1 comments about Solanus Casey: The Official Account of a Virtuous American Life.

1. Father Crosby's biographical account is the official story of Solanus (Barney) Casey for his cause for beatification and canonization.
   
   A 20th century son of Irish immigrants, Casey becomes a Capuchin Franciscan and ends life as a famous Detroit holy man in the 1950s.
   
   The biography is very thorough, and takes the reader through Casey's life from birth to death, highlighting his tribulations, defeats, and obvious miracles.
   
   This is a great account of how the meek person, the man of only avergage intelligence, without athletic greatness or riches makes an amazing difference in the lives of so many people. Here is a book for the Christian reader who is in search of an example of total humility, charity and kindness, even in he face of belittlement from his own church and community.
   
   It is a long read, being an official account, if you want all the great stories without the comprehensive account, check out 'Gods Dorkeepers".

No comments about CONVERSATIONS IN THE ABBEY: Senior monks of Saint Meinrad reflect on their lives.

2 comments about The Boy Who Lost His Birthday: A Memoir of Loss, Survival, and Triumph.

1. What perhaps distinguishes this book from other similar stories is the tone. Those of us who know Rabbi Berkowits have experienced his energy and optimism about the future. The book contains that same positive outlook. While the story in many ways is dark, the telling of it is not. The focus is on relationships, traditions and the inexplicable sense that everything will ultimately be okay. Rabbi Berkowits often speaks to young people about his experiences. This book is a terrific teaching tool as well.



2. Rabbi Laszlo Berkowits has shared the story of his life in a book that is readable, touching and reflects the humanity and faith of its author. Those of us who know Laszlo well and thought we knew all of his story learned even more about his youth in Hungary and his experiences under Nazism. There is not even a touch of "feel sorry for me" in this account. He shows how one can retain his or her humanity in the midst of the worst of times. This book is a welcome addition to the library of accounts of Holocaust survivors. It is also a book that tells much of the richness of the small Hungarian towns where Jews lived. How blessed we are that Laszlo not only found his birthday but that he found a new life.

5 comments about Edith Stein: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

1. This is an easy to read beginners biography on Edith Stein: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. It tells her life story and how she freely offered herself for the conversion of others. She grew up Jewish and became Catholic after searching for the truth, and then finally coming across the truth, when she read St. Teresa of Avila's Autobiography. You will truly come to know Edith Stein and feel close to her after reading this book.



2. This book is a wonderful introduction to the life of Catholic and Jewish martyr, philosopher, professor, nun, feminist, and saint who died in the gas chambers at Auschwitz. Scaperlanda does a great job of introducing the reader to her philosophy, personality, background, and amazing faith. If you enjoy this book, I reccomend "Knowledge and Faith" and "Life in a Jewish Family", both by Edith Stein.



3. This is story of a simple and devoted Carmelite nun. It is a wonderful story that not only gives biographical information it also incorporates a lot of Edith Stein's (Saint Teresa Benedicta a Cruce (Latin)personal philosophy and her feelings on femininism in society. It also shares her exceptional faith and devotion to God, even in the face of death. The book tells of her life, her entry into the Carmelite cloister and then her death in the Nazi camp, Auschwitz, Poland. It is a truly inspiraional and beautifully written book of one woman's courage and devotion.



4. I really like how this author has woven a story out of the several strands - of Edith's own writings - of others who have written about her - of the history of the Jews in Germany - and of the life and times of Adolf Hitler as it affected Edith's life and that of millions of Jews and Christians. The author has braided together some wonderful connections that set Edith's life in the context of her times and of our times. I found special joy in these connections because I have read almost all of the sources - primary and secondary - separately - and it is good to see them woven together with spiritual meanings. This book now holds a place of prominece on my Edith Stein shelf of books.



