Queen The Books

As a Pagan, I find it puzzling to see the beginnings of alliances between many Christian fundamentalists and Jewish liberals. And I find it even more puzzling to see the beginnings of alliances between many Muslim fundamentalists and Christian liberals. What's up with that? This book helps explain it.

First, the Christian fundamentalists and the Jewish liberals. Traditionally, Jewish liberals have been suspicious of Christian fundamentalists for many reasons: the most vocal Christians have generally defamed Jews, encouraged anti-Jewish violence, and engaged in missionary work that Jews have reacted very negatively to. In addition, views on social issues such as abortion, school prayer, and gay rights have generally been very different among these two groups. And Christian fundamentalists have been suspicious of Jewish liberals for some of the same reasons: differences on social issues as well as the hostility that they see on the Jewish side.

Why is it becoming different now? The author explains that it is because both sides see a need to defend Israel. I think that explains part of it. But I think he overlooked something even more important: both the Christians and Jews are siding with Israel for the same reasons. That is, the constant Arab lies, the United Nations and European Union support for Arab terror, and the dishonesty of many in the media have angered both groups in the same way. And even upon further reflection, they both still see all these problems as serious threats to society as a whole.

That's the easy part.

The tough question, which Merkley answers superbly, is why we're seeing an alliance between Christian liberals and Muslim fundamentalists. Merkley shows that it goes far beyond any need to attack Israel.

The two groups are strange bedfellows indeed. They have different religions, and their attitudes towards religion are very different. One group has mostly liberal values while the other is reactionary and intolerant. Historically, they have the legacy of Muslim invasions of Europe, the Crusades, and European colonialism. Why would liberal Christians support those who favor slavery, terrorism, totalitarianism, irredentism, mistreatment of Women, and intolerance of the rights of others in general? Why would fundamentalist Muslims even seek or accept such support?

It certainly isn't any rational need to oppose Israeli behavior. As the author points out, "Israel's offence follows from the nature of Islam." This alliance is the result of three factors: Muslim offence at the existence of Jewish rights in Israel, Muslim pressure on the Christians of the Middle East, and long-standing contempt of Judaism by more than a few Western Christians.

Merkley shows that the effect of all this has been devastating to the Christians of the Middle East. The majority have fled the area. Most of those who have stayed have done so either because they supported Muslim terror against the Jews or because they were pressured into tolerating it. This has poisoned their relations with the Israeli Jews while not raising their esteem in the eyes of Arab Muslims.

Merkley is at his best when he documents the reactions of all sorts of diverse Christian groups to the State of Israel. I strongly recommend this book. And if you want more, read Bat Ye'or's book on Islam and Dhimmitude next.

This book documents how liberal Protestants in the U.S. who have reworked their theology regarding the Jewish people have allowed the prophetic voices of their churches to be hi-jacked by groups like Sabeel and the Middle East Council of Churches and other church institutions that have embraced what can be politely described as a Judeophobic agenda. These institutions have portrayed Israel's efforts to defend itself against enemies intent on destroying it as a Jewish assault on Christian sensibilities and the mainline churches cooperate in broadcasting this narrative. Merkley offers enormously valuable background and history to the conflict. It also provides insight into how putatively progressive Christians have remained silent about the the mistreatment of religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East. A hugely important book that has not gotten enough attention. A must read for this interested in understanding Christian anti-Zionism.

This absorbing work follows on from Merkley's 1998 masterpiece The Politics of Christian Zionism 1891-1948. He believes Christian attitudes to Israel derive from deeply held theological persuasions that ought to be considered in the historical context of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The first part reviews the historical elements that have always been present in Christian attitudes towards Judaism whilst the main body reveals the wide variety of Christian voices worldwide and particularly in the Middle East. Finally, he examines different Christian institutions and their theological and political relations to the Middle East. His arguments derive from verifiable facts and evidence based on the official literature of churches and organizations as well as interviews with spokespeople of the aforementioned and of the State of Israel and the Palestinian authority. Merkley engages boldly and wittily with this arsenal of fact and opinion, unafraid to take a stand, speak his mind and make a case for Israel.

