The Prophecy Books

In Don Brown's Hostage, a sizzling sequel to his first novel Treason, we find JAG Officer Zack Brewer in front of the Supreme Court arguing that the death penalty should be applied againt 3 U.S. Navy Chaplains, who are Islamic, who have been convicted of Treason against the United States. From there, Brewer winds up prosecuting a high profile court martial in Israel under the spotlight of the internatioal media with war hinging upon the outcome of the trial. Hostage was every bit as riveting as Don Brown's Treason. This guy Don Brown is really good! A must read.

This novel was a tremendous followup to Brown's opening installment in the Navy Justice Series, Treason. Just as fabulous, and in fact maybe even a little better written. The opening was a little stronger in that we have page turning action from the very beginning. Once again, for lovers of the show JAG or the movie A Few Good Men, this, like Treason was "unputdownable!"

Like all Don Brown's books, this kept me up late into the night. A unique blend of action, legal drama, and romance, Hostage has all the elements of a big screen box office hit. I recommend reading Brown's opening novel of the Navy Justice Series, Treason, followed by Hostage. Fabulous work.

Couldn't put it down. I'd get to the edge of one cliff, and then Don Brown would take me to another. The ending was different. Unique and spellbinding.

After reading "Treason," I was highly looking forward to taking in installment #2, "Hostage" without much hesitation. That is, until I read what it was about. Then I rolled my eyes! I rolled my eyes because it looked like the perfect thriller, up until that picture perfect ending. Maybe I should have known better, and I know I placed a little too much on my own assumption. I finally took this in just to get it over with, and my thoughts drastically changed.

We once again join Zack Brewer, along with the lovely Diane Colcernian, both wanting to forget the madness in the court martial that made Zack famous. But with great victory for the good guys comes great thirst for revenge with Islamic radicals. And what goes on in the sacred pages of "Hostage" isn't exactly unthinkable in today's day and age. It chills you to the bone. And the case that Zack is prepared to take on as a Navy officer is beyond one or two dead bodies. This is serious stuff! This is terrifying stuff, and it could very well happen. To mess with Israel, you're seriously playing with a fire you can't put out. How high can the stakes possibly get?

Now back to my main concern: perfect ending in the end? I'm not going to answer that, because one person's idea of perfection can always be different from the DAN Brown idea of perfect. I believe that Don Brown continues to make America proud. The other one, Dan Brown, is such a chicken (or he'll have his own answer) that his supposed latest release, "Solomon Key" isn't exactly a latest release anymore! You go to the website of Fantastic Fiction, and "Solomon Key" isn't even mentioned! I don't see that with Don Brown. I can't wait to get my hands on "Defiance" and "Black Sea Affair," and I'm anxious to see what they have to offer!

This collection of essays does the Jesuits proud. I found them very useful to understand the issues behind the pope's teaching on a variety of moral issues. The collection is uneven, but the essays on fundamental moral theology very effectively showed the questions of law, conscience, and culture behind the pope's position on controverted questions.

Reactions to John Paul II are odd. Every word is either considered infallible (National Catholic Reporter) or very fallible (America) or just damnable (National Catholic Reporter). The value of this work is precisely that the twenty authors don't agree on the value of the pope's moral theories. Not many cheers or boos here: just a lot of careful attention to the grey spots, the ambiguities, the unfinished arguments that have both enchanted and baffled the world.

As a member of the loyal opposition, reading books on the pope has been a hobby of mine. On more than one occasion, I've been infuriated by some recent Vatican pronouncement, especially on moral issues. This collection of essays put the pope's theories in context. McDermott's historical piece showed how many of the moral conflicts in the church go back well before Vatican II. Apparently that gleaming, monolithic world of Pius XII wasn't as uniform as we thought. Madigan's piece showed why the church's counteroffensive against modernity, witness the new Catechism, will have a rough play in American society. After all the journalistic treatments of the pope, it's a relief to have real scholarship.

I especially liked the pluralism of the book. So many studies of the pope insist that he is an angel or a demon. The different authors here clearly differ on whether this pope is succeeding or not. Some of them bask in the papal glow, but most of them raise critical questions about the papal arguments.

I would not recommend this book as an introduction to the pope. Weigel's biography is a better pick for this. But if you're looking for a scholarly joust over John Paul II's moral positions, this is the book for you.

Reactions to John Paul II are odd. Every word is either considered infallible (National Catholic Reporter) or very fallible (America) or just damnable (National Catholic Reporter). The value of this work is precisely that the twenty authors don't agree on the value of the pope's moral theories. Not many cheers or boos here: just a lot of careful attention to the grey spots, the ambiguities, the unfinished arguments that have both enchanted and baffled the world.

