5 comments about Maimonides (Jewish Encounters).

1. it shows you right way about life
   i think it is possible to adopt it to today.
   it was very interesting book for me.
   it is the kind of book that i always enjoy reading



2. Nuland has accomplished the difficult task of summarizing Maimonides' complex writings in a way that is accessible to the common reader. Nuland's style is clear and concise, and he obviously admires Maimonides as a sort of Renaissance man before the Renaissance. It is true that the book gives considerable attention to Maimonides' life as a physician, but as someone who has dipped a bit into Maimonides' writings on Jewish law and thought but knew little of his place in medical history, I didn't see that as a problem. In fact, I found that that made this book even more enlightening.
   
   I could have used more discussion of the Guide to the Perplexed, however, beyond the notions that the book is difficult and that some see it as a hidden confession by Maimonides of his lack of belief (an unlikely hypothesis). The Guide is an extraordinarily fascinating book, from all I understand, and Nuland does not do it justice.



3. The most interesting parts of this book focus on Maimonides the physician (as opposed to Maimonides the religious leader, where Nuland's discussion is a bit too sparse here and there). Maimonides (known to most Jews as Rambam) did not develop new medical knowledge, but wrote ten books synthesizing existing medical knowledge in a clear and concise way, and even occasionally criticizing the Greco-Roman masters whose works dominated medieval medicine. By the low standards of the Middle Ages, this passed for genius.
   
   Nuland links Rambam's religious and medical careers by pointing out that in both areas, Rambam focused heavily on codifying existing knowledge in ways that would be easy for the public to use.
   
   Nuland also engages in interesting speculation about a variety of other issues, including:
   
   1. Why were Jews so likely to be doctors in the Middle Ages? Nuland asserts that (a) Christians were uninterested in medicine because they were more ascetic, (b) because priests could not take employment as doctors, the Christian talent pool for medicine was artificially diminished and (c) because Jews' wealth could easily be taken away, Jews had a strong incentive to seek portable skills (as opposed to investing in fixed assets such as land).
   
   2. Why was Rambam so uninterested in accommodating or discussing competing religious views? Nuland speculates that because of Judaism's dire condition in those days (beset in persecution in some places and the temptation of assimilation into Islam in more tolerant places) Rambam may have felt the need to "circle the wagons" by encouraging as much uniformity as possible.
   
   3. Why did Rambam (who generally opposed Messianic speculation) suggest in his letter to Yemenite Jews that prophecy might return in 1216? Nuland suggests that Rambam may have been trying to defang Messianic fever by setting a date so far in advance that he could not be disproven during his lifetime.



4. Maimonidies' two biggest contributions to civilization were his religious writings, and medical practice. As author Sherwin Nuland himself points out, Maimonidies' truest, lasting legacy are his religious writings. Yet probably because he himself is a doctor, Sherwin Nuland emphasizes the medical Maimonidies at the expense of not giving the religious Maimonidies his proper due. When reading this book, Maimonidies sounded like quite an ordinary man, nothing special, and the truth is, as a doctor he was nothing special. Yet in religious circles, he is a giant. This specialness of Maimonidies was lost in this short biography of this great man.



5. It's an interesting read, but Nuland cites absolutely no sources, a problem when you have a subject with as much scholarship - much of it conflicted - as there is on Maimonides. One spot where this actually leads to him to make a pretty egregious error is when he cites the Maimonidean 13 'principles of faith.' Nuland correctly states that Maimonides writes these principles in his mishnaic commentary, but he then proceeds to give a word for word translation of a watered down version of these principles that appears in all Orthodox prayer books. This is highly problematic because the anonymously authored (not by Maimonides!) prayerbook version often inaccurately summarizes or even 'censors' Maimonides' statements in his commentary, and Nuland doesn't even bother noting that or even crediting the anonymous author as a source! He disingenuously makes it appear that this is his own correct paraphrase of Maimonides' formulation - a total inaccurate impression. I find this an alarming sign of Nuland's lack of in-depth research or even understanding of this important topic. I would not recommend this book to anyone who wishes to actually understand Maimonides' life and works.

