No comments about Constantine the Great - The First Christian Roman Emperor (Biography).

5 comments about More Christian Than African American.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful and beautifully-written book. I, like Mrs. Tate, am a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which widely embraces the practice of incorporating the personal testimonies of God's people into the worship service. I, like many others, derive great benefit from hearing the testimonies of others who are striving to grow and mature under the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Reading Mrs. Tate's testimony was very timely for me. I am a thirty-one-year-old, caucasian, born-again christian. When I began reading "More Christian Than African-American" I was at a point in my life when I was just on the verge of beginning to, truly, walk in victory. Naturally, the enemy was on the attack, telling me that I had not really grown much at all, trying to convince me that I didn't have much to celebrate. Then, glory to God, I read Mrs. Tate's up-lifting testimony of how Jesus wiped away her sin, delivered her from distasteful & destructive behaviors, set her free from a spirit of un-forgiveness towards whites, and then began using her in a mighty way to uplift His holy name. As I turned the pages of her book, I was reminded of many of the sinful behaviors from which I have been delivered. And, while I know that I have much work to do, Mrs. Tate has encouraged and inspired me to "keep on keepin' on", as her open and frank approach makes her one to whom it is very easy to relate.

   Additionally, Mrs. Tate has boldly brought forth a powerful message which instructs all of us to cease from being anything but christian first. I appreciate the way she has dealt with this issue head-on. Those who are mature in Christ and have placed Him as Ruler and King over their ENTIRE being will receive this message as they ought. Jesus really is LOVE. However, I know that some black christians will criticize her for taking this stand, citing former and modern offenses comitted by the white majority and vowing to "stay black" and to keep their churches black. In contrast there will be whites applauding her for this refreshing approach, while waving their "Love" banner and ever-so secretly concealing their fear of black culture as a whole. They will breath a heavy sigh of relief and then flock to their all-white churches, to their comfort zones. Brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to wake up! Thank you Kim Cash Tate for the call! (Thank you Lord Jesus.)




2. "Open your eyes and tune your ears, so you know what you see and understand what you hear." This is the message I would like people to read before opening the pages of this book. Ms. Tate's experience is not much different than many others (me included) who have experienced a new religion/church for the first time. Usually we are mesmerized for some time at the beauty of the Bible or other teachings and the strength of the preacher. I just wish Ms. Tate would have waited to write this book after she had more time to reflect on her chistrian and "African American" experience and identity. I also wish she would have had more courage to tell her publishers to give her book a title that was more relevant to her story and one that did not provoke an avenue that allows white America and the Ward Connerly's of the world to deny the stifling affect racism has had and continues to have on Black Americans.

   I do believe her book has value in the fact it shows us that not all Black folk share the same historical experiences nor do we see all things the same way. However, I hope Ms. Tate realizes that her book will not bring too many more black folks, particularly young ones, into the church or christianity. She needs to understand, if she doesn't already, that most African Americans share a "common black experience", not a christian one. Even the christian experience among African Americans is different. Therefore, I expect that more white Americans will find themselves in her book than African Americans will. (When those black men got together in Washington for the Million Man March, they did so because they shared a common experience as African/African American/Afro-Carribean men...Louis Farrakhan organized it, but his religion and ours had very little to do with why we attended. It was brotha's for brotha's, not christians against muslims, muslims against jews, Jehovahs witnesses against baptists, or black lutherans against black catholic. The spirit that ran between those of us who attended that day was beyond that!

   Readers should also note that Ms. Tate lives in the same city I do, and Madison, Wisconsin is a place where many middle class African Americans are very comfortable with the status quo. We should also note that Ms. Tate's church is not typical of many black churches- they do not recognize nor participate in the political struggles of African Americans in their own community and their minister vehemently denounced the Million Man March. While this may not be true of Ms. Tate, this is the history of the "horse that lead her to water."ÿ




3. I've had the wonderful pleasure of not only reading Mrs.Tate's book, but also meeting her in her church home. It was clear why Mrs. Tate was lead to write an account of her spiritual journey. Surrounded by a loving and supportive family at home as well as church only ensures that she's bound for even more writing success. All you "haters" keep those bad reviews coming! This only fuels Mrs. Tate to plow ahead ! Keep it coming, Kim.



