Saint The Books

Shannon, a priest and professor emeritus in the religions studies department at a Nazareth College, makes an important point in his introduction that informs much of what follows. He offers dictionary definitions for "death" and "dying," each dealing with endings. He then gives the Christian definitions: "Death is the beginning of life, life at its best, at its most real" and dying is "to start living in a most wondrous way." He also takes care to explore death and dying as two different experiences that reflect continuity (existence continues after death) and discontinuity (existence after death is radically different from existence before death.)

Against that background, Shannon addresses the form of life after death, comparing it to resurrection (Jesus) not resuscitation (Lazarus) and posits that the "the resurrection of the body and life everlasting" expressed in the Creed are experienced at the end of each person's mortal experience, "which, for that person, is the end of time."

These are but a few examples of the richness Shannon brings to this imminently readable and thought-provoking work. Other topics include funeral rites and organ donation, diminishments of old age with practical advice on living wills, hospice care, and medical decisions. As one would expect, the author also looks at questions of hell, and purgatory, limbo, and reincarnation. The final section, What We Believe about Heaven, tackles questions about heaven as a family reunion, a garden of delight, the Garden of Eden, and the Glorious Royal City. The book closes with answers to frequently asked questions about heaven, nearly 100 notes, and an index.

Thoughtful, easy to understand, relevant to today's everyday life in America. This book, written by a theologian is a wonderful book for 'all' Christians and non-Christians alike.

I sat down on Friday night, figuring to spend most of the weekend "working through" Here on the Way to There. I finished before I had lunch on Saturday. It was not exactly in one sitting, but i read the book through in one "go" as it were, following its points and even anticipating some of it, but most of all, appreciating, deeply feeling the truth and gentility in what it said.

This book is so very much like Shannon's other writings and his public addresses in tone and pace that you can actually hear his voice in the words. The same mix of deep intellect, and easy understanding, putting next to each other Milton, Joyce, the Doctors of the Church, and quotes from your aunt! and they all fit and flow and create a "seamless garment" that fits so comfortably.

I was very impressed ,and very moved by many of the things that Shannon said. Let me refer to some of them.

The idea of passion as something that is endured, or suffered. Yes, that is exactly what passion is, in any of its forms, and to think of dying as a passion is something that never occurred to me, no matter how many times "The Passion of Jesus" ran through my ears (page 7).

The necessity of "the person... to forgive himself or herself and open the depths of his or her heart to God" is something that I have seen in those I have seen die (page 9).

It never occurred to me that "death is ....something that we do....an action." (page 13) but of course it is. It is something that takes all our concentration. And that is why death is often precedes by more than a week the cessation of biological functions.

Shannon says "In death we at last cease to live the illusion of a separate, self-centered existence and realize that our life is -- and always has been -- lived with God in Christ and without sisters and brothers ( page 14)." And that is precisely why suicide is not an option, it seems to me, because suicide is a self-centered, self-absorbed act. What we want, what we think we need, a kind of ultimate self-centered existence.

The fact that "you cannot see your own face.... The reflection of your face is not your face....." (page 15) is very much like that painting of a pipe by Magritte that is labeled "This is not a pipe." It never occurred to me. And so, the "Beatific" vision is not only seeing and recognizing the face of God, it is also seeing and recognizing our own face! As the Rabbi you tell of did not at first recognize his name when it was read at the gate of Heaven.

And so on, and so on, there are just too many things I want to say about the book, too many passages I want to talk about for me to go over them all here.

Fr. Shannon's book is a comfort and a blessing, beyond words.

This book is a masterpiece, I have been seeking the path for a long time, and living in the west has made it more difficult, I have been reading many books but this one has given me many answers. Pandit Rajmani has done an excellent job in highlighting the path to be taken to liberation, the necessity for having a guru, and has discssued the merits or not of practicing rituals versus intellectual knowledge versus pure spiritual practices, facts on saints etc. This book is an absolute GEM, it reveals facts and truths that are not easily available, many thanks for a priceless book!