5 comments about If I Perish.

1. a wonderful warrior for the lord who stood up for the gospel.



2. I would just like to caution those who are interested in purchasing this book that it contains events such as people believing they have received messages from God.



3. Ahn Ei Sook was a living testimony of what a disciplined, prepared and faithful follower of Christ looks like. Her ongoing determination to gain control over her flesh, and also her courage in a time of extreme persecution made this book riveting to read and a true inspiration. The historical account of this time period (Japan and Korea 1939-1945) was also fascinating to read from an eyewitness account. This book was required reading for me, but how grateful I was to have the opportunity to glimpse this remarkable life. Since this book reads very much like a fiction, I had to keep reminding myself that it was in fact a very true and inspiring story.



4. I read this book many years ago as a teen and it has remained in my memory every since. It touched my heart to the core. Amazing story indeed!



5. Interesting story, too much focus on death. Too much dwelling on her thoughts and it becomes boring
   
   pc

5 comments about Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard.

1. This book looks like pure advertisment of Wang Liping who is said to be chosen as 18th generation transmitter by one Taoist sect. Difficult to read because every second page I stumbled over direct or masked praise on Wang Liping / sect abilities. In the end (as expected) Wang Liping finishes with giving lectures to hundreds of students of Qigong. Special pages dedicated to how simple Wang lives, etc. Taoist teachings are scattered all over the book and don't give the impression of integrity.

   One quote from the 1st page: "Over the preceding years the three Taoist masters had been engrossed in secret consultations about the matter of utmost importance, not only to them but to the world at large... trying to find a successor ...". Well after this matter important to the whole world I already assumed that money spent on book was wasted.




2. Great disservices to people whom are searching for information and enlightenment on Taoism. The authors used a map of china and a few books on Taoism to take the reader on an almost 300 page fairy tale coated to read like a biography. The characters shift personality quicker than a chameleon does color. I think there is a story in the book but the contrived situations get in the way.



3. This was a very good perspective on Taoist miracle working. It briefly mentions many techniques, without explaining them, so this is not a manual for learning Taoism. Some of it is unbelievable, but as a story it is excellent. It mentions many books, mostly from the last thousand years. It provokes the reader into more study.



4. This was an exciting look into the life and training of a Taoist master in China living through the Communist Revolution. While offering a compelling tale of cultivation and growth, this book also gives the reader insight into the practice and attainment of Way. It allowed me to reflect upon my own life and inner journey and gain new perspectives for my own qi gong practice. I was truly humbled and inspired.
   
   If you practice any type of inner art or are interested in doing so, this is a great book to read.



5. Amazing story.Hard to put book away.Truly inspirational.This is not book for beginner on Path of Tao.Greatly recommended for those seriously studying Qigong Meditation or Taoism .One of most influential books had joy to read

No comments about The Beautiful Soul of John Woolman, Apostle of Abolition.

5 comments about The Only Road North.

1. If you have ever had an unanswered calling that keeps nudging you, please read this honest story/JOURNEY from some very brave young people! The story does leave you shocked, but it won't let you stop reading until you finish.



2. As a crim trial atty inner-city Boston courts, and 61 years old now, I do not meet up with the cream of the crop re America's youth, as you can imagine. In fact, I have grown rather cynical over the many years of this kind of work, like working in the ER your whole life. This book was delivered last night and I am halfway thru it already. It is without a doubt one of the two or three best books I have EVER read. I recommend it to anyone, whether you are interested in pure adventure, unusual travel stories, human nature stories, etc. Whatever your particular interests in life, this book is for you. I wish I could give it ten stars instead of five!