He chronicles the development of the attitudes of different strands of Christianity, including the Catholic and mainstream Protestant churches on the one hand versus Evangelicals on the other, whilst acknowledging that significant numbers of individuals in the first two groups hold personal convictions that correspond more closely with the second. Approved by the United Nations, the establishment of Israel in 1948 occurred in an environment of worldwide approval but even then there were opposing voices. These came from Protestant missionary groups in the Middle East as well as anti-Zionist Jewish organizations in the USA. Soon after the rebirth, the Catholic and mainstream Protestant churches started to shift to a critical stance. Formed a few weeks after this historic event, the World Council of Churches has a long history of enmity to the Jewish state. As the war clouds were gathering in 1967, the WCC remained quiet about the Arab World's bellicose rhetoric and threats of genocide. But immediately after Israel's resounding victory, it pounced with a sanctimonious condemnation of violence.

Since then, the WCC has become notorious for parroting Arab and UN propaganda, culminating in its participation in the hate-fest at the 2001 UN Conference on Racism in Durban. Merkley lucidly exposes the reptile tongue of the WCC and the mass media, demonstrating the similarities with the anti-Semitic propaganda of the Nazis. He argues that the leaders of the WCC are a militant ecumenical elite far removed from the essence of theology and fully committed to political causes. He contends that Christian anti-Zionism is not just a form of generic anti-Zionism but that it draws from the same theological roots as the medieval European blood libels. In this regard, see also The Resurgence of Anti-Semitism by Bernard Harrison. The Christian Left seeks to appease radical Muslim opinion about the existence of Israel, as liberal churches have allied themselves with a movement with which they have nothing in common. Merkley does not pretend to believe in either the meme of the religion of peace or the willingness of Israel's neighbors to live in peace with it. See Peace: The Arabian Caricature of Anti-Semitic Imagery to understand why.

As anti-Zionism gained momentum in the 1970s, more individuals with different convictions started leaving those churches as is evident from the declining membership of the mainstream denominations. And Christians Zionists became actively involved in the support of Israel and her people in the Diaspora. Those of a theologically more conservative disposition have shown themselves to be steadfast and loyal friends of the Jewish State. Organizations like the Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, Bridges for Peace, Christian Friends of Israel, the International Christian Zionist Center and CUFI are devoted to the welfare of the country by means of practical and political assistance. Chapter seven provides interesting information on the institutional variety of and theologies of Christian Zionism. Please note that most of them avoid proselytizing. Standing With Israel by David Brog is an informative read on the history and current composition of the movement whilst In Defense of Israel by John Hagee and Future Israel: Why Christian Anti-Judaism Must Be Challenged by Barry Horner explain the theological motivation.

Merkley is uncertain whether the mainstream churches will move further in the direction of what he calls neo-Marcionism (See Lost Christianities by Bart Ehrman for an explanation) in order to appeal to secular liberals, Islam and the Eastern churches or whether it will attempt Jewish-Christian reconciliation. On the Protestant side the signs are not promising with their divestment attempts, while things look more ambiguous in the Roman church in view of the militant rhetoric of Michel Sabbah, Archbishop of Jerusalem. Besides obvious reasons for standing with Israel like its adherence to the rule of law, commendable record of respecting the holy places of all religions, astonishing cultural and technological accomplishments and uninterrupted record of democracy, there is another reason why Christian Zionists are loyal to the Jewish state. It is, like the attitude of the other churches, rooted in theology, but quite overtly based on scripture. To its Christian friends, the rebirth of Israel represents the major miracle of the 20th century. It is a requirement of faith to seek the blessing of Israel above all other considerations; the existence of Israel is considered crucial to the survival of our Judeo-Christian civilization.

Among the valuable contributions of this illuminating work is the refutation of myths, false perceptions and stereotypes fabricated by the mass media. As already mentioned, many Christian Zionist organizations have a strict policy of not seeking converts. They are not all fundamentalists or biblical literalists nor do they profess to know the sequence of events that will lead to the return of Messiah, and least of all do they want the Jewish people to suffer any more than they already have. Merkley provides abundant evidence that anti-Zionism flourishes on the Christian Left today, but further proof is available in The New Anti-Semitism by Chesler and The Deadliest Lies by Foxman. I highly recommend Christian Attitudes toward the State of Israel to all who wish to understand what is happening in this world of lengthening shadows. The book includes notes, a bibliography, references and an index.

