5 comments about The Bishop of Rwanda.

1. Bishop John Rucyahana is Rwandan. He was a refugee in Uganda during the Rwanda genocide and in this book he illustrates for us the historical origins of the genocide, the reason that the plan succeeded, and the answer to the questions of reconciliation.
   
   For each of us who care about how such evil can be possible in the world, The Bishop of Rwanda gives us those insights. Using true stories to illustrate both the evil of the genocide and the miracles of reconciliation, Bishop John ultimately tells a story of hope for the future of Rwanda.
   
   If you want to know what happened, why it happened, and what you can do to keep it from happening again, this book is an excellent start. If you want to understand Rwanda so that you can assist in the reconciliation process there, this is an great text to begin your understanding.



2. Within a world of differing political opinions and cultures it remains painful to recognize the inhumanity of man that flaunts indifference to others at every opportunity. The contrast of evil and of love towards others is acutely apparent and as described in this book is an echo of history, and the reality of our collective existence. This book retells the ongoing battles we face, and the sense of responsibility that we each have to shoulder. Rwanda is an example. When they were challanged and forced to choose, they chose God and to love one another. This book is a difficult read, my suggestion; read the ending before pushing this book aside.



3. This book, reviewing the Rwandan genocide of 1994, is a compelling read. Bishop John Rucyahana, who lost family in the horrific events of that year, brings an African perspective to join the many western viewpoints that have mourned the deaths of over 1.1 million Africans.
   One item of note is that Rucyahana is not intent to simply identify systemic political issues as the root of the evil that was seen (though he acknowledges their role), nor to focus too narrowly on individual organizers of the slaughter. Instead, he reminds us that this event should keep before us the human capacity for unimaginable evil.
   Yet simultaneously Bishop Rucyahana sees real hope and reconciliation flowing among the people of Rwanda in the wake of this genocide.
   For all these reasons, the book is compelling and deserves reading as a story of how great good can be brought out of the most heinous evil.
   On the other hand, the book could have used a bit more editing. At times, the text simply doesn't flow well, which is regretful for such an important book.
   As supplementary background, an interested reader might also be interested in We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda.



4. Having been blessed enough to meet with Bishop John twice this year-once in my country and once in his, I can tell you that this man is even more powerful than his account of those tragic events in 1994. He is truly devoted to his work-Reconciliation, as well as his school, which he gave us a tour of. If you want to know what has happened in Rwanda, I would suggest reading this book, along with "Murambi: Book of Bones.", "Shake Hands with the Devil." and "We Wish to Inform You.." for a more complete picture. If you wish to know what is going on right now in Rwanda, Bishop John is a very integral part of that process, and his book is a faithful portrayal of his work.



5. This book is an awesome description of the treatment of people on Rwanda; the reactions from developed countries makes one realize how insular and selfish people can be. Everyone interested in world events and mission work should read this description of the genocide recorded by Bishop Rucyahana. It is also a great example of forgiveness and hope from people who have suffered so much.

4 comments about Royal Monastic: Princess Ileana of Romania.

1. Bev. Cooke does a very satisfying job in providing a narrative chronicle of the life of one of the twentieth centuries most unheralded, yet fascinating, persons. Mother Alexandra, formerly Princess Ileana of Romania, lived through two world wars, the communist takeover of her country, and finally saw it's liberation. She lived a life of royalty and privilege, yet knew poverty, encountered opulent materialism, yet lived as an Orthodox nun founding a monastery in Pennsylvania in the later years of her life. Mother Alexandra's experiences were varied and deep to the extent few others can claim. She was, by birth, related to some of the most powerful and historically significant people in modern history, yet never sought celebrity status. I was blessed to know her for a few years before her repose in 1991 and have seen her unique gifts and work continue to bring peace and joy to so many in the years since. If you seek an inspirational biography, read this one. Royal Monastic: Princess Ileana of Romania



2. A fascinating portrayal of an Orthodox "royal" whose life was one of love and self-sacrifice during the turbulent years of the Second World War and communist take over of eastern Europe. Her privileged childhood was no impediment to the deep Christian faith which sustained her and eventually led her to the monastic life, and the desire to share this life with those in her adopted country of America. Bev Cooke has done a masterful job of bringing to life Mother Alexandra, nee Princess Ileana of Roumania.



3. Princesses are often depicted as fluffy, pampered, and spoiled. "Royal Monastic: Princess Ileana of Romania" tells of Princess Ileana of Romania, who served as a leader of her people through two world wars and a communist overthrow of her government. A story of hardship and a harsh life through harsh times, "Royal Monastic" is a story about a princess that few would expect.



4. The life of a European princess. Abundance, compassion, adventure... Risk, mystery, danger, tragedy, want?!? Contrary to expectations, these are all facets of the life of Princess Ileana of Romania. Cooke has presented all of these in a gem of a book that is part diary, part history lesson, part novel, part scrapbook... Readers come away from this book grateful for the comparative ease of their own life experiences, enriched by learning from the life of a Godly woman, and challenged to care for others more than for themselves. Readers of all ages learn with Princess Ileana/Mother Alexandra that it is possible to live happily ever after, despite all circumstances... If your heart is in the right place.

5 comments about Here I Stand: My Struggle for a Christianity of Integrity, Love, and Equality.

