5 comments about Lenten Lands: My Childhood with Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis.

1. In the preface Greshman makes it clear that the book is his story about his life. No doubt the publisher thought it necessary to throw "My Childhood with Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis" on the cover because this is the reason why we care about Douglas Greshman.
   
   Most of the book is about his early life and there is much on his mother Joy and Lewis. I found the parts that had nothing to do with Joy and Lewis to be enjoyable too. Gresham is a very good writer and you get a feel for what it was like to grow up in England in the 1950's.
   
   Only the last few chapters deal with his life after the death of Lewis. But in some ways, this is an important part of the Lewis story. Why you ask? Because we see how little Gresham, Lewis' stepson, benefited from being his stepson. Greshman was dirt poor and barely getting by. What happened to Lewis' money? Why were Lewis' two stepsons not in his will?
   
   Whatever one thinks about the book overall, it is an essential piece of C.S. Lewis history. Greshman saw Lewis up close and personal. He gives insights that few others can. Even if he did not live with Lewis all the time (he was at boarding school), he still lived with Lewis some of the time, and this is more than most. His memories are invaluable.



2. This is one of those books I think any authentic admirer of C.S.Lewis should read because Douglas H. Gresham writes so empathetically as well as objectively of his Mother Joy and his step father 'Jack' Lewis. Seeing these two people thru his eyes from childhood to young adulthood is fascinating. Be it the feel of his Mothers embrace that made him feel safe, to how mature his view was of his father who had problems with alcohol. Where some people would have been harsh or mean in how they saw such a parent Douglas was able to see beyond the issue of alcohol to something deeper.
   
   Reading of his first impressions of C. S. Lewis and his brother Warnie again shows reality vs visions one has in their heads of things and people not yet seen. From the cigarette stained teeth to the evening visits to the local pub, Douglas bring a sense of humanness to the great author. And his descriptions of the places he/they lived are so real one feels as if they are a fly on the wall.
   
   The thing that makes me appreciate Douglas so much is how the lessons he saw and was taught have taken root in his life . He now lives in Ireland and is active in walk the community helping women with unwanted pregnancies.
   
   So the nasty comment by reviewer Kona (Emerald City) 'The problem with this book is that Douglas Gresham did nothing in his own life to warrant an autobiography' makes me wonder just how much of the book did they actually read, since having taken the priceless lessons that the great C.S.Lewis wrote and taught and putting them to day to day use, makes Douglas well worthy of being an author. The title is after all 'Lenten Lands: My Childhood with Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis'.



3. If, as one reviewer states, you are an ardent fan of C.S. Lewis, you will want to read this book. The opposite is true, too. If you are not particularly interested in C. S. Lewis, this is a forgettable book, not very interesting. I am not particularly interested in C.S. Lewis, I'm not going to see "Narnia," I never read the Narnia books as a kid. I wanted to read this because I saw "Shadowlands" and wanted to know what happened to the little boy after his mother died.
   
   What stands out the most is Gresham's writing style: rather like that of the people who send anecdotes to Reader's Digest. It's clear enough, rather rambling, rather predictable imagery, lots of repetition. Not very interesting. I didn't even finish reading it.
   
   So, my recommendation, if you're not a fan of C. S. Lewis, is to skip this book, and watch "Shadlowlands" when it comes on television again - it is beautiful and stands on its own.



4. Gresham's Lenten Lands provides a private picture into live with C. S. Lewis.
   I envy Douglas for having the privilege of living with Lewis as together they traveled the "Lenten Lands!"
   I'm impressed with the amount of time that passed before Douglas finally internalized the both the Truth and the truths taught and role modeled by his step-father.
   But isn't that true of so many of us today, searching for Truth, but always testing that it's real!



5. This book adds to any C.S. Lewis collection. Anyone trying to undertsand better Lewis' life and works will gain some value from this book, but in addition, the book adds value to understanding Joy Davidman, herself a remarkable person and Doug himself. One reviewer is somemwhat upset about the book because the author writes mostly about himself, yes, it is subtitled "My Childhood...".
   
   Doug Gresham is remarkably candid about himself (he directs most criticism at himself, well and the Millers). He is also very forgiving towards his father, which I found instructive for all of us. His insights into Lewis' chairity (both in time and money) and Christian heart are an addition to what a Lewis admirer might already know, but it helps add to the Lewis icon. I do wish he had a wrote more on his brother, but it may be he is keeping in with his brother's wishes (it is well known that David has avoided the Lewis/Davidman limelight).
   