Bharat Vala Patel
Cincinnati, US/Lenasia SA

Rajmani is a student of Swami Rama. So I knew I would enjoy his book. He writes with knowledge about yogis and adepts (sages). Since he writes from a Vedanta background (non-dualism) he discusses with historical precision the men and women who made great contributions. He covers Shankaracharya as well as Dattatreya, and others. He has researched authentic writings. He also writes about Swami Rama from experience. The message is consistent, that without a disciplined mind, one gets nowhere. God is realizable.

In a nutshell, this book describes the lives of 8 saints who lived in the Himalayan mountains. The struggles they went through and eventually attaining Self-Realization is truly a source of inspiration for all those souls embarking on the spiritual path. It gives new hope to thousands of people who have decided to lead a holy life of Truth and Wisdom and are having problems in their spiritual quest. Most of the common problems faced by spiritual novices can be answered in this small and humble book.

In the last chapter of this priceless book, the author gives an in-depth perspective on the teachings of this book. This is indeed a valuable guide to all those deciding to do yoga and other spiritual practices.

In short, the only complaint I have about this book is that it is too short! 181 pages of wisdom does not reveal the true nature of spiritual "giants" who had lived in the Himalayas. Nevertheless, this book is a great introduction guide to these spiritual "giants".

I was at one time several years ago in a Secular Franciscan Order. God caused a miracle in the mountains of Mescalero, New Mexico that is bearing good fruit to this day. I believe they still use this book in their formation. It is a marvelous book written by a man of God who is also one of God's holy, Catholic priests. It is clear by the content and the words chosen to express it that he lived by the words he has penned. These words are those of one who has striven to live a life intent on imitating that of the Master Who was both God and man. To live up to that calling is one that can only be accomplished by God's unmerited favor, aka, Grace. Living a prayerful life, one that relies on God for everything is the only way. His Way makes this clear by what is said, how it is said, and what is not said.

His Way is an excellent book for any Christian and Non-Christian who is interested in encountering the person of Jesus in their lives and is willing to answer the questions "What are you looking for in life?" "What do you want your life to mean?" and who is willing to accept Jesus' invitation to "Come and See" and follow him and begin to live by his values and attitudes instead of the socially accepted moral codes and rituals of the society in which we live. The author presents three elements on how to encounter Jesus in our lives.

I have bought many copies of this book, it is a stable in my library and is relevant to more than just the Catholic laity. Any Christian will find this a spiritual feast. A non-Chirstian will find an elegant discussion on the impact believing in Jesus has on Christians and the gift of Jesus that makes them different from non-Christian. Non-Catholics will find a Catholic view of Mary, and how the Mother of God fits into the Catholic religious faith.

Pratt's memoir is one of seven in a series of frontier diaries written by women called Life Writings of Frontier Women. The two other volumes from this series I read were also by early 19th century Mormon women. Pratt's is by far the most interesting because it is not just diary entries, but a cohesive narrative of her decision to join the Mormon church and how that irrevocably effected the rest of her life. Pratt illuminates many of the hardships American pioneers faced, and the added grief of following a faith persecuted throughout its early history is eloquently portrayed in her writing.

Pratt's is a great example of both pioneer life, and the life of an American swept up in the Second Great Awakening, all the while espousing (surprisingly) women's rights and proving a great example for female self-reliance in a time when that kind of behavior was far from celebrated. An interesting and unique autobiography.

I am Louisa Barnes Pratt's great-great-great-great granddaughter and my mother gave me this book to read a while ago. It is not only inspirational but it is a fascinating description of LDS History.

This book follows a strong woman through a fascinating life filled with trials, tribulations, joys and surprises. It gives a view into the pioneer life from a, most of the time, single mother's perspective. Louisa Barnes Pratt is a testament to her faith in God and her will to follow her convictions and beliefs at any cost. I would recommend this book to anybody interested in history and women's issues!