4. This book opened my eyes to all the compromises I was making because of my race in spite of my spirituality. I, too, strive to be a 24-7 Christian. More Christian than African American. I highly recommend this book to people of all races.



5. I am a white female, just about Mrs. Tate's age. This book has helped me understand why there is sometimes a racial divide between the races, and it has strengthend my spiritual walk. I had many "aha" moments as I read the book and I highly recommend it to all people of all ages and races.

5 comments about In the Footsteps of Jesus: One Man's Journey.

1. It was an encouragement to me to read Bruce Marchiano's testimony about his amazing journey of following Christ and his life changing experience of portraying Jesus in the film "The Gospel according to Matthew". I enjoyed reading every page of this book because the love of Jesus flows through it.
   I recommend this book to everyone, especially those who loved Bruce Marchiano's presentation of the joyful Jesus in the film "The Gospel according to Matthew". After I read "In the Footsteps of Jesus", I had to watch the film "The Gospel according to Matthew" again and again. In my opinion, it is the best Jesus film I have ever seen! Check out the plans for Bruce's new film "The Gospel according to John".



2. I bought this book for my book club. We usually read fiction but I had read this and wanted them to read it too. They loved it. The experience the author has as he plays Jesus, along with the cast and crew in making this move Matthew is truly amazing. The way they depict Jesus in the movie this book is about, is more like I like to think of who Jesus is and what he was like while he was here on earth. Truly inspiring!



3. What a joy to read the book and be given the idea that Jesus was joyful and loving, not like other Hollywood movies where Jesus never blinks and is very pious. This Jesus character related to the people he was here to save. Loved the book and the movie-which is word for word the Gospel of Matthew.



4. This book has done more for me in learning to love Christ than any other I have ever read, with the only exception being the Bible. Bruce Marchiano does a wonderful job of making Jesus real, approachable, and, more than anything, lovable. If you have any question about God's love for you, read this one!



5. This volume has been a complete blessing to me! It found it's way to my door by Divine intervention while I was already on the road from FL to NY while my only son was a reported missing person in NY. Amazon ships sporatically and I received this the day I left, again, I was already packed, in my vehicle and on the road. I returned home and grabbed this from in front of my door, threw it into my SUV and headed back out. My son was murdered and I found out while I was still en route north. This book was a HUGE blessing during this worst of all possible tragedies.
   
   It announces a very different picture of the serene, somber Jesus we've heard about throughout our lives, a picture of love, gaiety, kindness, passion and, most of all, smiles. I read this in my weakest moments and found inspirations, blessings and, ironically, perfectly timed revelations.
   
   "In the Footsteps of Jesus" tells the story of the "Matthew" actor that played Jesus, Bruce Marchiano. It details how the author came to play the role and how playing the role changed his life through daily insights into the life, love, compassion and gentleness of Jesus as seen through the Gospel of Matthew.
   
   What an absolute goldmine the Lord sent my way during this most horrific time in my life! Without this volume, safely tucked away in the backseat of my SUV, I don't believe I would have been able to make it through this terrible time. Thank you to Bruce Marchiano and GLORY TO HIM!!!

4 comments about Between Two Worlds: The Spiritual Journey of an Evangelical Catholic.

1. This is a very compelling read ~ the gripping story of a self made, well travelled man who finds himself anything but self-satisfied. It has the feel of being a modern day "Confessions" of Saint Augustine. It is destined to be a spiritual classic that will connect with the likes of us who live in the real world. More than just a story it is jam-packed with spiritual insight. I could not put it down.



2. Between Two Worlds is a story that needed to be told. It is an invitation into the personal life of Mike Timmis, an evangelical Roman Catholic.
   
   Mike's willingness to be vulnerable and share his greatest struggles and deepest loss will touch any who have suffered in similar ways and asked, "Why?" "Where is God in all of this hurt?" And, "Where do I belong?" Mike's story is not one of quick spiritual fixes but of a multi-faceted journey that begins with the revelation of what Jesus really yearns for from all His followers, intimacy with Him!
   