I can't say enough good things about this book. In fact, I am going to buy several copies to give to friends, both Christian and Jewish. I'd like to give it to liberal Protestant friends, but sadly, having read the book I am older and wiser about the deep roots of liberal Protestant hostility to Israel (and Jews).

I found the background on the World Council of Churches, the Vatican, and the Evangelicals really fascinating. Merkley is wonderfully frank and honest about difficult topics. I found him a trustworthy reporter. At times his exasperation shows, but on the whole he shows an admirable restraint.

This book helped me understand some unpleasant interchanges I've had with people in my own community, for example the Presbyterian minister and the socially elite lady who works with Protestant missions in "Palestine." I have been deeply disturbed by their moral indifference to Jewish life (the minister) and outright anti-semitic slurs (the rich mission lady.) It is always helpful to be able to put personal experiences like this in a larger political/historical context and understand them at a deeper level.

On a happier note, Merkley gave me information I did not know about the theology and policies of the main Evangelical groups. I was especially interested to learn that the often repeated comment they are only helping Israel so that all the Jews will be killed in Armageddon is actually a lie promulgated by anti-Israeli Christians eager to alienate Jews from their one group of dependable support (Merkley says this in a much more measured way, but that's the nub). I have to say this also fits my personal experience - the several evangelicals I have talked to in my community have only quoted Bible about 'those that bless you shall be blessed, those that curse you shall be cursed' in explaining why they think supporting Israel is a good idea (in both senses of the word 'good.')

I feel very grateful to Merkley for this book and I only wish it were more widely read.

I thought this book was absoutely fantastic! I loved this book because it tells the story of the queen's life in her own perspective. I also like this book because it tells a lot about Cleopatra.You see, I love ancient Egypt,and Cleopatra is my favorite Egyptian ruler. I love learning more and more about Cleopatra and ancient Egypt. This was possibly the best way I could do that. This is also preparing me for a career I want to do when I grow up. I want to be an Egyptologist. This was a great book.

Cleopatra, a historical fiction book written by Polly Schoyer Brooks tells the story of how the beautiful, Egyptian queen Cleopatra used her elegance to pursue two powerful Roman leaders into helping her regain lost land and conquer more land for her Egyptian kingdom.

When I started reading this book I thought it would be more factual than was my liking. As the book went on it grew more and more exciting until at times I could not put it down. I enjoyed reading about Julius Caesarýs relationship with Cleopatra. It was depressing though when Caesar was stabbed by some of his own subjects. After Caesarýs death Cleopatra was greatly depressed until Mark Antony, one of Caesarýs friends, came to her. She fell in love with him and they ruled Rome and Egypt together.

One of the most interesting parts was went Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Cleopatraýs other powerful husband, were in battle against Octavius and his fleet. While some of their ships were on fire they secretly escaped on Cleopatraýs royal barge and fled back to Alexandria.

The book got boring when Antony was off at battle and there was nothing for Cleopatra to do. It picked up pace though when Antony stabbed himself because Octavius had taken all his army. When Cleopatra heard that her beloved had killed himself she planned her own death. But did she follow out with this plan or did she meet another powerful Roman lover. You will have to read the book to find out.

This book is great for young or old to read. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about history but thinks those text books lack action and are way to boring.

I am in middle school, and I was doing a report on Cleopatra and this was the most helpful book that I found, and not only was it imformative, but it was fun to read. So, not only was this one of the most imformative books I have read, but it is also a good book. I loved this book and would reccommand it to any one at all.

If I don't like a book than I just don't like it. I won't read it and no one can make me. With a book I like you can't get it away from me. I don't know how many times I've been up to 2:00 am reading under the covers. With this book I was up till 4:00 am reading under the covers because I couldn't wait to turn the page and see what was going to happen next. This book takes a woman who knew what she wanted and how to get it. It tells you with wonderful adjectives how she got those ambitions fufilled and what happened after that. It takes a historical event and puts it in one of the lines in the story. So please take my avice and read about the goddess of Egypt and the enemy of Rome.

