Saint The Books

Dan Brown's book is fiction, but there are claims that he makes that have confused some of the basic issues of Christianity. This thoughtful and well produced video curriculum will help to dispel many of the myths and untruths spelled out in the novel. I used this in my church and we found it very useful in opening dialogues with those who have read the book or seen the movie.

Exploring the Da Vinci Code with the dvd is absolutely great for exposing the lies of the book by Dan Brown.

Lee even includes the FAQ and Evidence for the identity of Jesus based on discussions with real historians in this area of history.

I recommend everyone get this and use it to share the truth with followers of Dan Brown of those duped by him.

The Discussing the Da Vinci Code Curriculum Kit by Lee Strobel and Gary Poole contains three items: a DVD, a group discussion guide, and the book Exploring the Da Vinci Code by the same authors. In this review I will cover the DVD and it's discussion guide. The accompanying book will be reviewed independently.

This curriculum was put together with "seekers" in mind. "Since the primary audience for this guide is the not-yet-convinced seekers, the ideal place to use Discussing the Da Vinci Code is within the context of seeker groups." (10) The emphasis is group discussion such that if the proposed schedule is followed participants will spend about 17 minutes watching the DVD and 43 minutes conversing per session.

The DVD and discussion guide are broken down into four sessions in which Lee Strobel visits some of the historical locations utilized in The Da Vinci Code and interviews contemporary scholars. In the first session, the topic of historical analysis is discussed with historian Paul Maier. The second session poses the question "Can we trust the four Gospels?" to New Testament scholar Scot McKnight. Strobel interviews Kathy McReynolds in session three about the role of women in Christianity and Jesus' relationship with Mary Magdalene. The final session deals with the divinity of Jesus with scholar Mark Strauss.

Considering the proposed "seeker context," the discussion guide is very well done. It provides great questions for discussion while provided many quotes from scholars, Dan Brown, and facts throughout the booklet. In the back of the guide are several appendices that recommend further resources, state the facts, and give arguments for the true identity of Jesus that is affirmed by historic Christianity.

While it's neat to see Lee Strobel "on location," he doesn't really engage the sites he visits, so that seemed somewhat pointless. Strobel is more known for his investigative journalist approach, which he applied well on the DVD. He asks good questions that provoke good responses form the reputable scholars.

The DVD also has some promotional trailers, which could be shown to get people interested in joining the discussion group. The graphics and navigation of the DVD are extremely well done. The DVD together with the group discussion guide make Discussing the Da Vinci Code a thought provoking curriculum that will be useful for seekers and curious Christians alike.

I was really impressed with the material. A bonus that is not indicated on the material package or on the DVD is that it is CLOSED CAPTIONED CC for the hearing impaired. I am Deaf and really liked the fact it IS CC but Zondervan should indicate this on the packaging.

I read this book when I was a teenager, involved with gymnastics, and it was such an inspiration to me not to give up. The book is about staying positive in life even when hard trials may come your way. This true story is heartwarming and full of courage. Diane (main character) is truly an incredible person.

I found this book to be great reading. It is an inspiration to all who have lived with adversity.

Don't start reading this book late at night. I have shared it with many of my friends and when they start at night, they don't get any sleep.

Renon Hulet captures the pain and ultimate triumph of a real life champion gymnast who becomes paraplegic after an untimely and devastating fall. This book will lift and help anyone who has or is facing seemingly insurmountable tragedy.

Easy to use and carry with all of the pertinent information needed to Rx antibiotics. Well researched and up to date.

This is an amazingly useful and easy to use book! Unlike most other antibiotic guides this one gives you all the information you need when a patient with an infection is in front of you in the office. Not only the drug of choice, but useful alternative therapies, dosages (adults and children), common adverse effects and other helpful prescribing information. And it's so easy to find the infection you're looking for- since the book is arranged from anatomical top (HEENT)in the front to bottom (GU) in the back. There's a separate section for antimicrobials in addition to the one for the disease syndromes. The book fits perfectly into a lab coat (or shirt) pocket and is up to date and highly accurate. The best antibiotic guide I've seen.