   Any "driven" person working in the business world, who is questioning God's calling on his life, should read this book. Mike didn't abandon the workplace, but instead found his calling in the midst of it.
   
   Any parent who struggles with a rebellious teenager or who has suffered the loss of a child will not only relate to Mike's story, but will be deeply encouraged that there is hope in the midst of tremendous pain.
   
   Any person whose vocation is ministry, whether Protestant or Catholic, should read this book to be encouraged by the remarkable firsthand stories of how Jesus really does cross all divisions. More practically, Mike's personal relationship with Chuck Colson is a beautiful living example of two brothers united in Christ without denying or diminishing one another's faith traditions for the sake of that unity.
   
   But there is more to this fascinating story. Through the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, Mike Timmis discovered he had been raised and placed in the Catholic Church for a purpose. By remaining a committed Catholic he has been able to reach across all divisions of disunity, relating to, learning from, and exhorting evangelicals from all denominations.
   
   Between Two Worlds is worth the read simply for its call and real-life demonstration of what unity in Jesus Christ looks like for today's followers of Jesus. Written in such a non-threatening way, Between Two Worlds asks all of us to examine our consciences regarding what we are doing for the cause of unity in the Body of Christ, beginning first with our families and then on behalf of the least, the last and the lost!
   
   Between Two Worlds is a story that needed to be told and now it needs to be read!



3. Between Two Worlds by Mike Timmis is an intriguing look into the life of an evangelical Catholic. Normally that would seem to be an oxymoron, but as Timmis tells the story of his life, it's easy to see how the term suits him perfectly. Timmis relates his life with honesty and just a shade of hubris. Even as he is ashamed of his Irish temper, he's proud of it as well. He's a man you definitely want on your team: hard-hitting, unafraid to speak his mind, and of singular purpose. When his focus was his job, it was his entire life, but when he turned his life over to Christ, he turned that fierce determination toward God. The book is written in similar format; whatever he was focused on at that time in his life is all that he writes about, so when he turns to God, he doesn't write anymore about his job, although he must have been working to continue his upscale lifestyle. Timmis is just as courageous is sharing his tragedies as he is his triumphs, and when someone called him on hypocrisy, he tells the reader about that as well. He suffered not only personal crises, but his church attacked him as well for his outgoing faith, but he stayed true to it and was rewarded. The story meanders in spots and could have used some reorganizing to make it flow a bit better, but overall it's a good read about a good man.



4. I was heartened to hear of this book. I thought for some time that perhaps I was strange or unique. Now I know that I am not alone. I have experienced much of what Mike Timmis describes in this book, certainly not to the level that he describes but still real nonetheless.
   
   This book is recommended for anyone who believe that the rift between those who identify as "Catholics" and those who call themselves "Christians" has gone on way too long, and that it is time that we recognize our common belief and get beyond the divisions that exist.

5 comments about Lost Boy No More: A True Story Of Survival And Salvation.

1. It is one thing to read about the atrocities in the Sudan in the daily newspaper. It is quite another to hear first-hand the stories of real people who witnessed and experienced unspeakable crimes against humanity. I was shaken to the core by this book. It is one that everyone should read, especially those of us who will never travel to the Sudan in person. It challenges us to pray, to write to our government for assistance for these people, and to give from our own wealth to help in whatever way is possible.



2. Lost Boy No More will touch your heart and set your soul on fire! I cried as I read this emotional journey and the tribulations these boys went through. My heart cried out to them. Powerful and insightful, this is a must-read. For more of my reviews, visit my website at www.robinmillerbooks.com



3. So begins the story of the Lost Boys, children, some much younger than Abraham, who fled from the horror of those who butchered their families into the desert. They fled without adequate food, water and clothes. They fled, pursued by soldiers who found pleasure in torture. Yet, despite the hardships, many not only survive, but found their faith sustained them.
   