   This is a good book, at a great price, and it is a quick, nicely paced read.

2 comments about Samuel Morris: Missionary to America (Heroes of the Faith).

1. Very well written and easy to read. It was inspiring and made me think about my own walk with the Lord.



2. It seems, from time to time, the Lord touches a person on Earth with a special annointing. Kaboo,aka Samuel Morris, was one of those people. This young boy had a tremendous impact on many people-though his life spanned only twenty years. His influence is still felt. Personally, I have been led to write about this young man in two different novels I am writing. The hero is one of the books is patterned after Sammy, to a certain degree. Terry Whalin kept this book true to Sammy's character, unassuming, to the point, and focused on the Lord. My goal is that every believer will read this story and allow the spirit of Sammy to guide them to a place where they let the Spirit of God lead them in their journey. More importantly, if you're not a believer, you might become one before you're finished. That power for conversion was Sammy's legacy.
   Donald James Parker

5 comments about Perpetua's Passion: The Death and Memory of a Young Roman Woman.

1. I found 'Perpetua's Passion really interesting, getting an interesting picture of Roman Society and attitudes. I finished the book wondering if the author, had some type of axe to grind in this society. I thought she tried to dismiss any notion that Pepetua and the other martyrs might have been truly holy or had any divine access to God. She was always giving another reason for what happened as though nothing spiritual was taking place.



2. "Perpetua's Passion: The Death and Memory of a Young Roman Woman" is the story of Perpetua, a young Roman Christian who was martyred in 203 A.D. It is a book well worth reading...but it is also missing something.

   I found Perpetua's Passion to be very well written and apparently well researched. Joyce E. Salisbury adeptly explores and explains the Roman and Carthaginian culture that Perpetua lived in. Mrs. Salisbury also seamlessly weaves into this tapestry a compelling picture of the Christian Church during the time of these events.

   The book is based off of the diary that Perpetua kept during her captivity. Mrs. Salisbury explains the significance of Perpetua's actions in light of the culture of her day. She then shows the influence of Perpetua's story on the later Church.

   All of this is very commendable. I was most impressed by the scholarship and insight of this book. Yet a question forms within me when I contemplate this book:

   So what? Where is the heart in this book? There is nothing in this book which says anything about how these events speak to the soul of people today. Maybe I missed it...

   What happened to Perpetua was more than a clinical historical event that affected the people immediately around her and eventually helped form certain patterns of thought within the Church. It was much more. It was a mortal being making an eternal statement. It was a moment in time where the Christian truth that there is more than this life was given a full embodiment in the actions of a young woman--A young woman who had every reason to live, yet for her, to die was gain. It was a moment of ultimate surrender, and at the same time, one of ultimate victory. The blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church!

   In the end, in spite of my objection, I recommend this book. It is insightful and instructive. However, don't just read this book with your head. Approach this one with your heart and your soul.




3. Though this book is, on the whole, a useful one, it doesn't take a glimpse at the author's bio to quickly realize she is no classicist. How else can one explain two elementary errors back-to-back which, even to this amateur Roman historian, are as prominent as two sore thumbs?

   On page 36 (Chapter 2, "The City" subsection) the author asserts Polybius "wrote circa 200 B.C." Why? Because those who claim he was BORN at that time are only making "scholarly estimates" (according to my "Polybius on Roman Imperialism")? Or because Salisbury breezily, and in this case incorrectly, assumed that Polybius was a contemporary of the events he most famously chronicled (an assumption that fails to hold for most Roman historical sources; cf. Suetonius, Tacitus)?

   Similarly, a mere three paragraphs down, Salisbury claims Hannibal "crossed the Alps with his elephants and succeeded in laying siege to the city of Rome itself." I'd be prompted to ask "Why?" again if in this case the real reason weren't so blatant: Salisbury fliply read a history of the 2nd Punic War and just assumed that at the high-tide of his success Hannibal must have laid siege "to the city of Rome itself". This assertion is no more true than the Polybius one. In "Warfare in Antiquity" by Hans Delbruck (just one source where this can be found), the author states that Hannibal was so aware of his deficiencies in manpower and siege equipment that he knew "despite the greatest victories, he would not be capable of besieging and capturing Rome itself" (Chapter II).