An excellent book for those preparing to enter the temple, and for those who have already been.
Written within the walls of the Salt Lake Temple by one of the greatest LDS scholars, this book is a must-read! This edition is a reprint of the original and it includes interesting early b/w photos of the interior of the Salt Lake Temple.

I have read over 400 books on LDS beliefs and this is a Top 25. A must read for all Latter-day Saints. Editor, All About Mormons web site.

This book is a wonderful well written account on what Mormons believe about temple worship past and present. James Talmage was an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early twentieth century. Good for members preparing to enter the temple.

i am enjoying this read
thanks for the speedy delivery & a book in new condition

This book is not a "how to" or "10 Easy Steps" on being a saint. It is a thoughtful re-definition of what it means to be a serious follower of Jesus in a world that likes to compartamentalize the Christian faith into something you do only on a Sunday morning (hmmmm, some Christians think like that too!?). The author talks about some basic steps that we all need to practice and yet he takes it beyond that ----wanting the reader to embrace a bigger view of what it means to live in light of the love of God.

Written by Christian missionary Jack Bernard (1942-2002), How to Become a Saint: A Beginner's Guide is a simple guide for anyone who seeks to become closer to God and Jesus Christ through embarking upon the long road to sainthood. How to Become a Saint denounces the myth that sainthood is an anomaly, only for a few individuals with superhuman religious zeal. Chapters discuss sainthood defined as undividedness toward God; the obedience that comes from faith; the importance of perseverance; true versus false mysticism; and much more. "As a proper grasp of grace leads to obedience, knowing we are predestined leads to determined effort at faithfulness. You are not on your own with the promise of a reward at the end if only you can gut it out. What Jesus said to his first disciples he still says to you 'And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age' (Matt. 28:20)". Highly recommended for dedicated Christians seeking to better understand and embody their faith.

I was born in Assisi, in Italy 800 years ago. And eight centuries later I still remember a thing or two.

You can tell from that opening sentence of Carretto's book on St.Francis that you are going to enjoy it and find it easy reading. it. Francis is an imaginary dialogue between the reader and the saint of Assisi.

The book outlines Francis' life in a chatty and breezy style, and as he tells the bare details of his story, he makes provocative comments on modern issues with a singular simplicity and clarity. Who else but one speaking in the voice of Francis could describe the parodox of the Church with such direct insight?

"Until now I had not properly understood what the ministry of the Church consisted of: sinfulness and infallibility; bad example and safety on the march along the road; fearful blindness in the shepherds, and .the certainty "of reaching the Promised Land with them.
Now I saw, and was glad to . . . have had Rome's approval.
I felt a peace.
I felt myself to be on solid rock.
I felt myself to be in God's design."

There's real comfort to be gleaned from that brutal honesty.

I found the book gave great enjoyment by combining the narrative of Francis' life with the comment. The account of Francis' wealthy upbringing and bourgeois aspirations to knighthood, his conversion, the beginnings of his little band is accurate. How the 800-year-old Francis now feels about his young manhood is told with the perspective and amusement of old age.

As is usual in Lives of St. Francis, the rest of his life takes less space in the book, but at least Carretto takes the middle years seriously and sees in them more depth and struggle than some other writters have done.

The author makes much use of the charming legends in the "Little Flowers of Saint Francis". He takes them with an uncompromising literalness which helped me see greater strength in Francis' spirituality.

"Are you astonished if the wood of St Mary of the Angels seems to catch fire at night while we are praying.

Does it seem strange to you that roses should bloom in winter?

And that wolves grew tame?

And that fish would listen to us?

No, brothers and sisters, rather be surprised if the opposite occurs,' be astonished if you see the sky unmoved and indifferent to your joy."

In an original and entertaining way, Carlo Carretto has given a lot of food for thought on issues as diverse as Christian feminism, non-violence (which he calls the twentieth century expression of true poverty), death and . suffering, and the signs that really speak of the Church's love.