As a member of the loyal opposition, reading books on the pope has been a hobby of mine. On more than one occasion, I've been infuriated by some recent Vatican pronouncement, especially on moral issues. This collection of essays put the pope's theories in context. McDermott's historical piece showed how many of the moral conflicts in the church go back well before Vatican II. Apparently that gleaming, monolithic world of Pius XII wasn't as uniform as we thought. Madigan's piece showed why the church's counteroffensive against modernity, witness the new Catechism, will have a rough play in American society. After all the journalistic treatments of the pope, it's a relief to have real scholarship.

I especially liked the pluralism of the book. So many studies of the pope insist that he is an angel or a demon. The different authors here clearly differ on whether this pope is succeeding or not. Some of them bask in the papal glow, but most of them raise critical questions about the papal arguments.

I would not recommend this book as an introduction to the pope. Weigel's biography is a better pick for this. But if you're looking for a scholarly joust over John Paul II's moral positions, this is the book for you.

I can't believe that folks would fall for this! Nero was the Beast,COME ON People try reading your Bibles!

Did you never hear or read about the Mark of the Beast? Did Nero make anyone take his mark? Which the Bible tells us in plain English is 666. SHEESH!

People not reading the Bible is the reason absolutely ANY false preacher can con them. Because they know absolutely nothing about the Bible or what it contains.

I read this book after "When Jerusalem Fell" and wish I had read it first.

It is broken up into two parts.

The first part consists of dealing with who is the beast of Revelation, Dr. Gentry makes a very convincing biblical argument for who this is and you will be surprised at his findings. Especially if you are Pretrib, Premil, Dispensational.

When I describe the second part to people I describe it as all the good parts of "When Jerusalem Fell". It has more than that, but defends a pre- AD 70 writing of Revelation from a contextual and historical standpoint. Not to offend anyone, but this is basically the laymens version of When Jerusalem Fell.

Overall I highly recommend this book.

I like this book. He really argues persuasively about the subject he covers. The first half is a very quick read, the second half is a bit slowerer going but worth it. I don't feel that this is a very good presentation of the preterist view. Ok so the beast is Nero and Revelation was written before A.D. 70, what about some of the other passages in Revelation, what are they about and more so, if that's what Revelation is about then what does the author think will happen in the end. It's as if you can't really call this a book on eschatology anymore since it's not really anywhere close to the study of last things. But overall it's good on covering those two points.

Now for the important part. I bought this book on Amazon in Dec 06 included was a card for a free year subscription to Biblical Worldview magazine. If you go to the publishers website you can get a feel for the magazine, it looks pretty good. And by calling it in and using another code on the card I got a free no shipping nothing free book by Gary DeMar whom I've never heard of but the book is $18 and the subscription is normally $25. So overall if you buy the book and it has the card (and two of my friends who bought the book around the same time also had the card) You get 43 dollars worth of stuff free. Made the book really feel like a bargain.

The Beast of Revelation is the 2nd (only to "dating the book of revelation" Gentry doctrinal dissertation) greatest exposition on this matter. With unflinching scholarship, Gentry pursues exegetical, historical, and theological argumentation for designating Nero as the beast in revelation and placing revelation before A.D. 70 (early date). As usual Gentry is extremely clear and his writing style is superb! Ladies and Gentlemen I say unto you, Gentry has found dispensationalism Achilles hill! Rebutting the arguments by leading dispensationalist, Robert Thomas, is always extremely interesting. As Gentry thrashes through premature objections by Wheaton's finest G.K. Beale (a-mill), readers will immediately become cognizant of the depths of Gentry's studies! Zeroing in on many of the arguments asserted by late date (A.D. 92-95) advocates, Gentry demolishes each of them as establishes the early date beautifully. This is a must read for all student of eschatology... No for all students of scripture! After, completing this book... I am assured that you will desire to finish all of Gentry's books. 5 Stars hands down...

I have never read any of Dr.Gentry work.After reading this book, it won't be my last. The book is from a partial preterist view of the book of Revelation. Great points that are made for the beast of Revelation. Also the arguments for the early dating of the book of Revelation was great. One of the best part of this book is the research done on the early church fathers on the early date of this the book of Revelation. If you are a futurist or any other position, read this book. Great work Dr.Gentry.

I love synchronicites and that's what Gary has plenty of in this amazing book. From the first page, you are drawn in and wonder why such a plain ordinary everyday guy comes to be the "Chosen One". I love how it unfolds and how everthing and everyone comes into play. Gary has written every emotion possible for the two main characters. It is like a rollar coaster ride. The best part about this book is that it has all of my interests (from the Mayan Calendar theory,the Secret Socitey Groups,the Merkaba,numerology, meditation and more)all rolled into one book. Near the end of my journey of this book there were so many interesting synchronicities that happend to me that there are too many to list. The best one I'll mention is on my road trip from Ohio I was coming out of a Tim Horton's and right beside my car door on the ground, were exactly NINE pennies...you have to read the book to understand. Yep....there are no coincidences....I do rank this book very close to the De Vinci Code if not BETTER...Way to go Gary, I look forward to the next one in 2010...