A fellow medical student showed me this pocket book and I am glad I bought it. It is very easy to use and the print is readable. The best part of this book is the list of dosing for Peds. I don't have to look up the amount based on the kg of the child; its right there. Highly recommend for those of us who work or do clinical rotations in the out-patient setting.

This is an amazingly useful and easy to use book! Unlike most other antibiotic guides this one gives you all the information you need when a patient with an infection is in front of you in the office. Not only the drug of choice, but useful alternative therapies, dosages (adults and children), common adverse effects and other helpful prescribing information. And it's so easy to find the infection you're looking for- since the book is arranged from anatomical top (HEENT)in the front to bottom (GU) in the back. There's a separate section for antimicrobials in addition to the one for the disease syndromes. The book fits perfectly into a lab coat (or shirt) pocket and is up to date and highly accurate. The best antibiotic guide I've seen.

An excellent apologetic for the Quaker approach to faith. Although Punshon is not well known, he is an outstanding and eloquent writer -- one of the best writers on religious issues I've encountered since Thomas Merton. He makes a strong case for an approach to faith that is grounded both in contemplation and prophetic action; two areas that are often seen as mutually exclusive.

The book is succinct and to the point and will enhance your understanding of Christianity even if Quakerism is not your interest. Punshon takes a common sense approach to much of much of Christian doctrine and even manages to make sense of the sometimes mystifying (to the nonChristian) belief in the divinity of Christ. Especially recommended to agnostics or struggling Christians although it should be noted that Punshon is equally critical of the liberal and conservative wings of the Quaker movement. END

THE WRITER IS PERSONAL AND NOT AFRAID TO BARE HIS SOUL. HE TRAVELS US THROUGH HIS "FINDING" HIMSELF AND THE QUAKER RELIGION AND GROWING THROUGH HIS DISCOVERIES.
I AM ENJOYING THE BOOK, HAVING A HERITAGE OF QUAKERISM WITHOUT THE UPBRINGING NOR EXPERIENCE.

"Encounter With Silence" is a most impressive, if not original, outline of the Quaker tradition which dates back to the middle seventeenth century.

The book, written by Quaker John Punshon and controversial theologian Matthew Fox (who gives a useful introduction from his experience of Quakers), aims to outline the distinctive practices involved in Quakerism and does so most effectively because Punshon is able to write so well from the experience of his own life. He shows how silence aims to produce recollection in those who encounter it and the existence of historical precendents for the Quakers before the seventeeth century. Punshon understands effectively how the first Friends saw convincement (being reborn as a Quaker).

Punshon then focuses on unprogrammed Quaker worship and the manner in which it occurs through believers coming together in silence to pray. He is very effective in focusing on the enviroment created by the simplicity of worship so evident in Quakerism, and he does a useful job of understanding the way in which Quakerism has evolved into the present.

The next part of the book looks at the Quaker testimony and the way in which Punshon was attracted to Quakerism and the meaning of this "Testimony" which is expressed, Punshon feels, through one's life rather than though the Testimony's words.

The remainder of the book aims to deal with the way in which Quaker ethics can be expressed in everyday life. Punshon shows very well who a Quaker meeting can be used to avoid distractions from everyday life, but he spends a lot of the book explaining how one still has to "know how to feel". The book then turns to the meaning of ministry and the rhythm of the unprogrammed meeting.

Punshon does an effective job at remembering what he has learnt throughout the book, especially with repect to the various pieces of Quaker ministry. He does a very good job about explaining how ministry comes to people, and how harmony comes to a religious community.

The next piece focuses on the way in which Quaker principles are applied outside of worship, with examples relating to decision making and being faithful ("if you are faithful in little you will be faithful in much"), and how Friends do not seek to avoid conflict in their opinions. The last few chapters of the book are focused on how Quaker principles are applied in daily life.

Whilst none of Punshon's these are original, they are still a very good read.