3. when i was a junior higher, i read a book many christian boys read at the time: bruchko, by bruce olsen. it was (and still is) the true, autobiographical story of a teenage boy who wanted to change the world, and took off as a missionary to some unreached tribe. it's full of peril and adventure and gripped me like no book had done before.
   
   erik mirandette's book is that kind of book -- for boys of all ages (including my age: 45).
   
   the only road north is erik's autobiographical story of leaving the airforce academy to find himself in africa, on a three-pronged adventure that would change everything. everything. his first year was in northwest africa, near spain. during this period, he has a come-to-jesus spiritual awakening of sorts and is thrust into a world of "if i don't do this, no one will" terror, humanitarianism and salvation. sensing he needed to understand africa more, the second part is erik, his younger brother, and his best friend's motorcycle trip from cape town, south africa, to ethiopia, through 9000 miles of fear, adventure, wild animals, life-threatening experiences, personal connections, spiritual reflections, motorcycle maintenance, love and friendship.
   
   erik's slightly unpolished "not a professional author" writing style totally works, as it brings an urgent sense of realism to the already true story.
   
   then all hell breaks loose. after their trip is over (this isn't a spoiler, as this was all over the news when it happened, and is revealed in the first chapter of the book), erik and his brother and their friends (a 4th guy has joined them at this point) are sightseeing and walking around on one of their last days prior to heading home to the states when a suicide bomber explodes a bomb right in the middle of their foursome. eriks' brother dies. erik almost dies. the ensuing months are filled with pain of every kind, questions and doubts, and the shocking kind of spiritual and emotional honesty one almost never finds in a christian book. the end isn't pretty and tidy. there's only the slightest upturn toward hope -- just enough to keep the readers from wishing we hadn't read the book.
   
   no, it's not only for manly men. but it is a rare sweet-spot book for guys of all ages -- about 14 on up, with the perfection-point at about 16 - 26.



4. I recently read The ONly Road North by Erik Mirandette. I read it because I know one the the guys in the story, as he was a part of our college campus ministry group for several years.
   
   I will get to the point-this is possibly one of the worst Christian books I have ever read. It is deceptive, has terrible theology, and could really mislead others to follow the author and his friends' example
   
   To be brief:It is deceptive because the ending implies that all the guys are doing fine spiritually. Not so. The one I know has lost interest in pursuing God and does not even claim to be a Christian, as far as I know. Secondly, there are way too many crude expressions and outright swearing in a supposedly christian work. The NT teaches in several places to avoid crude language-apparantly not important to the author or Zondervan
   
   As he mentions several times while having a beer, there is no conclusion or really anything to be learned about God or the Christian life. His brother is dead, they spend tons of money on themselves, treated Africa like their personal motorcycle course and threw rocks at hippos. Yet he is convinced "God made him for this". Based on what? His feelings? And for what? To sight -see? Yet real missionaries, who daily risk their lives to lead people to Christ, are barely mentioned, and then only when they save these guys from danger. Incredible.
   
   What nonsense. They did little for others or for the gospel, and suffered terribly. (In fairness, at the beginning Eric is helping the poor in Morrocco, but it has no spiritual component nor is there any hint that it made much of an impact in the long run)
   
   How is this inspiring? Yes, the survivors bravely healed from their wounds and tragedy. But what does this really teach us? If you take stupid risks you probably will get hurt. God may give you the strength to deal with it. But hey, just go have a beer.
   
   Hardly what I expect from a respected publisher like Zondervan



5. First, I applaud the author for his earlier humanitarian efforts. However, I can't help but get the feeling the entire time he was really only seeking adventure. I know there are thousands of people who volunteer for humanitarian efforts for all of the right reasons, it just doesn't mean everyone does. For example, there are plenty of poor/underprviledged/needy (whatever you wish to call them) right under the author's nose in Grand Rapids, MI. But then again, that wouldn't give him "stories to keep the grandkids busy for hours".
   
   Also, there really isn't anything wrong with volunteering for Foreign Humanitarian Aid efforts partially for the experience. Just don't write a book afterward unless you have a point to make.
   
