5 comments about The Prisoner in the Third Cell (Inspirational).

1. This was a great read. It allowed me to think about all that John went through. I am not a big time book reader and find it hard to get into many books, but I was hooked from the start. I was even in tears by the end of the book. I recomend this to anyone in need of direction and is a must read for Christian Leadership.



2. Gene Edwards does a wonderful job of pulling the reader in to join the adventure and capture the experience.



3. I bought this book based on reading others' reviews of how great it was, how the author's storyteling "pulls you in from the start & never lets you go." Others gave the impression that it was helpful to those going through a difficult time.
   I have to say - I don't get it. It was very short (I read it in less than an hour) and kind of pointless. The basic point of the story is that God is a mystery, and we don't always know why he lets certain events happen. Yeah, I get it already. Have since I was little. I can't believe I spent $10 for this book.



4. This is a very thought provoking book, especailly if you focus on each of the characters in the beginning of the book and then follow their lives, where their choices lead and what causes ended up with them in prison.
   But when you get to the prisoner in the 3rd cell there is such revelation and the light really goes off--
   I would recommend this book to every one to read, it is just awesome.



5. A great work of fiction, this dramatic story give us a look at John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod and awaiting death, as he struggles to understand a Lord who did not live up to his expectations.
   
   It gives a whole new perspective on what faith means. John's struggle to understand the whys of his situation echoes our own. When it turns to Jesus' POV and how He wanted to reveal things to John, it's one of those "wow" moments that give you some understanding of God's ways.
   
   It's a book of comfort and an eye-opening look at what this thing called faith is all about. A book all Christians should read. It adds foundation the great words of Charles Spurgeon: "When you can't trace God's hand, trust His heart."

1 comments about Jerry Falwell: His Life and Legacy.

1. I highly recommend this inspirational story of the life and legacy of Dr. Jerry Falwell. It is truly a blessing that Macel Falwell has chosen to share the true story of this great Christian American. The Godless, hate filled left has distorted the great works of Dr. Falwell, but the reality tells a different story. We in America (especially Christians) could use a few more Jerry Falwells today, as we face a moral & spiritual crisis greater than ever before.

5 comments about Feathers from My Nest: A Mother's Reflections.

1. This is another winner from Beth Moore but very different from her other Bible study writings. This is a more personal look into her own family life and is an absolute must read for any mom. It is written from an empty-nester's point of view, but as a young mom of a two and four year old, I found it so comforting, inspiring and uplifting. I know their time with my husband and me is short, but this book helped me have some perspective. When you have young children close in age, sometimes the days are long and tiring, but this book has helped me see things in a new light. I want to have many feathers to reflect upon when my precious ones leave this nest. Well, blessings to all who read this; I hope it has been helpful, and please do read this sweet book!



2. This wonderful little book about Beth and her husband going thru empty-nest made me feel a wide range of emotions. She is a brilliant writer and always amazes me how she can be a faithfull follower of Jesus but still have so much FUN!! What a refreshing christian woman..Buy the book.. you won't be disapointed.. Beth allows you a 'peek' into her private life. If you have taken a bible study that she wrote you will get snapshots of her life.. this book fills in the holes a bit..Great reading!



3. I read Beth Moore's book after experiencing two miscarriages and trying to get pregnant for the third time. Her Godly approach to motherhood made me realize that God gives us children as gifts and blessings - regardless if it is for a few months in utero or for decades on earth! She gives a personalized insight on how to try to raise children to love Christ - in a world that often makes that difficult! I would highly recommend this book to any woman - moms, daughters, moms-to-be, or as I was when I read it, a mom wanna-be!



4. Very touching...touches all emotions. I bought three more to share with other family/friends who are mothers. Great choice as a gift for moms whose children are leaving for college.