This handbook tells you just about everything you need to know about Mary from a Catholic Perspective. The major sections are: Mary Today, Mary in the Scriptures and Early Writings of the Church, Mary in the Liturgy of the Church, The Image of Mary Through the Ages, Marian Prayers, Marian Litanies and Aspirations, Marian Novenas, Devotions to Mary, Glossary of Important Terms, Marian Shrines Worldwide, and a liturgical Calendar of Mary. The appendix contains a few texts from the Catechism regarding Mary.

I learned a lot about Mary. "Mary Today" covers the official Catholic teaching about her, including excerpts from papal encyclicals from John Paul II. "Mary in the Scriptures and Writings of the Early Church" details where the Church has seen Mary in the Old and New Testaments, as well as a few stories about Mary in the spurious New Testament Apocrypha. "Mary in the Liturgy" explains the major Marian feasts and even optional liturgical celebrations related to Mary. "The Image of Mary Through the Ages" looks at how Mary has been viewed in all eras of Christian history, from the Apostolic days until today. The chapters with prayers, litanies, novenas, and devotions are very thorough, including even the earliest known third century prayer to Mary. Most every popular prayer is included, including many rarer ones. The glossary is useful. The shrine list is helpful, although being worldwide, it is by no means exhaustive. The liturgical calendar covers worldwide Marian feasts, and there is a feast of Mary for almost every day.

Overall, this is a very helpful book that explains what the Catholic Church believes about the Mother of the Son of God. It is not meant as an apologetics tool per se. You won't find detailed proofs of the Catholic Church's claims. There are other books for that. As a newly confirmed Catholic, this book deepened my admiration of the Virgin Mary and gave me a greater appreciation of her character and actions in the Divine plan. It also opened my eyes to the importance of Mary in salvation history. For non-Catholics reading this book, the beginning of the book reminds us that any devotion to Mary must lead us closer to Christ. This book will tell you what you need to know about Mary.

An excellent, superb introduction for devouts of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady. Very well structured, its doctrine is trully Roman Catholic. I expected a more elaborated text, more theological (Mariology) but the book is, as it states, a "handbook" with essentials. Some graphics and photographs would certainly help piety. Even though, I highly recommend this publication for those who want to ever glorify Our Lord and the Mother of God.

If you are looking for a comprehensive book of Marian prayers and devotions this book is for you. A blend of ancient and modern this book is one I keep at my nightstand. If you take Vatican II seriously when it asked for a true renewal of devotion to Mary you will find this book very useful. It also contains some lesser known prayers and devotions that deserve greater circulation. It is a solid readable work.

All the "Essential Handbooks" are great (I also own the Lenten Handbook and the Catholic Handbook). They are very prettily typeset and all have lovely covers. The prayers include some you are bound to know, plus many, many new ones. I like that there is a good mix of short prayers and longer devotions. Includes such info as what the Miraculous Medal is, what the Militia of the Immaculata is and where Mary's shrines are worldwide.

Do you ever get the feeling, in this world [and this lovely mortality], that you're just not good enough because you're a woman? How is it that Satan has worked soooo hard on this world, on MEN and especially us women in believing such lies? Perhaps the Adversary has a special vengeance upon women...that is just one of the many interesting subjects talked about in this book. This book is a must-read for ALL women...especially LDS women since, yes, this book is by an LDS author. Many of the quotes used are from Latter-day prophets and apostles. It's a wonderful read. What happened in Eden WAS necessary...none of us would have been able to come here if EVE did not do what she did. I am grateful and very blessed to be a Daughter of Eve. =) Some neat quotes from the book are:

"Eve - a daughter of God, one of the spirit offspring of the Almighty Elohim - was among the noble and great in preexistence. She ranked in spiritual stature, in faith and devotion, in conformity to eternal law with Michael."

"Certainly these sisters labored as diligently then, and fought as valiantly in the war in heaven, as did the brethren, even as they in like manner stand firm today, in mortality, in the cause of truth and righteousness."

