A great insight into the over-arching spiritual struggle of Holy history.
597052
At the pivotal points of Western history we see arches erected as memorials to remember the victories won. With that there is the lauding of those who died in the struggle to achieve that great human triumph. And so we see arches erected in certain key places to commemorate these victories. But what else is being celebrated with the words and symbols we see on these arches? Could there be a certain glorying in the blood that was shed for the princes of this world?

It is said that there are just two key nations that typify the homeland of the heart. They are Jerusalem, the city of the Great King, and Egypt, a symbol of the realms of bondage in this world.

It seems that from the days of the original arch was erected in Egypt an Arch is erected by any nation in the line of conquerors of Egypt. And at its core the celebration is still the same. It is a celebration of bondage and the bloodshed suffered by the people whose real home is Jerusalem.

Chad Schafer has discerned what is going on in this string of arches of celebration. He has traced the incredible story. And as he shows us, the same sort of arches are to be found in all the great powers of Western Christendom. The story begins in Egypt, then goes on to France under Napoleon, to Great Britain and British Commonwealth countries and the current superpower, the USA under the Pax Americana.

This is a fascinating story and well presented. Chad Schafer opens up a new and deeper understanding of the main underlying spiritual conflict that keeps emerging in our histories. It is an expose' of  the hidden sentiments of the powers of this world. These are the principalities, the angelic rulers who presume to rule over the hearts and minds of the Judeo-Christian people of the West. With an understanding of that underlying conflict of the ages comes a profound spiritual lesson for those who stand for the God of Israel. This is a particularly important insight for Christian believers as we prepare to face that ultimate, epic, and climactic spiritual conflict at the end of this age.
1052467
It is amazing how great this man's mind was, and the obstacles he had to overcome to bring reason around his scientific discoveries.  The author helps you understand how difficult it was to prove his theories, and how the church weilded complete authority over everything, including scientific therories versus religious belief.  A better understanding of the political power of the church during this period Is portrayed clearly.
3542684
Bishop Spong provides a serious study here of the cultural context of the texts of the Bible, arising over a period of centuries, out of various social and political or religious situations.

He analyzes the troubling passages of the Old Testament to understand how God's Word can be found amid the puzzling events or descriptions from the understandings of previous ages, to determine how they can still make sense in our very different world.  He looks at the evils associated with religious ideas or institutions through our history.

Some readers will feel threatened by some of Spong's radical proposals, because they have never heard anyone speak freely this way in their repressive traditions.  They may see no further than Spong's tendency to periodically mount his particular hobby horses, which he developed in a lifetime of ministry under attack from cultural Christians who used the Bible as a weapon to defeat others.  However much we might sometimes like the Bishop to tone down his rhetoric, let's listen to the insights he draws from his high view of the scriptures here.

Spong writes out of an anguished grief over the misreading of scripture as though it was a news report or travelogues written in the context of our current world.  He honors the integrity of the scriptures, carefully investigating the history and cultural setting of the scriptures.  Spong admirably recreates the faith-crisis situation out of which various biblical stories and events developed.  His commitment to Christ and the God of Revelation is strong, but will misunderstood by many who see "faith" as blind adherence to someone's traditional list of abstracted propositions.

Spong challenges us to deal honestly with the Scriptures, to hear what they really say, and deal with it.  Let's see what they really say, when we read them with integrity, and not just to make them fit our inherited interpretation.  Spong challenges us to read and think about the hard parts, the parts we don't like to hear, the parts that make God look bad.

Spong wants to defend the Bible and maintain its integrity as a set of documents that arose in a real-life situation of a people wrestling with the insights they were gaining, the awareness of the personal God Yahweh, gradually understood as a universal God, not just a tribal deity.  This identity with Yahweh, the Living God, set them apart from their neighboring tribes and nations, putting them in danger.

He suggests a way we might understand these sections as the expression of the level of insight and culture of the times.  Isn't this consistent with the idea of Incarnation?  God comes into human culture.  As Jesus said, we sometimes cannot bear the full truth.  We get only glimpses of it.  Spong helps us see how these glimpses come through the dominant view that makes so much of the Old Testament repulsive to us, blaming God for things everyone agrees are evil.  Spong feels God deserves a better shake, and the Scriptures deserve a better reading from us.  Let's hear him out.  The most constructive part is at the end.