5. Maria Scaperlanda's book on Edith Stein provides those unfamilar with this fascinating, modern Saint with a great introduction to her life and thought. The reader will be able to follow Edith Stein on her passionate life journey, sustained by her desire to find truth, first pursued in philosophy and finally completed in her embrace of Catholicism and life as a contemplative, Carmelite religious. Although there are various books about Edith Stein on the market, Maria Scaperlanda's work is the best work to provide the reader with an introduction to Edith Stein and guide the reader on to further works on the Saint with an excellent bibliography. Edith Stein's life and work should be studied by all those who seek meaning and truth (not only Catholics), especially in our current post-modern, relativistic culture that so vehemently denies absolute truth. This book is also an excellent choice as spiritual reading for Christians desiring to study the life of a contemporary Saint.

4 comments about Roger Williams (Lives and Legacies).

1. While best known as a champion of religious freedom and the founder of Rhode Island, Professor Gaustad also shows that the thoughts and actions of Roger Williams demonstrated that equitable relations between European Americans and Native Americans could have been nurtured and sustained.
   
   By the early 1630s Williams rejected English claims to Native American lands. This led him to also challenge the legal foundation of the English colonial charters in North America. Ultimately, Williams was banished from Massachusetts Bay colony as much for insisting that Native peoples were the true owners of all they possessed as for his insistence on the unalienable liberty of conscience.
   
   In 1636 he escaped deportation to England by fleeing Massachusetts. Williams would not have survived this wintertime ordeal without the aid of the Wampanoags. He acquired land from their chief sachem, Massasoit. When Plymouth colony claimed that he still resided within their territory, Williams moved again. The Narragansett sachem Canonicus befriended him almost as an adopted son. Soon afterward Williams established a trading post.
   
   From this remote vantage point he began an intensive study of Native (Algonquin) languages, customs and sacred ways. In 1643 he published his cultural findings in a book entitled, A Key into the Language of America. Many of his findings and admonitions disturbed the English settlers. He rejected their claims of cultural superiority, and asserted that in many exchanges the Indians acted with more Christian virtue than the colonists. Williams also rebuked attempts to evangelize or convert Indians as religious persecution. In recognizing their common humanity, he championed "soul liberty" for Natives and Europeans alike.
   
   In contrast to Plymouth or Massachusetts Bay, which did not obtain title from the Indians before they began their plantation, he insisted that the only legal and moral method of obtaining Indian land had to come from their free consent. Williams discovered that although Native Americans had conceptions of land, resources and ownership that differed from Europeans, Indian peoples had definite ideas about the extent and derivation of their commonwealth.
   
   Unfortunately, the growing English population and insatiable desire for land led to territorial encroachments, jurisdiction disputes, and devastating warfare with Native communities. Williams decried that land had become "one of the gods of New England." To forestall the outbreak of King Philip's War (1675-76), he offered himself up as a hostage to the Wampanoags to reassure them that their sachem, Metacom (Philip), would be returned to them by the Massachusetts authorities safely. When the war broke out, Williams sided with the English in what he perceived as self-defense.
   
   The bloodiest conflict in American history ended decades of his tireless efforts to forge a peaceful "middle ground." But his legacy remains. Roger Williams became a trusted friend, honest broker and cross-cultural diplomat. He was one of the few seventeenth-century colonial New Englanders who achieved some success in bridging the cultural gap between European Americans and American Indians.
   
   Kudos to Professor Gaustad for another excellent book about one of America's greatest "planting fathers." I now wish he would write another book for the Lives and Legacies series on William Penn.



2. This is an effective and concise biography. I especially appreciated the author's approach. He could have drawn in a lot of irrelevant material, as authors of biography tend to do, but, to his credit, did not. I enjoyed the writing -- and that, too, is a rare comment on a bio, especially one of a subject from this time. It's not easy reading quotes from the colonial period; the language was so formal. I like that Gaustad "translated" so much of Roger Williams' words. The latter sections of the book were especially interesting. Williams may have influenced Locke -- an interesting tidbit about a noteworthy life.



3. Roger Williams has been dead almost 400 years, yet his lessons and views are as pertinent today as they have ever been. The battles he fought regarding Church and State, the battles for freedom of conscience, mind and religion, are still being fought today, just as heatedly, by parties and groups just as determined. Basic freedoms must be defended--and earned--by each generation. There will always be a place, a much needed place, for Roger Williams in the discourse of United States history and the basic freedoms we take forgranted, yet must defend, every day.
   