5. I'm a parent of 2 little ones, and I've been reading one of her essays each morning. They're sweet and real and funny (just like Beth Moore always is) - and they're a real encouragement to me to see the long view of godly parenting, rather than getting stuck in the preschool weeds. I also gave it as a gift to my mother-in-law whose chicks are long gone from the nest, and she loved it too.

5 comments about Creole Made Easy.

1. I recently took a trip to Haiti, and in preparation for the trip I used the Creole Made Easy materials, including the Pronunciation Guide cd, and the Workbook. I used all three of them together, so I'll review them together as well.
   
   Creole Made Easy is an excellent introduction to the Haitian Creole language. It provides the basic building blocks in terms of grammar and sentence structure from which to go further. This book is not an "emergency Creole" book, and didn't have anything by way of greetings, phrases to use while traveling, etc. Being in Haiti, those things were very easy to pick up, especially with some of the basic grammar under my belt. The Workbook is split into two sections, the first with exercises that correspond to each of the 16 lessons in Creole Made Easy. The second half of the workbook has more practical lessons like: numbers/time, months/days/seasons/weather, colors, family/friends, marketplace/food, around the house, and health and medicine. Indispensable to learning any foreign language is listening to it, and the Pronunciation Guide cd was excellent in that regard. I found that it was great practice for listening to the native speakers (though even then, I was listening too slowly most of the time) and great for understanding how to pronounce all of those nasal sounds. There were a couple of moments of frustration in using Creole Made Easy: there were a couple of misspellings; sometimes a word or phrase was used seemingly out of nowhere and wasn't listed in the mini-dictionary in the back of the book; a couple times a grammatical structure or phrasing was used and I had no idea why it was used that way, and it wasn't explained. This happened very few times, and can sometimes be a good problem-solving exercise that you need good practice for when trying to have actual conversations with Haitian people.
   
   Of the eight people who went with me on my trip to Haiti, I was one of two who used Creole Made Easy, and the only one who completed all 16 lessons. I think some of the others used the Pimsleur cds (not any books). I was by far the best Creole speaker/listener and felt like I was in a perfect position to learn exponentially more while I was there. I was told over and over again "ou pale Creole byen!" ("you speak Creole well!") which I shrugged off for awhile until it began to sink in that this was true. Also, I wish I would have brought Creole Made Easy along with me instead of the Hippocrene Haitian Creole/English dictionary, because I think the dictionary in the back had a better selection of words and phrases I wanted to say. The Hippocrene has no phrases at all, and often didn't have the words I was looking for. All this said, I would strongly recommend the Creole Made Easy materials to anyone interested in learning Haitian Creole.



2. Dictionary is helpful, pronounciation guides are helpful, phrases and practices are not commonly used phrases or very practical phrases.



3. This book had easy lessons that didn't cover a lot of material and so could be learned one lesson at a time in short periods of time.



4. Use this book and the acompanying CD and you will have a good dominion of creole for any work you might do in Haiti. You will not be a fluent speaker, but you will know enough creole to communicate and understand others.



5. Fantastic book. I had the book for a while then I found the CD that goes with it. I would highly recommend the CD with book purchase. It all makes sense when you see it written AND hear it pronounced.

5 comments about Strength to Love.

1. "Strength to Love" woke me up.
   
   It made Dr. King so much more real. It contains some of the most powerful teachings on how to love in situations where it is difficult to. Not love -in the romantic sense - but rather, in a much deeper way - as in love of humankind. Of Christ-love. Just read his sermon on "Loving your enemies": he starts with the difficulty of reconciling this commandment, and finishes with a flury of passion exhorting us to make this commandment real when he starts with the words "To our most bitter opponents, we say...". It's not just the banter and broad strokes which he uses so magnificently to generate his passion. He also gathers support from folks such as Emerson, Napolean, Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche and the Bible of course. All of this to convey a sense of urgency to show how low we all have come, and at the same time to inspire us to a place where we can go.
   