   Read entire review at AUTHOR'S CHOICE REVIEWS http://come.to/bookreviews



4. I couldn't read this book. I skimmed it, but I couldn't read it. It was disjointed and disappointing. I don't think it adequately portrayed the situation. Also, I don't mind reading religious material, but I like to know it's religious material before I buy it.



5. The story of the Lost Boys from Southern Sudan is beyond what most humans could conceive as possible in today's world. When he was a young boy, Abraham Nhial's peaceful village was attacked mercilessly by Islamic soldiers who destroyed children and adults violently. He and thousands of other young boys fled their homes and headed into the jungle of Sudan in hopes of survival.
   
   Only the highlights of the Lost Boys' story is told in this book. The author mixes Abraham's story of survival with chapters on the conflict between Islamic forces and the Christians in Southern Sudan. The book also includes a chapter on the history of Sudan.
   
   Abraham is a member of the Dinka tribe that lived peacefully and traditionally in Southern Sudan before the northern Islamic militants attacked the South killing any in their path. Abraham and the lost boys journeyed miles through the jungle to Ethiopia where they found temporary refuge before having to flee to Kenya. They faced constant terror and suffering. The young boys had seen and experienced what no person should ever have to.
   
   What is so amazing about the story is that in the midst of terror, Abraham experiences and learns faith in Jesus Christ. He attributes his survival and subsequent guidance to the Lord.
   
   I wish that the book showed us more of Abraham's life, but it does convey the big picture of his life and the situation in Sudan. Both narratives are compelling and interesting.
   
   Shakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays

5 comments about The Personal Beliefs of Jimmy Carter: Winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.

1. Nobel Peace Prize winner and humanitarian President Carter explains how certain events have influenced his life in this excellent autobiography. Although the book contains the words of a man that is not afraid to speak the truth, he does not go into details of the failed attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran. He micromanaged the rescue team from the White House, instead of empowering his men in the field to make any decisions. Unlike other presidents, he has not been bought off by corporate America.



2. During the Carter Administration, President Carter had to deal with the deaths of his mother, sister, and brother, and that was near the start of his four years of Presidency. Then there was the Hostage Crises in Iran. President Carter had to try anything, and everything to get the hostages. It cost the lives of several soldiers when thier helicopter crashed in the desert. Essentially, President Carter got a raw deal. He was not reckognized by those who came home from Iran, or anybody else in the United States, as the saviour. President Reagan got that glory. And, at president Reagan's Inaugural Ball/Dinner, he did not even mention President Carter. This may sound like a put down of both administrations, but it is not. Both men had their faults, as does today's President Bush. I have the ultimate respect for President Carter. For somebody who will be 80 October 1, it does not surprise me that he is still constructing houses, taking care of the other persons, etc.



3. It really is awful to see ideological conservatives give a critique of a book they haven't even read here at Amazon.
   
   One went as far as to claim that the only thing Carter did that was worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize was the progress he made at Camp David.
   
   Have they been so blinded by war and hate that they can't even look toward Carter's admirable work in Habitat for Humanity as a basis for him winning this prestigious award?
   
   They obviously must be. They certainly are dedicated to crushing the image of someone who represents solving problems with great love and effort, rather than with destruction and arrogant minsunderstanding.
   
   But I recommend this book for someone with an open enough mind to see how wonderful a human being Jimmy Carter is. Regardless of your partisan bias.



4. I have read most of his books and find them all to be well written and this one is stands up to the test.



5. The book is very interesting, I think not many people in the world put there faith in to action, thats what the book is about. And I get chance to meet with President Carter personally and he is really very interesting person, read the book and you will know better...

5 comments about In Search of the Medicine Buddha: A Himalayan Journey.

1. The text itself is medicinal. The story speaks often of the ancient and rare, but is something everyone struck by the unrelenting madness of the modern world should read. The author's sincerity comes through clearly, and I would be pleased to see more from him. It is difficult to do justice to this book in a short time; it is very rich, even poetic. Do yourself a favor: just trust me on this one.



2. David delves into the subject of miraculous medicinal plants around the world and explains why botanical medicine is so crucial for the long term health and care of our planet, our healthcare system and our economy. David writes about how you can get involved in creating a grassroots healthcare system in your community by growing your own living pharmacy among many other natural wonders.



