5 comments about Porter Rockwell: A Biography.

1. Dewey does a defensive history of Rockwell, and does a good job of dispelling many of the myths. But like so many writers embracing LDS apologetics, he seems to be a frustrated lawyer, having an image of himself as Rockwell's latter-day defense council. He is too careful not to impugn the reputations of early church leaders, especially Joseph Smith.

   To understand just what faith-promoting history is, we should look at what Elder Boyd K Packer says about it:

   "That historian or scholar who delights in pointing out the weaknesses and frailties of present or past leaders destroys faith.... In the Church we are not neutral. We are one-sided."

   So we can see that a "one-sided" history is not comprehensive by any means.

   Dewey is definitely from the faith-promoting school of history, and writes as if "the Brethern" are looking over his shoulder. Because of this he has omitted significant discomfiture found in other Rockwell biographies. This less "faith-promoting" information would have been included if Dewey had adhered to principles followed by professional historians. However, because he did not, we are deprived of aspects more rounded but unfortunately more embarrassing to the LDS Church.




2. This book is a poor, almost fictional attempt to chronicle the life of the infamous Orrin Porter Rockwell. While I'm sure Dewey's intentions were good, he did a bad job of presenting History.
   His subject was a difficult one, Rockwell having left no diary. In addition, there are a few undetailed accounts of him in the official History of the Church to which he belonged. Most of the rest is speculation. Despite this lack of evidence, Dewey assumes that he knows Porter's mind and emotions on all occasions. How could he know that something "turned Porter's stomach" or "hit close to home" if Rockwell never left a journal?
   Most of his biography is speculation. The bulk of the work is actually a brief overview of the history of the Mormon church, and Dewey just inserts Rockwell wherever he wants to. For example, he tells the story of a group of Mormons who, in 1838, went out to defend their Missouri homes. Dewey just assumes Porter was there, and says he was "probably riding at their head."
   Toward the end of Rockwell's life, firsthand accounts of him become few and far between. In order to deal with this, Dewey simply lumps together all accounts and legends of Rockwell with no consistency or continuity whatsoever. The stories jump around, and each paragraph is an entirely new subject. This is very difficult to read, and does little besides give a collection of myths.
   This book gets two stars because of Dewey's obvious sincerity. He is not a historian by trade, and it shows. His subject is a difficult one to write about, and Dewey managed to chronicle his life with some accuracy (despite all the speculation). If you want to read an interesting tale/legend about one of the most heroic Western lawmen, read this book. Just don't expect much in the way of historical accuracy.



3. I can't put this book down! Dewey does an excellent job of placing the reader back in time as he develops the amazing story that is the coming about and triumph over the persecutions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because there is little written about Rockwell, Dewey does a traffic job of taking the reader through the church's history through church archives and journals describing how Rockwell was present at many important events loved by members of the church. I give it 4 stars and say it is a must read for those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for those who would like to know more.



4. I agree with critics of this book, i.e., willy-nilly insertions of the Rockwell character into scenarios that are all action-based and nothing of history--if, indeed, Rockwell was a participant. There is nothing of history here--just accounts, no basis, and certainly nothing theoretical. There is nothing from the author. "Porter Rockwell" is a study of omission. There is no mention of the Mountain Meadows massacre of 1857. Early in the book, as other reviewers have noted, Rockwell is magically plopped into actions the author assumed happened. I think Mr. Dewey must be a Mormon, the mention of which is not meant critically, but an admitted Mormon affiliation would surely have meant buyer hesitance. As 1857 was bypassed, I stopped reading the book. Lastly, the book jacket lauds Mr. Dewey's "years of historical research," all climaxed by a CLIO award--which is not in any way relevant to history. The book is interesting, but is a compilation, not history. It provided the basis of a film that, coincidentally, included the author's participation.



5. I have read this book before and wanted a copy of my own for my library. It is a very interesting book about a very interesting man who led a strange life. Having lived in Utah most of my life I wanted to know about the history of the people who lived here before me. The Mormons here like to make him out to be a hero of sorts but I think that he was not all that they say.

No comments about Real Stories For The Soul 101 Incredible True Stories To Challenge Your Faith And Strengthen Your Trust In God.

No comments about John Newton: Author of "Amazing Grace" (Heroes of the Faith).

No comments about Frederick Douglass (Heroes of the Faith).

1 comments about Four Times Peter: Portrayals of Peter in the Four Gospels And at Philippi (Interfaces series).

1. Written by Professor of Sacred Scripture Richard J. Cassidy, Four Times Peter: Portrayals of Peter in the Four Gospels and at Philippi is a scholarly text studying the role of Peter in the Gospels of Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John. Chapters discuss aspects of narrative criticism in the four Gospels, Peter during the time of Jesus' public ministry, Peter and the risen Jesus, the reception of the four Gospels at Philippi, and much more. [Regarding 16:1-8] "Within the dynamic of Mark's narrative the fearful astonishment that the women of the tomb initially manifest is not a sufficient obstacle to prevent the promised reunion from being accomplished. Jesus and the heavenly messenger have both predicted a future for Peter and the disciples in Galilee, and the consistency of Mark's narrative regarding the fulfillment of Jesus' internal predictions argues that this external prediction will also soon come to pass." An excellent text for intermediate to advanced courses on the Gospels and parish study programs.