   While you may not agree with what he says, you must admire and respect what he says. Dr. King's messages aren't easy to digest- but he says the right thing - which is not always, the easy thing. Even though these teachings were written over 40 years ago now, his messages in "Strength" are no less relevant and more important than ever.



2. Let's not just sit in silence on *Martin Luther King Day* - - We must ask ourselves how WE can carry forward Dr. King's message & become agents for change. Reading his words in "STRENGTH TO LOVE" makes an excellent beginning.
   
   Remember those words from the Bible that challenged us "to love justice"? King's sermons (collected mostly from the time of the bus boycott) prod us today to carry forth "the Power of One" and make this particular holiday a statement of our own acts of Love. To love takes courage as well as strength.
   
   Since the Gulf state hurricanes, we have witnessed injustice toward blacks as blatant as any experienced in the 40's. To summon up the hope and optimism that kept Martin Luther King's message alive is an absolute necessity today. To exercise King's principles, to work for justice, to not allow ourselves to sit in silence - - that's where our beliefs must take us. " . . . the day we become silent about things that matter" IS THE DAY "OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END."
   
   Love is where non-violent action begins. In his sermons King expanded on how the tactics of Gandhi can & do work a mighty force for change. For "Strength to Love" the cover art, a wood cut by Stephen Alcorn, makes another strong statement. Dr. King's words most forceful to me are about *love* and *redemption* - - (the latter is an under-used word these days) - - and the last chapter in which he shared his amazing *PILGRIMAGE* through philosophy and experience. Reviewer mcHAIKU echoes the hope of many: that we act responsibly, energetically and courageously to speak truth to Power. "I ain't gonna study war not more." (Martin Luther King Day, 1-16-06)



3. Timeless. As relevant now as what it was when it was written. Addresses the issues of hate and indifference and argues that the solution is love. Love does sound all too simplistic but it is one of the hardest things to face but its rewards are beyond words.



4. In 1983 I entered teaching in West Virginia and received this book as a present from one of my teachers. In two years I moved to South Central to teach at 93rd Street School then into the Salinas valley and now in Oxnard.It has proved itself to be of great use to a teacher. I say this by way of explaining that as an elementary teacher, one working with a variety of settings, children, cultures, families, many kinds of educational issues I've come to believe that the book King wrote, this book, is a true helpmate to anyone trying to deal with inequity and injustice.Teaching is an act that requires a very deep understanding of who you are, your strengths, purpose, and this volume supports the evolution of your social conscious. For me the text allowed me to solidify who I am as a teacher and why I do what I do. One example might be the difficult job it is to teach in schools under assault for doing poorly, seemingly being de-constructed by politics without enough valid insight into ways to guide real improvement and coming up against ignorance in many forms-including the disparity in economic means permitted in America. It's not easy to teach children with vast dental decay, families out of work and watch a nation laud this as positive "welfare reform" when stranding these children in worse fixes. Sometimes I find it infinitely difficult to love my neighbor,well, my voucher loving neighbor, or even find commonality with those in million dollar homes feeling botox might make them both more appealing and more interesting.The child as a commodity construct which is now prevalent in educational dialog, among many other kinds of views, I find difficult to separate from the individuals telling me( in often rude and hurtful ways) that my efforts educationally are a failure and that schools don't work. In my world it's a constant Lou Dobbs immigration rant that somehow is hiding vaguely words that really seem to be saying something else. I tire of watching the reality of racism, class ism acted out in the lives of children-and this is a fatigue that easily becomes anger-King speaks to this.... I find myself lacking the strength to love positions taken by those that really don't know what they are talking about, and don't care other than for personal advantaging anyway.... There is something truly fascinating about having a book that describes both your situation and your feelings as well as frames this into affective forward action-King can give you individual empowerment quite readily.And he can help you address your mindset. And that in this world of mine is a beautiful thing. I frame my work with principles that are able to outweigh the personal likes and dislikes levels...so I bring to school dealings my thoughts that I am there to help Anthony be the best Anthony he can be...not to condemn Anthony to my judgment about him. Let us say then King's is an active lexicon and this volume is insightful for someone wishing to everyday face injustice and difficulty with positive reaction and action. For me as a person I find the book more helpful than any I ever had.
   