3. David Crows book is a must read for anyone interested in herbal medicine, Eastern philosophy, and their relevance in todays hectic world--especially for those interested in the ancient yet highly topical teachings of Ayurveda.

   This book is urging us to create a new renaissance in healing, but it is not another superficial New Age book. This book is written with care and depth of heart by someone who is not interested in simple answers to complicated questions. I was struck by the authors integrity and ability to make sense out of such diverse yet interrelated topics as herbs, healing, culture, sustainable economics, and ecology. The authors central theme is that we need to both revive and advance herbal medicine and our own sense of sacred environmentalism in order to live in harmony on this troubled earth.

   In Search of the Medicine Buddha is not only a book about herbal medicine but also about the need to renew our ageold spiritual connection to plants. Moreover, the book is refreshingly honest, rich, and poetic in its descriptions of Nepali and Indian culture. Highly recommended for anyone interested in creating a richer, more fulfilling and balanced life for themselves and all other living beings!




4. To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?(Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.), Roman orator, philosopher, statesman. Orator, 120.)
   
   As humans we not only should look into the future, but into the past. Without considering our past history-how can make appropriate observations, conclusions and judgments? And this is why I find this book of value.
   
   About the Book:
   Crow, a student of spiritual healing, left his acupuncture practice in San Francisco to travel to Kathmandu to pursue the path of the healers in Buddhist and Hindu culture. He discusses his experiences with Nepalese traditional doctors and Tibetan healing practices. Crow believes Ayurveda is the medicine of the future and the antidote to disease caused by our increasingly toxic world.



5. The perspective and insight that this books contains is overwhelming. The content was great, but what struck me most was the nature of the author. He has such an incredible respect and love for the Earth, other cultures, and human beings. If the world was full of David Crows, we'd be in good shape. I recommend this book for the fascinating look at Tibetan medicine, but even more for the spiritual development that Mr. Crow inspires.

5 comments about Escape to God: How Our Family Left the Rat Race Behind to Search for Genuine Spirituality and the Simple Life.

1. This book has completely changed my view on knowing and following God's will for my life. At first it is easy to think that one needs to escape the life they currently lead and head for a remote location. But read on to find the real secret to "hearing God's voice".



2. This book wonderfully presents God's personal interest in every part of our lives. For whatever reason, the book may not speak the same to every individual. I found myself excited to see such a profound book written to help searchers looking for a more personal relationship with God and to aid in getting beyond several walls that certain practice of religion has built. It further illustrates the true power and freedom found within a continual and personal walk with our Creator and Redeemer that just attending church or schooling at a seminary cannot provide. I can personally testify, with many stories in my life, to the fact that God does care about the minute details of our lives.



3. Mr. Hohnberger found what all of us are still looking for. We believe that God is present all times to support us, however we hardly feel His presence among us. Our lifes are so busy that we forget the precious things. Learning how to stop and get off the train is the most interesting lesson from this book. You should take a break of your really busy schedule and read this master piece. GREAT BOOK. INSPIRED BY GOD.



4. I have read this book twice, once by myself, then with my husband. Then we lent it to friends, and we recommend it to everyone, along with the Hohnberger's book "Come to the Quiet." This is the life most of us long for...simple, down to earth, a connected family, connected with our Maker. I appreciate so much Jim's heart and his love for God and his family. I have met and talked with Jim and Sally in person, and they are lovely people who take the time to speak with you and you can clearly see their heart for God. Amazing family who did what most of us only dream and talk of. Thank You, God, for this family.



5. This is probably the most meaningful book I have read in a LONG time! This man is very clear in his words in speaking about how God has worked and continues to work in his life. Also, it is a easy book to read and understand. I even read for our family worship a story or two from Jim's experiences that he shares. He has the most amazing experiences he has been through. His book has made me want what he has, that walk with God, trusting in HIM...and really letting God lead in my life! I am going to be reading the 'Come to the Quiet' book next, I just got it. And look forward to more information on how to get on the road I should be on, trusting more in God to lead in my life!
   