1. One of the leading men who is well into the apostasy of falsifying and corrupting the truth of Christianity is a man named John Shelby Spong. Christians who will stand faithful to the Lord through His Son Jesus Christ need to know about him and people like him because even if you do not ever read one of his books, you will come across people who have been blinded by his corrupted and degraded Christian beliefs. John Shelby Spong has several books out there today. Some of the titles are as follow: Here I Stand: My Struggle for a Christianity Integrity, Love, and Equality; A New Christianity for a New World; Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism. These are just a few, there are many more. What is ironic is that while he has tried, in his own words, to bring integrity, love, and equality back to Christianity, he really has destroyed the foundations and fundamental truths that are found within the holy Scriptures. Even more so, by destroying the very skeleton of the Bible and Christian reality, he has distorted so many Christians who now follow him that they truly are in a limbo of his leading and making. I will discuss several of what he calls his Twelve Theses now with the truth of the Bible and information outside of the Bible.
   
   From his Twelve Theses, here are explanations for you so that you will know how in turn to be able to get through the muck that has brought down the integrity of Christianity and has placed it into the view of just another "feel good without truly thinking" point of views. To be able to fulfill what is called the Great Commission, you will need and be able to meet in mental and spiritual combat those like Spong who wish to distort anything and everything that is Holy and True about our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. The Twelve Theses is Spongs attempt to be like a New Age Episcopal (no big surprise that he was a bishop within this denomination) Martin Luther. You can find a full copy of this distortion in his biography, Here I Stand.
   
   Creation/Evolution: Spong has the following to say (453): "The biblical story of the perfect and finished creation from which human beings fell into sin is pre-Darwinian mythology and post-Darwinian nonsense." The truth of God however is far above Darwin and in fact, the truth of evolution is probably one of the greatest fairy tales of the 19th through 21st century. There are many holes and straying strands that exist within what is grouped together as evolution. Not even scientists who believe, or people like Spong, can't get the right idea of what evolution is. On the other hand, the Bible's view of the truth of creationism contains a lot of evidence to support this view. There are a multitude of books that are out there published by intelligent and thought provoking creationist scientists. DNA, biology, and physiology again and again when brought together support the Biblical ideas. What is so dangerous is that many people, even those who may be reading this book on apologetics, cannot know the truth because the evolutionsists like Spong within the church and people like the fairly popular Stephen Jay Gould outside Christianity seems to be the popular view that is taught as religion in our school systems and now in our churches. Instead I would suggest to you to read books like How Now Shall I Live? by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey, The Long War Against God by Dr. Henry Morris, and The Face by Hank Hanegraaff. I would have to go into a book in and of itself about the truth of creationism but I think I have made my point countering Spong. Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey have this to say about the debate and how it affects who you are in your Christian walk with God (55): The Christian worldview begins with the Creation, with a deliberate act by a personal Being who existed from all eternity. This personal dimension is crucial for understanding Creation. Before bringing the world into existence, the Creator made a choice, a decision: He set out a plan, an intelligent design.
   
   Virgin Birth: Spong has the following to say (453): "The virgin birth, understood as literal biology, makes the divinity of Christ, as traditionally understood impossible." Biblical foundations of the virgin birth came from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah within two main segments of the book of Isaiah. These points are found in Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6a. What Spong has to say is another fallacy that has corrupted so many people who have come to the church to find the truth of God. Christianity is founded on the proofs of the Bible. Spong says that it is biologically impossible yet how can that be for with the God who created the univesre, is something as simple as this so difficult? For Spong, in his narrow view of God's truth, the answer is a sad yes. While you and I can't have a physiological evidence placed in our hand, we can respect the reality of how Christ Jesus, to be who He said He is and how prophecy has spoken true about Him, then we must accept the virgin birth. We cannot pick and choose what we can and cannot believe in the Bible. The Bible is true, it is supported by much information. Even more so, we must accept how the prophecies of the virgin birth have brought about the truth of Christ Jesus. We cannot say the prophets are liars because in the Jewish sense, if a prophet is wrong about one point, then not only is he a false prophet, then he also will die because Jewish laws show that prophets must be 100% true. The following is found within the wonderful work by Josh McDowell called The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict, he has this to say (295): The evidence strongly suggests that the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke are built on the firsthand testimony of Jesus' own family members, which further support the conclusion that Jesus' conception and birth were indeed the fulfillment of Isaiah's ancient prophecy. As Matthew wrote: "Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet , saying: `Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated `God with us.'" (Matthew 1:22, 23).
   
   Cross: Spong has the following to say (453): "The view of the cross as the sacrifice for the sins of the world is a barbarian idea based on primitive concepts of God that must be dismissed." Such a heresy is horrific to believe but there are many, many people out there who not only disbelieve in the crucifixion but not understanding the reasons why there was the crucifixion. The cross is the foundation of the Bible, yes, and even more, the cross and the crucifixion is the primary truth of God's love and want for our human race to be saved. Spong does not, along with the others who believe with Spong, understand the truth that is our Lord and Savior's reason for the Cross. Jesus could have called a thousand, thousand angels to come down to protect Him from the cross but God knew that His Son had to go through the cross in order for you and I to be truly saved from our sins. We are a sinful race, we are not able to save ourselves, and thus God was the only one who could save us. The only way to save us was to face what we faced, thus He had to come into this world, into our human history, as Jesus Christ, as the Son, and bear upon His own shoulders not just the salvation of the world but also the judgment the final judgment upon the affront that sin is toward Him. J. Vernon McGee has this to say about the truth of the cross (144): "It was a transaction between the Father in heaven and the Son on the cross. The cross became an altar upon which the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, was offered." Without the cross and the honest reasons behind the cross, that is to save us from our sins, again we cannot truly know and have faith and be in relationship with our Lord God. It is a shame that yes again, Spong creates a false reality that has subjugated so many who come to Christianity for salvation and safety.
   