   If anyone underestimates MLK's true intellectual ability, or simply wants to revisit the kind of person he was, a read of this book should serve to illustrate that America has had a prophet in my lifetime. Truly this should be required reading in high school and college programs for the young persons of our country to become acquainted with and use in working on social issues.



5. Martin Luther King Jr. uses very apt exegesis in his Sermon about the Good Samaritan. The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, with your Soul and with all your mind. The second is like unto it to love your neighbor as yourself. Sum of the Law and prophets hang on these two commandments. This truth taught by Christ was demonstrated through the telling of the story about the Good Samaritan. Martin Luther King JR's sermon on this story is an excellent analysis what it takes to be a loving neighbor. Dr. King tells how the Samaritan overcame prejudice, fear of physical danger, expenditure of money, along with inconvenience; time and effort.
   
   In the sermon titled: Death of Evil on the Seashore, Dr. King acknowledges the existence of evil in all men's heart. The theme of this sermon is how a Christian should overcome evil acting upon oneself and respond with love. One should overcome evil with good. In this sermon, Dr. King states Jesus never made a theological statement about the origin of evil. He does state man's evil does not come forth out of mistake or misguidance. Man should be held culpable to his evil. Love is truly made manifest when in response to which one knows wishes harm or ill towards. This type of love does not come naturally to any man.
   
   Martin Luther King Jr. was taught in his youth to hold the truths taught in the Bible are inerrant. In the final chapter, Dr. King says he entered seminary as a fundamentalist. In his senior year he introduced himself to various theological theories and critical thought when he read various books. Dr. King says at one time he became enamored and held liberal theological uncritically including the belief that man is generally good. Objective appraisal and critical analysis are terms Dr. King acquaints with liberalism. Dr. King says liberalism taught him to have an open and critical mind. In reading the `works of Richard Niebuhr made me aware of the complexity of human motives and the reality of sin on every level of man's existence.' Pg. 136 I would think Martin Luther King Jr. would have been taught about Total Depravity in his years going to church. Dr. King rejects the concept of God being Holy other: hidden and unknown. Dr. King states the influence Walter Rauschenbusch's book: Christianity and the Social Gospel had on him. Then student King searched other philosophers who were not theologians about how to bring social change. Student King was in despaired until he discovered and learned about how Mahatma Gandhi brought social justice to India through nonviolence and the term Satyagraha. Satya means truth which equals love. Graha means force.
   
   Paul's letter to American Christians is a sermon by Dr. King in which he attempts to use the voice Paul's letter to instruct the Christian Church in the United States about disunity in the Body of Christ and unchristian thinking among its members. Cultural, political, and the state of Christendom are the focus of the sermon. I think Martin Luther King Jr. tries to invoke the sentiment of Ephesians 4:1-3:
   
   As a prisoner of the Lord, I urge you to live the life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. In this letter Dr. King criticizes the multiplication of denomination of churches in the United States. He praises the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. He argues for unity with the Roman Catholic Church with no note that there are some things Christians cannot compromise about. Racism and disunity is the only sin taken to task. I do believe racism is an unfruitful of darkness and Paul did address this in his letters-it is not the only unfruitful works of Darkness:
   
   And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but reprove them.
   . Ephesians 5:11
   
   A quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
   Pg. 3 "The historic- philological criticism of the Bible is considered by the soft minded as blasphemous and reason is often looked upon as the exercise of a corrupt faculty. Soft minded persons have revised the Beatitudes to read, blessed are the pure in ignorance: for they shall see God."
   
   Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quotes from Matthew 10:16 - Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as Doves.
   