I have 22 nancy drew mysterys and this is the best of all

This is the best Nancy Drew book I have ever read and I have read a lot! Put this on the top of your reading list even if you hate reading. IT's that good!

The mystery is very good and Carolyn gives you no clue as to who is spoiling the show or why. One of the best.

This book was one of the best books in the series. ( At least I did.) This book was full of surprise's. The list of suspect's keeps on growing.

My intro CJ class was assigned this textbook and about half of our test came out of assigned readings, so I spent a good deal of time with this book. I found the book to be professionally written yet easy to digest, even for a college freshman. It gets updated every year, but I compared my 1yr old text with the newer version a classmate had and almost nothing had changed besides these little real-world story blurbs that are spread throughout the book, so you could save some money that way.

GREAT TO BUY FROM! SHIPPED QUICK AND THE BOOK IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED!!

I found this book, while currently enrolled at a local 2 year college in Criminal Justice,to be very helpful in explaining how the Criminal Justice system works, from early initiaion of law enforcement practices to modern day. There are many fascinating aspects to explore, and learn from within this text. It also helps to have an instructor that is knowledgeable with the text, so the teaching can be understood.

This book is very educational for those who are majoring or minoring in Criminal Justice. The book itself explains how the Criminal Justice works. In addition to this, the book helps you understand the laws. It also allows you to understand each and every law that the government of the United States has set. The author of this book seems to be very detailed and specific about every law and details of these. Another thing that makes this such a great book to any college student who has great interest in learning Criminal Justice is that it has great illustrations to explain the rights and wrongs of the law.

This is a totally engrossing, deeply learned historical novel based on the life of Sir Walter Ralegh (Garrett's preferred spelling), with emphasis on his last few days before being executed by order of James I. Garrett "paints" a brilliant picture of Ralegh's life and times, and rather than relating his story in chronological order, he describes and develops, through various voices, the major events that have brought him to the prison cell he now occupies. In one chapter a fellow soldier relates Ralegh's military career, emphasizing the bravery, pride, and honor that guided him in all things: even at the end after failure in Guiana means certain death for him in England, Ralegh out of pride and honor brings his ship home rather than desert his pledge. Most of the chapters are told in the voice of an omnipotent narrator as they focus on events and people associated with Ralegh: Francis Bacon, a schemer always in debt, eventually impeached by Parliament for bribe-taking; Edward Coke, who as Attorney-General tried him in 1603 in a cruel and most unfair way; Queen Elizabeth, who granted Ralegh all sorts of favors and privileges; James I, prejudiced against Ralegh ever since the death of the Earl of Essex, his partisan, the blame for which fell on Ralegh's shoulders; even the Bishop of Salisbury who administers to Ralegh's religious needs the night before his beheading (they have a brilliant conversation about innocence, the King's justice, and fear of death). Garrett's prose is muscular and authoritative: it shows a great deal of research, but his notecards are nowhere to be seen. Anyone interested in Ralegh or in superbly written historical fiction will find much to praise in his book. Highly recommended.

If you are ready to read some beautiful prose, then check this book out. Garrett's writing is wonderful, but rather thick. Take some time to read this book, as it is not one that can be read in one (or even three) sittings, but is well worth the read. Raleigh is very well portrayed here, with all his character quirks thrown in for good measure.

The intensity with which this novel focuses on every moment of two days of Sir Walter Ralegh's life (and the era-spanning memories that run through his mind) can make you wake up to the passing of your own life. The book paints a big canvas, dealing with the political intrigues and daily life of the world most moderns know through Shakespeare. It has a sharp eye for historical ironies, at times can be spooky in its showing of puny humans caught in the vast forces of history. But it is also a celebration of man and womankind, and one particularly complex and interesting man.

The research that must have gone into this is amazing, the book is a fund of knowledge. If you know something about English history of this time, you will take pleasure in witty ways the facts are revealed. But if you don't know anything about the period or place, you will find yourself in an alien but strangely familiar world that unfolds with the feeling of current events. A great novel of politics, society and the mind.

Lots of copies are available used -- get it.