   Resurrection: Spong has the following to say (454): "Resurrection is an action of God, who raised Jesus into the meaning of God. It therefore cannot be a physical resurrection occurring, inside human history." Yet again truth that is founded on the reliability of Scripture has escaped Mr. Spong simply because he, yet again, wishes to nitpick what he wants to believe and what he doesn't want to believe based upon a faulty ground of his "reasoning" powers. We must accept the truth within scripture and outside of scripture toward the reliability of the resurrection. There are several reasons for this. Archeologists and historians have come together over the ages to show that the Bible's scriptures hold truth in what they say, that they can be honored and they can be relied upon with all intent and purpose in one's walk with Christ.
   
   There were hundreds upon hundreds of eye witnesses that saw and had specific contact with the risen Lord and Savior. If this was not true, then evidence would have outweighed even the most arrogant supporter for Jesus being back alive. Yet many a times Jesus was seen, encountered, and talked with by not just the disciples such as Matthew and Mark and John and Peter, but also many others who were firm believers in the Lord yet had no real speaking or political power. Even after His resurrection, there is ample and true historical evidence that there were those who indeed saw Him and witnessed Him in His resurrected body. Right after the resurrection the disciples saw him, then others outside the circle of main believers. Remember the Bible read the following from the Book of Acts 1:2-3:
   ...until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
   
   Then in 1st Corinthians 15:5-8, Paul says the following quote:
   ...and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
   
   As these quotes show, you must understand that the writers of the Gospels specifically speak of instances where they themselves as the disciples had a personal contact with the Lord and Savior who rose back to life. There was of course the instance where Thomas, later Doubting Thomas, touched Jesus before the eyes of other. Then there was also the time where in the early morning Jesus ate and broke bread with Peter and John and the others on the beach. The first Letter to Corinthians, furthermore, shows that several hundred people had witnessed Jesus after the resurrection. If any of these instances were not true, then there would have been mounting evidence that would have wiped out even the flicker of believers at this time in history. As the letter of Paul was written in probably a decade or two after the resurrection, if there was no truth behind Jesus' resurrection, Christianity would have been snuffed out like what someone would do to a candle. Such evidence seems to elapse from Spong and his followers. History not only supports the fact that Jesus rose from the grave, it even bows down to its truth.
   
   This is just some of the truths that counter weigh the false beliefs of Spong and others like him. To be a Christian, to fully be raptured by the truth and wonder and hope and joy that is our Lord God and Savior, you must realize that the Bible speaks the truth, that its wisdom is not man made wisdom but God made and that its reliability is found on the solid ground that is where our Lord God stands upon. As Christians, as believers, I hope and pray that this confrontation to Spong's ideas helps you realize what kind of cancer is biting at the heels of our Church. If you are an unbeliever, I hope and pray that my evidence has helped at least spark a fire of thought and desire to know more within your heart and soul. I pray as I write this that God opens your eyes and opens your heart to His eternal truth and love and holiness.



2. Former Bishop Spong doesn't believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God. He doesn't believe Jesus was born of a virgin, died in atonement for sin, or was physically resurrected from the dead. He doesn't believe in salvation, the power of prayer, the second coming, Hell or any sort of afterlife, and sees God more as an internal presence than an external supernatural force.
   
   I am interested in the history and structure of religion...this is my third Spong book. I thought perhaps this time I would find out just what it is Spong does believe - no such luck. What I did get was a detailed view of what shaped his life and theology, how he came to write so many books (average of one every 2 years since 1973) and a readable story about an energetic, caring and principled man.
   
   Spong's father was an alcoholic who died when the boy was 12. Spong wasn't ready for the "man of the house" role his dependent mother would have liked for him to fill. His marginally successful early teen years took a positive turn when he joined the boy's choir at the Episcopal Church. A charismatic priest took an interest, and young Spong began taking leadership roles in every church activity. By the time he finished the 11th grade, he had decided to become a priest. Since being a priest required college, Spong buckled down and got all A's in school his senior year - a necessity for college admission since his previous grades were so poor.
   
   From that time on (working within the limitations of objectivity inherent in an autobiography) Spong was a leader in everthing he attempted. In college, seminary and throughout his early church positions, he provided enthusiastic administrative skills. Outstanding qualities - a way of creating excitement for projects, organizational skills, people skills, diplomacy, unlimited energy, a developing talent in handling the press, and a willingness to stand up against injustice, even if he might end up standing alone. He wielded these qualities into explosive growth for each church under his guidance, and through the difficult time of racial de-segregation. Repeatedly when racial issues were lacking local leadership, Spong stepped forward. During the occasional loss of a battle, he laid ground to win the war.
   