Spong undertakes the difficult task of finding how the stories of history in one small group of related scribes came to be the Word of God to not just the remnant of that federation but to all the peoples of the world, as the Gospels proclaim.  He helps the thoughtful reader see that there i one consistent God of Love, active redemption and reconciliation, who acted in Christ, and can speak to us today, if we hear him speak through history, free from the imposed expectations of modern culture.

This work will present rewarding and enlightening information to make sense of stories and provide insights into understanding the biblical texts in their own context.  This will be challenging for many, but it is refreshing to see the writer deal honestly with the text and the problems it presents to us today.
536689
This book deserves placement in the pantheon of such great religious works as "The Shoes of the Fisherman."  It is at the same time an utterly devastating commentary on modern times and a rousing defense of  Catholic orthodoxy.
  When I bought it, I was in the middle of another  book at the time, so I thought I would read the first chapter to get a feel  for the prose style.  I never put it down.  O'Brien draws you in and never  lets go.  I guarantee you will feel emotionally drained after completing  "Father Elijah."
Those who have felt an uneasiness about the  decline of religion in contemporary times, or those wishing to understand  the philosophical roots of Catholicism are advised to get this fine book.
436585
Veronica gives an insight into the life, practices and rituals of women of the Essene community in the times of Jesus. The author reveals how she maintained communication with Jesus during his extensive voyage to Egypt, Tibet, India and Persia. Whilst the Mystic embarks upon a fascinating journey, the Exoteric reader finds in this book the missing pages of the great manuscript.
This is a gift to Esoteric and Exoteric Readers alike.
I look forward to reading the sequels of this book.
180278
An extremely insightful account of the historical origins of Jesus. Not a light read by any means, but certainly worth the effort. The arguments are presented with great clarity and extensive cross-referencing. It will definitely challenge all readers, believers and non-believers alike, to reinterpret their understanding of who Jesus was, and even to redefine their praxis based on this.  For those who call themselves followers of Jesus - this is a book that cannot be ignored!
2552701
Touches on a very common struggle. The author is respectful of Faith in God, but offers some sharp insight into why so many have angst with the physical church.

It could be said that he goes too far and dismisses 'church' but it's easy to see that is not his purpose.
4391640
A wonderful little book prepared as a guided tour through the major historical sites in Jerusalem, ranging from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to the Knesset.  Chronological if only by way of starting at the oldest center of the old city and working forward. But each step is so deeply layered in time.  The book is first and foremost a chronicle of the folly of humanity as embodied by the idiotic wars between the various brands of clergy, and the more bloody affairs related to racial and ethnic riots.  So much of it based on ignorance escalating into endless rounds of reprisal.  You can see so many preposterous legends fabricated out of nothing and being transformed into venerable truths.  The story of Mohammads  midnight ascension from Jerusalem apparently fabricated after the fact, with some assuming that he must have risen from the rock at Jerusalem, and others saying its not possible because no city could be more holy than Karbala  if he ascended to heaven from anywhere, it had to be there.  The heroes of the story are the Victorian Englishmen such as Warren, Storrs, and Ashbee.  The list of improvements made under the British is substantial  sanitation, water supplies, education, and medical care.  In fact, part of the aura of the city seems to stem from the value that outsiders put upon the place as well as the improvements that were made to the infrastructure.  So this is not a complete history, but presents so many hallowed shrines in a very interesting light.  I liked the quote of some anonymous nun that even if the Lithostratus Pavement Stones were late Roman and therefore never trodden trodden by Jesus, they were still holy by way of the many centuries of prayer said over them.  That pretty much tells the story of this particular book.
1579603
Quite interesting and informative. The writing is challenging (use of terms, assumed knowledge of some concepts and writers), but approachable. I basically got from it that there are good reasons to believe in Jesus' divinity and no insurmountable arguments against it. It's helpful to have intellectual reasons that synch with, and mutually support, what I experience spiritually.
4424852
A memoir that's as honest as it is engrossing. The author does a fantastic job of making his own spiritual challenges relatable to the reader and really describes the spiritual crisis of the millennial generation. His honesty and vulnerability in describing his spiritual journey makes for page turning reading, but also shows how the Truth of the Catholic faith seeps into the heart and mind. Recommended to anyone!
1931841
I think I am like millions of people who have a heart-felt fascination with human beings' need to find their place in the world. Those who immigrated to the USA and were almost penniless had the greatest challenges to find peace within and make it in this New World. THE BISHOP'S CURSE, historically researched and detailed, is a brilliant and beautifully written account of those who came to the USA to seek religious freedom, only to find themselves caught in a fierce battle with those who represented the Catholic Church. This battle disrupted their daily lives, adding a mountain of pain and grief to what they had hoped would be a land of salvation. Anyone who is aware of his heart, mind and soul in a complex world and is intrigued with American history will find this book a very engaging read. Highly recommended.
1968865
Would highly recommend. I came away with a deeper understanding of the political atmosphere at time of Jesus and why he was such a threat to the high priests at the time.  I will be reading again there is so much to understand, not just a one read for me.
4521080
Molly Neely has given us a historical look into a battle between evil and faith that spans millennia. This is a well written novel that introduces the reader into events of the past along with her views on the Savior, Saint Peter and the Arch Angel Michael.