   Jefferson, Adams, Washington, Franklin and others may have gotten more "ink," than Roger Williams, but he may be the most important one of them all. If there had been no Roger Williams, there may have been no Frankliln, Jefferson, Washington and Adams, certainly not as we know them. Williams earned for them the right to think,worship and speak on their own.
   
   A good book, easily and quickly read, giving the reader a keen appreciation of the difficulties, trials, tribulations--and the vision--of that day. And it speaks pointedly to the challenges of this day...If the reader wants an understanding and appreciation of Religious Freedom, how we got it, what it means, and why it is essential to the country, then and now, this is the book to read. A Word of Warning: Religious Conversatives of this day may find religious freedom, true religious freedom, dangerous and threatening!!!



4. I met Professor Gaustad in 1988 when I moved to Riverside to pursue an advanced degree in history. He struck me at the time as a dignified careful historian who nonetheless could capture and make real the religious conflicts of centuries past. Gaustad has not lost any of his gifts as this recent book demonstrates. He does a masterful job of presenting the key elements of Roger Williams' life and development. From his conflicts with Cotton Mather and his eventual expulsion from Massachusetts Bay Colony, to his friendship with Native Americans and the founding of Rhode Island, Gaustad presents what we know of William's life in an easy to read narrative. He also includes selections of Williams' works so that modern readers can get a flavor of the writing of this influential founder.
   
   What makes this book so fascinating, however, is that Williams was a real visionary. He alone among the early colonial leaders advocated a complete separation from civil (government) society and religion. A firm believer in the Bible, Williams was skeptical of all attempts to form a genuine "New Testament" church. Only the return of Christ himeself, Williams believed, would truly restore the church of the apostles. Until then Christians could only use the powers of love and persuasion to convince others of their views. Williams adamantly opposed having the state interfere with any religious beliefs, even those which are non-Christian. This was quite a leap for an 17th century thinker.
   
   But if Williams was widely rejected in colonial New England for his views, his distinction between civil society and what he called "soul liberty" eventually became dominant in the United States and later, much of the Western World. Gaustad attributes not only the First Ammendment, but also such modern documents as the Vatican II Declaration of Religious Liberty and the 1978 Indian Religious Freedom Act to Williams' continued influence. All of which points to one of the great ironies of history. America is, as people on the religious right have claimed, a Christian nation. But it is also a nation founded upon a particular view of Christianity, one which expressly prohibited ties between Church and State. And Christianity of all stripes has flourished in precisely this environment. Moreso than any other Western Nation, the United States remains firmly and devoutly Christian. Undoubtedly, the "free market" in religious thought William advocated has produced this spiritual abundance in much the same way that the free market in economics has produced material abundance. Christians everywhere should take note of this.

5 comments about Echoes of His Presence.

1. Often the context in which something was said in the Bible is misunderstood and badly applied today. So, I frequently study the Bible with contextual dictionaries to dig into the deeper and practical meaning of words in a message. Echoes of His Presence goes beyond. Through story-telling you can live that moment yourself and picture how the people of the time would have applied the events and messages that we read today in the Bible.



2. Mr. Vander Laan through a lifelong study of the land, culture and history of the Bible has written an amazing book. Echoes, presents many of the culture and historical settings of the world that Jesus was born, taught and lived while on this earth.

   Ray through some life experiences shares insights that will allow you as the reader to see most of the gospel accounts with the "eyes" of the first century witnesses. I have never seen these stories and teaching of Jesus the same after reading this book.

   Get your hands on a copy and read this one at least once a year.




3. I use this book daily in my quiet time. Mr VanderLaan writes so as you are there with the people he is writing about. If anyone had any doubt about the humanity of Jesus, this is an excellent education. I found I wanted to spend more time in the bible after reading this, over and over, the stories in this book helps understanding some of the stories in the bible. Excellent, wonderful, I need to buy one for my friends!!! Thank You, Mary Hughes



4. This is a brilliant book which provides much needed background to the life and times of Jesus. It has greatly helped my understanding of the Bible.