No comments about Basil of Caesarea (Transformation of the Classical Heritage, 20).

3 comments about A Faith Fulfilled, Why Are Christians Across Great Britain Embracing Orthodoxy?.

1. I only gave this a three star rating as nowhere in this book are the pitfalls of falling into superioriority complexes get addressed. The ideals are polished and his personal faith explained-- Michael Harper has definitely lived his life doing as God had bade him and given his heart to Him.

   But Orthodoxy is more than a set of ideals and philosophies based on God's Word. It's a bunch of people. Once you get in or even part way in, it is just like college when you started talking like a liberal, only with Orthodoxy your language gets peppered with word phrases like, "The One True Way", "The Truth", "Obedience to Father" (who is an emmisary of God and well-- they are human, too)"The One Church" "The One True Church"-- Orthodox Christian Churches can get pretty exclusionary to visitors and don't tolerate struggling parents with fussy babies or any potential struggles very well, and this is the reason that I feel that it started to take off in the US and then pettered out. England needs to watch herself that they become a light on a Hill that people seek, as opposed to a light that only shines on her own members.




2. A FAITH FULFILLED, originally published in England as TRUE LIGHT, is former Anglican priest Michael Harper's story of how he left the Church of England for the Orthodox Church. Harper was a major figure in the evangelical and charismatic movements, and his "coming home" to Orthodoxy was a great surprise to many. A FAITH FULFILLED is not only an apologia, but also an invitation to all believing Britains to find the same joy he has in the changeless worship of the Orthodox Church. The book may be said to serve as a British analogue to Fr Peter Gilquist's BECOMING ORTHODOX, and this American edition is published by the same press.
   
   The book is split into two parts. Before even getting to the Orthodox Church, its history, what it believes, etc., Harper tells the story of his dawning realisation that the Church of England was, deep down inside, corrupted and would never regain a footing in the historic Christian faith. The rise of women's ordination and the denial of the Nicene Creed by a large percentage of its bishops gradually led him to seek a more secure church. Eventually, Harper was received into the Antiochian Orthodox Church--a favourite destination of evangelicals worldwide during this time. He was among the first Britons to place themselves under the leadership of Ignatius, patriarch of Antioch. Harper's story of leaving Anglicanism is exceedingly charitable toward his friends remaining in the Church of England, and while admitting institutional collapse, he has great praise for many of his former colleagues there. The book's subtitle is "Why Are Christians Across Great Britain Embracing Orthodoxy?", but this is a bit of a misnomer. Unlike the aforementioned book by Fr Peter Gilquist, which tracks an entire band of friends as they leave evangelical churches for Orthodoxy, Harper's book is mainly an individual story.
   
   The second half of the book is the true introduction to Orthodox Christianity. Harper begins by describing the essence of the Orthodox faith: what it believes, and how it worships. Unlike Roman Catholicism, which adds dogma never agreed upon by the universal church, and many forms of Protestantism, which reject much what the ancient Christians held dear, Orthodoxy's belief is just right and the continuation of what has been preached since the day of Pentacost. Harper explains that the ancient disputes over the nature of Christ, instead of being an eggheaded matter far removed from the concerns of the average Christian, are deeply important. Harper describes the form of the liturgy sparingly, you won't find terms like "Little Litany" and "Great Entrance" here. Instead, he tries to present the effect that the liturgy is supposed to have: creating heaven on Earth and giving God exceeding glory. Harper's history of the Church is mainly meant to show how history has *not* affected the Faith. Instead of seeing history as a development of doctrine, he describes it as a storm which the Church has held out from for two thousand years, maintaining always the Tradition continually passed down. The victories of martyrs are greatly praised, and Harper examines the life of St Elizabeth the Grand Duchess to show that this is a church where Christians continue to give their lives for what they believes.
   
   Two chapters toward the end here are especially directed toward those whom Harper left behind in the Church of England: "Can I Be Orthodox and Evangelical?" and "Is the Orthodox Church Charismatic?" He seeks to show that in Orthodox one finds a fulfillment of all one was looking for, even if in the beginning it might seem intimidating or enigmatic. The writing of the book is not as accessible and engaging as Fr Peter Gilquist's similar work, but I admit that I'm not part of the British audience that Harper was writing for. Still, among the many stories of converts that have been written in the past twenty years, Harper's a solid read.



3. In this well-written book, Michael Harper manages what many haven't: He explains why he has changed from one religious group to another without deeply offending those in his former church. In a calm tone lacking triumphalism but demonstrating warm conviction, the author sets forth his path into Orthodoxy and provides brief apologetic answers to common objection frequently raised against his new-found faith.

No comments about Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: In a Faithful Account of the Life and Death of John Bunyan.