"Eve was foreordained to be a partner, an organizer, a builder, and a creator of forms so that the great plan might be fulfilled."

"Then as His final creation, the crowning of His glorious work, He created woman. I like to regard Eve as His masterpiece after all that had gone before, the final work before He rested from His labors."

"So came Eve...the last created being in the creation of the world, without whom the whole creation of the world and all that was in the world would have been in vain and the purposes of God have come to naught."

COMPANION AND EQUAL

She explains that our understanding of "help meet" is very skewed from what was actually intended... help meet actually means even with or equal to...the word help that was used in the bible actually means to rescue or to save...and another meaning is 'to be strong'... "When God creates Eve... His intent is that she will be - unlike the animals - a power (or strength) equal to him."

"The Lord knew they [Adam and Eve] would do this [partake of the fruit], and he had designed that they should."

"Adam, our father, and Eve, our mother must obey. They must fall. They must become mortal. Death must enter the world. There is no other way. They must fall that man may be."

"The plan is not based on chance, nor on accident. It is based on purpose, on agency, on choice. It accords with laws which were in force long before the plan was ever laid down. All of it has order; all of it was planned for us."

There are many many more insightful quotes...and many from scripture if we but READ. =)

Hope you feel better about being a Woman in this 'lovely' world...especially after reading this book!

God bless!

This was a wonderful book. Very thought pravocing. I had sticky notes on every page!

Beverly Campbell has done an extraordinary job in detailing the events as they occurred in the Garden of Eden. She plumbed the depths of historical documents, the words of apostles and prophets, linguists specializing in ancient Hebrew and more to grant us a unique insight into Eve's mind and the dynamic between Mother Eve and Father Adam.

I loved this book and believe that every person worldwide should read it and fully understand the strength, love, compassion and absolute determination of the woman who walked side by side with Adam in the Garden of Eden. This is a must buy! This is the perfect addition to your religious library.

First off, let me say this is written from a Mormon (LDS) perspective/belief. It is one of the most intriguing books I have read in a long time. It took me a while to get through it as I questioned so many things written in it, concepts I've never thought of or considered. For that reason alone I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed this book so much that I purchased the second one (Mortal Journey).

I believe that this book is a brilliant, thoughtful account of the early Fathers of the Church. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate Christian faith. Richard R. Roach, S.J.

The papacy of Pope Benedict XVI continues to be a great blessing for all of us. First, the Pope released his book Jesus of Nazareth(and we anxiously await the follow-up to it--correcting and recalling who Jesus is in this excellent book, next The Apostleswas released where Pope Benedict connect Jesus to the founding of the Church, the establishment of the Apostles and showed how the succession of the Apostles is something we find within the Bible. Now the Pope releases The Fatherswhich shows how the early Church continued to grow through the early thinkers who continued to unpack the deep meaning of Christ found in the Bible and expressed in the Church's spiritual practice. Our Sunday Visitor has done another excellent job in presenting the Pope's teaching in the same way that they previously did with The Apostles.
The book is peppered throughout with great sayings of the fathers of the Church, such as "The man without Christ is dust and shadow," (p.170) spoken by Paulinus of Nola or the words of Ambrose "Omnia Christus est nobis! "To us Christ is all!" (p.133).
Those looking to learn more about Jesus Christ can do no better than the encounter with the early Fathers who unpacked the meaning of the Bible and everything that the Word of God pointed to--Jesus.
I am the author of The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You

A couple of years ago, I picked up a book on the Church Fathers, those leaders of the early Church who came within the first few generations after the Apostles. It was a heavy tome with small print; it seemed very intimidating and I never did get around to reading it. That is why I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of "The Fathers" by Pope Benedict XVI (Our Sunday Visitor, 2008). The material in this book is a slightly edited record of the weekly general audiences Pope Benedict gave on this topic from March 7, 2007 to February 27, 2008. It is incredibly readable and very interesting.