   To be frank, the author seemed to be quite self important in the "blog" and many paragraphs and "stories" were dedicated to the glorification of his deceased brother. I can't tell you how many times he mentions that he was made for this life. What life? The life of a Young thrill seeking American needlessly risking his life in unstable countries while treating the Dark Continent as his own private off-road course?
   
   I'm also surprised that this book was published by a "christian" publishing company. What exactly was the "message" that was intended to be sent/received? That if God doesn't act as your own private "genie" granting all of your prayers as if they were wishes you will abandon the little faith you profess to have?
   
   I stuck with this book continually hoping the next chapter would offer something of value. It never delivered. Save yourself the time.

5 comments about Cave in the Snow: Tenzin Palmo's Quest for Enlightenment.

1. This book exceeded my high expectations.
   
   First off it is a well told life story of a western woman drawn to Buddhism. That spiritual attraction is not so unusual, but her subseqent move to India, and the related discomforts she overcame long before starting her years of seclusion were truly inspiring.
   
   Then came the chapters on her actual life in her cave. Since "the cave" is in the title of the book one reads with great anticipation until that part of her life begins. And the author does not shortchange you. You get detail and wholeness. Your curiosities are satisfied and you get a feeling for the spiritual evolution she was achieving herself.
   
   The latter chapters of the book were an added bonus. You gain a rich feeling for Tenzin Palmo's inner peace and stand in awe as she travels the globe fulfilling her goal of starting a Buddhist monastery for women.
   
   Let me leave you with a quote of Palmo's that I found very satisfying: '...taking time to be still and think is often a better investment for future productivity than cramming every waking moment with feverish activity."
   
   All in all a book of growth, wisdom, adventure and a bonus of personal reflection.



2. Cave in the Snow is an Intelligent and Insightful book. Tenzin Palmo helps us to Realize that we as Humans are open to unimaginable Possibilities. Her Journey is one of Integrity and Truthfulness. She battles the Elements , a male dominated Faith and her own upbringing in an attempt to find True Enlightenment. Her Cultivation of Higher Values and Moral Essence are a Testament to the Strength and Courage of not only herself but of all Women. I was Deeply moved by the Wisdom and Accomplishment of Tenzin Palmo.
   
   Vicki Mackenzie - the author of this incredible book - should be applauded for presenting such a Fascinating and Balanced book. Tenzin Palmo takes us along a Path of Spiritual Transformation. She is truly in Union with the True Self. I am a Better person for having read this book.
   
   Cave in the snow is a Faciltator of Awareness. We as readers are are Inspred by Tenzin Palmos Knowledge and Confidence. She proves that Divinity is your Birthright. Enhance your Experience of today by reading the Tapestry of the Soul which is Cave in the Snow.



3. This is the story of an extraordinary woman who strives for enlightenment, and in her quest she trundles off to live in a cave for years. Quite amazing.
   Unfortunately, despite the fact that the story is fascinating, this book is so staggeringly badly written that every page made me wince and in the end I gave up and haven't finished it. Despite the authors fairly prolific output in matters of buddhism/spirituality I found the content bland, trite, rambling and uninspiring.
   I am not normally so critical of a book, and this is my first review, but this book incensed me because it completely mangled a fantastic story.
   It's only worth reading if you are particularly interested in Tenzin Palmo, I would never bother reading it for anything other than gleaning the facts.



4. In 1961, a 21 year-old English girl named Diane Perry embarked on an extraordinary journey towards becoming only the second Western woman ever ordained as a Buddhist nun. Adopting the Tibetan name Tenzin Palmo, this young Cockney girl, daughter of a poor single mother working as a cleaning woman in south London, went on to transform herself into a cross-cultural spiritual pioneer, devoting her next 20 years to steeping herself in the rarefied higher teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, and bridging enormous barriers of culture and gender to pursue a deeply felt spiritual calling.
   