An avid fan
Helen from Toronto

This is a great book would recommend, it is well written, read it in just a few days unable to put it down.

Zeke Banyon had no idea that on the fateful day Angela Martin walked into his office to apply for a position at the Seattle Waterfront Mission that his life would change forever - or that he was the 'chosen one' prophecied to somehow save the world from total destruction.
Gary Val Tenuta has written a suspense-filled book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, hardly able to wait for what will happen next! The clues to Banyon's destiny just keep coming and he and Angela, along with professor Kline from a local community college, begin their journey to sort out all the information they have gathered which will lead them to the Ezekiel Code. A group of low-minded Jesuits are after this information in an attempt to place themselves in thier 'rightful place in the New world Order'. They follow the trio every step of the way, even to a mysterious place in the south of France called Rennes le Chateau where they uncover even more clues.
Mirium Flamel, whose studies in alchemy and DNA lead the crew to allow her to join the team, along with Alec Rajani, a physics proffesor who will aid them greatly in their effort to solve this puzzle and save the world from complete annihilation.
Do not miss this book. I highly recommend it.

Ezekiel Code is a long (676 pages) and boring book. In my opinion, the author, Gary Val Tenuta, tried too hard, researched too long, and included too much information to the point that I was saturated with all the numbers and code. The characters he created never seemed real with all their phony dialog, which served only to convey information and never to provide depth and insight into the characters' personalities or feelings. With all the coincidences, the book is like a complicated Nancy Drew, and after wading through the droves of code, the ending is anti-climatic. I was relieved when it was over. It's a shame too because with proper editing (or any editing at all), this might have been a good book.

If you are looking for a good suspenseful, controversial-type mystery, I suggest Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. It's great; I couldn't put it down!

I had the pleasure interviewing Gary Val Tenuta, not only does this man write well, he is also extremely intelligent in his knowledge of life. Brillant in his collections of characters in The Ezekiel Code, I clearly was able to define a voice with each character. In other words the book speaks. I am not an person who keeps interest with a book of this size.
So trust me when I say unless the book spoke to me when I read it,I would of place the book on the shelf for dust. I must also include this urged me to delve my interests further with the 2012 mayan prophecy, along with the numberology.

Tuesday Miles 2008

[[ASIN:0979131510 Faith Undone: The emerging church - a new reformation or an end-time deception]
Faith Undone has been written to warn the Church about a phenomenon called "The Emergent Church." Like the warnings of the prophets, peoples' reaction to this book will vary from alarm through indifference to offence.

Although the book is written in a popular style to be accessible to non academics, it does contain footnotes detailing references so the reader may check the veracity of claims for themselves.

After the introductory chapter, the author traces the origins of the Emergent Church from as early as the 1950s describing how an American business guru influenced a group of church leaders in the 1980s, which in turn gathered and influenced a younger generation of pastors in the 1990s. There was a belief that the church needed to change dramatically to meet the challenge of the post-modern world. Influences that were affecting and shaping the new perceptions of these people appeared to have their roots in New Age and Eastern philosophies. They were also able to gain backing from influential publishers to widely disseminate their views and vision. Like the New Age movement, the Emergent Church is a more a diverse network rather than an organisation.

The book goes on to describe characteristics of the Emergent phenomenon. There is a tendency to promote experience as being more authoritative than scripture, which is no longer held to be absolute truth. This appeal for experience leads to an emphasis on rituals, mysticism and multi-sensory worship. This is justified as a "return" to the practice of the early church fathers and re-discovering of "ancient wisdom." Contemplative prayer is promoted with "centering down," "visualisation," and use of repetitive "mantra-like" prayers such as "The Jesus Prayer." There is also a move from the traditional Protestant view of Holy Communion towards a Roman Catholic perception of transubstantiation and the worship of the Eucharist. Because the author supports a traditional protestant understanding of this subject, and questions the Vatican's possible motives in encouraging the Emergent church in this area, it is likely that some readers will be offended by Oakland's warnings.

Other characteristics of the Emergent Church include "Kingdom Now Theology" which will include a "Replacement Theology" of Israel by the Church. There is a re-defining of "Christ" reminiscent of New Age "cosmic christs." Some proponents of Emergent Theology are uncomfortable with the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, holding it as an example of sacrifice rather than a requirement of God's justice. There is a tendency to emphasise the social side of the Gospel to exclusion of correct belief. Some Emergent leaders are uncertain on issues such as homosexuality.

Throughout the book the author tries not to needlessly "name names" for its own sake, but where necessary identifies key protagonists with relevant quotes. Some of the names may come as a surprise and cause upset.