Malachi is the half breed son of a demon and a human that fights within himself which half to covet. He knows he wants to be human, but the constant intimidation and pressure provided by Lucifers minions make it difficult to obtain as they constantly eliminate his allies.

Father Caleb is a modern day priest that struggles with his faith due to his past. He has a successful church and promising flock. Then he is suddenly thrust into the Malachi dilemma.

This is an exciting read.
1001031
The book describes that although the Holy Bible tells us everything that we need to know for our spiritual benefit, it leaves many questions open to interpretation. Some of these issues are discussed in this book.
In relation to some of these questions the author provides his own personal interpretation of Scripture which is cited as being based upon the result of study, meditation, prayer and practical experience.
Some individual readers may disagree with the writer's own views but that should not detract from such an excellent work which should in my own opinion be required reading on this particular subject.
From the rebellion of the Adamic/human race in the Garden of Eden described in Genesis, the book discusses both the rebellion of Lucifer (the devil/Satan), warfare in the angelic/spiritual realm, the destiny of man and the provision of man's Salvation through Jesus Christ alongside the ultimate victory over Satan & his demonic realm/purposes.
Many issues are addressed as this extremely well written study progresses including "Why did God allow evil in the first place?", "If evil was defeated at the cross, why does it continue to exist?", "Does spiritual warfare make a difference?" and "How are we to await the end of the age?"
This is indeed an essential study for those interested in spiritual warfare and provides indispensable information on so many relevant matters.
 I highly recommend this work and would respectfully propose two other books for additional reference; "Your Adversary, The Devil" by Dwight Pentecost & "The Serpent Of Paradise" by Erwin Lutzer. Thank you for your time.
4645791
This book outlines the spiritual journey of Rabbi Israel Zolli to the Church from Judaism. Conversions of Jews to the Faith are always pleasing to read about but when the subject who converts was (at the time) the very Orthodox and Chief Rabbi of Rome (a profound Scriptural and Talmudic scholar who basically sacrificed everything he had to pursue the Truth), it stands as a wonderful testament to the spirit of man which is always restless until it rests fully in Christ Jesus.
Having been written in 1952, the story is also a wonderful antidote for the recent lies and revisionist propaganda that sought to smear the name of Eugenio Pacelli (Pope Pius XII) whose birth name was taken by the ex-rabbi upon his baptism into the Faith (he took the pope's birth name out of gratitude for all that Pope Pius XII did for the Jewish people during WW II - a point recently glossed over by those with a polemic axe to grind against the Church). In truth Pope Pius XII played a major role in saving an estimated (by Jewish sources) 850,000 Jewish lives during the war (which was FAR more then the rest of the world combined I might add). The degree of outright lies and slander against Pius XII are ones which the major media should be ashamed of. The media at the time of the rabbi's conversion was far more respectable then what passes for "journalism" today. Nevertheless the newspapers of the time still announced Zolli's conversion as if it was a sudden and uncritical reaction undertaken by the elderly rabbi (or one that he took for some kind of financial or scholarly gain). But as the story indicates, it was far from either of these speculations but was instead a move that took place gradually over the course of a 30 plus year period with even a few pointers from his early childhood that the rabbi recognized in retrospect when touching on his childhood faith formation.
The highlights of his journey are covered in this book along with some marvelous insights by Rabbi Zolli on Judaism, mysticism, the Law, and the Gospel. Eugenio Zolli speaks of his journey not as a betrayal of the Synagogue but as a completion and himself as becoming a "completed Jew" by recognizing Rabbi Yeshua as the Messiah and joining His Church. The continuity between the Synagogue and the Church is a wonderful topic in and of itself and the ex-rabbi also touches on it a bit in this memoir. I cannot recommend this book enough and feel that it will benefit anyone who reads it who is looking for an uplifting spiritual journey and some interesting insight into the Scriptures - including the New Testament - from an Orthodox Jewish perspective.
724755
In "Sacred Blood, Sacred Image - The Sudarium of Oviedo" Janice Bennett skillfully analyzes the history, forensics, etymology and religious basis of the Sudarium, a bloodstained cloth kept in Oviedo Spain.