Garrett's novel is one of the best works of historical fiction I have ever read--and one of the best works of literary fiction. His knowledge of the historical setting, the detailed narrative and his stately pacing make an already fascinating story completely engrossing. His moving depiction of Raleigh the "Fallen Star" living with memories and facing the inevitable is coupled with an unsentimental look at the intricate machinations of Raleigh the "Fox." With the exception of Thomas Flanagan, I can't think of another author who writes historical fiction with so much intelligence and subtlety.

Such a magnificent book! It is transformational, informative and enlightening. The author provides wonderful tools in a simplistic, energizing and joyous manner. It's definitely a book to keep on the shelves, so that it can be read and utilized over and over again. It has been a truly divine gift in owning, recognizing and living the Goddess Queen within myself, along with cherishing even more the Goddess Queen within us all. This book is for "all walks of life". The author, Kelly, has a true gift in presenting such illuminating material that enlivens any and every heart and/or mind!

This is a truly amazing book! The author reveals herself and in doing so allows you to be honest with yourself as to who you are. She gives you hope for the future and all the beauty that lay in you and in this world. You'll read it over and over again, laughing, empathisizing with the author, and filled with joy. This is a book you will keep for yourself and recommend to ALL of your friends!
We all loving being Drama Queens, but life as a Goddess Queen is so much more FUN!

This book changed me from head to toe. I have learned to turn my attention away from drama and toward the divine. The tools Kelly gives you in this book will last a lifetime. It was a warm and witty journey that has left me with a well of practical information and exercises to draw from and use in my every day life to direct myself more positively and to steer away from negative thoughts. Thank you, Kelly! I loved your book.

This book is absolutly wonderful. I was inspired and transformed. The author has such a poetic way of guiding you to your higher self.

The book if fun for the kids but it does have a tendcy to wrip due to kids having too much fun with it. More of an older girls book like maybe 6-7. We did have fun using other paper dolls in it too.

My 4 year old daughter received this as a gift for Christmas and she loved it so much she brought it to preschool for sharing. It was such a hit that we have purchased them as gifts for all the girl's birthday parties we have gone to since.

I ordered this book for my daughter after seeing it in a bookstore near our house. She loves paper dolls, Princesses, and anything that goes with them and has an imagination that I'm sometimes jealous of so I wasn't surprised when she begged me for this. The stage for the book has kept her busy for hours, she has created "show" upon "show" and it's fun to watch her mind at work. It's also become a stage for her Polly Pockets dolls and any other doll that fits. I laminated the paper doll "actors' that came with the book, otherwise I don't know how long they would last, but overall we couldn't be happier with this which is nice, because sometimes Disney Princess books leave much to be desired.

Wouldn't pay the list price but on sale this is a great book/activity- Theater folds out and there are paper doll type figures that can stand up. Comes with scene changes and a play book. My daughters 7 and 5 both like this although use their own imaginative play more than the play book. With parental help, they will love putting on the plays! Really cute- a very OOOOHHHHHHH present for at a birthday party!

parents being dead catherine was only seen as politcal pawn to use by her family.she deal with the lose of people who truly care for her,become a strong smart woman.she married a french royal in love with another woman.but she become queen help rule with her sons.becoming most powerful woman in the rule.

Duchessina like most books by Carolyn Meyer was amazing. It talkes of a young girl woes family falls from power in Italy. she depratel put in a covent for her own protection. I loved this book and sugest it to most of my friends.

When I was finished with this book, I hated it. I thought that the author made Catherine seem like a heroine, when in reality (from what i have read) she was more of a "bad girl"! But after reviewing the book in my head after a few days, i realized how much i liked the book. It's a very fast read-things certainly don't turn out the way you would hope. so if you are a hopeless romantic reader...don't read it. but i learned a lot about that era in time. I liked it.

Catherine de'Medici, Duchessina, grows up in a palace in Florence where her family rules the city. When her family falls out of power, she must flee. She becomes imprisoned within the walls of convents for her protection against the angry mob that calls for her death. At the first convent, the nuns make their hatred of her family no secret.

The Duchessina lives in misery, enduring the pain as best she can under the circumstances. Finally, the tides change and her family once again controls not only Florence but the papacy as well. The Pope, her old guardian, calls for her to live in Rome until he can make arrangements for her future.

