain, suffering, and faith, and the inadequacies of his own words in the face of his grief. "Many of Jack's admirers would have been deeply shocked if they had known that he had even entertained such doubts, or admitted such fears," writes Sibley. Lewis's doubts and sorrow eventually led to A GRIEF OBSERVED, one of his bestselling books. Sibley's account of the couple's time together, Lewis's response to Davidman's death, and his own acceptance of his illness and approaching demise make the last hundred pages of THROUGH THE SHADOWLANDS an absorbing read.
   
   Sibley does an excellent job smoothly transitioning between excerpted materials and quotes, and his own narrative. However, one of the most serious faults of the books is its lack of crediting specific source material. Although the acknowledgments list the publications Sibley draws from, individual excerpts and quotes are not footnoted or endnoted. For anyone who is already a devotee of all things Lewis, this oversight means they cannot go off on the delightful tangents of extended reading inspired by specific citations. Since this book was originally released in 1985 as C.S. LEWIS: THROUGH THE SHADOWLANDS, it's disappointing that subsequent reprintings haven't included some revision to address this shortcoming.
   
   This might be best read by readers who are newcomers to the life of C.S. Lewis and who desire an overview of his life and marriage, rather than by those already familiar with the numerous books about Lewis's life. With Lewis's THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE making another transition to the big screen in 2005, this will serve as a good introduction to Lewis and Davidman's life together.
   
   (...)



3. Millions are familiar with the two movie versions and the theatrical drama Shadowlands. Even more people than that have read CS Lewis and will soon see the start of the Narnia saga on the big screen. To gain a greater appreciation of his work and be able to view further depths hidden inside the profound writings that have helped uncounted scores of Christans find their way, read this book. In a manner that almost reads like a novel itself, the author recounts how both Lewis and Joy became the people so adeptly portrayed by Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. You will see how much they truly loved each other. Even if you are not fan of CS Lewis, it is an incredible romance that will give hope to many who have spent their lives looking for, yet not finding, love.

5 comments about It's Not Okay With Me.

1. We know kids in Africa are hungry, we know they die at the rate of thousands per day, but do we really know what these kids must do in order to try to survive? This book is a first hand account of someone who has been there to see it, and changed her life to try to help. Don't read this book unless you are ready for you life to be changed as well.



2. I received the book and did not put it down until I had finished it. I cried through most of it. I was angry, sad, frustrated, enlightened... but mostly I was motivated. It is absolutely not okay with me and I implore everyone who has read this book to purchase more copies and give them to their friends, business associates, etc. This is definitely one of the most powerful books I have ever read!! It grabs you by the heart and it does not let go.



3. Maxwell has written a compelling read about the plight of the victims of the AIDS pandemic in sub-Sahara Africa. The story of how God wrenched her heart away from her comfortable existance, and called her to serve the orphans and poor is an extraordinary tale of God's Call on a life and a respopnse of Obedience. This book begs to be read in a single setting, and yet pondered at great length over time!
   
   You cannot read this without gaining enlightenment to the plight of the African continent and those who inhabit it. But beware - it will challenge you in ways that might just lead you to ponder the question - "Am I making enough of a difference with my life?"



4. "Isn't it cool"... That's what Janine's son Spencer said to her when she didn't have all the answers. "Isn't it cool that GOD knows and we don't have to." The faith of a child humbles all of us.
   Janine and Ian Maxwell are THE story. The one of transformation in Christ. The struggles, the sacrifice, the obedience and stewardship. The faith of letting go and answering a call to serve, to become Christ-like.
   From a life of luxury in Canada to slums in Africa. Janine doesn't do things 1/2 way. Her transparency is much appreciated in sharing her personal emotional struggles.
   I recommend this book to every breathing soul alive today. If it doesn't move you in the very core of your being, check your pulse.
   Not everyone can do as much as Heart for Africa is doing, but as Janine pointed out in a slideshow I saw, while in Swaziland on one of these missions, the power of one to change the course of a nation has been demonstrated on more than one occasion and though you can't out give GOD, it's sure fun trying.
   This book is well written. It is an account of life changing events in the course of Janine and her family's plight. You will laugh and you will cry.
   I pray though, that if you dare to turn it's pages and find the HOPE that is there, that you have the courage to act on the opportunity that GOD through Janine present you with. Go to [...] NOW !
   "This is a test, do not fail." That's what GOD told me. I responded Janine responded. Will you respond? I promise you, life will NEVER be the same. You will say, "It's not OK with me!"



