Review of Toibin's 'Testament of Mary'
584575
There is much to love about this audiobook, read by Meryl Streep. This was for me a truly unique take on the Jesus story, which has already undergone so many, many iterations in the recent decades. The voice of the narrator (Mary, mother of Christ) is persistently skeptical, thoughtful and moving. Those who are religiously devoted to the New Testament may find this 'alternative history' troubling.
546030
The late A.W. Tozer is well known for many of his insightful and challenging books about Christian living and faith. Some of his most popular books are the Pursuit of God; The Knowledge of the Holy; Man the Dwelling Place of God; The Root of the Righteous; and many more. In fact, so powerful are his writings that books have been written based on compilation of the best of his insights. Not as many people know that the former Chicago pastor is also a deep reader. According to the publisher, Tozer has intentionally put together poems, hymns, prayers, and spiritual writings from across the spectrum of Christian writers and evangelicals through the ages. Meant more for the worshiper rather than a student, this book arranges the works in theological themes.

- Adoration of the Godhead (God and Trinity)
- Devotional Meditations on the Cross of Christ (Atonement)
- Penitential Reflections on Our Sins (Compunction)
- Rejoicing in Forgiveness and Justification (Repentance)
- Yearning for Purity of Heart (Sanctification)
- Aspirations After God (Spirituality)
- Delighting in God's Presence (God's Omnipresence)
- The Raptures of Divine Love
- The Rest of Faith
- Spiritual Warfare
- Victory Through Praise
- The Prayer of Quiet
- The Bliss of Communion
- Joyous Anticipation of Christ's Return
- Immortality and the World to Come

Such spiritual treasures are described as "mystical verse" to remind us that it is a book for us to use to worship God and not another book to be analyzed and studied. It is not mystical in a sense that they are written by mystics. Instead, it is about entering into the realm of worship that is beyond mere intellectual exercises. Tozer explains the reasons for the way he arranges the themes. First, he avoids all sentimental verses that tend to tug at the heart-strings more than the soul. Second, he is bold to exclude certain 'classics' if they do not contribute to his themes. Third, all the works are to be theologically sound. Put together for private devotion, the book can be used for singing, for praying, for meditating, and for personal spiritual journaling. I find several works to be freshly unfamiliar, causing me to slow down and to ponder at the sense of newness. There and then I am reminded of how easy it is to gravitate to set themes and personal inclinations when we read familiar material. For example, if we see a familiar hymn or a famous poem, we are easily tempted to draw on our past knowledge and not learn anything new. Slow reading is preferred. Pauses are helpful. Pacing our reading with our inner responses is good soul exercise. Praying is expected.

Here is a suggestion for devotional reading. Following Guigo's Ladder of Monks, there are four different levels of reading, with each level a deeper engagement with the texts. The first level is plain reading, which is essentially for beginners. The second level is meditation which is a deeper level for the advanced reader, the more proficient. The third level is prayer, where one interacts personally with the text and how the texts lead one toward worshiping God. The fourth level is contemplation, which is the highest level that the heavenly creatures are in. This book is geared toward those reading levels two and above.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade
This book is provided to me courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
728384
Of the many gospels attributed to apostles and followers of Jesus, but one is attributed to a woman, the gospel of Mary. A feminist Christian may approach this perspective on Jesus and his gospel to deepen his or her respect for the prescient and tender wisdom Jesus bestowed on the world.

Mattison's translation offers not only a readable and accurate presentation of the newly discovered gospel, but also the enthusiastic and careful commentary you would expect from a man who has closely studied the tradition, as well as patterned his spiritual life from it. This is his favorite gospel, and his reason for the preference becomes clear in his explication of the text.

Not only is Mary given a prominent place among the disciples as holding the most "advanced spiritual perception," but an intriguing explanation of Jesus dictum that we "resist not evil" is explianed through Mary's admonition that we "break the violent cycle of dominating and being dominated in this world."

That is to say, we have an early text befitting the feminist legacy that's made such advances this last century.

