5 comments about The Early Christians: In Their Own Words.

1. Eberhard Arnold's book is one of the most profound that I have read on early church history. In his attempt to recreate a communal society which was as close to that of the early church as possible (the Bruderhof in Germany and, later, the Hutterites in England), Arnold researched all the early sources which he could find, whether written by Jews, Christians, Romans, or others from the ancient world. His massive volume contains everything he found in his attempt to get to the spirit of that early community. He quotes from Tertullian, Justin, Cicero, Ignatius, Jerome, Theophilus of Antioch, Polycarp, and others. He does not draw conclusions but lets those to his readers to ascertain from the evidence of early believers.

   The book is heavy laden with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of translated selections from the original Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. It is a rare edition which enlightens at every turn and, in some ways, reminds one of all the evidence on both sides of the fence which emerge in court proceedings. One reads the martyrdoms of many an early Christian and wonders whence their courage emerged. Much information abounds on early catecomb worship practices in Rome. The book is a marvel, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

   Jeanne Smith McPherson, KS.




2. Eberhard Arnold's book is one of the most profound that I have read on early church history. In his attempt to recreate a communal society which was as close to that of the early church as possible (the Bruderhof in Germany and, later, the Hutterites in England), Arnold researched all the early sources which he could find, whether written by Jews, Christians, Romans, or others from the ancient world. His massive volume contains everything he found in his attempt to get to the spirit of that early community. He quotes from Tertullian, Justin, Cicero, Ignatius, Jerome, Theophilus of Antioch, Polycarp, and others. He does not draw conclusions but lets those to his readers to ascertain from the evidence of early believers.

   The book is heavy laden with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of translated selections from the original Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. It is a rare edition which enlightens at every turn and, in some ways, reminds one of all the evidence on both sides of the fence which emerge in court proceedings. One reads the martyrdoms of many an early Christian and wonders whence their courage emerged. Much information abounds on early catecomb worship practices in Rome. The book is a marvel, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

   Jeanne Smith McPherson, KS.




3. Eberhard Arnold begins with a brief history of the gradual institutionalizing of simple discipleship into ecclesiastical Christianity. His understood intent, througout the book, is to bring believers back to the basic lifestyle of Christ that was so resplendent in the early disciples. Chapters on martyrs, description of early church life and worship, and the beliefs of the early Christians concerning prophecy, persecution, and the return of Jesus are especially beneficial. A MUST read for anyone who wants to "walk as Jesus did" (1 Jn. 2:6) and follow the examples of the early believers. I heartily recommend this stirring and passionate treatment of "authentic discipleship" by disciple Arnold.



4. Eberhard Arnold's work on "The Early Christians," is an excellent source for understanding the beliefs and doctrines of the early christians in context of their own testimony and time. Arnold begins with a comprehensive introduction to shed light upon the social aspects of church society contrasted with its remarkable spread throughout the Pagan world. In other words, Arnold does a good job describing the initial steps of primative Christianity that would eventually leed to the well-structured and ecclesiastical institution that has prevailed to this very day. The testimonies recorded of these champions of faith, are composed with skill, and fit the criteria for which they were purposed in this work and in their time. Unfortunately, early christians didn't write that much, so we are indebted to work with what has existed from either oral tradition or scholarly manuscripts. There are no 'real' drawbacks to this work except the fact that the actual testimonies are few and emanate only from the scholarly retinue of the sencond century. Overall, this book gets four stars; the benefits range from quick reference to quotes(etc.), and to a broad spectrum of the personality and character of the early church itself.



5. This is a must-read for any Christian questioning his/her faith or wanting to know more about the church "fathers." Great book for crossing lines of denominationalism.

No comments about Who Are the Anabaptists: Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites.

No comments about The Golden Epistle: A Letter to the Brethren at Mont Dieu (His the Works of William of St Thierry, V. 4).

5 comments about On the Backroad to Heaven: Old Order Hutterites, Mennonites, Amish, and Brethren (Center Books in Anabaptist Studies).