   Later Dr. King equates science as reality and religion as values. He sees the tough minded as those who incorporate their faith to fit science. Dr. King does not believe the Bible is to be taken at face value but be interpreted trough the lens of science and other philosophical thought. Theological thought is used and the Bible is quoted to make the argument, but only when facts are determined elsewhere. Values are not defined through God's written word but to collaborate outside sources. Values are determined and thought processes are discovered with the Bible as the secondary source.

5 comments about Believing God.

1. I am in the process of doing Beth Moore's Believing God study for the second time. Her faith and excitement is infectious. In doing this study, I have experienced God and seen others experience God on a whole new level. This is an inter-denominational God study that will invigorate your faith and change your life! Believe it. Believe God!



2. Beth Moore a Baptist Bible teacher urges Christians to examine their belief systems and develop an active faith as a lifestyle. She provides examples from scripture and her own life to show how faith in God can help close the gap between theology and reality and allow one to fulfill a successful Christian life.



3. Beth Moore is a Christian Bible teacher who makes no bones about her own frailty and struggles with faith. I find her Bible studies all the more powerful because of her humility and constant redirection of the reader from herself to her Lord. The basis of the book is the life changing difference between believing IN God and believing God- when He says He loves you, says who He is and what He has done and will do and when He says who you are as His child. I found this book profoundly helpful on a day-to-day basis, and its principles have stayed with me long after it went onto my shelf.



4. I can't say enough good things about Beth Moore.
   Great work, it brings your faith to a new level.



5. This book is not just a book. God has expanded my faith and changed my view point of day to day life. There is not another Christian book out there that can impact your life like this one did me. READ IT TODAY!

5 comments about Creating Community: Five Keys to Building a Small Group Culture.

1. This book is not, perhaps, for the standard layman, but wonderful for anyone who wants to understand better in inner workings of their church and why some programs fail and others succeed. The questions at the end of each chapter are very thought provoking. The book is an easy read, but very powerful.



2. wow! Though I'm not a fan of the "7 steps to..." "5 ways to...." etc. books, I LOVED this! It starts off a little slow, but develops into a PERFECT plan for building community in your church. My husband and I are church planters and we were so grateful for every single piece of advice in this book. Amazing!



3. Looking for a way to think about how to design your small group ministry? That might be the most helpful thing about Creating Community: Five Keys to Building a Small Group Culture. Although it's a short book (190 pages), it contains some very important keys to building a small group culture in your church. Most important? North Point's fundamental bias is to be intentional about the what and the how of everything they do. This is a huge lesson for the rest of us...one not to be missed.
   
   Like the Seven Practices of Effective Ministry, Creating Community takes you sequentially through the process of making some challenging decisions as you begin to develop a small group ministry. Learning to ask three questions can provide a good foundation: (1) What do we want people to become?, (2) What do we want people to do?, and (3) Where do want people to go? These questions are all about "clarifying the win" and "thinking steps not programs" (two keys to the Seven Practices).
   
   While Creating Community doesn't tackle how to take apart your existing program, it does a great job of providing a way of thinking about what a better approach might be. For all of us who are wrestling with systems that are less than effective, this is a good addition to the arsenal. At the same time, if you've got the tough work of taking apart a preexisting structure, you may want to consider John Kotter's Leading Change as a companion!



4. This book was mailed to me in a timely manner and it is an excellent reading for busy people!



5. A great book that simplifies keys to building a small group culture in any size church. Our Small Group Ministry Team has found it most helpful.

2 comments about Breaking Free: Discover the Victory of Total Surrender.

1. I own a hardback copy of this book and have read it through twice now. If you're tired of living in the stronghold of anything...addiction, pride, greed, jealousy, guilt, insecurity, etc., then pick up a copy of this book. Breaking free from those strongholds doesn't happen overnight. But once you realize how chained you are to the things from which Jesus/God can set you free, you're on your way. I am so very grateful God put this book in my path for I wouldn't take anything for the gift of BREAKING FREE! The word says, "I've come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." I believe it and I'm experiencing that even in the midst of trials. That's what happens when you have a Savior and believe He is who He says He is and believe He can do what He says He can do. So, feeling in bondage? Get this book and let God change your life through it.