The author undoubtedly perceives the Emergent influence as a threat to Christian Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy, preparing the way for a lukewarm compromising church that would be open to the deception of end times. I believe Roger Oakland to be sincere in his concern, though others may feel that he is over reacting, seeing dangers where none exist. However the issues raised are important and need to be debated in an open and mature manner. This is an issue which will not go away and all Christians need to be aware of what is happening and will have to make a decision. I would recommend this book as a good introduction to the subject and a starting point for prayer, study and discussion.

Roger Oakland does an outstanding description of how old ancient worship practices and mysticism is invading the Christian Church. I have noticed this over the past decade as people are demanding experiences in their worship, thinking somehow that will make them more spiritual or give them a greater connection with God. I always get nervous when I see hundreds of people jumping around, hands raised, with a rock band going. I keep wondering if that is more emotional frenzy, rather than heartfelt worship.

The Emergent Church wants nothing to do with doctrine or dry bible studies. As Oakland explains, the Emergent Church believes they can't really know what truth is, so why fight about it? Their mentality is: let's sip coffee and dialogue about these issues. What a crock. The bible is quite clear on many topics... it's just that people don't like the answers. Well, tough.

I learned much from Oakland's description of silent breath prayers, candles, walking the labyrinth, lectio divina are all forms of playing God and legalism. Ultimately, they will lead us to towards an One World Church in which the true definition of Christianity will become so modified, it isn't Christianity anymore.

In general, we have a generation of Christians that are biblically illiterate. Oakland shows how we are commanded to grow in our faith and become more like Christ. We would be wise to start learning more about God and who he is through well-led bible studies rather than using unreliable emotions and experiences to form our belief system and worship practices.

An excellent book. God obviously helped Roger Oakland and opened his eyes to help all wish to know the truth of the emergent church, along with the false teaching and teachers the Bible speaks of.

Mr Oakland has been known to be "uninvited" to speak to some modern religious gatherings because he insists on speaking the Truth and using scripture passages to remind us of what the Bible really says.

If you have been wrinkling your forehead and wondering at the doctrines and opinions coming from the "emerging church", this book will help you remember why many things sounded strange to you. It will also encourage you to continue in your own study so as not to be led astray.

I read this book because it was given to me..and I promptly used it as kindling in my fireplace. I am confused as to what Bible that the author uses...because mine says Christ told the apostles that "this is my Body given up for you" as he broke bread, and said "this is my Blood, which was shed so all can be forgiven"....if you want to parse words or meaning, take it up with Christ. The Catholic Church simply does what Christ asks us all to do and resists altering His Word and by keeping the faith as it was when Christ asked the Apostles to continue to grow the faithful. It seems to me that by bashing another Christian Faith, that YOU are not keeping Christ's commandment..that you love one another!! The Catholic Church has kept the faith as Christ left it, and plans to keep it that way until Christ returns in Glory! I don't know what faith Mr. Oakland belongs to, but you can be sure his church history can be counted in days, not centuries!

With details of troop deployments and excerpts from speeches kings deliver to their men before battle, it becomes obvious it is unlikely that the details are historically accurate. Little time is spent discussing personal relationships; most of the stories revolve around battle. The book is easy reading for the most part. Some of the details offered before any given battle are hard to understand, but they rarely have a significant impact on the course of the plot. The price is more than fair, considering the volume of the book itself and the multitude of fantastic stories. Despite the fact that the work cannot be considered a true source of history, there is still a great deal of educational value.

I'm not sure why another reviewer asserts that "this is not a translation of the Latin HRB." Thorpe is translating the Latin Historia Regum Britanniae from the Cambridge MS. 1706 (see p. 34 of Thorpe's intro).

Geoffrey composed the History of the Kings of Britain ca. 1136-38. It is a medieval chronicle, and it adheres to the standards of historiography of the time. While it does not provide the kind of coherent reading experience one might expect from a modern novel, it does offer early versions of what will become familiar tales. Most Arthurian courses (including mine) begin with excerpts from this book--which places the figure of Arthur and his prototypes somewhere in the twilight between Late Antique history and medieval romantic legend. Later vernacular versions of the HRB will be Layamon's Brut (in early Middle English) and Wace's Roman de Brut (in Anglo-Norman French).

Geoffrey was probably Welsh, and some believe that he writes the HRB to please the Norman ascendancy as they have defeated the Anglo-Saxons (the old enemy of the Welsh) a few generations earlier.