   For most of the next two decades, Palmo lived among the exiled Tibetan monastic communities in India, at one point spending twelve years - yes, that's twelve years - in solitary retreat in a Himalayan cave. Since then, she has become a leading advocate for women in Buddhism, and a widely respected teacher leading Buddhist meditation retreats worldwide and working towards completing her convent for Tibetan nuns.
   
   In the years since her long Himalayan solitude, Palmo has also taken a solemn vow - one that non-Buddhists may find outlandish, but that Palmo herself undoubtedly takes quite seriously - to dedicate her current and future lifetimes (as Tibetan Buddhists believe) towards attaining enlightenment in the female form, transforming herself into a full-fledged female bodhisattva.
   
   Mackenzie, a former Times of London journalist, has written a captivating account of this remarkable woman�s life, including fascinating vignettes about her early encounters with Tibetan luminaries such as the great meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a young Dalai Lama, and her lifelong teacher and guru Kamtrul Rinpoche, who recognized her immediately upon their first meeting as a reincarnated Tibetan lama in the Kargyu tradition.
   
   A reluctant biography subject (agreeing to the project only after much heartfelt persuading by Mackenzie, an unabashed admirer), Palmo comes across as a deeply humble, holy figure, possessed of a profound inner wisdom and much practical sense.
   
   This book is that rare find of a biography, in which we meet a remarkable but hitherto uncelebrated figure, whose life story provides an object lesson in moral virtue and grace.
   
   I would recommend this book to men, women, Buddhists, non-Buddhists, and others.



5. This true story is extremely well written, I love the authors style of prose. Clearly, Tenzin Palmo (heretofore referred to as T.P.) is certainly a force to be reckoned with. While the external story of T.P. was captivating and inspiring - I couldn't do for a month what she did for many years; what I had hoped to find were her insights, what did she discover on the internal journey? Unfortunately when pressed to express her truths T.P. responded with a nonchalant "it's too private" sort of response. This is the part of the story that blows my mind: Some of the major themes of Buddhism are love and compassion, well where is the compassion in withholding one's internal discoveries, the candid discussion of which might assist others in overcoming their own illusions? Also, if Buddhists are so "enlightened" how have they been able to ignore/dominate/exclude their mothers/sisters/daughters for so long? My hope is that T.P. and Vicki Mackenzie will sit down and articulate the internal story of T.P.'s path, the subtleties of mind and illusions she explored and overcame - or didn't overcome. That's where the treasures are! Should have been 5 stars, but in good conscience I can only give 4.

5 comments about You Gotta Keep Dancin': In the Midst of Life's Hurts, You Can Choose Joy!.

1. I keep this book at all times to give to friends who have had surgery or any kind of physical "ailment." It is very inspiring; and I recommend it even to those who are well!



2. Tim's story is amazing. He is an unbelievable man who has persevered through many trials. I liked the beginning of the book better than the latter parts. The part where he focuses on his story is much more interesting and captivating. A good, easy read.



3. I read this book after being in a wheelchair for a year. Even though I had to spend another year in that chair, my outlook on life changed completely! I am now buying copies for others who are in the same circumstances. I would recommend this book to anyone who is suffering from depression or discouragement due to a debilitating injury or illness! Life is not over! A new chapter has just begun!



4. I have read Tims book a number of times. I am amazed with his comment (Pain is inevitable misery is optional). WOW what a perspective. I have bought and given many copies of the book ans seen it help many people.
   
   al



5. I picked this book up on a whim on a used book table, and could not put it down until I finished it. What a wonderful, encouraging storyteller. We all face pain in one way or another, and are afraid we might have pain in the future. This book takes away all fear of pain and helps to show how to find joy in the midst of anything. Very powerful, a must-read for everyone.

1 comments about No Ordinary Fool: A Testimony to Grace.