1. Donald B. Kraybill has either written or been a co-author to about 22 books at last count. Most have been about the Old Order Amish and I wonder why? It's always the same old thing, they're misunderstood and they want to be left alone(except when they need a phone or van to ride in). They won't serve in the military because of their beliefs and shy away from the English(everyone not Amish)law because maybe they have something to hide. They bann, excommunicate, and shun anyone who leaves this backward, traditional cult to find a better life. Why so many books on the same old subject? I was hoping for something more realistic because newspapers have confirmed they have problems and there's no way that these poeple can all be so good. I want to read the truth, the facts, the real story, not the HOLLYWOOD version of the Amish. Please, tell it like it is and don't tell any more stories on the so-called "American Heritage." I gave this book 3 stars because it is informative and educational and I believe that D.B.Kraybill is a good writer, but just excludes certain facts. Whatever the reason, he might believe he's their protector.



2. I found the first few chapters interesting in which the authors profile each of the 4 featured Old-order groups. However, the editing was distracting because the same point was made multiple times in each chapter (in addition to a couple typos). The last couple chapters compare and contrast the 4 groups, but not much new is added I didn't already get in the first chapters. I wish they had touched upon the more progressive branches in each group, comparing Old-order to more modern counterparts, but there was almost no mention of them. Also, the few facts I did know about Old-Orders before reading this book were not discussed (if these are common misconceptions and not facts, they still deserve space in this book). I still give it 3 stars because I was very interested in the descriptions and brief histories of each group.



3. As the subject line suggestions, I consider this is a fairly nice piece of work. The author does a good job of giving an overview of the four different Old Order groups covered in the book.

   Though the author was slightly slanted in favor of some of the Old Orders (Brethren & Amish mainly), this book had neither the rose-colored fluff or scathing condemnation of other publications. There was a description of what worked, what didn't work, what was pious and what was wrong with all four groups.

   I would like to have know more intricate detail of each of the group's theology rather than a few snippets of scriptural interpretation and comments from church fathers. I do, however, understand that this book is more of a sociological survey than a theological analysis.

   The last few chapters did engage in a repetitious rehash of what has already been covered. I also did find a few typographic errors that didn't get caught by the editor.

   Final analysis: If you are new to studying any of these groups, this could certainly would play as a good jumping-off point for further study. If you need to get a quick overview of the groups mentioned, this would also serve your purpose. A more thorough study, however, will require additional reading and research.




4. The book does a good job of surveying the four groups, and finishes up very strongly when considering the similarities in the groups.
   
   The contrast between the Mennonites and Amish is also very interesting. It is also perhaps the most accurate portion of the book--although he picked some fairly liberal old order Mennonite groups to describe. It would have been a little better to have picked a more traditional Mennonite group.
   
   It is perhaps at its weakest when describing the old order German Baptist Brethren. There are some very embarassing inaccuracies, including garbled German Baptist vocab (referring to family devotions as "taking the text"--a term that refers to the main sermon on Sunday for example) and considering certain very exceptional cases to be representative (a GB cheerleader, who he doesn't reveal had a parent outside the church). The glaring omission in the German Baptist section has to be that down to details such as order of worship and attitude they are extremely similar to the old order Amish--so much so that the two have cooperated on education in the past.
   
   I also found the section on gender strife among the Hutterites to be a little overstated. Hutterites wouldn't see the conflict the way Americans do, or the way the authors do.
   
   Enjoyed it a great deal.



5. As a person always curious about lifestyles different from my seemingly mundane existince in suburban Melbourne, the Amish and Old Order Mennonites, with their resistance to technology and extremely gentle and peaceful beliefs, have always fascinated me.
   