   Read this book, you will not be sorry! And you will find yourself wanting to share it!!!

3 comments about What the Land Already Knows: Winter's Sacred Days (Stories from the Farm in Lucy).

1. By the fact of being close to my own age, I am totally impressed by Phyllis Tickle's creativity in picturing Epiphany moments out of her large family in Lucy, Tenn. My one regret is growing-up in East Tenn. I was not privileged to live nearby to Lucy, close to Memphis. While I identify being a member of the little country village of Hall's Cross Roads in East Tenn, it was very nearly the same sort of community that gave all small farmers a closely-knit, feeling of belonging! My sense from Phyllis' neat chapters on "Noel, Holy Mother, The Joseph Candle, Christmas Eve Gift, Silly Sally's Gift, and Name This Child" all create their closely-knit Family in activity reflecting the Christmas Story!

   Once I got into the chapter on the "Days of Thomas the Doubter" I noted her carefully portrayed choice of gifts for Laura, "one of the older, newly-wed children...just starting a home." By St Thomas Day, "as my mother used to call it, the Day of the Old Doubter Himself"... She struck a familiar chord in my own sense of describing one of our favorite pastoral characters! In fact, my own point in reading and writing about this unique collection of essays is that it becomes a great model for blending family antidotes into Reflections upon Holy-days and Epi-phanies that people our fondest memories of Christmas.

   If I only picture a couple of more impressive spots, they would lie in the chapter, Christmas Eve Gift: "Appalachians conserve everything in order to survive a geography that has no intention of allowing them...or anything else to survive." No pecans are indigenous to Appalachian mountains...just like East Tenn! I was smitten with Ms Tickle's creative pictures of her environment. In particular the family cracking and shelling nuts for nursing stations at Sam's hospital; also the informal relaxed manner of attire when the family sat around the kitchen on the Feast of St Stephen! "We ate and drank and looked for all the world like a Norman Rockwell come to life." Where else could I find a clear reality pictured in beautifully homespun words of real-life?

   I am now a Fan of anything written by Phyllis Tickle, regardless if it is "The Graces We Remember or Wisdom In the Waiting!" Let me just soak it up for my writer's hunger and thirst for reality. Retired Chap. Fred W. Hood




2. In 1976, Publishers Weekly religion editor Phyllis Tickle and her husband Sam decided to abandon city life and move their family back to their rural roots in western Tennessee. What the Land Already Knows is Tickle's account of winters spent on their farm in the small community of Lucy - "about four thousand citizens if, as we used to say in town meetings, one counted the tractors as well as the cows and people."

   This small book is beautifully written, often funny, always touching, and nearly impossible to put down. I devoured it in one sitting, then went back to reread each chapter separately, slowly, savoring the sweetness, the sadness, and Tickle's remarkable insights on family, winter, isolation, and faith.

   Following an unhurried path from Advent through the children's return to school in January, Tickle introduces her family - human and animal. Husband Sam is a doctor and passionate grape vine tender. Their seven children, the oldest married before the family moves to the farm, thrive in a world defined by chores, farm animals, and family traditions. Her mother, whose yearly frenzy of pecan cooking the author first tries to escape, then comes to cherish. Silly Sally, Mary, Saint, and Oscar, the cows whose lives, calvings, and deaths bring humor, blessing, and meat to the family's life.

   By the time you turn the last of the 114 pages, you feel you might recognize Tickle's family on the streets of Lucy, Tennessee, or any other small farm town.

   From her agonizing ambivalence over finding the right gifts for her children to her unabashed pleasure in returning the house to order after the holiday frenzy, Tickle's honesty, always spoken gently, is disarming, beguiling, and sometimes startling.

   Perhaps the finest chapter is a reflection on names. Musing on her children's delight in the naming of farm animals, of which there were scores, she notes that the named and the namer create together the identity of each, ending with this beautiful reflection: "What is New Year's Day for the world at large is also the Feast of the Holy name for the church. . . . [B]efore the day is done, I still walk out by myself to Mary's Hill for a little while and think about what it means to know the name of God and to be yourself called by it."

