An Excellent Tale of the Christian Faith in England
922779
Through the ups and downs, the author takes all the legends and tries to put historical fact behind them, filling in with realistic fiction where needed. There aren't any tales of grand shining armor here, it's probably as close to the truth as you'll come in this life to knowing the story of England from a Christian perspective.
2449645
In the first chapter of this excellent history, Blair spends 30 pages discussing the sources for this 900 year span of time.  This alone would make "Roman Britain and Early England" one of the best books on this period.  The discussion is lucid and illuminating, and goes some way to dispelling the "Dark Ages" label which implies that Saxon Britain was home to little more than shaggy barbarians.  Blair points out, for example, that the fifth and sixth centuries have more written sources than the second and third, under Roman Britain.  But the main value of this chapter is that it clarifies just what the limitations on our understanding of this history are -- the sources are, for example, overwhelmingly Christian.

The rest of the book falls fairly neatly into two halves.  The first half covers Roman Britain.  There are three chapters giving the chronological events from Julius Caesar to the outbreak of war in 367, when the Picts, Scots and Saxons launched a major attack on Roman Britain.  The next three chapters step back to take a look at life in the Roman towns and countryside, and at what we know of Roman religious practices.  The second half picks up the chronological story from the restoration of the borders of Roman Britain by Theodosius in 370, through the abandonment of Britain by Rome in 410, to the convulsions with the Saxons.  Four of these chapters take us to the succession of Alfred in 871, and then two final chapters review the religious conversion of the Anglo-Saxons and the nature of life in Saxon times.

Blair is a thoughtful and interesting writer.  He takes the time to review points of controversy or debate, giving his own opinion but citing arguments on both sides.  For example, in chapter 7 he gives an interesting discussion of the question of how widespread Christianity was in Roman Britain.  He points out that Christianity did not demand the manufacture of cult objects that could be conclusively associated with Christian worship, as did many other cults, and that this has distorted the archaeological record.

There are adequate maps, but the period depends so strongly on local geography that it would be wise to read this with an atlas to hand.  I had heard of the Weald, for example, but didn't know exactly where it was located or how it might be a barrier to the expansion of a kingdom.  Constant references to England's major (and minor) towns of the period will also slow you down if you don't know English geography fairly well -- the map shows places important in the past, but less so now, such as Silchester, but it can't show every river -- I had to look up several, such as the Nene.

Overall, this is definitely the best summary history of this period I've read.  Strongly recommended.
3236292
This is probably a book best enjoyed by people who have connections to Christian communities or have an understanding of them. However, if anyone wants a glimpse into the world of conservative evangelical Christianity, this is an excellent example of what it looks like. It's also a good read for straight Christians who want to understand what it's like to be LGBTQ within those conservative spaces.

It's hard to categorize my own feelings after reading this. At times, it was so familiar as to be painful. Because this is set in the UK and I'm in the US, I spotted some distinct cultural differences, particularly with the university system. However, every last detail about the Christian Fellowship group was achingly familiar, right down to the lingo, the statement of belief, and the narrowly specific teachings. It was enough that I cringed with apology for Americans having exported this brand of faith.

This is not a fast-paced story. It's a slow-bloom both regarding Lydia's expanding definition of what it means to be a Christian and her romance with Colette. I was both surprised and yet not at the way the faith-based politics played out in the story as well as Lydia's role in it all. Once again, it felt horribly familiar. Yet there was comfort in the realization that we who have been through similar things are not alone.

One thing I particularly liked was seeing the characters struggling to make sense of Lydia's orientation but seen from her perspective. A lot of Christian novels on LGBTQ issues are about Christians trying to figure out what to do with their gay friends and family, but they aren't told in the words and thoughts of the gay person themselves. It was a good change of pace watching it happen from inside, from Lydia's point of view, and seeing the different reactions in contrast with each other.

This is an ideal read for anyone trying to make sense of Christian faith and being LGBTQ or being friends and family of LGBTQ people. The characters and setting feel real, and it's so well-written with rich detail. It could be difficult for some readers to revisit a painful past, but others will find a kinship with Lydia and her group of friends.

I received a free copy via Inked Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.
1697264
Helena, raised from tavern serving girl to Empress by her marriage to a Roman general, divorced and thrown out of her home by the wayward desires of her husband, embarks on a journey of faith. She has a vision from God telling her to go on a pilgrimage to the city that was once Jerusalem. The journey will be long and treacherous because the land is no longer tolerant of Christians and there will be those who seek to stop her from her quest and those who will seek to kill her. She is joined on her journey by a sergeant of her former guards, who vows to protect her, a young Roman soldier who has lost everything including his faith and a battered and beaten priest. They are tracked by Severus, a murderous Roman assassin and fear daily for their lives. Helena is obediently following God's call with the most beautiful faith and perseverance.
Davis Bunn unfolds a beautiful story of one woman's uncompromising faith. A woman,  who by her obedient example brings hope and faith back to those she encounters on her journey. This is a moving story, brilliantly told with  characters and places that come alive. Davis Bunn's writing skills truly shine in this genre and it is a delight to read. I look forward to reading future offerings of Christian fiction from him.