   Adult Bible study groups were an integral part of each of Spong's churches. His enthusiastic and always crowded classes repeatedly asked him to publish his classwork, and his second career as a writer began. He helped the high school football announcer with statistics, soon taking over play by play announcing. He created a debate over radio with a local rabbi. He received more and more speaking engagements, sparking a third career. These days, he has about 200 speaking engagements per year.
   
   The drama of conflict is one of the charms of this autobiography, but it is strictly a memoir of his professional life. We don't get past a superficial knowledge of either wife or his kids. The conflicts at the end of the book can get a little too detailed at times, but the inner workings of church hierarchy I found fascinating.
   
   Back to Bishop Spong's theology, I still wonder - given his beliefs - why he doesn't take up watercoloring or golf instead of going to church. I would like to read his views on what role IS appropriate in his view of the church and how this church would conduct its services. It is clear that whatever he believes, a significant part of his theology will be based on tolerance and love. A very good book.



3. This is an excellent book. I have read several of Spong's books and this book is very helpful in giving the evolotion in his spiritual ideas. The Unity church I attend, has had two sets of Sunday School classes on his books. This book helps one to understand his writing.



4. As a young Episcopalian, future priest, and sometimes follower of Bishop Spong I was excited to get my hands on his autobiography to see where he was coming from. He has lived such an intriguing life and he has done many, many good things for the Church, and for the world.
   
   In spite of what some may think about his theology (I, for one, happen to agree with a lot of what he says), I think that this book just shows that he is a man devoted to God, to the Church, and to his family.



5. This was the first book by Bishop Spong that I read, but it led me to read all the others that I could find in print. To date, that must be about 10 other books. He stimulates the mind and encourages one to think "out of the box" - a healthy exercise when all around us is a swirling miasma of misinformation and cant that is unbelievable. The Bishop is a renaissance man of our time.

3 comments about Anthony Of Padua: Saint Of The People.

1. Many Catholics I know reflexively offer a silent prayer to St. Anthony upon losing their car keys, wallet, or any other item of significance, but many don't know why it's St. Anthony to whom they pray.
   
   In this newly updated and expanded version of a popular booklet, readers are treated to a wonderful introduction to St. Anthony of Padua, his life, and the devotions and legends surrounding him. Along with sharing his inspirational biography, the contributors to the book examine the details behind many popular devotions and rituals related to this special Franciscan.
   
   Including but moving beyond turning to St. Anthony to aid with finding lost items, the book offers several wonderful prayers of intercession as well as a nine day novena. The book's final chapter includes helpful information on shrines devoted to St. Anthony.



2. Whether you know St. Anthony as the finder of lost objects, the patron of mariners, or some other title, and whether your favorite image has Anthony with a lily, the child Jesus, a book, or all three, your vision will probably broaden after reading this little book. Each of several authors focuses on a different aspect of Anthony's life and legend. The final chapters on praying to St. Anthony are especially useful in answering questions about praying "to" a saint and praying "for" something specific. The novena to St. Anthony contains traditional prayers and passages from his sermons followed by reflections.



3. if noone else delivers, go to Anthony. The saint of the coommon person, from whom everyone can love. from lost keys to jobs to souls, anthony provides.

5 comments about The Mystery of the Aleph: Mathematics, the Kabbalah, and the Search for Infinity.

1. First, the good news. Aczel's book -- part biography, part history of infinity, part primer of some of the more challenging concepts in mathematics -- is engaging and well written. Much better written, in fact, than many similar books on the history of or on topics in mathematics that I've read. He has a lively style that keeps you turning the pages, and he is generally very good at simplifying complex axioms and proofs for the layperson. The short précis of the concepts of infinity among the ancient Greeks and Jews is pretty captivating subject matter, too. And the short biographies of the key mathematicians chasing the infinite are all sound and worthwhile.
   
   Now, the bad news. Considering that the subtitle of the book invokes the Kabbalah, Aczel gives it rather short shrift. He endeavors to summarize the subject, particularly in relation to things infinite, but does so too carelessly. I wanted more elaboration on that. Then he attempts to bring the Kabbalah back from time to time, as with Cantor's debatably Jewish heritage and with the diaspora of the Jews during World War II, but these connections are only hinted at. They feel superficial and without the persuasive weight to justify their inclusion. Also, I feel Aczel is a bit too baldly assertive in blaming Cantor and Gödel's mental problems on their struggles with the Continuum Hypothesis. Might it not have been the other way around, latent mental instability leading these two men to that particular compulsive struggle? I understand that pointing a finger at Infinity and shouting "j'accuse!" makes for more dramatic nonfiction, but it comes at a cost in accracy, doesn't it?
   
   Still, despite these complaints, I can marginally recommend the book as an interesting read on the history of the notion of infinity. Or at least parts of that history.



2. I started reading this book on the plane that took me to my new home in New Jersey. I finished it about a month later. I am a slow reader and I also was very busy getting settled into my new job. As I prepared to write my review for Amazon I looked at the many other reviews that had already been written and I found that they were quite mixed. Some raved about it and some hated it. There were many good points on both sides.
   I hope my review adds something new for potential readers to think about.
   