Finding feminist sympathies deep in the center of Christian tradition, rather then on the outside fighting against it is Mattison's greatest gift to Christianity, and his final chapter, in which he looks at the quiet contemplative practices he himself uses in following this Mary's tradition, bring the gospel to life and make it less a mere complication of the Christian tradition, and more a maturation and flourishing of what it can be.
298685
I loved the clarity with which the author wrote her introduction. It is A pure delight to know I am reading an unadulterated account of Mary Magdalene's testimony. It is hard to describe the love and depth of understanding that is clearly behind the words. I also loved a couple of passages where I felt Yeshua's humor smiles through, a first in a Gospel. The tree of life vision at the end is remarkable and a must read! Much thanks to the author for bringing this treasure to the world.
2969618
When I read the Gospel of Mary without a commentary, it didn't make much sense to me. Reading through Mattison's book (which is a quick yet profound read), was indeed enlightening as to the meaning of the text. Mattison points out how several sayings in the Gospel of Mary are similar to canonical gospel sayings, and that some of the Gospel of Mary's concepts are also found in the New Testament epistles. I did not catch these similarities during my first read-through, so having this explained was one key to deciphering Mary.  Mattison sheds light on Mary's peculiar phrases, such as "the authentic person". The book contains a Biblical and historical survey of who Mary was, which puts the gospel into context. Mattison also draws from other scholars, yet has a way of making the subject approachable to lay people who are not accustomed to reading technical theological works. At the end of the book, Mattison offers practical methods of prayer and meditation which can provide the type of spiritual enlightenment that the Gospel of Mary calls its reader to seek. Definitely a recommended read.
429919
I read this book on my Kindle.  I believe that Mary has indeed seen and heard from God regarding this country and judgment.  I pray daily for this nation that eyes will be opened and we will turn back to God before it is too late.  Good job Mary in being faithful to what God has shown you.
1405493
I enjoyed the writing style of Mary Neal.  She poured her heart out in this book and gave us many details of her life and that of her family members.  She credits God with directing her steps and being by her side though out every joyful and sorrowful event in her life thus far.  Mrs. Neal is a Christian yet I am confused by her non Biblicall belief that when a child is born into this world they have left their place in Heaven with God to do so.  She also quotes from those who are of the Hindu and Mormon faiths as well a a quote from A Course in Miracles. I believe Mrs Neal mixes Christianity with New Age and Mysticism teachings.  As I stated in my title; you can get many good insights in her writings, and what is not Biblically based, discard.  I would not recommend this book to someone who does not thoroughly know God's Word.
3725975
I could not put the book down. Reading all the stories of faith, made me realize that so many people have such deep faith in Mary and the Lord. It was a book that was well worth the money, time reading and something I would recommend to everyone to read even if they are not religious. It might just make them see things in a different light, and bring them closer to Mary and the Lord.
2768219
This is the story of Connie Limmex who grew up as a Catholic, and raised her oldest children as part of the Catholic church, as well.  Later in her life, when her last child was a toddler, Connie became involved in a Christian group that was made up of Protestants.  From their influence, Connie began to doubt that she would go to Heaven after she died.  She realized that despite all the church services she had went to, and church school she had attended, she had never personally asked Jesus into her life-into her heart.  From the things she had heard from the Protestants she knew, as well as, a letter written by her Uncle during World War II combat, Connie understood it was vital to accept Christ in a personal way to be assured of Heaven.

Connie made the decision to ask Christ personally to forgive her sins and be in her heart.  She made that simple request while standing outside by herself.  Afterward things began to change for her.  As Connie read the Bible, the words had great meaning for her.  She told her husband about her commitment to Jesus, and, in time, he made the same commitment.  Connie tells of how much richer and more satisfying life has been for her, her husband and their child since this change came in their lives-after asking Jesus to be in each of their hearts.  She also talks about the effects this has had on her other family members.

If I could, I would change the front book cover. A different color is needed where the word "beyond" is located.  The white font blends in with the background too much.  When you look at the cover it looks like the title is, "My Journey Being Catholic," with the word "beyond" disappearing into the pattern.  This is not very apparent when looking at the cover on the computer screen.  However, when holding the print copy, it is obvious that "beyond" does not show up.  Future printings of the book would make the title easier to read if the font was red or some other stand-out color for the word "beyond."

This is a joyful book.  Connie is obviously very sincere in her beliefs, and I enjoyed reading it.  This is a short book, I  wish it were longer.  I would have liked to see more details about her life.  But the book's shortness also makes it very easy to read.  I think this book would appeal to anyone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Life Sentence Publishing, LLC in exchange for a free book review through the [...] book review program.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
1497042
Great book! Easy to read. Author does a good job of making the views of Mary extremely clear, logical and incredible! I couldn't put it down!
4888129
The Prophet is beautiful example of timeless knowledge in a twenty eight sub areas. I had  heard a lecture recently, entitled "A Journey from Hatred to Love," which quoted from Chapter 2 of The Prophet, "Even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you." I highly recommend it if the quote has any appeal to you.
4050678
I received this book from the publisher to potentially review it. I am happy to recommend it.
Very readable, this memoir is a fascinating look at a church, a ministers life, and how the arrival of a foreign people group affects the life of the community.
The Karen people were driven out of their Asian homeland. They arrive in Smyrna, Tennessee. These Burmese Christians are looking for a church. They church-shop and land on this Episcopal church. They are accustomed to Anglican worship and theology, so its a good fit for them.
And since this struggling church needs members, to have an influx of members fits their needs, too. But, a lot of learning and adjusting has to take place.
This is a true story, a narrative of what actually happened not too long ago.
4508129
The Holy Habit: My Love Affair and Break-Up With the Convent
Renee-Therese Dearborn