In The History of the Kings of Britain, Geoffrey of Monmouth presents a detailed history of the Britons, beginning with Brutus in the twelfth century B.C. and ending with Saxon invasion in the seventh century A.D. Through the main characters of his book, Brutus, Belinus and Arthur, Geoffrey illustrates Britain's glorious past, recalling the events in chronological sequence and providing detailed descriptions of every event, especially those strategic to the building of Britain.
While Geoffrey's source has yet to be proved, in his own introduction, Geoffrey claims to follow a reliable and ancient source given to him by a friend. The lack of evidence to support this claim, coupled with the supernatural elements incorporated into The History of the Kings of Britain, makes it difficult for the modern reader to place complete trust in the text as a historical account of Britain's history. The text is, however, rich in historical value as from his writing, one can deduce much about the political structure of Britain in that time frame, as well as the sociological makeup of the nation. The emphasis on politics, war and international relations, form a rough picture of Britain's power system, and the lengthy stories revolving around his characters give the reader insight on the lives of the British nobility.
The History of the Kings of Britain deserves as much credit (if not more) for its literary value as its historical one. While Geoffrey considers himself a historian, his artistic talents, fluency and extensive use of vocabulary bring his accounts to life, turning the text into an enjoyable literary piece. Especially in key passages (in particular those concerning Arthur), Geoffrey makes very fine and detailed points, often narrating livelily.
Lastly, Geoffrey writes "to be read by the solitary reader, not to be declaimed aloud...recital." While unable to resist the temptation to exalt certain characters he favor, Geoffrey is sensitive to leave much room for the reader's imagination. The experience of reading Geoffrey includes filling in the gaps in his stories with speculations of your own, giving every reader a personal "version" of the book.
The History of the Kings of Britain is both an acclaimed literary piece and a famous historical account. The richness of its text lies in the careful description of the events, and the accessible style of writing. A marvelous attempt at introducing Britain's early history, the History of the Kings of Britain also provides one of the greatest accounts of the Arthurian legend.

I had to read some parts of this book for class and there were times when I was so confused by the writing that I had to reread parts three or four times. At other times I had no problem understanding what was going on. Overall, it is an enjoyable read if you are interested in how biographies were written in the middle ages and if you don't take every word seriously since the author wasn't very faithful to history.

Geoffrey's "The History of the Kings of Britain" is an engaging book about the King's who ruled over Britain and the great deeds they accomplished. I will concentrate particularly on the tales concerning Uther Pendragon and Arthur, since these are the characters that, in one way or another, helped form the image of Arthur we relate to in today's society.
The book is, for the most part, event driven. Geoffrey describes one battle after the next after the next. It is almost certain that he will name each and every important character just as he will explain what happens to them at one point or another. He takes great care in describing how the battles take place. You can be sure he will never miss a name. Although these and other little details about battles and events are interseting, they do not make up for the lack of insight into the characters lives, especially Arthur's.
Throughout the novel it is possible to get a feeling that Geoffrey continues to try and convince us that Arthur is the noblest and most generous of men. Arthur's actions, however, don't always seem to be so. Was his generosity true at heart, or was it a form of subtle bribery to keep his people's and allies favor? Why was Arthur so eager to enter battle, one after another, despite losing so many of his mens lives? Geoffrey does a good job of "telling" us of Arthur's greatness, but does a poor job of "showing" it.
Despite these minor flaws, The History of the Kings of Britain is, if not historically acurate, at least entertaining. The constant battles, change of events and the casual appearance of supernatural powers gives the book that old, medieval feel. As for the text, it is not difficult to understand. Some effort is required to completly comprehend the events taking place, but it's nothing too time consuming. Personally, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about conquest, battles and anything relating to King Arthur.

I think is a very good book, not as good as the books of Patrick Heron or Thomas horn. However the book asserts the fact that any being extraterrestial is actually a heavenly fallen angel. I do believe in Nephilims, Fallen angels and so forth. However I also believe in other civilizations out there in other planets, the universe is HUGE with Billions and Billions of stars and planes a like. I believe God just didn't create life on earth. I believe other civilizations are out there and they are not nephilims, I don't believe that all the ufo sightings and alien contact is related to the nephilims. I believe the goverment has capture flying saucers, I believe they have that technology and i believe a great deal in life in another planets unrelated to nephilims. The book is great, I believe in the human awakening by the year 2012, I recommend this book for anybody who is interested in the nephilims and everything related to the return of these beings.

Think about it. Many times did (Chariots), or UFO's as we now call them, appear in the times of the Old and New Testament.

Ezekel's wheel in a wheel. Elijah's whirlwind. Enoch was translated or in Star Trek terms, was transported. It was a UFO that hovered over Isreal's and Moses' cloud by day, and fire by night. Moses encounter speaking to a bush of fire that didn't burn which was simply a plasma energy or laser amplifier used to transmit voice. It was a laser writer that wrote the 10 Commandments in the rock.

Why did the mountains tremble, shake, and appear to be on fire when God appeared on them. It was an energy force created by a large vehicle. Why the Ark of The Covenant seemed to have electrical current strong enough to kill you if you touched it without using wooden insulators. The Ark of The Covenant was an energized battery and communication device. How did the Red Sea open up and then closed at the right time. UFO technology.

Jesus said, "If these hold there peace then the very rocks will cry out. How could rocks of the earth cry out? They already do. Everything that exists has a frequency in which it vibrates and can be measured, whether it be sound, light, solid, or liquid. Atoms have Quarks, and Quarks are what makes the particular piece of material. It is the molecular and atmic sub particles that vibrate in all matter.