The Church Fathers are fascinating to learn about. Many were converts to the faith and arrived at the Church through a variety of spiritual journeys. They were highly educated and several worked to integrate Greek philosophy with the Christian faith. They also struggled with many of the theological questions that now form the foundation of our faith: Christ as both God and man; the Trinity, and what it means to be a baptized Christian.

Pope Benedict began his treatment of this subject with St. Clement, the third successor of St. Peter who led the Church in the last years of the first century. He intervened in the Church of Corinth in what was the first exercise of Roman Primacy after St. Peter's death. In his letter to Corinth, "he clearly explains the doctrine of Apostolic Succession. . .The Father sent Jesus Christ, who in turn sent the Apostles. They then sent the first heads of communities and established that they would be succeeded by other worthy men. . . .The Church is above all a gift of God and not something we ourselves created."

Pope Benedict then devotes his attention to St. Ignatius of Antioch who was "the first person in Christian literature to attribute to the Church the adjective 'catholic' or 'universal'." St. Justin did his best to both defend the faith and explain it. He believed that both the Old Testament and Greek philosophy were two paths that led to Christ. St. Irenaeus of Lyons wrote the first catechism of the Catholic Church. Origen of Alexandria preached a message of love, as he was convinced that "the best way to become acquainted with God is through love." Tertullian would eventually join the Montanist sect but he gave the Church the terms "one substance" and "three persons" for help in explaining the mystery of the Trinity. Cyprian reflected on the communal message of the "Our Father": "Our prayer is public and common; and when we pray, we pray not for one, but for the whole people, because we, the whole people, are one."

Other Church Fathers Pope Benedict invites us to spend time with include St. Cyril of Jerusalem who emphasized the Christian's rebirth through baptism. St. Basil was one of the Fathers of the Church's social doctrine and encouraged interaction with the culture at large. St. Gregory of Nyssa reflected on the beauty of man as being created in the image of God. St. Hilary of Poitiers defended the divinity of Christ by quoting from both the Old and New Testament. St. Jerome translated the Bible into the Latin vernacular. St. Paulinus of Nola wrote beautiful poetry and made use of religious art to instruct pilgrims. Lastly, Pope Benedict focuses on St. Augustine of Hippo, perhaps the most famous Father of them all, who maintained that "faith and reason . . . must always go hand in hand."

Pope Benedict is a gifted teacher, speaker, and writer, and "The Fathers" is more evidence of this. He is able to take a complicated history and make it accessible to all. "The Fathers" provides a great introduction into the lives and works of many of the great men who helped to form the early Church. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Church history.

Pope Benedict's "The Fathers" is a collection of the texts from his Wednesday audiences, delivered between March of 2007 and February of 2008. During these weekly audiences, the Pope introduces us to the lives and works of twenty-six different Fathers of the Church, from the Apostolic Fathers to Saint Augustine. The audiences were orgionally given in Italian, while this edition is the official Vatican publication of the English translation.

In "The Fathers" Pope Benedict introduces us to what is most noble, holy and edifying in the lives and works of these Fathers of the Church. He begins with the early Apostolic Fathers, such as Saint Clement, Bishop of Rome and Saint Ignatius of Antioch, who lived soon after the apostles. He devoted two audiences to several third, fourth and fifth century Fathers, including Origen of Alexandria, Saint Basil, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Jerome. He also introduces two Syriac Fathers, Aphraates the Sage and Saint Ephrem the Syrian. Finally, he finishes with five seperate audiences on the life and works of Saint Augustine. These are not intended to be critical biographies but rather edifying and interest sparking introductions, each one lasting several pages.

Other fathers included in this book are St. Justin Martyr, St. Irenaeus, St. Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, St. Cyrian, Eusebius, St. Athanasius, St. Cyril of Jerusalem, St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Hilary of Poitiers, St. Eusebius of Vercelli, St. Ambrose, St. Maximus of Turin, St. Chromatius, and St. Paulinus.

If you are inerested in church history, the lives of saints or just are curious to learn more, I highly recommend this book.