   Although other books, such as the "People's Place" series, actually offer a good deal of useful information about specific topics relevant to the Old Order Anabaptist groups, "On the Backroad to Heaven" is the best general work I have read about them. It goes into very good detail into the character and nature of the Hutterites, Old Order Mennonites, Amish and Brethren, including all the aspects that are well-known but also some of their rituals and methods of electing leaders that are little-known yet intriguing (e.g. the use of "lots"). More than that, "On the Backroad to Heaven" not only characterising them but also offering clear and easy-to-read comparisons. At the same time "On the Backroad to Heaven" shows not traces of trying to idealise these groups and expresses very clearly the problems they have coping with a modern world that is in many ways very hostile to the values they hold dearly. Its last part clearly shows how far removed they are from a "postmodern" culture, but yet shows what they have to offer thereto.
   
   On the whole, this is really good work. It is neither biased nor shallow, yet is extremely accessible. I would recommend it to anybody interested in cultural studies, even if not in Anabaptist groups.

5 comments about Separated Brethren: A Review of Protestant, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox & Other Religions in the United States.

1. preface 7
   I. America's religious panorama 9
   II. basic differences between Catholicism and Protestantism 18
   III. the Lutherans 25
   IV. the Presbyterians 39
   V. the Espiscopalians 49
   VI. the Methodists 60
   VII. the Baptists 72
   VIII. the Disciples of Christ and the Churches of Christ 81
   IX. the United Churchmen 89
   X. the Quakers 96
   XI. the Perfectionists 104
   XII. the Pentacostals 108
   XIII. the Seventh-Day Adventists 117
   XIV. other Protestants 125
   the Moravians 125
   the Mennonites 127
   the Reformed 130
   the Christian Reformed 131
   the Brethren 131
   the Salvationists 134
   the Convenanters 136
   XV. the Unitarian Universalists 138
   XVI. the Eastern Orthodox 145
   XVII. the Old Catholics 152
   XVIII. the Cultists 167
   the Swedenborgians 168
   the Spiritualists 169
   the Unity School of Christianity 171
   the New Thoughters 173
   the Worldwide Church of God 175
   the Hare Krishnas 177
   the Scientologists 178
   the Moonies 179
   XIX. the Mormons 184
   XX. the Jehovah's Witnesses 198
   XXI. the Christian Scientists 207
   XXII. the Jews 218
   XXIII. the Muslims 226
   XXIV. the Baha'is 230
   XXV. the Buddists 238
   church membership statistics 241
   general bibliography 247
   index 249

   252 pages total




2. "Separated Brethren" was first published 40 years ago and has been revised and updated twice since then. That this book is still around is proof of its being an excellent one-volume reference guide on religious denominations in the United States; I myself found this title very instructive and well-written. The book mostly concerns Christian denominations not in union with the Roman Catholic Church, yet author William J. Whalen includes non-Christian religions as well, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, the Baha'i faith, and the better-known cults. Given the fact that Mr. Whalen is Catholic and Our Sunday Visitor is a well-known Catholic publishing house, the book compares the beliefs of the "separated brethren" to Catholic teaching, yet it is remarkably objective at the same time. Mr. Whalen does not fall into a condescending or critical mode; he simply discusses the origins of the different churches and describes their beliefs. He will at times provide slightly droll commentary on teachings that appear odd to mainstream Christians, especially teachings from denominations that claim to be Christian such as the Mormons and the Jehovah's Witnesses. A lot, though, has happened in the non-Catholic religious world since this third edition of "Separated Brethren" came out in 1979; take, for example, the merger of two major Lutheran churches in the United States; the establishment of ultra-traditionalist Catholic groups which have separated from Rome; the rise of Messianic Judaism; renewed debates in the larger Protestant denominations on matters of morality; increased defections of conservative Anglicans/Episcopalians into the Catholic Church; and the role of the Orthodox churches in a post-Communist Russia and Eastern Europe. All these events, plus the hopelessly outdated church figures some 20-plus years old, make it necessary for the book to be revised as soon as possible.