1. Catholic literature abounds in conversion stories, and many of these "Home to Rome" tales have a sort of apologetic edge. NO ORDINARY FOOL transcends that genre. While no one could miss Fr. John Jay Hughes' deep love for Catholicism, this is far more than an argument for Roman verities. It is a piercing, wise memoir, written by a priest who has prayed and thought deeply about matters of both head and heart. Hughes is admired across ideological fault lines because he cuts to the core of things, to the restless need of the human heart for a love that lasts. Anyone who wishes to take that journey would do well to have Hughes as a guide.

5 comments about Joni.

1. This is one of those few stories that never leave you. Even after you have read the book, closed it and put it on the shelf, the story remains and you can't get it out of your head. A bright, energetic, full-of-life girl goes diving into the shallow water - an act that will forever change her life and ultimately change the lives of millions of others.
   
   Suddenly, this athletic, independent young girl is trapped in a body that will not move. Paralyzed from the shoulders down, she finds herself no longer independent, but fully dependent on the care of others for the simplest of tasks. Things we take for granted like wiping away tears, blowing your own nose or brushing your hair - now on someone else's time table, not your own.
   
   Understandably, this turn of events shakes her faith as she shakes her mental fists at God for dashing all her hopes and dreams for the future. Failed romances, rocky friendships, family heartaches - Joni holds nothing back in this insightful view into her world.
   
   Through her emotional and spiritual failings, the author shares her growth and understanding of God's plan for her life and the lives of others. Using her mouth to draw and paint, the author became an established artist long before people realized that the artist whose work they were admiring was completely paralyzed and unable to use her hands. This revelation thrust her into celebrity where she has been able to make more of an impact on the lives of others than she would have ever been able to have accomplished prior to her injury.
   
   Through her charity, Joni & Friends, the author has provided for wheelchairs for the disabled around the world and opened the doors of opportunity to wheelchair bound people everywhere.
   
   I've seen the author on Larry King a few times and always wondered, "how does that woman keep smiling and keep such an upbeat attitude?" It is hard to imagine a worse fate than what she has endured since her accident, yet after reading her personal account of her life since that fateful summer in 1967, the reader understands exactly why she smiles and truly has joy in her life. I picked up this book thinking it would be 'interesting' and nothing more - I was delightfully surprised to find this to be a page-turner I could not put down. Even though I've finished reading this autobiography, I doubt I will ever truly put this book down. This is a story that sticks with you long after you've closed the back cover.



2. Our mother used to read us children's books every night, so we were surprised one night when she started to read to us from this book. We loved it almost at once. I don't think I'll ever forget the impression that was made on my mind when we read about Joni's story and her experiences. Even as a little child, I could understand her faith in God and how if I had my own troubles, that would help me too.
   
   This has got to be one of those books that is a rare treasure that many people don't find. It is an excellent book and a heartwarming story of faith, determination and hope. I'd reccomend it to anyone, especially to parents who want a good book to read with their families. It may not be as exciting Harry Potter, but the lessons I learned from it still help me each day!



3. Mary Anne Maxwell, RN Fort Myers Florida.
   I read "Joni" as I was graduating from Nurses training, and was doing a Rehabilitation Focus in Detroit, Michigan. Joni has touched my nursing interaction with clients, realizing that all clients are precious to God, and the cranky ones, have something to teach me, that is sometimes deep inside them. I have learned to accept them as they are, and invite them to grow, and to keep in touch with many thru the years. I went on to be a Hospice Nurse applying many insights of Joni's books to helping those who share their journey of chronic disease, and death. Joni is an inspiration to those who seek to give their BEST to others in their detours of health.



4. This book is an inspiring story of a teenager left paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident, and how she finds the strength through her faith to go on living.
   
   Joni Eareckson came to national attention through her artwork, which she painted with a brush held between her teeth. It was a stunning image, her interview with Barbara Walters, the realization that someone left completely paralyzed could find a way to go on with her life.
   
   Joni's true life story has given hope to millions of people in the twenty-five years since it was first published.