   Small enough to fit into a stocking, this is a nearly perfect book for reading and rereading during the long, dark nights of winter.




3. Wonderful essays about Advent and Christmas.
   Mrs. Tickle writes beautifully. In other hands these stories could be overly sentimental, but she puts just the right touch to make them touching without being maudlin.
   I re-read it every year to put myself into the real Christmas spirit.

2 comments about The Sacred Monster of Thomism: An Introduction to the Life and Legacy of Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, O.P.

1. In Fr. Rick Peddicord's The Sacred Monster of Thomism, one encounters a man both maligned and praised in his day, although perhaps more feared than lauded, Fr. Reginald Garigou-Lagrange, O.P. It should not surprise us that Garigou-Lagrange, a man who devoted his entire life to the explication of the truths of the Christian faith, would be attacked in a world that wished to rid itself of dogma and extinguish any pangs of hypocrisy arising from society's espousal of nominal Christianity. Such intransigence in the face of "progress" won him many adversaries.
   
   The greatness of Peddicord's work rests not only in the Dominican's ability to situate his confrere historically but also resides in his analysis of Garigou's Thomism and how the senior friar's hunger for truth necessitated his often harsh reactions to those who wished that the Church would adjust her message in the modern world. This passion clearly emanated from his identity as a Dominican: Garigou embraced a life in which he vowed to preach His word for the salvation of souls. As such, he realized that letting the Kantian epistemology of Blondel or the heterodoxy of Laberthonnière go unchallenged would eventually imperil men's souls. A strict adherence to Neo-Thomism constituted Garigou's sword and shield.
   
   Throughout the work, the reader can easily see Garigou's motivations. In one of the most interesting segments of the book, Peddicord argues convincingly that modern theologians should not ignore Garigou-Lagrange's contributions to philosophy, theology, and spirituality, all of which pose significant challenges to current, popular hermeneutics. However, as an accomplished professor of moral theology, one wishes that the author would have touched upon the fundamental reasons why Garigou's modern opponents such as Roger Haight, Monika Hellwig, and Elizabeth Johnson work to undermine the legitimacy of the dogmatic teachings of the Magisterium. Their agenda goes beyond that of lessening the transcendence of the divine or stirring up doubt in the perpetual virginity of Mary.
   
   Still, this is an introduction, and we can only hope that the next work by Peddicord will shed more light on the tension between classical Thomism and modern theology. Regardless, The Sacred Monster is both well researched and insightful. Perhaps its greatest attribute is that it brings the thought of Garigou-Lagrange back into current theological inquiry, although one cannot be sure that the old frère dominicain will win any more allies in a world that unfortunately adheres to much of the same heterodoxy he attempted to eliminate during his life.



2. Peddicord's book isn't horrible, but it isn't all that great either. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an alternate biography of Fr. Lagrange in any language. We have yet to have a biography of him written from a traditional Catholic's point of view.
   
   What you get is basically a classical liberal's take on his life. The grosser objections of the modernists to Lagrange are called excessive because they aren't as tolerant as they preach folks ought to be. A few especially radical theologians are shown as having little constructive to say in comparison to the "monster"(as if this wasn't evident already). Garrigou Lagrange is presented as a pious fellow, quite bright and well-meaning, but a bit too, well, traditional (tsk, tsk). Especially interesting are a few details about his disagreements with Congar and Maritain. An especially telling omission is that after stating that he was JPII's dissertation advisor, there is no mention of the fact that Fr. Lagrange was extremely critical of that dissertation! The attempt to rehabilitate him for the neo-modernists is a bit awkward. Information of his stance against the neo-Thomists (he was very much of the tradition of the now-extremely-unpopular commentator school) is curiously absent from the work as well.
   
   All in all, it's a bit short, fairly well-written, and quite fascinating at points. Mind, it isn't as good as it could be and has its faults, but it's all we have in terms of a biography. If you have a love for his works, it is definitely worth a look. But be forewarned, for the traditional Catholic the style is sometimes cloyingly modernistic.