DNA was taken from the marrow or rib of Adam to clone a female version of himself. Why was Adam made of the elements (dust or minerals) of the earth? So he could be comaptable with his environment.

Satan, or Lucifer as he once was known, thought himself smarter than God. He wanted to take on the same or greater notoriety of God and make himself higher than God. But Satan forgot he was a created being. His eyes became bigger than his brain. His treason was treated with excommunication from heaven because he left the pure science and knowledge that God intended for all creation. Satan met up with a blast of energy many times stronger than any energy force mankind has ever seen or ever will see. Jesus said, "I beheld Satan falling from heaven as lightning." In other words Jesus was describing the energy force that was so powerful, that after the dust and smoke cleared, Satan woke up on the opposite side of the Universe at speeds faster than light.

Hell is not in the center of the earth, as we think in terms. Hell is located on the very southern end of the universe opposite of where God is which is in the most Northern end of the universe. Hell is sometimes described as "The Place of Outer Darkness". In other words, Hell is totally void of light and exists in absolute darkness.

Moses asked God to let him see him face to face but God told Moses it was not possible. God put Moses in a cave and passed by the cave exposing only the back side of Himself to Moses. Why? Because the energy field around God is so strong that He had to shield Moses from it so as to not kill him from exposing him to the extreme energy levels.

Why did the Angels instruct Lot and his family to get behind the mountain in a hurry and not stop to look back? Because mountains will shield you from radiation and the light flash from a nuclear blast. It reduced lots wife to ashes or a (pillar of salt). Why salt? The two cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located near the Salt Sea and the tremendous heat from the nuclear blast caused the saltwater to vaporize and was carried with the nuclear wind and it fused to her body much like the ashes that were found on the victims of Pompe.

I read this book with great interest. It is a page-turner that does not disappoint. The data that author gives concerning ufo's, aliens, and encounters of the third kind are quite eye-opening in this text. The author draws possible connections to these alien sightings with the information given in the Bible concerning demons(fallen angels) and spirit-beings. Although I do believe the author's sincerity in this text, I am of the opinion he is wrong about the motives behind the appearances of these beings. Not to spoil the book, I'll suffice to say that the rapture is not taken into account as a possible motive for the demonic deception and appearances.

Outstanding Biblical explanation of UFO's and Fallen Angels and their role in the end time delusion.

A masterpiece that is a must for any serious student of eschatolgy.
Wonderfully written, thought provoking and doctrinally challenging to anyone who has put God into a religious box. A must read.

This second volume of this two volume book is more about what lead to and became the economic historicism of Marx and its consequences. I suggest you read this econd volume before the volume 1. Why? The most important parts are about reasoning. Reasoning why people act the why they do and then you will see much better why Popper is opposed to Plato in volume 1's argument.

The main body of this book provides the best argument I have seen against a closed-totalitarian society. It is a must read for Libertarians and U.S. Republicans for sure. The Liberal U.S. Democrats will not like it at all, -- the Conservative Democrats will probably like it. The UK Classical Liberals will almost certainly side with Popper.

For some reason the idea that Plato was pro-Totalitarianism and a Racialist was not brought forth in any of the schools I attended. Well, this book's volume 1 certainly corrects that oversight.

Even if you are opposed to Popper, his argument must be answered if you are going to be taken seriously in a debate. You will get a coherent historical line of thought from Plato all the way up to current Totalitarianism esp. Communism. If you are a totalitarian now, you might not be one after you read these books -- or you are going be to better prepared to defend yourself.

As a total fan of Popper (the book is a must read), I can't stand by and let criticism on Popper pass by, without trying to falsify this criticism. So here's my comments on the review of September 16 (while at the same time touching some - of the many - subjects that the book treats).

The review criticises Popper for calling Plato's philosophy totalitarian. The reviewer argues that:
1. the word totalitarian didn't exist in Plato's age, ergo Plato's philosophy couldn't be totalitarian.
2. that totalitarianism is a word especially constructed for the mind control practised by modern dictatorships, and that the ancient dictatorships couldn't practice this kind of dictatorship because they lacked the technical abilities.
3. that totalitarian leaders aren't bothered by what Plato writes, and thus that Plato's philosophy can't be responsible for totalitarianism.