One very important  question that is implied, but not explicitly asked in Renee-Therese Dearborn's book is, who is it, exactly, that believes in Christ? The answer is I  it is I who believes in Christ.

The I believes in Christ because what is offered by that belief  the very demands of the belief   is a personal, one-on-one relationship with God.

Dearborn's book is a chronicle of her youthful dedication to that idea of a very personal relationship with God  to be a Bride of Christ.

It's a very personal story, written in a conversational style, that allows the reader to appreciate the nature of that kind of special devotion to a mystical ideal. A mystical ideal that takes place in a very real world of choices, consequences, relationships, joy, suffering, life and death.

When you have that depth of belief, no experience is really trivial, because every experience is an opportunity to live out God's will. Every moment a potential realization of God's presence, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Dearborn is 17 when she enters the convent, 22 when she departs.  Along the way she goes from child to young adult.  She chose to enter the convent, full of idealistic joy, in the midst of puberty.

But she is forced to confront the reality of plain living conditions, hard work, physical and emotional limitations, wonderful moments of  companionship and service to others, miserable moments when relationships are revealed to be shallow.  Animals die, people die, relationships die, dreams die.  But she finds other dreams take the place of those that are past.  She never gives up, and never gives in to the dark side of nihilism.

In other words Dearborn is forced to give up the toys of childhood and act as an adult confronting life as it is.  By the time she leaves, a woman of 22, she has been a teacher, a caretaker, she has encountered aspects of herself that she didn't know existed, she is exalted an humbled.

She leaves the convent with different ideas then the one she came with, but they are ideas that allow her to fully live out her ideals of service, family, and good will.

SC 2016
1339260
The Benedict Option was coined by Rod Dreher after same-sex marriage was approved in the United States. He stated that Christians in post-Christian America needed to adopt St. Benedict as their guide and to try to strengthen the church if they wanted it to survive. Since the publication of this book there have been many books choosing other saints or saintly figures. However, Dr. Carrie Gress is the first to realize and point out that for any renewal to take place, we must have Christ's mother Mary at the heart of the renewal. That is why she penned The Marian Option.

The book begins by talking about the persecution Christians have faced since their origin. For 2000 years, there have been many tests and trials Christians have undergone. During these times, different people responded and reacted in different ways. St. Benedict, who is covered in this first chapter, experienced a crumbling Roman society much like we are facing a crumbling American society. Dr. Gress examines him more closely and discusses why he chose to retreat to the desert. She then spends the next two chapters explaining how Mary is considered the most important woman in human history and how we she has influenced art, architecture, music, literature, etc.  The next three chapters focus on her geopolitical influence in three of her most famous apparitions - Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fatima. The next four chapters are the meat of the book and focus on tough issues that Catholics have to always answer and defend. How much or how little devotion is Mary due? What is her relationship with the three Persons of the Trinity? How is she our Mother and the Mother of the Church? And lastly, why is it people are so anti-Mary? The final chapters of the book provide concrete ways to have Mary at the heart of our lives including practical and simple ways for a family to do this, such as praying the Rosary, going to Mass, wearing a Brown Scapular and/or Miraculous Medal, consecrating yourself to Mary, and many other easy things.

The Marian Option is a simple but brilliant book that walks us through not only the historical and cultural significance of Mary, but also her spiritual significance as well. I particularly enjoyed the case study at the end of the book on Pope John Paul II. If anyone in recent memory has shown us how to live a life devoted to Mary, it was this great man. What makes this book stand out from other books on Mary, apart from the message inside, is the beautiful presentation on the outside. It is a beautiful, blue hardcover with gold lettering on the cover, and a dust jacket to match. It is a worthy presentation for a book that you will want to read more than once. If you can read just one book on Mary this year, I recommend it be this one.

This book was provided to me for free by TAN Books in exchange for an honest review.
3446938
I was intrigued by the title of this book when the review opportunity came through my email.