3. Of all the books on my shelf, Wm. Joseph Whalen's Separated Brethren is among the most instructive and the least dispensable. This is the first book I bought after converting to Catholicism, but that is not why I treasure it. Its pages are now yellowed and its cover worn, but I treasure it because it has everything I want in a book. It is concise, easy to read, gripping and addresses an issue that anyone who seeks truth should examine if he is truly sincere in his search. Which Church is the true one? Whalen answers this clearly by presenting the facts of history.

   Whalen's Separated Brethren is not apologetic in style, but it is apologetic in effect as it enumerates with certainty the post-apostolic origins of non-Catholic, Christian religions. Like Foxe's Book of Martyrs? Read this. You will be blown away when you see the other side of the coin. Are you a Christian who would like to see the early Church restored? Read this and find that She never died. She is, perhaps, unrecognizable, but only because She has grown more wise and beautiful.

   Whalen also brings together in one volume the teachings of all the mainline Protestant traditions, as well as some cults and some non-Christian traditions. I would like this book to be in the hands of every Catholic who thinks that it doesn't matter which church you go to. They are NOT all the same.

   A quote from "Critic" on the back cover calls this book "a masterpiece of synthesis." Well said.




4. Separated Brethren is a nice compendium of information on the wide range of Faiths outside of the Roman Catholic Church. William Whalen is to be commended on his efforts to be matter-of-fact, and in most cases, succeeds at tempering bias. The book is an engaging read, full of information, well balanced, and broad in scope.

   There are a few instances where the text contains implied judgement. Particular scorn is reserved for the Mormans (as would, of course, be fitting for such a religion that has the gall to call itself Christian). Whalen cannot resist the occasional contrast against Roman Catholicism, and I got the impression that apologists for the various Faiths described would not have focussed quite so much on certain aspects.

   Nevertheless, it must be recognized that this is a book written to assist Catholics in ecumenical and interfaith understanding, rather than a purportedly unbiased review of religions. As such, it is perfectly acceptable to feel the loss of critical aspects of the Catholic Faith within those religions that derive from the Mother Church.

   As a side note, since some Baptists claim their church "pre-dates Christ," I suspect they would be quite offended by their place on the "Christian Family Tree" in Whalen's book. I also suspect that when even the Pope recognizes Eastern Orthodoxy as "the second lung" of The Church, the placement of the Eastern Orthodox church on a branch would cause significant resentment.

   Finally, most notably lacking in the book was treatment of the Traditionalist Catholics. Their claim is that the second largest denomination in America is "Catholics who left after Vatican II." While SSPX might be relatively small in America, I would consider their presence at least as worthy of note as "The Old Catholics."




5. In this book Mr.Whalen attempted to give a detailed overview of the various protestant churches and other religious movements in the US. It was originally written in 1958 and updated in 1978 and again in 2002. Overall I think it serves it's purpose, It gives a detailed view of churches such as the Anglican and Lutheran, as well as many of the newer movements such as the pentecostal churches. It also details cultish movements such as the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Mormons. The point where I think the book fails is that the author then goes on to discuss the Orthodox Churches, which are generally in line with Rome, and not too far from the fold. So the Chapter was short and didn't do these Churches justice. He also discusses Judaism and Islam, as well as Buddhism. Those three chapters really seemed like a rushed hack job, and seemed thoroughly out of place with the rest of the book. Yes, they are religious groups in the US, but I think the Author would have done better to stick to those groups that have strayed directly from the Catholic fold rather than just willy nilly covering everyone. The Chapters on Judaism and Islam did not do either religion any justice, and the chapter on Judaism smacked of anti-semitism. Maybe I'm being too sensitive? I don't know. By now with the developments of Episcopalians appointing a gay bishop and suck the book is a little out of date in its optimism of reconciliation, but overall it was a great, comprehensive and quick read for those looking to learn more about protestant movements in the US. Because of the chapters on Judaism and Islam being unnecessary and somewhat offensive I will have to dock the rating and so I shall give this book 3.5/5 points.