ad 1. Clearly dogs existed before the word `dog' existed, atoms existed before the word `atom' existed and totalitarianism could have existed, before the word `totalitarianism' existed.
ad 2. While the word `totalitarianism' might have been created for the mind police exercised by the Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany, the word can also be used to make a distinction between ancient dictatorships. It would indeed be wrong to call the dictatorship practised by the ancient Egyptian pharaoh's - that condoned the existence of the Jewish religion - as totalitarian. However the point Popper is making, is that Plato's philosophy didn't condone different views. Plato basically said that the wisest should lead and that none shall question him. This philosophy is supported with `mind control' techniques as: banning foreign influences and thoughts (banning free travel), disallowing the writing of certain scriptures/books, and disallowing the right of free speech to the working class, woman and the under 45. While in modern times there is surely a greater range of mind control techniques (although in contrast: inventions have also made it easier to exchange ideas), it would be strange not to call Plato's philosophy totalitarian, simply because the ancient times lacked camera's, etc. The important aspect of Plato's philosophy is whether it leaves room for different views, if not: it is essentially totalitarian.
ad 3. Firstly a philosophy can be totalitarian without ever being responsible for a totalitarian government, just as a racist book need never create a racist person (or be the cause of a racist action). Secondly, I believe Popper is right in asserting that Plato has made a considerable contribution to the believe in the wise, unquestionable leader. Even if Plato hasn't directly inspired dictators, his philosophy hasn't helped to create checks on these leaders. Instead Popper is arguing for criticism, and although a dictator will probably not spend much time studying Popper, hopefully it will stimulate resistance to its policies.

Lastly, the reviewer remarks that Plato can't be blamed for a undemocratic/dictatorial philosophy because in those times people simply didn't know better. This puts questionmarks at how well the reviewer read the book, since Popper took great time in this book to show otherwise. To show that democratic views were known to Plato, but that he rejected them for the totalitarian rule of the wise leader.

I think there is one better, Ludwig von Mises'Human Action.But this is a great great book.

To begin with,the word "totalitarianism" only came into existence in the 20th century or rather the late 19th century.Anyone who is interested can confirm this by looking it up in the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary.Popper is applying a term to describe Plato's philosophy which never existed when Plato was alive.In other words he's accusing Plato of being a totalitarian when totalitarianism didn't exist.There were dictatorships and tyrannies of course but these have always existed since men began living in cities (around 4000 BC).People in ancient Egypt, or ancient Mesopotamia,or ancient China were ruled by kings,pharaohs,or emperors and lived in un-democratic societies long before Plato was even born.How can you blame Plato for the fact that someone was ruled by a king or pharoah when Plato hadn't been born yet?
The way that Popper uses the word totalitarianism it means the same as dictatorship or tyranny but in fact the word totalitarian had a specific meaning because it was used to describe the governments of Soviet Russia (especially under Stalin) and Nazi Germany.People who analyzed these governments at the time wanted to make the point that they were different from dictatorships or tyrannies in the past.Different, not just because they killed millions of people in concentration camps but because of the control they exercised over individuals who lived in those societies.This kind of control over the individual was only possible in the modern nation-state which didn't exist in Plato's time.In the modern nation-state you have governments with bureaucracies,modern communications,secret police forces,and political parties none of which existed when Plato was developing his philopsophy. Last point.If anyone takes the trouble to read biographies of Hitler or Stalin you very quickly realize that these were not the kind of men who would sit down and read Plato's Republic for inspiration.Raymon Aron in his book Democracy and Totalitarianism (which I recommend to anyone who wants to understand totalitarianism) made the point that the kind of men who seize power and become dictators don't need a philosophical justification to take power.Seizing power is its own justification.A case in point is Sadaam Hussein.Does anyone out there seriously believe that he read all of Plato's works as preparation to become dictator of Iraq? Of course not and neither did Hitler or Stalin.Popper appeals to the conspiracy buffs who want to believe that there is a secret liberal plot to undermine Western civilization and need someone to pin it on.Since Plato had a number of uncomplimentary things to say about democracy he becomes an obvious target.

Popper attempts - and largely succeeds - in puncturing the myth that authoritarian societies are in any way superior to Open Societies. This is an important message, particularly in this morally relativistic age where intellectual support (and justification) of authoritarian regimes is at an all-time high. The terrible truth is that totalitarian regimes do horrible things to their own people without qualms.

Popper demolishes the idea that a planned society is somehow preferable to a free one. A planned society is necessarily a static society, i.e. Eastern Europe and the USSR since 1945; the exact opposite is true of dynamic, continually evolving open societies. A casual look will convice all except the loonies still "waiting for the Revolution" that a liberal, market-driven culture produces goods and services that an authoritarian one cannot.

But his other arguement is deeper, more subtle. An open society is intrinsically more powerful for its intellectual machinery. It is not the material wealth of the West that should be admired (or disparaged if you are of that type). It is our intellectual dominance - particularly the US - that is so overwhelming. And it is true in all areas - scientific research, inventions, art, music, science...open societies excel, planned societies falter.

This is Popper's strongest arguement for an open society - the relationship between economic and political freedom. It is not possible to have one without the other over the long haul. Yet, Popper touches on what might be considered the greatest weakness of our own success - the idea that material wealth leads does not require political freedom or participation. In this era of slogans, sound bites and everyone from actresses to radio hosts to rap stars dispensing political advice, it is important to remember that an open society exists only so long as citizens choose freedom through informed choices. Intellectual laziness or (worse) depravity is the first step to cultural decline. An important, readable work.