5. A very inspiring story that left me with only one answer, it's not ok with me either. We see so many stories of actors, rock stars, billionaires, and politicians working in Africa. But Janine tells a story that should inspire each one of us to act. Normal people like you and me, teachers, grocery store clerks, stay at home moms, or college students. We may not all have the public's attention or millions of dollars, but we all have a skill to offer even if it is just love. Don't read this book unless you are prepared to honestly answer the question "Is it OK with you?" and then act on that answer.

1 comments about Marriage to a Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Jonathan & Sarah Edwards.

1. This is a helpful book for all those who admire Jonathan Edwards. While Dodds is not totally accurate in her assesment of Jonathan and Sarah, this is a great book. This book will help you see that Jonathan was not just a pastor and theologian. He was also a husband and father. Endorsements include the Pipers, Mark Dever, Lig Duncan, Donald Whitney, and others.

1 comments about The Mother of the Little Flower: Zelie Martin (1831-1877).

1. I love this book. It offers great advice on how to be a great mother and catholic, like Zelie Martin was. I've used some of her teaching ideas for my child too, helping her to learn what a good deed is and encouraging her to do more. You don't get advice like this anymore.

No comments about Madre Angélica: La historia notable de una monja, de su nervio, y de una red de milagros.

2 comments about Paul, Least of the Apostles: The Story of the Most Unlikely Witness to Christ.

1. Excellent work on the life of Paul. The author made a trip through the places where Paul preached. It is readable and informative. Decaux presents Paul with a fresh perspective. He writes from a Catholic viewpoint and presents a sketch of Paul fully in line with the Catholic faith, as well as Scriptural scholarship. The author follows Paul through his journeys and captures the spirit of the apostle.



2. The first review (below the ...) was based on information I had at the time. At this point it seems that in other places in the book the author affirmed the authority of Peter. It may be that the author merely made a bad choice of words in trying to relate the importance of James in Jewish-Christian circles. I still find his wording problematic and misleading but he may not have intended the wording (or the translation) to come across that way. It may be a fine book otherwise. I gave it 3 stars--but do not go on that --I just had to pick a rating. The other information was based on another review I read on it ...I have not verified it though I trusted the source. Again perhaps it is a fine book other that some misleading wording. If you buy the book ...be critical in reading.
   
   ............................................................
   Not a good book! Pauline usually does good work (I have recommended them)--but someone missed the boat on this one. The book has grave historical and theological problems (contrary to history and the Catholic Faith)
   
   Some Catholic bookstores found the problems and have pulled the book from their shelves. One even I read contacted everyone who purchased it and gave their money back for the book return--with an apology.
   
   This book is unfortunately contains teachings contrary to the Catholic Faith and to history. For instance he goes against the teaching of the Church (and history) regarding the Primacy of St. Peter! He says on pg 106 that James "replaced him, not only as head of the church of the city but as the head of the Christian Movement" and later infers that JAMES had primacy over Peter -- which is contrary to the Church and to the very words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew. Others have found other problems with the text as well but this one is a BIG one and flys in the face of history and the Catholic Faith. Thus he does not come from a Catholic perspective (in fact most of the sources he quotes from are Calvanistic Protestant sources--this is not so much the problem --as rather the cause of his mistake regarding Peter). Normally this publisher puts out some good Catholic books...someone must have missed this one...
   
   (I know from my long theological experience which includes a degree in Catholic Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville--but one does not need a degree to see that this is contrary to the Teachings of the Church!!)