   I may seem to nitpick, but the errors I cited above are fundamental and have no place in a scholarly work, even if they are somewhat tangential to the book's main topic. I hope that in a future edition they will be corrected.




4. In Perpetua's Passion, Salisbury has served two different communities very well---those interested in early Christianity, and those interested in the history of women. She deftly creates a sociology of life in a group of early Christian martyrs, and does so in a way that makes very clear family relations, gender roles, and the strength of Vibia Perpetua herself. I have used this book when teaching a course on ancient & medieval women (and will do so again), and found that it worked very well. Students found it readable and useful and thought-provoking.



5. STAMPED ON MY MIND FOREVER-FABULOUS BOOK. TO KNOW OF SUCH STRONG HEROISM OF THESE 2 SAINTS OF GOD MOVED ME TO A MUCH DEEPER WALK WITH GOD. IT MAKES YOU THINK IF YOU HAD THE FAITH TO DIE LIKE THAT. I LOVED IT TOTALLY.

1 comments about The Last Letters of Thomas More.

1. Here is the man in his own words in letters to his daughter, his king and his friends. Much from A Man for All Seasons is taken from these letters. Wonderful!

1 comments about A Passion for Life: Fragments of the Face of God.

1. In "A Passion for Life", theologian Joan Chittister and artist and iconographer, Robert Lentz, combine to illustrate and describe the lives of twenty-one major figures of the last two millennia.

   These choices are not conventional, and though some of them may are familiar, others are obscure. Many of these icons were not Catholic, some not Christian. All, however, were profoundly influential, and served to transform their societies and those following them: whether through martyrdom, like Oscar Romero, or from the walls of her cell, like Julian of Norwich. Both Lentz's beautiful illustrations and Chittister's essays provide inspiration and food for contemplation and thought. A wonderful collection.

4 comments about I Call You Friend: Four Women's Stories of Race, Faith, and Friendship.

1. The authors are to be congratulated for being so transparent--this is the hardest topic to be honest about and their honesty really opened my heart and my mind on the issue of race. Read this book and weep and gasp and be changed.



2. Elvon Reed-Borst, one of the women telling her story in this book, wrote the following in a journal she kept as a young girl. It sums up what I feel this book conveys. She wrote, "Some people go down a worn path; I will go where there is no path and I will leave a trail." Echoes of Robert Frost. Elvon, Pamela Toussaint, Jo Kadlecek and Andrea Clark have chosen the "road less travelled on..." Without melodrama, overly subjective confession or sentimentalism, each women opens a dialogue with the reader regarding issues such as: racial reconciliation, growing up in Urban America, Suburban America, the South and the North and the community of faith. The book is so engaging because of the way it is set-up. It is split into three stages of their lives, called: Coming Up, Coming of Age and Coming Together. This structure allows the reader to view each woman's story as if viewing a play in which the stage is sectioned off in fours. Each voice is distinct and individual yet their stories overlap as we watch them meet each other in various ways. Not unlike the four gospel writers (if I may be so bold in such comparison)they describe the same events from their individual viewpoints and in the process we get to know them, Christianity and the racial issue in a more intimate and well-rounded manner. We see the issues raised through female dialogue and three-dimensional story . We also understand what Christ meant when he said, "I call you friend..." because the lives of these women, their mutual admiration, honesty, passion and faith reaffirms for anyone who has ears to hear that laying down one's life in whatever form that works out to be, is simply the natural state of what true Christianity is all about. This is a must read for anyone, no matter where you stand in regard to Christianity, but more so because it re-challenges us all on the issue of racial reconciliation. What are you and I doing about it in our friendships? This book is a map showing us to the trail which Elvon, Pam, Jo and Andrea have and continue to blaze for us to follow.

   by Kristy Johnson




3. I call you friend challanged me to think more deeply about how we treat others. The stroies gave me insite into some of the subtilies of discrimination which hurt others.



4. My initial understanding of this book is that the contributors desire to bring to light the problem of racism in the American Church. Each one of the ladies describes her struggle with race issues in her own life, how God and faith helped her to over come those struggles, and now they all wish to help other Christians overcome those similar struggles.