1 comments about One Day He Beckoned: One Woman's Story of the Difference Jesus Made.

1. One Day He Beckoned is the moving testimonial of one woman's personal experience with Jesus' holy and healing influence. Presenting a legacy that blends real-life considerations with practical understanding of how the world works and an enduring spiritual connection, One Day He Beckoned is Christian inspiration at its highest. Antoinette Bosco is to be commended for her candor and her willingness to lay open the tragedies of her personal life for the benefit of the larger Christian community.

5 comments about Hand of Providence: The Strong and Quiet Faith of Ronald Reagan.

1. Hand of Providence is an awesome book, and when I opened and read the Forward by Michael Reagan, I couldn't put the book down.
   
   I was an admirer of President Reagan before, but this book shows how he was used by God throughout his life. Now I understand how extraordinary a man he really was. I learned thing I never knew about him before.
   
   The book is not about policy, and it isn't about government, it is about how one man faces the diffuculties of life and overcomes them with the power of prayer and reliance on his Savior, Jesus Christ.
   
   I could see this book upsetting many secular humanists that also admire President Reagan.
   
   In the final analysis, this book strengthened my own faith, as I learned how President Reagan overcame many trials. Read it and be inspired on nearly every page.



2. The "Hand of Providence" is a pretty good read, just know that Mary Beth Brown brings little new research or insight to Ronald Reagan. This collection is largely the work of other Reagan biographers. If you are looking for a biography that deals with the political side of Reagan go to Lou Cannon and Peggy Noonan for character & faith. Mary Beth Brown does add some new info with her discussions with Michael Reagan. I understood a little bit more about President Reagan and Jane Wyman's divorce.
   
   In terms of Reagan himself there is no doubt that faith deeply influenced his presidency and strategy during the Cold War, he says as much in his autobiography. Look, Reagan was the greatest president of the 20th century. He destroyed communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Reagan is really a throw back in terms of his values, he symbolizes Americana, westward expansion, eternal optimism, faith in God and values.
   
   Brown's contribution with her book is that she recognizes the importance of Reagan's appeal in terms of faith with the "Reagan Democrats," her premise is that they were more attracted to his spiritual and faith politics than his economic ideas. This is no doubt very true, but they still work together for the kind of vast coalitions Reagan built. Another contribution by Brown, although not completely new was that Reagan knew how to win the votes of evangelical protestants and Roman Catholics at the same time. She was good to point that note out. She has some new information on Nelle Reagan as well. Overall this is a little simplified but largely accurate account of President Reagan and his faith. It's an interesting and very quick read, you could read it an afternoon. I wish she would have expanded her thoughts and had notes. I am glad Reagan's faith is getting more play in terms of publishing. It was so obvious with the language he used during the Cold War that there were obvious and overt spiritual overtones at work within the entire administration and their rhetoric.
   
   Overall if you are just getting started in this area, this is a good place to start. After that check out the original sources.



3. We had a copy of Mary Beth Brown's book sitting on the coffee table when a cousin - who holds a master's degree in history - came for a visit. He took the book down to the guest room and spent all night reading it. I think this earns Hand of Providence the accolade of being a "page turner." It is also a spiritual experience and a most revelatory glimpse into the soul of a man who changed the world forever. Even the jaded will be moved. The cousin began to pray for the first time in decades.



4. In my humble opinion, Mary Beth Brown has written a very readable account of the role of faith in Jesus Christ in President Ronald Reagan's long life. I have heard some things of President Reagan's faith but had never read anything intensive on the subject until this book.
   
   The title is not a political treatise of conservatism but rather the faith of a truly humble president. Politics are covered mainly in the context of Reagan's faith and why he believed and acted as he did.
   
   The book covers the following periods of Reagan's life:
   
   1. Early childhood and great love for his mother and respect for his father despite his father's struggle with the bottle and making a living.
   2. College years at Eureka College and early broadcasting days.
   3. Years in Hollywood and his role as president of the Screen Actor's Guild and how he became acquainted with the influence of communism.
   4. Failed marriage to Jane Wyman.
   5. Second and extremely successful marriage to Nancy Davis.
   6. Raising his children.
   7. His various ranches and he thoroughly enjoyed being there.
   8. Role faith played in combatting communism and how he worked closely with Pope John Paul in the 1980s to bring about communism's demise in Europe.
   9. His years as governor of California.
   10. Years as president of the United States.
   11. Post-president years.
   
   Apparently the book was written just before his death and perhaps would have included more information on his faith.
   
   If you are not a Reagan fan or are a political junkie, then this book is not for you. If you like to read on the role of faith in famous people, then this book is for you.
   
   Highly recommended. Read and enjoy!



5. A hagiographic biography of the spiritual life of Ronald Reagan written by a close friend of Reagan's son, Michael. While this book is from time to time excessively sectarian (evangelical, conservative Christian) and borders on preachy, it does provide helpful insight into the spiritual beliefs and hopes of President Reagan and their foundational (fundamental) role in shaping his private and public lives.