2. When I purchased this book, I was feeling good about my spirituality and the direction I was heading in my life, but I still felt that I was missing a piece of the puzzle. While reading this book I was struck by the realization that some elements of my behavior and thought process were not "just my personality" but areas that God could bless and change for me. I learned while studying this book to let go of some deep past hurts. Hurts that I thought were already gone, but were really bubbling under the surface. This is a great book if you are willing to dig deep into your spirituality with an honest and open heart. I thank Beth for writing such liberating words based in scripture and for caring about people's hearts.
   
   Studying this book moved me to new levels. My life mission is to foster continuous learning, growth and to inspire people to truly tap their God given talents. Beth's book is one very useful tool in this process for people.

5 comments about Breaking Free: Making Liberty In Christ A Reality In Life.

1. This is a fantastic Bible Study. I would recommend it for every woman no matter what their experiences are in life. Each of us deserves to be totally free.



2. Several of my friends and I are using this book for an e-mail small group Bible study. It is well suited for that with its short chapters and review questions.
   I ordered 3 items at exactly the same time and had to pay 3 separate shipping charges. I probably would not do that kind of shopping again.
   
   
   
   
   
   



3. Don't you just love Beth Moore?!? What an inspiration Beth is to ALL Christian women across this world. God has used Beth in such an awesome manner - don't you wonder what it's costing her? To whom much is given, much is required. This book flows just like her Bible study with the same title. This book will help you to find areas in your life where you are being held back and weren't even aware you were being held back! There are so many things that we as humans accept as just a part of normal life. Beth shows us in biblical terms why that is just not true! Just because it's a common 'side effect' of living in this sinful world DOES NOT mean that we have to accept it in our lives! I strongly urge you to find a church in your area that offers Beth Moore Bible studies. Read this book - it will set you free!!!



4. Great Amazon Seller! Would buy from again. Received book exactly as described in great timing.



5. This was one of those really excellent experiences. Shipping was done within the days specified. The shipper sent notification the book had been shipped and the book arrived within a week. Above and beyond expectations!!

3 comments about April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America.

1. Michael Eric Dyson is best-known for his words. An incredibly well-spoken man, this book presents a delicious word smorgasbord that - and even though I say this as an English major, unfortunately, even had me running for a dictionary several times. And head's up for any of you who also cringe at grammatical error - there are a few typo's in the book.
   
   In any case, Dyson offers an interesting take on Martin Luther King's death and the impact that it had on America, both its positive and negative elements. Dyson comments on King's character, powerful oratory, a brief family history as well as the numerous causes he stood behind. He event hints at a possible government conspiracy as the cause of King's death stating several incidents where the president of the time refused to protect him or even warn King of impending danger at death threats being called in for him. In addition, Dyson concentrates on statistics - both from the late 60's when King was assassinated as well as today - to represent the changes that America has produced since King's death.
   
   I was blown away at the chapter on Jesse Jackson, however, though confused on Dyson's standpoint in regards to it. Dyson informs the reader that directly following King's murder, he instructed others not to speak to the media. After telling all of them that he wasn't feeling well, Abernathy (one of King's right-hand men) spotted Jackson speaking with the media himself, in his desperate attempt to fill King's shoes, claiming that he was the very last person that King ever spoke to - a blatant lie, as Abernathy knew that King had spoken to another associate before taking his last breath. Dyson also draws attention to the blood on Jackson's shirt and that he was never on the balcony during the actual shooting, but rather directly after. Dyson suggests Jackson having dipped his hands in King's blood and wiping them on his shirt in a sort of biblical fashion as Christian's are to drink Christ's blood during communion in honor and remembrance. I was intrigued with all of this new information - and curious as to the authors thoughts, but he remains fluctuant on the subject and I felt ultimately unsatisfied with the chapter.
   