This is probably Vollmann at his best. It isn't "Argall," which I found esoteric and difficult. I didn't finish "Argall," and I really suspect that the novel is less well-read and understood than it is publicly praised.

"Fathers and Crows" isn't difficult - it's passionately involved, balanced, epic and completely absorbing.

This is one of the best novels I have ever read, if not the best. Vollmann's prose-- his use of language, his landscapes, his characterizations, everything-- is absolutely gorgeous. This book is such a treat that I intentionally read it slowly in order to savor it. I can't reccomend it highly enough.

plucked Blossoms of SOULS (Fearing Never a Thorn); Who PRAYED BLOOD to SANCTIFY THE BONES OF CATAMOUNTS; who foreswore RUM, WOMEN and LEAD, Who were SO ASTOUNDED at the unfathomable extinctions of SAVAGES; who MADE MORE MIRACLES THAN THEY SAW!

Thus begins Vollmann's Second Dream "ABOUT OUR CONTINENT IN THE DAYS OF SAINTS". Fathers & Crows is long, and long-winded, however if you're up to the task and looking for a very interesting journey into New France (Canada) as it was in the early 17th Century, then this is the book you've been looking for. Without going into detail about William Vollmann or his 7 Dreams project (see my review of THE ICE SHIRT, vol. 1) I should point out that this is a blend of history and post-modern novel writing. Time is skewed in such a way that the characters (such as Champlain, Poutrincourt, or Pere Brebeuf, for example) are sometimes walking through modern day Quebec and not realizing it. As in The Ice Shirt, Vollmann occasionally blends his contemporary experiences traveling in and around Montreal into the "plot" (though there's not really a plot in any traditional sense here) is very effective in adding perspective into the history which has taken place, and CONTINUES to take place. Even Jesus, St. Ignatious de Loyola (especially), and Roberto de Nobili arrive on stage here! And special mention to the converted "Savages" such as Amantacha, Joseph Chiwatenah, and Catherine Tekakwitha.

Fathers and Crows is about the French colonization of Canada, and begins almost 500 years later, after the Vikings left the continent in failure (but not before bringing the Ice Shirt). Not long after Columbus arrived, French explorers such as Cabot, and then the map-obsessed Champlain, along with the Poutrincourts and the Pontgraves, sailed along the Fleuve St. Laurent and founded small outposts in what is modern day Quebec. From the very beginning they encountered native American peoples such as the Algonkins, Huron, and the dreaded Iroquois. The French, unlike the English in Virgnia (see vol. 3, ARGALL) attempted to assimilate these various tribes, mainly through trade (IRON for BEAVER pelts) and most importantly, through submission to CHRISTIANITY. Thus, the Grey Gowns (the Recollects) and later on, the more successful Black Gowns, or JESUITS.

Now you can read a straight-forward history on this time period in another place by a traditional historian, but after having read The Ice Shirt and now Fathers & Crows, I'm convinced that Vollmann's Seven Dreams are excellent blends of history and modern travelouge, along with personal experience (and a predisposition to favor women in the form of prostitutes), and extensive research into personalities, events, technologies, religion, and mythology. Sometimes he may play a little "loose" with time frames, but he documents just about everything somewhere in his 100+ pages of Glossary notes!

On a final note, it's not necessary to start with Vol. 1 at all -if the subject of first encounters between Europeans & Native Americans; Jesuits, French explorers, French Canada, or anything at all to do with North American cultural history (and legacy) interests you, then this a great book (and series) to own. You'll dream of floating down Canadian rivers, or ascending the rapids with the Jesuit Peres doing St. Ignatius' "EXERCISES" (around which the total drama unfolds, as it did with Ice and Frost and varioous "shirts" of reality in vol. 1).

Unbelievable that this amazing novel has so few reviews (but, actually, maybe not given the sad state of most American reader's attention spans anymore - oh well, too bad - YOU'RE ALL MISSING OUT!). For those who do find their way here, give Fathers & Crows a shot. Yes, it's long-winded and you may get bored and say "enough"! Fine. If not, like me, you might just paddle on in your canoe and find yourself hooked, and learning a heck of a lot of new and mostly obscured or glossed over (or simply forgotten) history which will tell you EVERYTHING about who we are as North Americans today. Happy voyages, eh! Next up: ARGALL.