   I am a mathematician by training. I have a bachelor's degree in mathematics and also a masters degree. In my university education I learned about algebra and analysis and did have some acquaintance with the results of Cantor on transfinite numbers. I also knew some things about the axiom of choice, the continuum hypothesis and the Hahn-Banach theorem. I got this education in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In the mid 1970s I went on to Stanford where I studied Operations Research and Statistics eventually leading me to a career as a statistician. I had not given much thought to these mathematical ideas in a long time.
   
   While at Stanford, I did hear about Paul Cohen who was then considered to be a star in the Mathematics Department because of his great discoveries in set theory and logic at an early age.
   
   This book provided me with an interesting reminder of my past education and cleared up a few ideas in logic that had been puzzling to me.
   
   At first I thought I was going to hear about the life story of Georg Cantor, the father of transfinite numbers. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the book develops ideas about infinity and infinite numbers going back to the time of the Greeks and the discovery of irrational numbers by the Pythagorean school.
   
   Aczel also discusses the lives of Galileo and Bolzano and their contributions to mathematics. I was aware of the one-to-one correspondence between the integers and the square of the integers. The fact that the discovery goes back to Galileo was news to me. While I knew of Galileo for his invention of useful telescopes and his contributions to astronomy, I had no idea that he had made such a fundamental contribution to mathematics.
   
   As with some of the other reviewers, I find the discussion of the Kabbalah somewhat weak and perhaps misplaced. I also think there is a mathematical error in this chapter. Aczel states that there are 10 permutations of the arrangement of the Hebrew name for God, YHVH, and he places importance on the number 10. He enumerates the permutations to be YHVH, YVHH, VYHH, VHYH, HVYH, HYVH, HVHY, HYHV, HHYV AND HHVY. This puzzled me. As I thought about my combinatorial mathematics I thought the correct answer should be 12. I tried a complete enumeration myself and found 12. It seems that Aczel missed YHHV and VHHY.
   
   Aside from this, the discussion of mathematics is generally good. It is not detailed and is written in a popular style to be readible to a general audience. The heart of the book is the life of Georg Cantor. Cantor aided by the work of Galileo and Bolzano and his teacher Karl Weierstrass made the breakthroughs that led to the development of transfinite numbers and modern set theory. He worked mostly in isolation at Halle University and was frustrated by never being granted an appointment at University in Berlin where most of the famous mathematicians of the time resided. His conflict with Kronecker is discussed and the support he got from Mittag-Leffler is also covered.
   
   Aczel provides background to varying degrees on all the mathematicians that he discusses and we feel that we understand their personalities and the underlying reasons for the positions that they took. Cantor's bouts with insanity are also described. Although it could be simply that he was suffering from manic depression (a disorder that was not understood at the time), Aczel attributes Cantor's insanity to the frustration of his efforts to cope with infinity. Certainly there must have been frustration over his inability to prove the continuum hypothesis (later determined to be unprovable) and the lack of universal acceptance of his ideas in the mathematical community.
   
   However, I agree with some of the other reviewers who think that Aczel's thesis, that doing mathematical research on infinity might induce insanity, is a bit farfetched. In covering the life of Kurt Godel, a important successor to Cantor, Aczel points to Godel's bouts with insanity to try to reinforce this thesis. Godel did not have the same issues in his life history that Cantor had. Still, other mathematicians that worked in this area including Russell and Cohen never had similar bouts.
   
   Coverage of the work of Godel and Cohen brings the reader up to the current state of knowledge about transfinite numbers and set theory. For the mathematically inclined there is an appendix at the end that provides statements of Zermelo's axioms that are the basis of modern set theory. It is within this system that the axiom of choice and the continuum hypothesis are both consistent and independent and therefore can neither be proven to be true or false.
   
   If you like reading about the history of mathematics and the personalities of important mathematicians you will enjoy this book inspite of a few flaws.



3. Very interesting history of the development of mathematical ideas,especially the existence of irrational numbers,and the idea infinity can be approached and used but never reached.....



4. I enjoyed reading the book very much. In general, any book about numbers, and its development in human history amazes me. The story of Mr. Aczel is not an exception. The struggle of Georg Cantor is clearly elaborated in details in this book. How he goes mad to prove the cardinality of the real numbers. How many are there really? The book also makes a good job in demonstrating the early studies of Jewish mystics to explore the infinity and God. Yet one thing that looked weak to me is the connection between infinite numbers, God and Kabbalah. I wish the author used more examples to give the message that he is trying to make. I am personally very interested in Sufism (a sister trend or movement) so for me reading the book was definitely informative and inspiring to a certain degree. Yet I expect similar books from Mr. Aczel and especially a follow-up sequel to this book to make things clear.



5. The book went way over my head. I read it, and have to admit that I didn't understand much of it. I rated this one a five because I stand in admiration of smart people like Dr. Aczel in the world, who think about, ponder and write books about subjects like the mathematical understanding of infinity. I'm lucky if my checkbook balances right every week.

5 comments about Against Tall Odds: Being a David in a Goliath World.

1. If you like Little People Big World you've got to have this book. You will understand why Matt is bigger than life and why he has become successful against all odds.



2. I actually bought this book for my wife's birthday. She is a huge fan of the show and absolutely devoured the book.
   
   I found Matt's story very interesting. His writing style doesn't appeal to me greatly but it wasn't a grind to get through the book; some of the material is a little redundant and at times I felt a bit bored with his narrative.
   