Bennett's traces the history of Sudarium from the earliest mentions of it in early Christian century Palestine, linking it to Christ's burial cloth. She makes a convincing argument that the Sudarium was transferred from the Holy Land to Northern Spain following the Persian and Arab invasions of the 7th and 8th centuries. She then painstakingly analyzes the linen and the blood stains, painting a picture of how this linen cloth once covered the head of an adult man. This is followed by a fascinating comparison between the Sudarium and the Shroud of Turin. In this comparison, she makes a powerful case that they were both placed on the same crucified man.

The book then provides two chapters outlining first century Jewish burial customs and how the Sudarium is mentioned in the New Testament. As well, Bennett has added numerous colour images of the Sudarium, places mentioned in the book and a map of its historical journey, as well as a chronology and glossary.

If you are curious about the Sudarium or the Shroud of Turin and would like to read a very thorough study of the topic, you would definitely enjoy reading this book. Also, if you are interested in being introduced to scientific arguments in favor of Jesus' crucifixion, read this book, it is an excellent starting point.
1294457
This book is invaluable to students of Catholic history. It was written as a dissertation, and the author's career path for the last thirty years has led away from the Reformation, which is most unfortunate, since his really unusual insight, his grasp of political nuance, in analyzing the differences between the two Catholic camps emerging during this period is quite germane to problems facing the Church still. The sides formed in a prison populated only by priests, some 'secular' and others of a relatively new order and one sent to 'mission' England, to restore Catholicism, the Jesuits. Finding the differences between them was extremely challenging at the time, given that open Catholics faced death so that any debate was circumspect and anonymous, and even if that had not been the case, the arguments, as Pritchard points out, were theologically complex and utterly novel, since neither the Church nor individual Catholics had ever been faced before with the problem of a state out of synch with the teaching of the Church, a situation not existing for misty eons and eons in Merry Old England and one with which people found it insufferably difficult to come to grips. (And as yet we still do, recognizing that we have a secular state but expecting it to show outward signs of its 'Christian' forebears, oblivious to the real meaning of the state we erected on the ashes of Christendom following Luther's apostasy.)

The situation in the prison after seven years was that the secular priests had begun to compromise their vows, and the Jesuits wished to appeal to the authorities, in this case the wardens, initially--since of course, only scant years before, before Henry VIII's lustful assault, the state authorities would have been in fact the agents of religious discipline when necessary. For the state and the Church had been united in their vision for England. The Church had not yet substituted new authority and was tenuously focused on the restoration of that condition, the Catholic confessional state, not accepting or at least positioning themselves to deal with the new one. The secular priests eventually sued the Vatican to accept Elizabeth, accept the fact that England had apostized, and let them live in peace with it, and thus they are called the Appellants. The other side, the side that refused to give in, were known then as the Allen-Parsons party. And today they have another name.

Pritchard was well aware of the parallels between the Appellants and today's liberals, but it will take those students of Vatican II to see the mark of this old debate still unfolding in the Council's eager willingness to make peace with the new world of democratic secularity at the expense of Catholicism's traditional reverence for Christ the King. By the end of this book you will find yourself being on one side or the other: and one side, now as then, now as always, leads to martyrdom.