   Though I believe the contributors are sincere with the presentation of their individual testimonies, I believe the book fails as a serious, biblical means to confront racism in the Christian Church.

   First, I resent the notion, which was threaded throughout the book, that Christians, particularly white, middle class Christians, are denying the hidden sin of racism in their heart. I totally reject that. All true racists are not struggling with the hidden sin of racism; their racism is out there for all to see. This attitude is not characteristic of the majority of Bible believing Christians in the United States.
   In reality, I believe Christians struggle with loving one another, but it is not caused by a hidden motive of racism. The reason men mistreat men is that they are sinners, (Rom. 1:29-32, Mark 7:20-23, etc.). People are self-centered. Even after salvation, a Christian may labor with this malady. We are selfish, and we desire to be with folks we are comfortable with, and I believe it is regardless of race. This is something that should be eliminated in a believer's life, not by confessing hidden sins of racism that do not really exist, but as a Christian walks in the Spirit, puts off the old man and puts on the new (Rom. 6, Col. 3).

   Secondly, the book places any discrimination or separation between people in a "racist" category. In other words, any true discrimination between people is due to racism and it alone. That is too narrow an accusation. Though it is politically incorrect to point this out, there is more discrimination done to people apart from the issues of race. A good example of such discrimination is that experienced by the mentally and physically disabled. They experience discrimination way beyond what any racial minority has probably experienced. Of course they have wheel chair access to buildings and the ability to park next to the front door, however these people are for the most part shunned by the general populace. People are uncomfortable just being around them. Their arms are twisted by paralysis and it may even be that they cannot communicate at all verbally. Yes, "normal" people will sometimes acknowledge them by giving a condescending, "Hi, how are you?" But, it is usually a pleasantry given so as to be able to move on and not have to deal with an uncomfortable situation.

   I also had a serious problem with the 23 ways to improve cross-racial relationships listed at the end of the book encouraging an ecumenical, racial unity. The 8th suggestion, for example, is to march in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade. Why would I want to do that? First, I am mixing my faith with an event that is primarily political. But secondly, I would never want to join in solidarity with people who are pretty much opposed to my world-view and what is best for mankind. My beliefs go against everything Jesse Jackson and other members of the NAACP who sponsor MLKJr Day believe. That is not a matter of me being a racist, but stems from my faith and convictions.

   On a personal note, I personally knew one of the contributors to this book during my time in college. We attended Church together, as well as various Bible studies, and we shared many of the same friends. When my old friends and I read through the book, we were absolutely stunned by the subtle accusations that we were all secret racists who refused to admit it. Many of the illustration this contributor pulled from her time in college to demonstrate this accusation were either exaggerated, or contrived altogether. We were all extremely hurt by what we viewed as a betrayal of sorts on her part.

   I want to respect these four gals and the effort they put forth to confront racism among Christians, but I believe their effort is both misplaced, and misguided. Instead of striving to create racial reconciliation, Christians need to return to creating redemptive reconciliation. That is the only way man is going to overcome his hatred and prejudice. He needs a new heart, not new advice on being a better person. If Christians have an attitude against another group, then they need to be shown from scripture why that is a sin and be rebuked for such attitudes. 1 John 3 comes to mind. Give them the word of God. That is the only authority they must submit to.
   A much better book on tackling racism is Ken Ham's work "One Blood." He grounds his solution to racism in a more biblical context.

5 comments about The Tulip and the Pope: A Nun's Story.

1. My wife ordered this book and loves it. The book seems to cover the subject well.



2. This was an autobiographical story of a former Sister which brought back memories of my early life as a Sister. I was sorry to read that the author left her community because it seemed as though she had great potential.
   
   aAyone who wants a "bird'eye" view of convent life will enjoy this work



3. Rarely do I read a book as quickly as I tore through this one. It took me four bedtime readings to read this book, which is extremely rare for me. Since, as a child and early teen, I longed to be a nun myself, I found this book to be compelling and intensely interesting. I spent many years amongst the cloistered nuns (what an honor!) at the Benedictine convent near my childhood home, and I yearned to become one of them myself. By the time I was old enough to consent, I had found my commitment to God outside of this arena. Besides, I wasn't even Catholic! But I digress. This book gives a very personal glimpse inside the convent of cloistered nuns in the early `60's - a turbulent time within society and within the Church. I was very glad that there was an epilogue that told of her life forty years later, and how she lives her life now.
   