Oh my! What a great book....I read it in one day! I could not put it down. Great supense thriller with romance. Ms. Tedder was so accurate it was frighting. This book helped change my way of thinking about religion and government.

Looking forward to the next book!

I was so impressed with this book. I love reading new-age thrillers and it's a wonderful treat to find one by an author who is a gifted writer and familiar with new-age principles. By the end of the book, I felt as if I knew the characters as well as members of my family--and they were extremely interesting and adventuresome. I also loved the blend of the spiritual and physical aspects. Outstanding job, Ms. Tedder! This has to be a series, and I hope the next one comes out soon.

Starts slow and menacing and builds to a breathtaking climax. Had my doubts at first because it's such a long book. When I finished 2 days later I realized how it all ties together. Many layers of plot and subplot. Great characterization. One thing about it being so long was that the writer really had room to explore who the characters really were and then they stuck in my head and won't go away. Can't wait to read the prequel story.

I wanted to like this book. The reviews are all so glowing that I wonder if I were shipped the wrong book. The writing is amateurish, clumsy and cliché-ridden. The characters are so wooden and false that there is no suspension of disbelief. This book is just so bad...a complete waste of paper.

I enjoyed this book very much. It struck me on many different levels and I am not sure I could do it justice with a review like Ms. Klausner's but Ms. Klausner's explanation of the plot and the people in this book is very good and was enough to entice me to read the book. Sometimes when I read vague reviews [not Ms. Klausner's], I wonder if the reviewer really read the book or not, so please allow me to tell you my favorite scene and why it was so powerful. It takes place on page 159 and 160 when I first see Madison with her daughter on a farm in Georgia before special agent Austin Waite shows up to take her back. As a father of young children I could not understand in the first ten chapters how Madison could have given away her daughter or why but it broke my heart when I saw them together and I realized how much she loved her child and how much Madison had sacrificed her own personal happiness to save the world. After I read that part I awoke my children and gave them a good hug because I don't ever want to put my career ahead of my family again and that is exactly what I have been doing. You know what's funny? I got the book because of the biological warfare spy plot. The last thing I expected was the kind of emotion I found in this book or in myself.

I recommend that parents read this with their kids (esp younger readers, eg, my daughter is 8yo but loves Jacqueline Wilson books) rather than leaving them to read on their own. It contains a few confronting issues, eg, references to a parent's suicide and drug abuse, that may need a little explaining. Otherwise, i think it is a really valuable book - not only enjoyable for kids but brings up some really pertinent issues for young people, eg, bullying and friendship, the importance of not judging people, dealing with 'uncool' parents etc etc. There are a lot of kids like Tanya and Mandy out there and books like this are helpful in giving a better sense of the complexity of their situations. I also liked the way Mandy's mother was portrayed, ie, her character displayed a level of complexity not normally found in books for this age group.

My favorite part was the drawings! I also thought how the chapters were actually named after Mandy's felt pens was cool. I was on the edge of my seat when Tanya shoplifted.I INSIST YOU READ THIS BOOK!

This is a moving, angry, and sometimes funny tale from Jacqueline Wilson.
The book's about a ten-year old girl called Mandy White who certainly doesn't look 10. She doesn't really like herself and gets bullied at school by mean, bossy Kim and her nasty gang.
One day Kim's behaviour really gets out of control, and Mandy gets knocked down by a bus.
While recovering from the accident, Mandy meets a girl called Tanya who's really cool and dresses like she's 16, not 14, and wears her hair in this ultra-cool style. She immediately befriends Mandy and Mandy's life gets much, much better, even though Kim and her gang of girls still torment her. It doesn't matter that Tanya's not from a very good background and Mandy gets treated like a baby.
Read the book to find out more.

A book about Mandy White, a 10 year old girl that looks like she's 8. She meets Tanya across the street. Tanya has horrible roots but that doesn't effect the girls' friendship. Mandy becomes alarmed when her and Tanya go shopping and Tanya shoplifts. Once Tanya gets caught they try to run away. Tanya and Mandy get caught while Tanya is trying to catch Mandy. Tanya tells the police that Mandy is innocent so they let Mandy go. Tanya ends up going to Juvenile Hall.
This is my all-time favorite book, EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT!!!

A book about Mandy White, a 10 year old girl that looks like she's 8. She meets Tanya across the street. Tanya has horrible roots but that doesn't effect the girls' friendship. Mandy becomes alarmed when her and Tanya go shopping and Tanya shoplifts. Once Tanya gets caught they try to run away. Tanya and Mandy get caught while Tanya is trying to catch Mandy. Tanya tells the police that Mandy is innocent so they let Mandy go. Tanya ends up going to Juvenile Hall.
This is my all-time favorite book, EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT!!!