   The stories provide details of the culture and living experiences of those in Jesus' day and by doing so we are transported back in time in a very effective way. My favourite one was the story of the woman who was bleeding and touched Jesus' robe. I didn't appreciate the social stigma that would have accompanied the illness due to her always being 'unclean', nor of what it would have meant to be free. Then there is the story covering the meaning of the 'living water'.

   If you are interested in the Bible (particularly if you are a Christian) get the book. You won't regret it. I've given 5 copies to friends as gifts and they have all appreciated it.




5. This book paints a picture of the multi-faceted culture in which Jesus lived. It's a wonderful, God-honoring book which helps us to better understand His life because it demonstrates the political, familial, societal and religious background that we miss not having lived in that culture. Mr. Vander Laan draws parallels in story form of Jesus in various roles, such as the Rabbi, the Teacher, the Bridegroom, etc. I walked away with a greater foundation for understanding my Savior. Vander Laan's experience in and understanding of the Holy Land add priceless insights into this work. This is a great book! I highly recommend it.

5 comments about One Holy Fire: Let the Spirit Ignite Your Soul.

1. 'In as much as you have done it unto the least of these, My brothers, You have done it unto Me." Nicky Cruz makes you realize that cleaning up the vomit from a heroin addict who needs your help brings one far closer to YHWH and His glory than sitting in a comfortable pew listening to a sermon. Nicky and many others have had LIVES that are sermons. In this book you see up close what Yahusha meant when He said the prostitutes and tax collectors were going into Heaven before the religious leaders. It was awesome to see how one person's life can be used by the Holy Spirit to dramatically revolutionize tens of thousands of other people's lives. There are a series of "one person's" seen here. We hear of David Wilkerson leading Nicky (and only Heaven knows how many others) out of sin and abject misery into love and joy and transformed lives. (I did not realize he was also instrumental in impacting the Minister of the famed Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.) Then the Holy Fire leaps from Nicky to others who also pass it on. This is the real thing. A very convicting story.
   If you haven't read, or seen the movie of, The Cross and the Switchblade,
   chances are you will be greatly impacted by it.
   I used to agree with the saying, "You can catch sickness but you can't catch health." Well, now I believe that the healing of the soul from the Holy Spirit can indeed be passed on from one person to another, and in fact, we are to be willing instruments used for that purpose.



2. Before I make my comments:
   I want it to be known, I RECOMMEND this book. 4 1/2 stars
   
   I will start by saying if you have never heard of Nicky Cruz.
   Please read "The Cross and the Switchblade" by David Wilkerson, and then "Run Baby Run" by Nicky Cruz. Then you will have a better understanding of where Nicky Cruz came from.
   
   After having reading the other two books (I mentioned) I found this book interesting. At first I thought it sounded like a book "about Nicky" but as I continued reading on I believe it was Nicky telling his life experiences FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.
   
   Also, for the first half of the book I thought it should have been titled "The life and times of Nicky Cruz" I didn't quite get where they came up with this title "One Holy Fire..." As I read on it made more sense, though I still think the title was not the best match to the content of the book.
   
   That being said I really like the book especially knowing the past of Nicky Cruz. I felt like he was quite transparent in this book, and gave glory to God.
   
   This book, I felt, picked up excitement as you read it. The more I read it the more I enjoyed it, so don't put it down to quick.
   
   It's a remarkable story, and feel it would be good for anyone hungry for the REAL and LIVING Christ.
   
   Jim



3. I have to admit in over twenty-nine years of ministry, I have not read a Nicky Cruz book until now. Sure, back in the early 70s I saw the Cross and the Switch Blade, but not being a Christian at the time I was not too impressed. So when my youth minister laid this book on my desk, it sat there for almost two weeks until an overwhelming sense of guilt and obligation make me pick it up and begin to read.

   This is a wonderful book. As I read it, I could sense the integrity of Nicky Cruz. How refreshingly honest it is to read when Nicky tells us that he has not written a book in the past eight years because he had nothing to say. As an avid reader of Christian books, it become readily apparent that too many authors repackage sermons and stoop to write drivel just to publish another book to receive royalty checks. As soon as I read this confession, I was hooked. On the integrity issue, we see how Nicky had to come to grips with the cult of celebrity and his sense of being used to attract crowds so Christian entertainers could earn more money. I was shocked to see how his publisher failed to pay him any significant royalties on his book Run Baby Run, an international bestseller. I was awed by the grace with which Nicky accepted his plight and gave God the glory for it.