   If you are a fan of the show I have little doubt you'll enjoy the book. There is a lot of informational material as well as inspirational and spiritual content.



3. I first heard of Matt Roloff when my family got addicted to watching his family on their television show, Little People, Big World. I googled Roloff Farms and found his book of which I immediately read. I was so inspired by this man's story, I have made it an Official Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selection and his first book, Little Family, Big Values a Bonus Book Club Selection. I give it our highest honor, 5 diamonds in our Pulpwood Queen TIARA!
   Tiara wearing and Book sharing,
   Kathy L. Patrick
   Founder of the PUlpwood Queens Book Clubs as seen on Good Morning America and The Oprah Winfrey Show, (though briefly)!



4. This is one great book! If you are a fan of TLC's "Little People, Big World" or just want to read a good book, this is for you. I've read it two or three times and I never do that. Personally, this is one of my favorite books. The Roloff family is a very cool family.
   Enjoy!!!



5. The author is a dwarf, married to another dwarf. His form of dwarfism carries with it severe orthopedic handicaps, causing him to need crutches, while hers is more benign. Matt Roloff is a plucky little guy, an extrovert, ready to meet all and take on any challenges. He has an amazingly positive attitude and has coped well with his "handicap." He and his wife are less than four feet tall; together they have four children, one a little person, but three of average size. Matt speaks of his Christian faith in helping him to cope. Part of his story didn't appeal to me much--he builds huge play structures on his property, yet claims to not be overcompensating. This book was written with a ghost writer, whom I don't think did Matt justice. At least, the writing style was rather pedestrian. But all in all, an inspiring story, and an intimate glimpse into a world not my own.

4 comments about The Demonologist: The True Story of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

1. This book was well done, although the writer did take some liberties an adulterize the dialogue--in other words, he corrected grammar and used non-daily vocabulary that leads me to believe that he wrote his own dialogue for those parts. However, the book does bring up some interesting points about demons that need to be said in our modern times:

   1) The Ouija board is not a harmless game. By inviting spirits to communicate, a door is thrown open to infestation, oppression, and eventual possession by demonic spirits.

   2) Black magic is not a tool easily wielded by humans. Black magic asks demons to carry out your bidding; the price of labor usually amounts to the tune of your soul.

   3) Demons have, do, and will continue to exist in the world. Because of the public interest, books of real rituals are being printed up and "sold like candy," and so demonic phenomena has begun to be on the rise.

   4) Exorcism is a secret ritual that is still performed today. In one year, an average of about six hundered exorcisms is approved and carried out by Church Officials (exorcism is normally carried out by Catholic clergy).

   5) Just some trivia: Demons are the slave force of hell. Devils are their managers. To name a demon or devil specifically is to acknowledge it and give it power over you and the physical realm (ghosts and demons inhabit the metaphysical realm).

   6) Ghosts are human spirits that are the remnant of the dead--someone you don't know. Apparitions are ghosts of someone you know. Demons--and angels, for what are demons but fallen angels--have never been alive and never will be. They have been walking the Earth since before the end of time.

   7) Never confront a demon in any form for any reason.

   Stuff I can corroborate with other books on the subject. Be careful with yourselves.




2. The information in this book should not be taken lightly. It may change the way you feel about the metaphysical realm. And you will sleep with the lights on for a long time!



3. After reading this book I was compelled to try and punch a hole in the "facts" it presented. When my research was compleated I realized that this book is one of the most accurate and terrifying acounts of Demonic activity available. Ed and Lorraine Warren are to be commended and respected for their dangerous work as excorsist and medium. They have endured more than any human should be expected to, and still they continue. Anyone that thinks their house is haunted should read this book. It provides important information about human and inhuman spirits that will startle and amaze. If you have thought of toying with black magic or sorcery, it would behoove you to look into the contents of these pages and reconsider your decisions. This book was my first glimpse at the supernatural. If what it holds between its covers is true, I hope it will be my last!



4. I've been studying this phenomena for years, and the descriptions of Ed and Lorraine's good work are, if anything, a user-friendly version of what demonology can really be like. They self-censored, I think, to the benefit of the lay folk. This is hands-down the scariest book I've ever read, and the more you read and investigate the topic, the more you realize how true it is. I am not a chruch going man, but I walked away with a healthy respect and gratitude for their work and a now-strong desire to not dabble in anything resembling seances, Ouji boards, or summoning spells. The other reviews of this book completely concur with my thoughts. I regret having misplaced the book within the last year, though, to be honest, it was so scary, I'm not entirely sad to be rid of it. One final thing-- its been my experience that different people are scared by different parts of the book, for different reasons. Those of you still lucky enough to have a copy should share it with friends and take a poll. I suspect the subject matter taps into some hidden parts of our subconcious fears...

5 comments about Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero.

1. Ashley, I loved reading your book. Your story is compelling. I appreciate your honesty in sharing with us, the readers, what was going on in your mind during such a trying time. It's great to see how your faith in God helped keep you focused, even though you admit that your daily life wasn't completely on track the way you would have preferred. The most important lesson I believe your book leaves with the reader is that it isn't where you are in life that is most important, but the direction in which you are headed.
   