After all, in many ways, Mary of Bethany and her siblings Martha and Lazarus are rather mysterious figures in the Bible. We really have very little background information on them. How did they know Jesus? What was their livelihood? And so on.

Memorial: The Mystery of Mary of Bethany delves into the life of this unique biblical figure and draws out lessons we can apply in our own lives. Author Dolores Kimball writes in the Introduction:

"Ive always been fascinated by the story of Mary of Bethany. For years Ive pondered the words of Jesus spoken as Mary anointed him for his burial: Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her (Matt. 26:13; Mark 14:9). What on earth, Ive always wondered, could she possibly have done to merit such an extraordinary commendation from the Lord? The more I looked into it, and the more I learned of Mary, the more I came to believe that hers is an honest to goodness, read-between the lines mystery story, a mystery that revolves around Jesus tribute to her, a tribute unique in all of Scripture."

Did you realize that Mary is one of only four individuals in the Bible whom Jesus personally commended? The main goal of the book is to figure out what it was about her actions that were so unique as to merit such a tribute. But along the way, theres much to learn from her life!

This was a fascinating read! The author works through all three biblical accounts of Mary (the familiar story of Mary and Martha, Lazarus resurrection from the dead, and Marys anointing of Jesus feet shortly before His crucifixion), bringing out facets of these familiar stories that are easily overlooked, and then drawing lessons from them.

I loved the contrast of Mary and Martha in terms of peace versus turmoil. Id never considered the story of Mary and Martha from the perspective that Martha was actually the emotional one, not Mary. Martha exhibited a lack of peace, while Mary exemplified the words of Psalm 46:10, Be still, and know that I am God.

"Martha is often depicted as the practical one and Mary the emotional one, but the text indicates the exact opposite. Women whose emotions are controlling them are the ones running around spewing forth verbally everything in their hearts. Marthas negative emotions were on display-worry, frustration, peevishness-and, like all women, those emotions poured forth verballyWomen with the peace of God in their hearts are not exercising their tongues every second because their negative emotionality is reined in by the presence of the gifts of the Spirit and the positive emotions he produces, especially love, joy, and peace. The tranquility in Marys heart was evident in her actions, her lack of verbal outpourings, and her single-mindedness of purpose."

Cultural details that are significant, but that we don't pick up on, are pointed out also. One example: Mary sitting at Jesus feet was the posture of a disciple, and would have been shocking for a woman to do in that culture.

Dolores Kimball is a gifted writer and teacher! Memorial is a very unique book. Its meaty, thought-provoking, and saturated in Scripture. I wish it had study questions or a study guide to accompany it, it would make a fantastic personal or group study. Definitely a worthy read!

Thanks so much to Cross-Focused Reviews and EP Books for providing an ebook review copy of this title. I was not required to give a positive review, and received no compensation.
4504146
I just received it so have not had a chance to review it yet, but it came highly, highly recommended to me and I am a HUGE fan of Mary-Ellen Copeland's work. It arrived sooner than expected and in pristine condition. Thank you!!!
2604669
This is the story of a young West African man, named Kaboo, who was converted to Christ by missionaries in the 1880s and baptized and renamed Samuel Morris.  From the beginning, he had a simple and grand faith in God and prayed fervently.  He traveled to the United States to learn more about the Christian faith.  By the time his ship docked at the end of the voyage, the captain and most of the crew had come to Christ.  This sort of occurrence followed Samuel Morris everywhere he went.  The fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much we learn in Scripture, and he prayed fervently and great things happened.  After 18 months as a student at Taylor University (the only black student), he contracted a severe cold and died.  But the ripple effects of the life of faith he lived continued on.

This book hits only the highlights of Samuel Morris' life.  And despite the emphasis on how inspiring he was during his time at Taylor University, there are only 18 pages from his arrival at Taylor University until his death 18 months later!  The whole book is only 94 pages, but the account up until his arrival at Taylor didn't feel too abridged.  But his time there certainly does.  You end up not feeling like Samuel Morris is that fleshed out in your mind, and he doesn't quite feel like a real person, because not enough is shared to actually get to know him.  With only the most amazing highlights given, without any of the surrounding events of his life and other times of less modest gains, it feels less believable too.

The life of Samuel Morris and its impact is inspiring, especially given the time period and the fact that Samuel Morris was a black travelling with a mostly white crew, attending an all-white university, etc.  However, the writing just wasn't up to bringing this book up to the great heights it could have achieved.  It's a worthwhile book to read, but I doubt I'll re-read it very often.