   Enough about the author lets look at the book. Cruz calls the church to stop doing church and to be the church- to abandon its fear of men and to follow without hesitation the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is, as the poet said, a road less traveled. Interlaced with personal stories, Cruz argues persuasively for a life of faith and trust in the sovereign moves of the Holy Spirit- that as Christians we could turn the world upside down if we would just get out of the way and let God be God.

   For us control freaks this is a word we need to hear. The Holy Spirits fire is something we cannot calculate or control. It the truth be told, too many us prefer predictability and security to the guidance of Gods Spirit. The results are predictable- stagnating or declining churches where the power of God is absent. We cannot have both- We must surrender the leading and power of the Holy Spirit and see lives transformed, or we can try to control the sovereign God and get only the results that we, ourselves, are capable of getting. I choose to follow God.




4. I strongly recommend this book to every Christian who is looking to serve God in any capacity. One Holy Fire is a solid reminder of what God is willing and able to do whenever He finds a believer that will yield completely to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
   In this book, Nicky Cruz narrates amazing accounts of God's power, deliverance and love towards the hurting and helpless. He also shares inspiring testimonies of how God has mentored, supported and refreshed him throughout his ministry. One Holy Fire is a refreshing, uplifting and anointed book. I believe it will greatly bless every person - clergy or laity - who reads it with an open heart.



5. Nicky Cruz author of 'Run Baby Run' and whose life was subject of the motion picture 'The Cross and the Switchblade' (from the title book by David Wilkerson) has a new book that will set your soul afire. 'One Holy Fire' is such a book with never-before-published stories from his ministry that will make your heart quake and explode your imagination. Cruz shares dramatic stories of physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Thousands have come to Christ as a result of the Spirit working his life. Cruz explores spiritual promises regarding the Holy Spirit's work and what it means to "Walk in the Spirit." 'One Holy Fire' will inspire you to live according to the Spirit's guidance. After reading and applying what purpose the Spirit has for you, you will experience new energy as the Spirit of God works in your life. This book has so much anointed power, that it's sure to change you how you live your life. If you've searching to be set on fire for the fulfillment of God's joy let 'One Holy Fire' ignite the flame of your deepest desire. I recommend this highly.

5 comments about God Owns My Business: They Said It Couldn't be Done, But Formally and Legally....

1. A church library was giving away books that were not being checked out, and I picked up an original hard copy of this book from 1969. I had it a few years before reading it, and sure wish I had done it sooner! I am so pleased to see that it is still available! It is a priceless treasure, and you don't need to be interested in starting your own business to love this book, either.
   
   Stanley Tam understands EXACTLY the relationship we are to have with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his story is incredibly well told. This book is an enjoyable read, and is excellent for anyone, but it is especially wonderful for explaining what true Christianity to someone who has not experienced it or has been burned by a bad Church experience. I was so encouraged. Please read this book, and give a copy to a friend (you'll never part with yours)!



2. I first became aware of Dr. Stanley Tam when we received one of the flyer from his (God's)company. On the front of the flyer was a testimony about an attorney who for some years had been searching for God. Dr. Tam was able to tell him how he could find God.
   I was so impressed that he would have a testimony on the front page of his advertisment that I sat down and wrote him a letter telling him how much I appreciated this. We live in a day and age when so many Christians are so afraid to let anyone know of their belief in God; so afraid they will offend someone; so afraid it will diversly affect their business. Here was a man who wanted everyone to know of his faith!! How refreshing.
   
   At the time I wrote him, I was also collecting stories for a book I was putting together. This book would have stories about what God is doing in peoples lives today. I asked his permission to use the story I had seen in my book.
   
   He was gracious enough to respond. He sent me a copy of his book and gave me permission to use any part of it that I chose to.
   