   I found the writing to be lacking at times - she writes as she probably speaks, and sometimes I can't follow her though process. However, this is a book NOT to be missed, regardless of your religious orientation.



4. When 19 yr-old Mary Deborah Maertz entered the convent in Dubuque, Iowa, in the early sixties it was with every intention of staying. But the best-laid plans and all that. Times changed, the Church changed, but most of all, she changed. After five years - in Dubuque and Chicago - Sister Mary Deborah left the convent, emerging into a radically changed world, once again just Deborah Maertz, older and wiser. But this is an intimate and detailed look back at those days of habits, daily prayers and rigid rituals, and what she thought then - and thinks now - about those times. I spent a year in a minor seminary once at the end of the fifties, when I was only fourteen, so maybe I could relate to Larsen's THE TULIP AND THE POPE better than some. The most unexpected aspect of Larsen's memoir was the dry wit and humor which kept cropping up on nearly every page. I chuckled through much of the book. Here's a small sample in which Larsen briefly outlines some of the convent's rules of pesonal conduct and comportment, as listed in a printed handout to the postulants -
   
   "Avoid throat clearing, scratching, cleaning out the ears, picking the face or teeth, spitting and similar unpleasant acts in public. All those gross acts named in one patch of prose on a convent handout struck me as funny. The handout may as well have read, 'This is not a zoo, girls.' ..."
   
   And there's plenty more of this kind of stuff. Of course there is all the expected serious stuff too, about how Larsen came to gradually question her vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as the months and years wore on. Make no mistake, Deborah Larsen is a gifted writer who knows how to keep her story moving. I read this book in just a couple of sittings. If you are a Catholic, an ex-Catholic, an anti-Catholic or a "recovering Catholic," you will relate to Larsen's story. An excellent memoir. - Tim Bazzett, author of Reed City Boy



5. This book had a lot of unexplored potential. To be fair, I think writing a memoir about one's time as a nun (after the fact) must be a very difficult task. Karen Armstrong expresses this in her preface to The Spiral Staircase: My Climb Out of Darkness, her account of leaving her convent and a sequel to her memoir of her experiences as a nun (Through the Narrow Gate, Revised: A Memoir of Spiritual Discovery). Armstrong says:
   
   Writing Through the Narrow Gate, some twelve years later, was a salutary experience. It made me confront the past, and I learned a great dal. Most important, I realized how precious and formative this period of my life had been, and that despite my problems, I would not have missed it for the world. Then I attempted a sequel: Beginning the World was published in 1983. It is the worst book I have ever written and I am thankful to say that it has long been out of print. (xvii)
   
   Deborah Larsen's account of entering the convent of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1960 is a conflicted memoir--not in her feelings about her time as a nun, but in her choice of narrative voice. She has tried to accomplish in one memoir what Armstrong struggled to do in three. She explains in her author's note: "My remembrance of 1960-1965 never felt like a conventional narrative, thought it had progressions. My sense was more of a string of paper lanterns...lit spottily against the dark along a dock, where some days, even now, waves dash." This explains, but does not ameliorate the odd sense of detachment for the reader.
   A lot of value in memoir is hindsight. Larsen's reluctance to allow herself deeper reflection upon the events of the 60s left this reader disappointed. It isn't until Larsen considers leaving the convent that the narrative becomes potentially more interesting. Not only has she been released to re-engage with the world in the memoir, but it seems that Larsen-as-author releases her cloistered style as well and the reader begins to understand the point of the first two-thirds of the book:
   
   If you are capable of pushing, then a you is assumed; you must exist if you can push.
   Maybe that was it.
   There must be an identity or at least an entity; there must be a you.
   Or was it the act of pushing, your choosing, your summoning up courage, created the you? (205)
   
   I'm not sure Larsen's switch in style was conscious, but it makes for a disparate reading experience with the first part of the book.
   
   What Larsen does accomplish however, is a beautiful set of vignettes from both inside and outside the community. She appreciates the nuns' aesthetic sense: "Black became us almost thrillingly, I thought. Clerical, but classy." Moments like this make the reader smile as she recognizes the nineteen year old in the nun.
   For some, this memoir will feel remarkably undramatic--Larsen moves from a state of naive obedience to disciplined questioning. However, it is this lack of drama that gives the book a good part of its value. Larsen has demystified the choice to enter a convent, and reveals obedience, chastity, and poverty to be simply another set of options in the lives we choose to lead.