2 comments about Left Behind?.

1. This little book is meant to be an introductory critique to popular eschatology or "end-times views" as they have come to be known. Efird divides his book into two basic sections: historical and theological. He examines both dispensationalism and darbyism in their historical context, then examines what he considers to be the three key themes in popular eschatology--the Millennium, the Antichrist, and the Rapture. The book does not assume any prior exposure to biblical studies and is good to use as a starting place.
   
   The book does suffer from its brevity. While I'm certain he has more to say than what he actually said, there are times when he could have elaborated a bit more and at certain points you are not certain if he is disproving a particular view or rather just asserting his own without mention.
   
   A solid book, all in all.



2. This book presents a clear and concise statement about the rapture, the antichrist, and the millennium. The Epilogue is a summary that many bible students need to read. In a time of so many poor interpretations, Dr. Efird presents what the scripture says. I have been in his class room and the book is as close as can be to hearing him speak.

3 comments about Discipleship : Living for Christ in the Daily Grind.

1. I bought this book based solely on the publisher's reviews. I was looking for a book on Discipleship that would challenge my Christian walk, and also give solid answers to theological questions. In a personal, sharp way, Arnold does this. This book is a compilation of letters and notes that were put together by his community after his death. This makes the book great because there is no filler - it's packed with to-the-point insights. I recommend it to anyone. The only reason I give it a 9 instead of 10 is because only the Bible gets a 10! :



2. Friends of mine from Littleton Colorado told me that this book helped change the life of Columbine martyr Cassie Bernall. It is specifically mentioned in her life story "She Said Yes". This would have brought great joy to the author, Heinrich Arnold, who died in the same year that Cassie was born. A book like this is an amazing thing. The spirit that is captured in its pages waits quietly until discovered by a future generation who is then frees it for a blessing on their life.



3. This is one of those books that you get and wonder how you ever lived without it. I struggle in my walk with Christ, but this book is something that I am continually coming back to for wisdom and insight. My copy is about 5 years old and has notes scrawled all over the margins, yet I'm constantly gaining new ideas each time I reread a section. With every read, whether it's the first or the 40th, you experience something fresh. One of the best things about this book is the spectrum of topics covered--no matter your age or experience as a Christ follower, this is a book you really need to read.
   
   And while you're at it, check out Seeking Peace: Thoughts and Conversations Along the Way. It was written by J. Heinrich Arnold's grandson, Johann Christoph Arnold. Mind blowing writing seems to run in the family...

1 comments about In the World but Not of It: One Family's Militant Faith and the History of Fundamentalism in America.

1. I highly recommend Brett Grainger's first book. It is a most intelligent and compassionate work based on experience and thorough research. So much writing has been done on the subject of fundamentalism filled with either disdain or uncritical praise neither of which brings much illumination to the subject. Grainger manages both sympathy and critique with insight and humor. One senses that he has no axes to grind merely revelations to make. The product is simply wonderful. Grainger's book works as both memoir and expose (meant here in the best since of the term).

5 comments about Agape Leadership: Lessons in Spiritual Leadership from the Life of R.C. Chapman.

1. Incredible insight into what it means to become more Christ like and be a Man after God's own heart. This is a must read to anyone in leadership in their local church.



2. This book gives us a clear example of "countercultural" Christian leadership, as demonstrated in the life of R.C. Chapman. The reader will be inspired to walk in his example, even as he sought to walk in the example of Christ.

   Robert Chapman provides an extraordinary example of godly Christian leadership -- something desperately needed today. Although very few are familiar with this 19th century British pastor, teacher, and evangelist, few will not be inspired by him. This account of his life and ministry may in fact be one of the most spiritually challenging books you may ever read!

   The book sets forth the qualities of true -- agape, loving -- Christian leadership:

   --Love for God's Word

   -- Spirit-controlled character

   -- Being patient and gentle

   -- Maintaining unity

   -- Disciplining and reconciling

   -- Practicing hospitality

   -- Giving to the needy

   -- Continuing consequences

   and more. Some excerpts:

   To reform the church of God we should always begin with self-reform. Schisms and divisions will increase so long as we begin with reforming others. Wisdom is only with the lowly.