   Yes, he sent me an autographed book free of charge. I do not consider this being a lunatic. I consider this being a very generous man who as a part of his ministry gives away his books.
   The book has so many stories about how God hears and answers prayers. If anyone is dissatisfied with their life and is not sure what to do about it, I would strongly recommend they read Dr. Tam's book.
   
   And, yes, I follow in his footsteps, too. I, too, have given many of my books away and will continue to do so!
   Jeanetta Pollard author of "Mrs. Claus Shares Stories From the Heart."



3. This book was given as a gift to me when I visited a small business for a market analysis project. It was the first time someone had presented the idea that a person can have a successful career not at the expense of pleasing God. While few would be called to Tam's same ministry, many people can be changed by the message in this book.



4. I feel sorry for the first reviewer. I will admit that I have not read the book, (I had to give stars to write this) but I have met Mr. Tam and heard him speak. I was inspired by him and I wish I had his courage. He is not a lunatic. He has proven that a person can be a Christian and be successful in business. His speech was riveting and I would expect the same from the book.



5. Stanley Tam used to (and maybe still does) give copies of this book away through his company (we used to order a lot of stuff from his, or should I say God's, company, U.S. Plastic Co.). The book is a lot of fun - basically the ramblings of a lunatic. When he would give these away for free it was always a lot fo fun to have free copies sent to friends. Check to see if you can still get a free copy before buying one.

5 comments about One God Clapping: The Spiritual Path of a Zen Rabbi.

1. An interesting, easy to read narrative of the author's journeys. I can't say I learned all that much about why Rabbi Lew returned to Judaism, except that most of his decisions come from the kind of flashes of insight that are not easily reduced to words.
   
   He did, however, explain reasonably coherently why he was attracted to Conservative Judaism rather than to Orthodoxy - a somewhat unusual phenomenon, because baal teshuvot (Jews who have "returned" to religious observance) generally veer towards Orthodoxy. Lew explains that because of his Buddhist experiences, he was comfortable with the rigorous spiritual practice demanded by halacha. But he was not comfortable with the ideological demands of Orthodoxy; while many baal teshuvot choose an ideology first and seek to alter their practice to conform to that ideology, Lew chose the practice long before he was certain about what he believed, and thus is more orthoprax than orthodox. He writes when he was in rabbinical school and contemplating switching to Orthodoxy, an Orthodox friend told him "There's a right way to think and a wrong way. That's what Orthodox means- the right way to think." That is when Lew decided that Orthodoxy was not for him.
   
   Although I found most of this book to be merely interesting rather than riveting, there were a few "wow" moments here and there. Some examples:
   
   1. His explanation of cults and other religious mistakes: "If a person shows any sign of spiritual power whatsoever, they [Americans] immediately fall to worshipping him. The idea that someone could be spiritually powerful but also evil or venal, or simply crazy, is beyond their ken . . . because spiritual power is somewhat rare in the West, when most Americans encounter it for the first time, they are utterly defenseless."
   
   2. A wonderful story about a service at JTS (Jewish Theological Seminary) on Yom HaShoah: Professor No. 1 speaks at length about his horrifying Holocaust experiences, and concludes "I don't see why we should remember it at all"- his point, according to Lew, being "If we really remembered the Holocaust, there would be no way to contain the horror." That night, it was announced that the son of Professor No. 2 (also a survivor) was being engaged. Normally, the students would sing a congratulatory song, but they were too shocked by Professor 1's speech. Professor 2 then yelled "You better sing ... The whole point is, they tried to finish us off, and they failed. I'm the only one left in my family, and now my son is going to get married and have chidren, and my family will continue." The students sang, needless to say.
   
   3. A wonderful quote from Louis Finkelstein: "Judaism is very difficult. It demands more of its lay people than most religions demand from their priests. Most people complain that today's Jews don't do enough, that they aren't observant enough. But I think who's holding a gun to their heads?"