5 comments about Amma: Healing the Heart of the World.

1. This book is an excellent introduction to Ammachi's life - especially for a Westerner. For those who already know Amma, the offical biography by Amma's senior disciple might be better.

   This book also touches upon the fact that downfall of Indian civilization occurred at the hands of unfriendly external cultures. Notably Arabs from the present-day Afghanistan and later from European Colonials (please note - I draw a distinction between a European and a racist European colonial).

   Even a strong economy like America's will collapse if it comes under sustained terrorist attacks over a period of 100 years or more. In a similar fashion the reason for economic depravation of India was not mismanagement by Indians (as another reviewer has written) but sustained attacks on India by violent and unfriendly cultures. A person who wins a war and kills thousands of people cannot be stamped culturally superior to the person who lost the war (on contrary, the more violent and brutal a culture is, more likely it is to go on a successful rampage).

   Lastly, one must note in Vedic culture there was no place for skin color and such nonsense. Most of India's ancient saints were black in color (from the description written by their followers).

   Casteism was a social order, not a hardened discriminatory practice. In fact the sage who compiled Vedas and wrote Mahabharata - Veda Vyasa - was born to a fisherwoman and not of high caste. Another example is Valmiki - the sage poet who wrote Ramayana - he was a hunter who lived near a forest, but who undertook great penance and became a sage. Through ages Indians and people who respect Indic culture have revered them.

   The hardened casteism came about because of external influences in later periods, even then brahmins have never burnt lower-castes or people of other religion at stakes as has happened elsewhere.




2. I was on vacation in India for a month and I visited a niece of mine. While talking to her I heard the chanting of Bhajans from the neighborhood and I inquired as to what was going on. She reported that in the neighborhood was a house where the devotees of Mata Amritanandamayi gathered every week and prayed to her in front of a framed photograph of hers. I was curious and went in to ascertain it. There were about 50 men and women seated in front of her picture, chanting hymns. It was an eye-opening experience for me. Earlier in the week, I had passed through the front of the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Cochin and had heard from many about the facilities over there. Now, I decided to learn more about this person considered a saint in India.

   Reading through this book helped me to situate the phenomenon of Mata Amritanandamayi. No doubt the book is trying to depict in an objective light this charismatic woman, Amma (Mother) as she is understood and looked upon by thousands of her devotees. As a miracle healer, prophet and mystic she has established her fame. Her world tours have attracted attention to herself as an incarnation of the Divine Mother. By now she has grown into a big institution worthy of attention by the world. Judith Cornell by this book is presenting her along with her ideas and gifts to the western world. She tries to bring in personages familiar to the American readers, like Padre Pio, Bede Griffiths and C G Jung in relating to the ideas and message of this Hindu saint. She also refers to the black Madonna and the Christian understanding of Virgin Mary the Mother of God. The Catholic and Orthodox Christian belief in the Blessed Mother is very different from the concept of the Divine feminine found in Hinduism, though there are some comparisons possible. What Cornell ends up doing is to bring the East and West closer. The story of the rise of Sudhamani, an ordinary girl from the family of a poor fishermen couple on the coast of Kollam, India to the world renowned Mata Amritanandamayi is fascinating. Her story is told as it is known and spoken of around her birthplace, by her family members and her devotees around the world. Her ideas are presented in simple words, understandable to the ordinary folks, though they are typically Hindu in their perspective. The Hindu pantheon could absorb any number of seers and sages as incarnations of the Divine. So there are repeated mentions of Buddha and Jesus Christ in the book.

   I found this a valuable book, useful for anyone who wants to know more about the saints and sages of the land of India. It gives one a somewhat objective look at the phenomenon of Mata Amritanandamayi along with her humble past, her mystic experiences and her compassion for the poor; it provides one the opportunity to hear the various opinions of many of her devotees deeply touched by her. All these contribute to the immense popularity of this saint of today, whose activities in favor of the poor are widely recognized.




3. Judith Cornell has written a beautiful, many layered biography of Ammachi. It is an incredibly difficult task to convey the depth of Amma's mission with the words of a finite language, yet Judith has more than succeeded.