   Good luck with your future, and that of your daughter.
   
   -- RuthAnn



2. I wasn't sure that when I started reading Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero, by Ashley Smith, that I was going to be able to stay with it. Sticking with a book for more than a page or two wasn't something I normally could do these days. But once I started reading it, looked at some of the pictures that are in the book also. I began to get close to the character, get drawn into her life. Once the situation turned bad you were going through everything with her to the very end. At one point I even went to my computer and looked up her interview on a famous news network and watched her talk about being taken hostage. There isn't anyway she could have come through it without God beside her each step of the way. It's truly an inspiring book,and teenagers,young girls going off to college especially, should have to read Ashley Smiths " Unlikely Angel". It would really make an impression on them.



3. Initially, I'd said that I'd NEVER read this story, but I was able to buy the book for a $1, so . . . IF Ashley's encounter with Brian Nichols is what it took to get her off drugs, make her a better mom to Paige, and strengthen her faith in God, then God bless her. I'm not judging, but I do have an opinion: Every story has three sides; this was Ashley's. We haven't really heard Brian's, and then . . .there's the truth. The story was probably great therapy for Ashley, but I think this is her version. I read it; it was ok, but I'm convinced that Ashley and Brian knew each other and a lot more happened in that apartment than what she wrote in the book. I wish the best for her and Paige . .. and Brian. He's guilty of killing three people, but there are probably some other folks out here who should feel some guilt for what happened. What he did was an act of a desperate man. Book - ok! Buy it somewhere for a $1.



4. This was a very inspirational book. Just goes to show that most people do deserve a second chance in life!



5. I guess I didn't know much about the whole ordeal. I mean, I remember watching the "surrender" unfold on TV and hearing about the single mom, blah, blah, blah, but I didn't know too much. I think that is what made it such a page turner for me.
   This book is really good in the aspect of thinking about what you would do in this situation. As for Ashley, it states in the beginning of the book that the conversations are just what she remembers and it's not word-for-word. In reading this statement and then her story, I have to wonder how much of it she actually "remembered" and how much she made up. It just seemed a little too good to be true. I'm not calling her a liar, I'm just saying I'm not convinced. Don't get me wrong, it is a good book and she was very brave (you would have to be to be able to make it out alive,) but I just didn't come away from it feeling "inspired."

5 comments about Luther the Reformer: The Story of the Man and His Career.

1. This is a terrific book, both for people who want a first book to read about Martin Luther, and for those who know the story well. Luther has been the subject of many biographies; Kittelson's book is unique in blending the development of Luther's theology with an account of the life of the man. Kittelson's expertise allows him to tell a complex story clearly and concisely. The book inspired me to read more about Luther, including some of his own writings.



2. Luther had many contributions to the history of the Christian church. He was the father of the Protestant reformation. Many of the reformers looked to him as inspiration, if nothing else. He also promoted the pillars of the Reformation: sola scriptura, sola fide, sola sacerdos, sola gracia, and sola Christe. He changed how people relate to God and impact people's daily lives. People denounced monastic vows and embraced marriage. Luther single-handedly weakened the power of the Catholic Church. By teaching Scripture, he undermined the sale of indulgences, destroyed the Church's sacramental system and undermined its ecclesiastical authority. The Church would be forced to clarify its teachings at the Council of Trent, which would push it farther away from the possibility of reform.
   
   After just reading a tortorous biography on John Wesley, this biography was much better. Even while Kittleson discussed theology, he kept it interesting and in context.



3. The order arrived promptly, but all 10 books were defective. One section was inserted twice, and one section was left out entirely. I contacted customer service, who were very prompt with their assistance. I returned the defective books and promptly received a new shipment. This shipment contained five books that were correct, and five were defective, as before. I contacted customer service, who said they could not guarantee a good shipment, so my money is being refunded. It seems to me that once a defect is noted and explained to them, it should be pretty easy to look at the books before they ship to make sure they are ok. I was very disappointed with the lack of quality control in your warehouse.



4. Brought up as a Roman Catholic in the thirties and forties, I had a negative take on Luther. He was the heretic who caused so much trouble. I am no longer a Catholic, but mostly Buddhist. However, unable to find a Buddhist community in my area with which I could identify --- I tried some Christian churches, of which, naturally there is an abundance. I happened upon Peace Lutheran Church here in Las Cruces, NM, and found a place where I thought I might settle down at least for the sake of some spiritual community.
   
   I decided to read a biography of Luther -- starting but not finishing -- one by Ronald Bainton. I stopped reading it partly because of the writing style, and because i wanted some more time spent on Luther's theological explorations and the views that he came to have about Jesus and the Church.
   
   Luther the Reformer by Kittelson fitted my needs almost perfectly: It was clearly stated, well written, interesting, delving below the surface, but still not getting bogged down in erudite details.
   
   It was insightful, helpful, and an enjoyable book for me. Highly recommended.



5. This was an exceptional biography of Martin Luther. While most biographies tend to focus on only a small portion of his life (usually his initial "discovery" of his doctrine of justification and the initial break from Rome), Kittleson tackles the life of Luther as a complete story. While he did spend far more time (i.e. the first 200 pages) on Luther's early life and "conversion," he spent the remainder of the book looking at the often neglected later life of Luther. While Bainton's biography was groundbreaking, and is still a good book, this one surpasses it in it's fairness and completeness (though it does lack a little of the entheusiasm that Bainton had).
   