William T. Vollmann may be the most important young writer in North America. This, his third novel details the clashes between native and european cultures in North America in the sixteenth century. Vollmann chronicles the unrelenting brutality of the time period and the inevitable economic imperatives that predict the demise of native American culture once the resources of the land become apparent. He manages to skillfully blend the mysticism of native culture with the harsh reality of the landscape and the men whose very nature it was to take what they wanted. He melds these disparate themes together in an exotic narrative that forces one to examine how European contact decimated the native peoples. When one completes the novel there is no doubt how the war was one; the only question left being our consciences and how to reconcile modern day attitudes withe stark reality of history. This exhaustive effort brings us almost halfway to the authors stated goal of a seven novel series; one can only wonder what is left in store but with Vollmann's imagination in full flight we anticipate a wild ride ahead

Be prepared to embark on a cordial reading of the Gospel of Matthew: a reading with the heart!

Volume 2 of this inspirational trilogy was published in January 2004 and it's equally dynamic. Volume 3 is is eagerly awaited.

Although this highly readable book is quite scholarly, it's a welcome relief from contemporary Catholic theology which tends to be little more than hot air and/or poorly researched dissent.

This commentary - or meditation how the author calls it is great help in reading the Gospel - either for myself or for preparing the homily. Although not every comment is useful for the homily yet almost on every page I find for myself a new insight in the scripture. Sometimes author gives more than one page comments on only two words of the verse - yet without much scholarly unnecessary details - All the comments are made referring to the original Greek text but the author does not enter in long discussion about possible translations.

Merikakis does something not many modern scipture scholars do - he is able to present a solidly critical interpretation of St. Matthew's Gospel and inspire the reader towards greater faith. So often commentaries get caught up in the minutiae and seem to be full of doubt and lacking in faith. The author begins with the orginal greek (always translated for his readers)and presents a wonderfully rich series of meditations which take into account the whole and the parts of this Gospel. This book is great for ordained clergy and non-ordained clergy alike.

This book, also if is not so take in consideration in the critical analysis of M.Yourcenar, is the more next at my opinion, to the sensibility of this extraordinary writer. The tranfiguration of the reality in the world of the grecian mytology (except the episod of Maria Magdalena) is a very suffer parable of the human condition. This is a little book that sould follow you for the life. (From the same author and in the same way: "Anna, soror; with, An obscure man; and, A lovely morning" by Published by Harvill

"I hope this book will never be read." So begins Yourcenar's Fires...a richly dense collection of famous myths and legends stunningly revitalized through the voices and eyes of the heroines. Intertwining the stories are excerpts from Yournenar's own journal taken from the time during which she had written the stories. Achingly familiar to anyone recovering from a broken heart, Yourcenar marries the heartache of this century's woman to women throughout the ages.

Love is a punishment, says Yourcenar, and in some intellectual and emotive way this book is one. I've read all of her books, and this is her most felt, chirurgically precise, passionate and torn aproach to what love is and represents in all the roles we - human beings - play at one time or another in our lives. All the possible deceptions, miscommunications and broken hearts are hold in these pages, through the reconstruction and modernization of some greek myths such as Antigone, Achilles and Patroclus, Sapho, and Maria Magdalena (ok, she was not greek!). Along with "Memoires of Adrian" and "Zenon", this is a must-have from Yourcenar.

"Fires" is a collection of hybrid love stories. Most are taken from real or mythological ancient Greece. Ms. Yourcenar does a spectacular job giving these old stories a modern flavor without losing their original context. I also recommend "A Blue Tale & Other Stories" by her{The University of Chicago Press}.

Go where the love is. Although in some remote cases it can be a struggle (i.e. Romeo & Juliet; Hamlet), love deserves to be accessible, humane, and democratic. Be not afraid to Love/Live.