   It is a blessing to know Amma, and a gift to know the life she lived before I was even born. For others and myself who were in India during the time that Judith was writing this book her offering also has the added gift of recounting what we all experienced. It is a rare blessing.

   I am especially thankful that Judith wrote this book. It was very timely to retell Amma's life story and to place it within the context of our changing times (especially with what women have achieved and still must work to gain).

   Amma is "Healing the Heart of the World" in giant acts, and also in reaching within the very core of each individual, healing the personal wounds and sufferings of this world.

   In the wake of what we now face in our present world there are few books other than this one that have the power to bring insight and change on a global level.




4. This book is written by an American scholar who is working on her thesis about Women's spirituality who falls in love with Amma, the Indian Saint. She tries to keep her scientific hat on as she begins her journey, but Amma's power is so strong that she becomes changed and has her heart opened by Amma. For me, this is the power of this book. This author has a true and strong voice and her doubts and questions mirror my own search. I so enjoyed her way of presenting sometimes shocking facts with grace and an evenhanded tone--but still, her love for Amma shines thorough every page of this story. This made me fall in love with Amma and this book! I've bought dozens of used copies at Amazon and on ebay to give to friends and they all adore it. I hope it comes back into print soon!



5. A mix of some biographical material and wrought with episodic details of the life of my beloved Mata Amritanandamai, the author does a tremendous job in first person narrative of exposing the reader to the "force of nature" that is Ammachi. Here is a being that has a 4th grade education that teaches, instructs and consoles lay people, other religious practitioners, and nuclear physicists alike. I know I have never seen, nor has mankind I think, ever seen anything like Amma, a diabetic Mother, THE Mother, who donates 100% of her Self, 100% of the time; to the uplifting of her children. An incredible 5 star - book about the infinite star: Ammachi.

2 comments about Luther on Vocation.

1. This is a great book, and an important contribution to the field of vocation and the Christian Life. Wingren, a scandanavian pastor and bishop, was a brilliant writer. Most of his other books are out of print, but this one continues to breathe new life into Luther studies.



2. Before the time of the reformation, entrance into the ministry was seen as a higher calling than that of the average man. The monk locked up in a cloister was more spiritual than the faithful baker. Ordination was referred to by some as a "second baptism." Luther's idea of vocation turned this idea on it's head.
   God calls us, not to leave this world but to be a part of this world and effect it in a positive way. Our faith goes up to heaven toward God, and by that faith we are justified in God's sight. Now that our relationship with God has been restored, we have the duty to live in love toward our neighbor. Through our vocation we serve our neighbor. This vocation could be preaching, baking, working in the government, or any number of things. Not one vocation is more spiritual than another. What is important is that the Christian is serving his neighbor through that vocation. Wingren does an excellent and extensive job overviewing Luther's writings to piece together a systematic explanation of one of the major theme's of his writings. Chapter long sections devoted to this topic in other books simply do not do Luther justice. To understand Luther, this book is a must read.

5 comments about The Journey of Private Galione.

1. I really enjoyed the book, couldn't put it down. God has a purpose for our life, and it was awesome to read how God used Private Galione in World War 2. Mary Nahas did an excellent job writing her dad's story. The ending of the book was my favorite part. To God be all the glory!!



2. I am a lover of history. This book is packed full of it. I learned things I never knew had happened. I recommend this book to those who love history and want more knowledge about World War Two and the Holocaust.



3. this was a great book! While you definitely have to be into history a little bit to enjoy the book the amazing glory that is given to God is wonderful! Definitely would recommend it to others.



4. This was a great book! I usually take two weeks or more to read a book, but I read this one in a week. It's the story of a soldier who followed his heart and wound up saving a lot of Holocaust victims, and also found the German's super secret rocket manufacturing facility. The story has been kept quiet for over 50 years because the soldier was made to take an oath not to reveal it. I am extremely glad that this man's daughter decided to write his story and let the world know of his discovery.



5. After seeing this author, Mary Nahas, being interviewed on a program, I realized that the life-story of her dad and how God used him to free Jews from Hitler's grasp needed to be shared with many people. God used Private Galione to free hundreds of prisoners from concentration camps, and only now is Private Galione's story reaching the world. The circumstances surrounding that rescue militarily changed the course of the United States.
   This is a must read!!