I was given an eBook copy in exchange for my honest review.
3138014
The Cross Tells Me is a charming story the details the fantastical journey that an oil tycoon goes through to reestablish his faith. I liked how the author had the cross actually speak to Bill and show him the different people's reasons for believing in the cross. The people of Adelphi are able to be very involved in decisions made in the town which is the definite benefit of being in a small town. Bill is a good man who has lost his faith due to a troubled childhood and disappointments in life. I could understand why Bill's faith dwindled as a child when his mother didn't protect him from his step-father's abuse.

It is a short and appealing tale that pulls the heart strings. It addresses several issues like bullying, depression, child abuse and illness. I think the author has a good story that can appeal to people of all walks of life. It reminded me of how despite whatever is going on in my life that I cannot allow that to change my perspective. Life isn't always fair but having faith can make those bad times easier to survive. Overall, good read for anyone who likes inspirational and Christian stories.
1987278
We are transported to rural England during the early 17th century where John Saturnall is having a difficult childhood growing up in a village where his mother is both valued as a healer and shunned as a witch. Meanwhile in the manor house some miles away, Lucretia, the unloved daughter of a stern nobleman whose beloved wife died in childbirth, dreams of being a queen.

In the village, John wins some grudging acceptance but strange, fanatical religious stirrings are making themselves felt. After a plague kills some villagers, he and his mother are driven out to fend for themselves in the forest and the mother dies during a brutal winter -- but not before she has imparted to her son the secret of a mysterious feast.

John, who has a preternatural ability to identify tastes and smells, winds up as a kitchen boy at the castle and comes into contact with Lucretia. As he grows and advances in skill, she is betrothed to the weak and unworthy Piers. But we know that John and Lucretia are made for one another.

The English Civil War breaks out and John is on the losing side. The victorious Puritans wreak their revenge on both John and Lucretia, their religious fanaticism now set free to reign without restraint. And John has some old enemies from his childhood to reckon with. Further I will not go for fear of spoiling this rather lovely book.

The descriptions of feasts and cooking are wonderful -- but one has to wonder how such a rich culinary tradition gave birth to British food. The history is interesting and the love story is also very touching. My one reservation concerns the feast around which the plot revolves.

As I understood it, the back story of this feast concerns an age before the advent of Christianity when pagan deities ruled in a kind of proto-socialist nirvana and where everyone -- master and servant, rich and poor, man and woman -- sit down together to enjoy the bounties of the earth. But then came Christianity which introduced the concepts of guilt and of rigid class distinctions. Now, the poor, who have to scrabble for food, serve the rich who have a surfeit.

The difference is explained in the Biblical story of Adam and Eve. In the pagan version, Eve hands Adam an apple in the Garden of Eden -- thus inviting him to share with her in perfect equality the first feast -- a perfect meal. In Christianity, the same moment represents the introduction of sin into the world. Food, enjoyment and the equality of the sexes, become intertwined with guilt.

Christianity may have driven this pagan tradition into the shadows but it is never quite extinguished. And it is John and Lucretia's task to recreate the original perfect feast in their own lives -- through sharing the good things of life equally between them and with their fellow men and women.

At least, I think that's what it's about. To me, this obscure theology is the weakest part of the book. However, it does not seriously mar what is a tremendously interesting and enjoyable read.
421679
I love a bit of history mixed with theology. The Secret Gospel of Ireland examines a sliver of church history tracing the vein of theology which impacts Christianity in Ireland and then explores how Irish Christianity impacts Europe. One aspect that I truly appreciate is the careful handling of the Medieval period. The Behans say,
And perhaps most cynically, it was a time of bondage to the gloom and superstition of religious belief: a time before science and reason liberated the West from blind faith, the fetters of ignorance, and those who would seek to exploit faith and ignorance for wealth and power. Or was it? (p. 7)
They also don't neglect the impact Christianity played in the development of Europe (p. 9).

What will interest many of the readers here will be the focus on life and theology of Augustine. They trace the development of the gospel in Ireland back to him. If you're unfamiliar with his life story and basic theology then this will provide a concise introduction.

If you're interested in Irish history or the theology of Augustine then I would recommend picking up The Secret Gospel of Ireland. It will engage you. It's a book that could be read by just about anyone. The writing is extremely approachable. My only quip would be that I wonder if there may be conflation especially in the description of Augustine as Roman Catholic (talk of mass and popes in the 300 AD seems a bit early).
3128973
An excellent treatment of our righteousness in Christ.  Chapter 8 is worth the price all by itself.

"For the cross saves completely, or not at all. Our faith does not divide the work of salvation between itself and the cross. It is the acknowledgement that the cross alone saves, and it saves alone. Faith adds nothing to the cross nor to its healing virtue. It owns the fullness and the sufficiency and the suitableness of the work done there and bids the toiling spirit cease from its labours and enter into rest. Faith does not come to Calvary to do anything. It comes to see the glorious spectacle of all things done and to accept this completion without misgiving as to its efficacy. It listens to the "It is finished" of the sin-bearer and says "Amen!" Where faith begins, there labour ends--labour, I mean, for life and for pardon. Faith is rest, not toil. It is the giving up of all the former weary efforts."