"Every Christian house . . . should keep a door open to welcome those in trouble. And if possible, the door should be easy to find and not too frightening for the poorest, with halls not too brilliant, staircases not too mammoth - signs rather of might and grandeur than of humility and truth."

An underlying theme in this book deserves mention. Carretto sees in Francis part of the madness of being a saint - a follower of Jesus.

"Look at what Peter of Bernadone's boy has got into his head!
He has certainly gone mad.
Yes, my friends of Assisi, I have gone mad.
But if you only knew my madness!
I am mad with love.
I can no longer help it.
I can no longer resist.
If I but look Jesus in the eye, I am on fire right down to my insides.
Don't you know that my Most High Lord is God's Son?"

My criticism of "I, Francis" is that Carretto doesn't explore the dark side of this madness, certainly present in Francis of Assisi - the ruthlessness and the irresistible urge sometimes to bully the brothers under his authority, and the irritating inconsistencies within the company of brothers caused by Francis' violently wavering temperament.

Using the device of speaking as Francis, Carrretto has given us an entertaining, provocative and inspiring book, but one which is strangely unsatisfying. Perhaps, as Francis himself would, Carretto is forcing on us the conclusion that the obsessive study of Jesus, not of Francis of any other saint, brings true satisfaction.

© Ted Witham, 1983. First published in the Anglican Messenger, July 1983.
.Published in "Span", the journal of the Society of St Francis, Australian Province, August 1983..

This book describes the life of Francis of Assisi, his humanness and his deep spirituality, told through the eyes of Francis in modern times. You truly come to know Francis, and are inspired by his actions to lead a more simple and spiritual existance and to draw yourself completely into the arms of a loving God. This is one of the best short books that I've read in a long time. I'd read it again in a heartbeat and refer to it whenever I need to be rejeuvenated in my faith.

This book is simply wonderful, written by a man who knew very well and loved the places where Francis lived his life, and knew so much of His spiritualty. This book is a way to discover the life and beliefs of the man of Assisi, to make it nearer to us, to refer his culture to the culture of our days. After having read this Carretto's book you couldn't love Francesco D'Assisi, no matter what your faith or belief is.

Ignatian Humanism: A Dynamic Spirituality For The 21st Century portrays the work, teachings, and spirituality of Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, and five of his successors: Matteo Ricci, the first Westerner at the court of the Chinese emperor; Frederick Spee, who stepped forward to defend women accused of witchcraft; Karl Rahner, reknowned Catholic 20th-century theologian; Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, scientist and mystic; and Pedro Arrupe, who has led the Jesuits since the era of Vatican II. The final chapter of Ignatian Humanism focuses especially upon spirituality for and within the rapidly changing 21st century. At once both an extensively researched history and a profound work of faith and meditation on what it means to form a connection with a dynamic, actively involved God, Ignatian Humanism is a passionate discussion especially recommended for modern religious and Jesuit studies shelves.

This marvelous book concerns the essence of Jesuit spirituality i.e., its rootedness in the human experience. Ronald Modras, in the presentation of his book, turns this concept into action by rooting his discussion of this humanism in the experiences of six men who exemplify the Jesuit Way, beginning with the sixteenth-century founder of the Society of Jesus, Ignatius of Loyola, and ending with his twentieth-century doppelganger, Pedro Arrupe.