   In keeping with the times, not only does Dyson reference Jackson, King's initial predecessor, he also has a chapter dedicated to Barack Obama, of whom he calls the "Black Kennedy." Not only does he mention the great feat the country has reached in having a black man for nominee, but he also focuses on the changes that Obama is promoting for his current political campaign and how he shares many of King's visions.
   
   Finally, Dyson finishes up with an incredibly odd mock-interview with himself posing as Martin Luther King and answering questions regarding America today. While we, as a people, can certainly wonder what King would think of both our progress and backsliding over the years since he was alive, I have a hard time with thinking this "interview" to be anything but strange.
   
   With all of the additional information and people who appear in this book, there were several times I had to remind myself that the focus of this book was on the death of Martin Luther King and the changes that it brought about. The reader can become easily lost in the extra's as Dyson ignites several tangents, straying from the main point of the book.
   
   In retrospect, kind of scattered layout, but a pretty interesting read.



2. I remember, as a child, visiting my great-aunt and uncle in their mansion (they were millionaires) and seeing a magaizine whose cover depicted a watercolor of a burning city. Asking what was the reason for this, I was told that people had rioted after the murder of Martin Luther King, Jr.
   
   Fifteen years after this, I remember asking my great-aunt why there were no blacks who were members of her country club. "They can't afford it, honey," was her well-meaning but incredibly myopic response.
   
   It is hard enough as a white person to really, genuinely, empathize with the experience of African Americans. We can imagine, yes; but the act of imagining is itself a kind of comfortable exercise that can lead us to conclude that we "understand."
   
   In truth, we don't. And maybe we never will. Maybe all we can do is just shut up once in a while and listen. This book can help.
   
   In the room that looks out onto the balcony where Dr. King was murdered, my favorite gospel hymn plays softly; it was Dr. King's last request that the musician for the April 4th's evening service play "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." The haunting pathos and sense of security that this hymn gives is enough to make this atheist hope that, somehow, Dr. King died knowing that his death would be the final, crowning act of this great American story.
   
   If we look at life and history through the prism of King's life, and the pasing of years to the present day, we gain a greater appreciation of just what is at stake in American life today. Moreover, we sense the tremendous barriers that still remain, despite all the platitudinous protestations of the neo-conservatives and right wingers to the contrary.
   
   The value of a book like this is it makes us stop and listen. Another reviewer has gently attacked the artifice of an interview with Dr. King from today's perspective; frankly I think that, after studying King as much as he has, Mr. Dyson has every right to channel a conversation with the man himself. but I do not think that anyone can argue with Dr. King's last, albeit imaginary, statement.
   
   I love Oprah too.



3. There is a great depth of hatred in our world. Michael Eric Dyson brings this out in his approach to the life of Dr. King. There is bitterness and hatred toward groups of people: blacks toward whites and whites toward blacks. In my algebra classes in high school I learned that X = 0 a principle we see at work in this author's thinking. If X = 0, then nothing is accomplished here except those hating each other go away continuing to hate each other. We are equally guilty. Am I mistaken to remember that Dr Martin Luther King received his motivation and passion, as a Christian and a minister, from the teachings of Jesus? I can't remember that his message came out of some kind of progressive/social agenda. Is it not an injustice to Dr King to slide over the fact that love for one another came from Jesus and on this theme he built his effective view? In the radio interview you could hardly recognize Dr. King as a Christian preaching love and nonviolence. Could I have missed that all of this time he carried deep hatred in his heart and from this he is remembered for his great accomplishments? Is Michael Eric Dyson saying that the memory we have of Martin Luther King has now been corrupted from incredible achievements through nonviolent love for others down to motivations arising from hatred?