Organizations and Institutions Books

Every student of the fathers is familiar with Quasten's "Patrology"(Patrology: 4 Vol. Set). The last volume of this was actually edited by Angelo Di Berardino. The story of the fathers ends in 450. Thereafter anyone wishing to learn about a later writer is left to struggle with briefer texts such as Altaner's elderly one-volume patrology. Few discussions of the Greek fathers can ignore writers after 450.

When in Rome recently, I found that the Italian translation of Quasten has further volumes; one on the later Greek fathers, and one on the later Latin fathers. Now, at long last, the first of these 'extra volumes' is available in English, thanks to the effort of Adrian Walford.

This takes the story from where Quasten vol. 3 ended (Chalcedon, 451 AD) to John Damascene in the 8th century. It also includes some notices of writers omitted by Quasten between 400-451. The format is the same as before, and there are also sections on Syriac and Coptic writers.

Unfortunately the volume is inferior to Quasten. This was a fault in the Italian, and is reproduced in the English. The text is more woolly, there seem to be no inline brief quotations from the people being discussed -- one of Quasten's glories -- and the bibliographies are very scant. This matters little for the scholarship, as this would quickly date. There is an understandable bias towards Italian scholarship, of course.

But Quasten always made a serious effort to list an edition, and all the English, French and German translations. In some cases no edition is listed -- just a reference to the entry number of the author in the "Clavis Patrum Graecorum" (which no-one can afford). Likewise if a translation is given it will be merely a recent one; in several cases I know of translations that exist in English and are not referenced.

This is sad, since one of the joys of Quasten was to discover a translation, obtain it, and thereby access the writer.

Nevertheless this volume can only be described as essential. Quasten's format is vastly superior to that of encyclopedias, for it is possible to read it cover to cover and as bedside reading, and through it learn the history of the church in immense and referenced detail. This volume now makes it possible for us all to continue the story to John Damascene.

Let us hope that the next volume will be translated also. I have spoken to the publisher and made some of these points to him. Unfortunately the translator, Adrian Walford, commenced work on that volume but has since died.

If anyone knows Angelo Di Berardino, perhaps they might suggest that his group of scholars at the "Institutum Augustinianum" continue their labours. A volume on the Greek church writers from John Damascene to the fall of Constantinople in 1453, in this format, would be very useful indeed.

Edited by David Little, Peacemakers in Action: Profiles of Religion in Conflict Resolution is an anthology of profiles of people of faith worldwide with the courage and morality to work peacefully and put their faith into action. From Friar Ivo Markovic in Bosnia and Herzegovina to nonviolent deputy minister of defense Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge of South Africa to Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye in Nigeria and more, the profiles span nine nations beset with strife and reveal how true believers can apply their religion to create a positive dialogue and help build world peace through peace within. Peacemakers in Action does not restrict itself to any one religion, and offers real-life examples to the positive effects faith can bring to the parts of the world in most dire need of peacemaking. Especially recommended for college and university libraries.

No one really wants to be a loner. "Peer Buddy Programs for Successful Secondary School Inclusion" is a guide for educators trying to blend special education and normal education classes, and to encourage peer relationships between students of both. Chapters cover how to set up peer buddy programs, the roles of those involved in these programs, procedures for these groups, and encouraging social inclusion outside of the program, as well as other valuable advice and tips. "Peer Buddy Programs for Successful Secondary School Inclusion" is a strong choice for any secondary school administrator.

This book is incredible for explaining hard to grasp truths to young minds. It begins as a primer, but ends with "lessons" for young children. We have been reading it to our daughter (who is almost four) as a devotional, and not only does she enjoy it, but she has been learning so much. She is understanding the concepts of our fallen sinful nature and our need for a savior. Through this book the Holy Spirit has awakened in my daughter a desire to know the Lord and to strive for Godliness.

Erik Seeman has mined deeply in the sources to produce an account of lay spirituality in early New England. The book should appeal to readers with these interests: early New England communities, the history of religion in America, or the fundaments of individual spirituality.

My favorite section of the book tells the story of John Barnard, the carpenter. Barnard, through his spiritual diaries, opens a world quite alien to many contemporary Americans, a world in which the spiritual struggle takes precedence over all other tasks in life. Barnard is an extraordinary ordinary person, an early American with a mission, for which he took responsibility, a man quite existential.

The author is quite careful not to speculate past the evidence, but it is provocative to think that Barnard, who died in 1732, was of an age to have been the grandparent of an American Revolutionary soldier. These soldiers sang, going into battle:

"Let tyrants shake their iron rod

And Slav'ry clank her galling chains;

We fear them not, we trust in God,

New England's God forever reigns.

Declaration of interest: the reviewer is the garndfather of the author's two beautiful daughters.

I used the acid test for considering how well written a technical book is about my business - I gave it to my wife when she asked me some questions one day.

I have had this book on my shelf for several months and found it extremely valuable in doing some quick general research and in exploring a variety of concepts dealing with planned giving. Written for the small shop (in my opinion) that needs to develop a planned giving program, this is a well-written and easily read book covering A to Z.

Topics start with what is planned giving, move through defining and discussing philanthropy, setting up a planned giving program (first steps), pitfalls to avoid, marketing planned giving and even sample gift instruments. These are but a few of the chapters in what I think is an excellent starting point for someone new to planned gifts and how to promote them (or even a pro looking for some fresh ideas).

Ah yes, my wife. For her, this was a bit of a liberating experience - she now has a good grasp of what I do. She can converse with friends about the business of planned giving very comfortably with a much better understanding of the basics.

This is a great book that I bought. Wasn't really sure before buying it as one of my friends recommended that book earlier. And I was a little anxious about the price as well. But when I received the book, and started
reading the assembled articles, it turns out to be one of those books that
one may wish to encounter in every 10 - 15 years. Awesome collection of brilliant essays, illuminating, challenging, and insightful, provoked me at least to further my interests in this direction.

With exceptional clarity Professor Carol Lansing profiles the lives and underlying social climate facing everyday Cathars in the medieval town of Orvieto. Scavenging from a paucity of first-hand documentation, Professor Lansing skillfully weaves together a factual vista, based on anecdotal testimonies researched in Italian archives, on medieval Cathar life in Italy. The book is enjoyable to read on a number of fronts, above all, Lansing writes in a factual yet entertaining manner. There are a number of historical curiosities that grace the pages. Far from exercising a categorically defined homogenous faith system Lansing portrays Cathar life in Medieval Orvieto as a heterogeneous community comprising a varying and often contradictory belief system that combined forms of Manichean dualism along with Apostolic Christianity as well as strong Catholic influences. It seems there was an important cleft in degrees of religious belief and practice that separated lay Cathars from Perfects who appeared to epitomize the full faith of Catharism in docrtrine and praxis. Power and Purity is a fascinating read that provides a valuable contribution to this rare and often overlooked historical subject.

This book is a compilation of stories, essays, and different men's thoughts on the lifestyle of male Christians. I enjoyed reading this book. I found it a useful tool in helping me focus my thoughts and a nice way to brighten my day.

Robert K. Greenleaf published his seminal essay, The Servant as Leader, in the early 1970's. Since then, leaders committed to finding a better way to serve their organizations have embraced the idea. This volume contains a rich olio of essays by writers, drawn from diverse fields, looking to bring servant leadership from theory into practice. James Autry's essay, "Love and Work" is stunning in its message and based on the fact that the messenger is a former CEO of a large publishing company. Others explore the links between servant leadership and board chairmanship, restorative justice and ethical leadership. Don't pass up Meg Wheatley's essay, "From Hero to Host."