   Humility is the secret of fellowship, and pride the secret of division.

   The ruin of a kingdom is a little thing in God's sight, in comparison with division among a handful of sinners redeemed by the blood of Christ.

   The best testimony that Stephen bore was his last: not when preaching and working miracles, but when he pleaded for his persecutors; for then he most resembled the Lord Jesus in patience, forgiveness and love.

   (To a young missionary, heading for the field:) Keep low, look up, and press forward.

   The Bottom Line: This book offers a much needed corrective to the kind of corporate (= worldly) leadership styles that dominate most church fellowships today. In that, it ranks with Schaeffer's Mark of the Christian. We highly recommend it be distributed widely, that we might see a generation of Christian leaders arise who are marked by their love, wisdom, and compassion.

   This is a must read.




3. This book serves as a model for not only Christian leadership, but Christian life.
   
   Throughout the book, we are encouraged to deal lovingly with people, and that becomes our witness to others.
   
   You will be amazed at the life of R.C.Chapman.
   
   This has truly become one of my favorite books!



4. This brief glimpse into the heart of Agape Leadership in the life of R.C. Chapman is life changing, and brings one to the heart of the Gospel, and what a servant of Christ is supposed to be. If all pastors were like Chapman this would indeed be a much different world, and the church would be what Jesus intended. Millions more would be won for Christ if Christians would live, and love like Chapman.
   
   Dr. Ray DeLaurier, Pastor



5. I wish every Christian would read this! A powerful spiritual fragrance emanates from every page.
   
   This is truly one of the most revolutionary books ever written. It takes you right back into the heart of New Covenant Christianity. Chapman really did seek to live the Christian life as Jesus did.
   
   I have observed a whole congregation transformed after almost all the members had read this book.
   
   Please buy it, read it, see what you think, and write a review of it!

5 comments about Exposing the Accuser of the Brethren (Discernment).

1. This is an excellent summary, 50 some pages, exposing the behaviors we blindly accept in ourselves and others. It allows you to stop and see what you're doing and allowing others to do. It exposes the wickedness of our "normal" behavior that the enemy has seduced us into accepting. If you're willing to see yourself and want to be more Christ-like get this and read it. If you want to just smile and sleep through the spiritual battle then you won't want this, it will awaken you. Christianity in work boots. Let's get to work dying to self and letting Christ live in us and through us.
   God Bless You,
   Rick



2. This book should be required reading for every person who sits in a church congregation. It has an inspiring and impacting message for believers. I believe this book was written under the annointing of the Holy Spirit and the message is so timely.



3. I am of the opinion that every person who calls themselves a Christian, would do well to read and practice what they find in this little book. It is my belief that the points and issues covered here are at the heart of a huge portion of dysfunction in the Body of Christ and in relationships in general... a spirit of judgment and unforgiveness that is destroying the witness of Who Jesus REALLY Is by those who name His Name and are identified as His followers.
   
   If you are looking for information about the "jezebel spirit," read this book too! I believe this subject is one reason the "jezebel spirit" is running amok all-but-unchallenged today, and that the practice of the principals taught here would go a long way to disempowering that... all by itself.
   
   This is powerful teaching that I believe will be become more and more critical as the End Days draw closer and closer... lots of meat in a very small book... worth more than ten times its cost!



4. An excellent resource to strengthen the Body of Christ and identify potential pitfalls. It is short, quick, easy....right to the point. A definite referral!!!!



5. Seriously, oh yeap every saint should read this book. Francis Frangipane is an awesome man of God and I can say that because of the insight he gives to the Word of God. It was a blessing reading this book and one can start and finish reading this book before lunch is over and still learn a lot. His writing are very simple and easy to understand, praise the Lord.