2. I have never written a review before, feeling that until I became an author, I should keep quiet. However this book has moved me to reevaluate. I have never seen such a rambling, self involved, free association, represented as a "spiritual path" in all my years of reading spiritual books of many varities. The author never stops talking about himself, and a myriad of unconnected and unexplained bits of memories to mention anything of substance about ANY spiritual traditions, other than in passing. I question whether anyone so staggeringly self-involved has benefited from any "spiritual path". I wouldn't think of this as even an interesting autobiography, since it seems more a pedantic chronology of events about HIMSELF, than a celebration of the "others" that accompanied one along the journey. Perhaps good cathartic journaling for the author, but a great pretender as any sort of spiritual guide. Very disappointing! I feel I have completely wasted $16.95. For a useful and intelligent autobiographical type discussion of one's journey through religious traditions, and helpful comparisons, similarities and differences, try "The Unexpected Way" by Paul Williams; "The One Light" by Bede Griffiths, or "The Other Half Of My Soul" compiled by Beatrice Bruteau.



3. Rabbi Alan Lew discusses his rich Brooklyn childhood, his family's move to largely anti-Jewish suburbs of Westchester, his studies at Penn, his marriage, his move into Zen and ten years in monastic contemplation to fulfill his spiritual yearnings, and his return to Judaism and the rabbinate. This is the story of his integration of the East with the West. It's about Jewish karma, and the reclamation of spirituality. It's about why so many Jewish youth turn East in their spiritual quests, experiment with Eastern religions and worship the exotic (sometimes just because it is exotic). This book is both easy to read and interesting. I also highly recommend a little book of wisdom by a young Jewish/Buddhist author named Taro Gold titled "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life."



4. This book has been a continuing source of inspiration on my spiritual journey. I am going through the process of converting to Judaism and hold a strong interest in Zen meditation, Yoga and a mindful way of life. The stories told in One God Clapping touched my heart, my soul, and my intellect, and gave me the sense that I was reading about my own life. Rabbi Lew offers up a heartfelt glimpse into the experiences of his life with a warmth and honesty that speaks a universal truth about humanity. I laughed. I cried. I re-evaluated my priorities and I loved it. Well written with a fluidity that makes the reading experience delightful, this is one I will read again and again. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Lew!



5. I admit that I'm biased since I have twice met Rabbi Lew when I attended religious servics at his synagogue in San Francisco. I liked Rabbi Lew's book and found his spiritual journry to be engrossing. We all have our own spiritual struggles and being able to eavesdrop on someone else's helps us focus upon our own. Rabbi Lew was raised in a secular, politically leftist household and though he retained his political liberalism, he attained spirituality and a strong belief in God, starting with a legnthy immersion into Buddhism that evolved into a return to Judaism. Rabbi Lew is not one to do things half way. He was fully immersed in his Buhdism and sort of rose in the ranks of that community. When he rediscovered Judaism, he became so immersed that, as the oldest student in his seminary class, he became the top student, totally devoting his life to his goal to become a Rabbi. He also shares his family struggles in this book. I must conclude by disagreeing with another reviewer who feels that Rabbi Lew did not illumnate his reasons for leaving Buddhism. In fact, I think he was very clear: he felt that his life was subject to a doctrine that was too dogmatic and too controlling of his individuality. At least, that's what I gleaned from my reading of the book and, the reason seemed to be rather clearly stated.

1 comments about The Journal and Major Essays of John Woolman.

1. A classic in Christian engagement with the world, by a Quaker minister best known for his role in convincing others in the Society of Friends - as individuals and as a group - to withdraw from the slave trade and stop holding slaves. Woolman also contributed insights into the nature of war and conflict, wealth and simplicity, right livelihood and spiritual humility.

   This is the definitive edition - as in, this is the one that scholars and serious readers want, with a solid introduction, explanatory footnotes, and notes on which passages were changed along the way. Woolman based his Journal on personal diaries, rewriting and editing it with his Quaker audience foremost in mind. His essays apparently were aimed for a wider audience; they show his familiarity with Enlightenment trends that many Friends ignored. The essays "On Keeping Negroes" and "A Plea for the Poor" are included in this edition.

   After his death in 1772, the Journal has passed through the hands of a succession of editors, including Quaker poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier, whose edition can be found on the web. From one generation to the next, Friends and others have rediscovered John Woolman and cherished his sweet reflections on human relations and Divine leading.