As one of the richest woman in Europe, the Pope intends to make an advantageous marriage. He marries the Duchessina off to the Dauphin of France. The Dauphin cares little for his new wife and Catherine's misery continues, but she creates advantages to help ease her pain and eventually finds contentment.

A wonderful outlook on the creation of Madame Serpent, remembered in history as the "girl who endured." Carolyn Meyer takes another historical princess and adds strong characters and rich details to spin a delightful tale.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

I have yet to read a book on Eleanor that I did not find interesting. She is quite a character. My recommendation is to start out by watching the film, Lion In Winter, and then graduating to books on the subject. This one would be a good place to begin.

After having read the romantic but scholarly book by Amy Kelly and the loose but lively biography of Alison Weir, this book presents the perfect balance between readability and scholarship.

The author did an excellent job informing the reader of the differing viewpoints regarding this amazing woman. I learned in detail about Eleanor's two husbands, her ten children, and the various enemies to the "Angevin empire." Thus this book is not just about Eleanor, but also about the historical period in which she lived.

I love this book. I first read it two years ago, and I was hooked. Anyone remotely interested in Eleanor Aquitaine should definetly read this. It's fascinating and absorbing. Two thumbs up for Desmond Seward!

I am both a children's librarian and an instructor for a children's program about knights and knighthood. Whenever a young person approaches me about joining the program and becoming a knight, I tell them to first read this book. It is a fine "boy book" as well, especially for those who look to the knights of the past for adventure and inspiration.

You don't have to be Christian to enjoy this book, but if you are, you will especially appreciate the message. The knight sets out to serve his king, and gives everything of himself to help those along his journey. By the time he reaches the castle, he is so old and worn out, he is no more than a "heap of tattered rags". Despite his fellow knights' mockery, the king recognizes him as his noble servant and has him brought to his very own chambers. Although the knight worries that he has failed him,the king responds, "Did you not know that every time you helped one of my people, you were my own true and faithful knight?"
The illustrations are realistic and detailed. They really hold the kids' attention. My son(6), daughters(4,2), and I all love this book!

The first line of this extraordinary book caught my attention and sent my imagination soaring. "Once long ago, when the year was greening with spring, a brave knight was called to serve his King." Soon after that opening line it was the illustrations that reached out, grabbed me, and pulled me on into this charming story of a knight who only wanted to do the bidding of his King.

When he first received the call to serve his King, the knight immediately set out on his journey to the castle riding his fastest horse. He had a pair of golden spurs the King had sent to him and a firm resolve in his heart to be the best knight ever. If he had been able to continue his original pace and firm resolve, the knight would have been at the King?s castle in a very short time - but that was not to be. There were many people who needed help along the way, and the knight had a compassionate nature. At first he tried to ignore their pleas for help, but soon found that his kind temperament would not allow that. So, since he was concerned about being an errant knight (disobedient, undisciplined), he was conflicted between what he thought was his duty to his King and his sympathy for strangers.

The knight?s many acts of kindness took him away from his original task, and it took years for him to reach the castle. Along the way he had endured many hardships and had given away most of his possessions to the poor. Upon his arrival he fell in a tattered heap near the drawbridge, and the guards laughed at him as he showed them the golden spurs in his trembling hands.

***** The Errant Knight has a message of love and compassion and a wonderful ending that will please children everywhere. As the story closed the knight thought he had failed his duty to his King, but he soon found that in choosing to follow his heart he had served his King best. The beautiful illustrations in this book add wonderful intensity and are so vivid that they seem to stand out in relief. Many times I caught myself involuntarily reaching my hand out to touch them. This is highly recommended reading! *****

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson

The Errant Knight is a profound and deftly written fantasy story by Ann Tompert of a knight loyal in his duty to his king. On the knight's journey to the castle, he encounters frightened travelers seeking aid and protection. The reluctant warrior wants to resist becoming an "errant knight" who serves others outside the king's command, yet his compassion is too strong to deny those who need him the most. Superbly illustrated and enhanced with the memorable artwork of Doug Keith, The Errant Knight is commended as being a powerful picture book tale for young readers of what it truly means to serve and protect.