What struck me about each of the Jesuits discussed is that they were all men of tremendous faith, courage and imagination. I put particular emphasis on the last quality: imagination is at the heart of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, which comprise the foundation of a Jesuit's life, and of the Order itself. Following Ignatius, each of the Jesuits discussed here employed great imagination in shattering a paradigm of the society of the time: Matteo Ricci (16th c), rather than remain stuck in European dress, customs, and attitudes, practiced acculturation--becoming a Mandarin scholar--to reach the minds of the Chinese; Friedrich Spee (17th c), rather than accept society's hysteria over a supposed epidemic of witchcraft, talked with accused women, and, at great personal risk, denounced the injustice of tens of thousands of innocent people being executed--his work helped to finally put an end to this madness; Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (20th c), rather than accept a wall between faith and science, sought to reconcile Christian hope with evolution--but first by accepting the validity of evolution; Karl Rahner, rather than hold fast to the notion of salvation only through conscious acceptance of Christ, promoted the concept that all people are given God's grace; and Pedro Arrupe, who survived Hiroshima, rather than simply maintain an Order that was comfortable in its large universities and which gloried in its much lauded successes, pushed the Society of Jesus to making "the promotion of justice integral to the service of faith" (p. 281).

Modras devotes too much attention at the beginning of the book to justifying his title: i.e., why "humanism." He in part seeks to rescue humanism from those Christians who equate it with secularism and atheism and, for that matter, from those secular humanists who might abhor religion as centering people outside of their humanness. But witness, for instance, Karl Rahner: he directed the faithful to look to science to better appreciate God's gifts, and made close friends of atheists, because he found that among atheists were also men of profound good will and brilliant ideas. He preached that grace resides within us, that God speaks to us deep within, "deeper than our conscious intellects" (p. 225). He, like all of the other men in this book, are clearly humanists. And they were also all deeply spiritual men, with a spirituality and mysticism that was not "out there" but was experienced right here and now, in the world and in our humanity.

It may seem very unlikely that an ex-soldier, persecuted by the Spanish inquisition, would oneday win favor with the Pope for himself and his followers. This eventually led to the creation of the Society of Jesus. Their legacy includes the precurser of post-secondary education for the masses. Originally free of charge, this education in science and the humanities was offered to woman and the poor or anyone else who sought to be literate. The Society's influence reached throughout the world, and showed that Christianity could adapt to many cultures including closed societies such as China. Where through years of patience and purity, the Jesuits were the first foreigners to penetrate the forbiden city. This is a very informative read.

This will rank as one of the greatest books ever on Wilford Woodruff...a true masterpiece.

This is a masterpiece work that can only be told in Hullinger's unique style. The book is well researched and the stories come alive. The art is somewhat lacking, but does not detract from this wonderful book.

This is a must read for those interested in the life of Wilford Woodruff. The author has a knack for making his life real. Mrs. Hullinger conducted a great deal of research to produce this wonderful tome.

Jessie Stuart landed herself an outlaw. At least that is what she thinks. She locks him in her root cellar. She knows she did.

Yet before morning he falls through her doorway when she opens it to strang thuddings. She has landed a wounded, masculine, sexy male and it gets more complicated when she dresses his wound and bares his muscular chest to her questing fingers.
WOW! Josiah Tucker is the most dangerous man she has ever met.

Except for those no-good scalawags bunked out by her barn. Lord, what to do when the shooting starts.

The inevetible escape happens [you won't believe how] and boy, do they take off. Do they finally get rescued? It seems like it but then they get caught in an unplanned wedding.

It just keeps getting better and better. Suddenly we have gun-runners to contend with and a rotten traitor. Colonel Kit Carson is head of the army situated a couple of days ride away.

Vasquez is coming up from Mexico to take possession of the army guns being smuggled to him and Sante Fe is about 3 weeks away traveling by wagon. Yup! several seductions later our couple arrives in Santa Fe but then things again began to happen that are a bit unexpected. Sure keeps you on the edge of your seat.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- definitely a keeper. -- looking forward to more of her books.

I agree with the other reviewer, this book is excellent! The main characters are charming and wonderful... lots of energy, spirit, and passion. The supporting characters are terrific as well, Bertha is funny and adds that special something throughout the book. The plot is very well planned, never moving too fast or too slow... everything flowed just right. I didn't want to put this book down, and will be searching for others from this author!

this book is one of best I've read in a long time. I love the people and the story. They where almost real to me. The older women makes you want to hug her. Jake is like the man of every women dreams.