5. I first read Joni in 1977, when I received it as a H.S. grad present. Having been born with disabilities due to German measles, I could identify w/ Joni a wee bit. Frustrations, anger, questions, etc. Yes, I could identify a little bit w/ her. But as I read her book, all I could think was "Wow!!" I certainly didn't have a problem now, did I? God most certainly used her in ways I could never imagine. I am SO thankful that Joni allowed God to use her in all the ways that He has. I know that I have benefitted from Joni and her organization's generosity. Thank You, Lord, for allowing the rest of us to learn so much from her!! May Ken and Joni Tada continue to be a blessing to so many people, and in return, be blessed themselves. Thank you, Joni, and thank you, Ken, for being who you are.

4 comments about All for the Love of God - Life with Mark Prophet, a Modern-Day Mystic.

1. Alex and Margaret Reichardt have produced, in this book, a timeless treasure chest of spiritual jewels, full and overflowing for each new reader. A very substantive and profound addition to Ascended Master and Golden Age literature for all time. To know Mark L. Prophet, as this book gives each of us the opportunity to do, is to be in contact with the overflowing headwaters of spiritual abundance which tumble down like so many crystal rivers from the highest peaks of universal truth from whence all true aspirations for the victory of the Aquarian Age derive their nourishment. The Hosts of Heaven throughout all the vast regions of cosmos applaud this truly sacred labor made manifest.



2. Beautiful, unique stories that demonstrate the personal and loving relationship between a spiritual teacher and his disciples or students. The devotion of a man of God to the tutoring of the souls who seek truth is inspiring and touching. This is a modern-day mystic and the revelation of a modern-day Mystery School which continues to bring soul freedom through the teachings of the ascended masters through their anointed messengers to the earth.



3. "Every great man nowadays has his disciples, and it is always Judas who writes the biography." Oscar Wilde.
   Great quote. Stop and think about that for a moment. . . .
   A strange phenomena isn't it? Thank God he is not entirely correct. Alex Reichardt has written the best biography of Mark Prophet we are likely to see and only he could have done it. No one got to see Mark in unguarded, vulnerable moments as much as Alex. When the obtrusive unseen forces of the world managed to worm their way into Mr. Prophet's life, we are able to catch a glimpse of what it means to be a mystic. With a humbleness that belied his mastery, Mark Prophet met every challenge. Lesser men would have wilted under the psychic barrage he had to endure. Alex, as Mark's personal assistant from 1965 to 1973, witnessed these acts of spiritual mastery on a daily basis. It filled him with awe. Me too, just reading about it. I love inspiring books. There is hardly a page that's not inspiring. This comes across in Alex's narrative style as well. As the author would say, "All glory to God." Everytime I picked up the book and read just a few pages, I came away wanting to be a better person. There is no higher compliment I can give. This is a book for all seekers on the Path not just those who were in the Summit Lighthouse at one time or another. As Sir Francis Bacon (when he penned the Shakespearean plays) said: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." And there are more things to the spiritual path than most of us are aware. For all those who wish to reach the pinnacle of their being and overcome the hidden obstacles on the way, Mark Prophet has 'been there and done that.' William House, Reverse Spins.com



4. Readings of a Saint
   All for the Love of God; Life with Mark Prophet a Modern-Day Mystic by Alex and Margaret Reichardt and other disciples of Mark, is a biography of a modern day Christian saint. The beautifully written account should be printed in The Golden Legend; Readings on the Saints, by Jacobus de Voragine (1229 - 1298). As I read Mark's story it drew the joy of my soul into my heart, body and mind. I could feel the flame of the Holy Spirit raining down upon me from this beloved saint in heaven. While reading this saintly book , you will receive the love that Mark wished to spread over the whole world. Mark did this person by person and you will meet many of these people and read their stories as you read this sacred book. I believe that this book will convey to the reader that saints still walk the earth in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries as they have for the last two thousand years. The blessings of all blessing is to meet one of these holy persons, as I was so fortunate to do when I met Mark Prophet. It changed my life, and reading this book may well changes.