And from chapter 2: "With a weak faith and a fearful heart, many a sinner stands before the altar.  But it is not the strength of his faith, but the perfection of the sacrifice, that saves; and no feebleness of faith, no dimness of eye, no trembling of hand, can change the efficacy of our burnt-offering.  The vigor of our faith can add nothing to it, nor can the poverty of it take anything from it.  Faith, in all its degrees, still reads the inscription, 'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin;' and if at times the eye is so dim that it cannot read these words, through blinding tears or bewildering mist, faith rests itself on the certain knowledge of the fact that the inscription is still there, or at least that the blood itself (of which these words remind us) remains, in all its power and suitableness, upon the altar unchanged and unaffected."
420173
This is an excellent moral story about what happens when people deviate from the Lord's path and follow witchcraft.  Murder and mayhem ensues.  I liked everything about the story except for the X-rated parts when Lady Macbeth says 'unsex me' and other liberal parts.  All in all, a good Christian story.
2347579
If you like historical fiction, check out this impressive work about the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. The author gives a tremendous feel for the time frame, and creates memorable characters who do their best amid sometimes terrible situations. When you see these massive, expensive structures, you wonder how people were able to spend so many years and so much of their time and energy to create a building. But in the book, it shows that a cathedral is much more than a building, it is an article of faith for the community, no matter the motivations of some of the people involved. An excellent tale, well told.
2272165
R. H. Benson's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Come-Rack-Come-Rope/dp/B000JQTYZ2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Come Rack! Come Rope!</a>&nbsp;is a tightly plotted masterpiece. Benson weaves a fictional and dramatic story of divine and human love into the historic fabric of Elizabethan England in which Catholic priests are hunted and tortured for their faith and lay Catholics are hounded to deny their faith as Elizabeth, abetted by sadistic and greedy henchmen, fashions a populace loyal to herself and to her vision for England free of the ancient faith (and her sister, Mary Queen of Scots).

Benson's attention to historical accuracy, period detail, the crises of conscience during the Elizabethan reign, and the rhythms of life in the latter part of the sixteenth century draw the reader into the era and the story. Those who view Elizabethan England as the high point of civilized culture will be forced to think further.
4116523
I typically am not attracted to fiction, but knowing my affinity for all things Catholic, this book was recommended to me.
It took me a bit to settle in to the English style, but once I dug in, there was no putting this book down.  It seems to be a fairly accurate account of that period in England, when the Church of England was in its infancy and Catholics had to make life and death decisions on a regular basis.  A must read for those interested in the agonizing consequences of the loss of religious liberty.
3703044
This book lends such insight into the Christian life, that it ought to be read by everyone who professes true faith.  Richard Sibbes is an exceptionally tender and patient pastor of hundreds of years ago, whose heart of understanding communicates as effectively today as he did back then.  New edition is lovely and just as convenient, size-wise, to carry about as you read through it.  Sound, theological correctness is balanced superbly with grace and kindness.  Rejoicing that it is back in print after being UNAVAILABLE for many years!
704331
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very good job by the author, Jim Palmer. He has an uncanny way of bringing you into the story so that you can identify with the characters that he meets in his faith journey. At times I just about peed my pants reading parts of this book. Other parts are quite moving, especially as he looked back on his childhood and considered his "failure" in not being able to help his alcoholic mom. As the story unfolds, the author meets ordinary folks whom he refers to as "Divine Nobodies," along his life's journey. He learns that God is working in the lives of these regular people. His experience taught him that "church" doesn't happen on a particular Sunday, at a particular place, in a particular building. Church is people that are yielding to the Spirit of God working in their lives.
3361938
A fantastic book that tells the story of Christianity's (really the Catholic Church's) first 1,000 years.  For all those who are currently concerned about the legitimacy of the current pope or the current church, this book will show you how the Church has survived despite attacks internal and external.  The internal include contentions of dogma and political maneuvering for church offices; the external includes attacks from barbarians and Islam.  Once sees the heroic virtue of many important characters, many who expressed it in the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom.  This book should help to bolster the faith of all Christians, but especially Catholics.
1465832
Very taut drama that pulls together the two eras quite nicely. I found the argument for believing in Christ quite compelling and the description of the crucifixion very realistic. Even though not Catholic, I enjoyed the book immensely!
418768
This is one of the best novels I've ever read.  It was engaging from the start.  I read this book before the DaVinci Code, and I recommend it to non-dogmatic folks who enjoy art, architecture and Christian history.  It probably would be offensive to some in that this book tackles theological questions that some sects of Christianity seem to have deemed off-limits.  For Brown's boldness in being true to the characters and topics --- I rate this one highly.  If this book ruffles your feathers regarding the Catholic Church and/or Christianity, good.