   This book makes Luther's life and theology very accessable to non-historians. Kittleson always puts Luther's ideas and writings in context, giving us a feel for why he said what he said. While many of Luther's words still seem harsh and divisive, they are at least a little more understandable when looked at in context. Further, Kittleson does what most biographers fail to do when writing about Luther: he really helps the reader understand what Luther's personality was like. Instead of presenting Luther as a disembodied intellect pumping out ideas, he gives information that helps us put together a picture of what Luther the person was really like.
   
   The only complaints I have about this book are the brevity of his treatment of Luther's later life and his slight bias in favor of Luther. While I can tell that he is trying to be fair, he often ends up defending Luther's harsh comments and actions. While I do admire Luther, I have no problem admiting that Luther was wrong about some things, was far too harsh at times, and really was far more divisive than he needed to be. Kittleson seems to realize this, but always tries to defend Luther's words or actions by explaining that he was doing these things because he was so devoted to defending his conception of true doctrine. That may be, but does that really mean he was not wrong about some things? Lest you think that this book is merely a defense of Luther, it is really not so blatant as I am making it sound. In comparison to most Luther biographies written by a Lutheran, I imagine that it is very objective. Kittleson never explicitly says that Luther did no wrong, he just seemed to lightly imply it in many places. The mere fact that he actually presents the distasteful writings/actions of Luther in the book should speak volumes about his desire to be fair, and my complaint is really very minor.
   
   Overall, this is definitely a recommended book. It seems to be THE place to start in learning about Luther, even above Bainton's excellent biography. I have obviously not read every Luther biography out there, or even a decent portion of them, but I would be very surprised if there were a better one than this which covers Luther's whole life.
   
   Overall grade: A

2 comments about George Mueller (Golden Oldies).

1. George Mueller

   By Faith Coxe Bailey Reviewed by Lindsay Woods

   This is a really cool book. I read it all in two sittings, which is not a regular occurrence for me. It's about a young man living in Germany, who struggles with authority and feels that everyone wants to dominate him - his father, the police, even a publican who had him arrested. On leaving School he attends the University of Halle, where he is a divinity student - (his fathers wish), he has no great interest in God. A chance reunion with an old acquaintance eventually leads to his acceptance of Jesus at a prayer meeting.

   From here he has notions of mission work, meets with a missionary to the Jews, decides thats what he should be doing, learns Hebrew, prays very fervently, tells his dad, dad says it's dumb and cuts his finance, George says "go ahead and cut it, I'm not taking any money from you again". From here the story develops of George's total dependence on God and no one else. He needs money to get through his studies, and when he prays God miraculously provides for him.

   He travels to London where he is starts a probationary period with a society that reaches Jews for Jesus. However George is frustrated by the emphasis on study, when people could be getting saved, so he leaves. From there he takes up a position as minister in a small church in Teignmouth, gets married to Mary, and the idea of financial reliance on God develops. The church paid George's salary by renting the best seats in the church to those with cash. George wanted God to finance him, and his conviction was that he would ask no-one else but God for money, the point being to prove that God answers prayer. God did support him, as he prayed.

   He moves on to Bristol where he starts a chapel with good friend Henry Craik, and they minister to the slums, and endure disease outbreak, which actually takes George's son. On seeing a child caged into a children's home, he decides to start a school for the poor children. Lack of money is always the perceived issue by George's associates, but George proves that by praying and being patient God brings the money. He opens his school. But many students were so poor, they were shipped off to the home, where there are unable to leave to goto school. George believed God wanted him to start an orphanage for these children. He prayed very specifically, with an exact sum of money in mind, and for people to help with the work, and for clothes for the children, and so on. Then he read in the bible in the book of Psalms, and a verse struck him, that confirmed what he was doing was right. It was God's promise to him, and he remembered it when he prayed. God provided people to do the job, and brought finance from nowhere to his doorstep. He opened the orphanage, packed it out, prayed for more, and opened another 3 orphanages over a period of time. There was never an abundance of cash, but day by day, God provided, as George prayed. Eventually, George bought land, and built a huge orphanage out of town, then four more over the years until he provided for over two thousand orphans. As he asked God for more, God gave more, donations went from shillings to pounds, to hundreds of pounds to thousands of pounds at a time - and George only asked God for it.

   This is a great book about the reality of God and his ability to work, and do more and more than we can imagine




2. Set in the slums of Bristol, England during the 1830's through the 1840's. Faith Coxe Bailey's story of George Mueller is about a man's trust in God to supply an orphanage with 300 orphans, and the essentials to live with.
   George trusts God to guide him through the building of a home for unwanted children. He lives day to day, and sometimes hour to hour, praying for food and clothing for the children. Throughout the book, George wants people to believe that God answers prayers. That is why he will not ask for anything from anyone, because he relies on God to provide.
   In this scene from the book, George had just purchased the house that was to be used as the orphanage. He prayed to God for all of the emenities needed and within an hour, George received a huge bundle of dishes from an unknown individual.
   This book shows that God provides and takes care of His children. And the power of prayer can supply your needs, whatever they may be.