Burns Books

Published in 1932, "Evolution and Theology" defines itself as a "study ot the theological aspect of the origin of living beings in general, and of man in particular" (p274.)

Apart from a cursory discussion of general principles of authority, dealing with the infallible and non-infallible Teaching of the Church and the interpretation of Scripture and Tradition in the Church, the book is divided into three main parts: 80 pages on the origin of living beings; 170 on that of Adam (i.e. the first male human); and a mere 25 on that of Eve.

Each part first examines the relevant texts of Genesis (with some reference to the Hebrew text), and then surveys their patristic, scholastic and modern interpretations. The chapter on the origin of Eve being extremely short, only St Augustine is consulted, while the question of the origin of Adam being the most controversial, the public doctrinal decrees of the Church are also presented (in just 6 pages) and a few private condemnations examined (including the case of Dr. Mivart.)

Though the Fathers of the Church and the Scholastics were of course never confronted to a full-fledged, materialistic theory of evolution comparable to Darwin's, the reader will be surprised to discover how much they can contribute to a theological appraisal of such theories. Above all, these pre-modern theologians discussed at length the question whether God had created man and the other animal species immediately (i.e. directly) or mediately (i.e. through secondary, instrumental causes). Though they sometimes invoked out-dated scientific or supernatural explanations (such as the role of the stars or the angels in "spontaneous generation") and were occasionally led astray by mistaken observations or inaccurate aristotelian notions, much of what they wrote is still very relevant to the philosophical and theological case for (or against) the various theories of evolution.

The most attractive patristic thinker for the modern theistic evolutionist will probably be St Gregory of Nyssa, who argued that all things were created simultaneously in their causes or potencies at the beginning of time, and then unfolded gradually in a pre-set, temporal order of succession. This fits the concept of God as eternal, simple and immutable, which fundamentalists, falling prey to a literalistic construction of the anthropomorphisms of the Biblical text, often seem to lose sight of.

Applying the highly plausible "Principle of Christian Naturalism", which states that God makes use of secondary causes wherever possible, and without doing violence to the Bible or to Church decrees, Messenger arrives at the conclusion that both Scripture and tradition teach the emergence of animal species through secondary causes, but that, because of the principle of mind-body unity, it is likely that as far the body of Adam was concerned, even though it was obviously prepared by some process of evolution, the final stage, making it "hospitable" to his infused soul, must have required a special act of God. As to Eve, Messenger simply stresses the obligation for Catholics to hold that she was in some way derived bodily from Adam, though he keeps the nature of the process deliberately vague, preferring "not to wander beyond the metaphysical ground of the theory of causes", as did "the decadent scholastics of the late Middle Ages".

"Evolution and Theology" will truly be a great help to anyone who does not have the time, money or intellectual resources to study the primary sources by himself, and is looking for a thorough, focused and reliable synthesis, favourable to evolution but respectful of the teaching authority of the Church. Readers not too familiar with Latin might feel a little frustrated though, as some of the citations, including virtually the whole text of the appendices (about 18 pages) are left untranslated. Caveat emptor.

As for me, despite my Latin, I have already ordered my copy of the sequel, "Theology and Evolution", which Messenger edited, rather than authored, in 1949.

The first time I ever read this book was 10 years ago back in highschool when I did a report/essay about man and his struggle in the wilderness. Ever since, it has been a cornerstone for all my books about the North and man's struggle to make a living in it. I though I would write a few lines here after reading 'Face the North Wind' once again. Although I have not read 'North to Cree Lake' by the same author yet, A.L. Karras needs to be congratulated on a fine job of writing down an excellent narrative of an historic past. The book is based upon the yearly adventures of two trappers by the names of Fred Darbyshire & Ed Theriau to the winter wilderness of Northern Saskatchewan. The events in this book are written from actual diary events and personal conversations the author has had with these two gentlemen. Much of this area back then was uncharted and unexplored. This book gives a truly beautiful insight as to how these brave men survived in the sheer depths of winter and made a living at it year after year. Filled with excellent side notes, thoughts, and some photos/maps, 'Face the North Wind' will be just enjoyable to read over again as it was the first time. It make you want to get out your own pair of snowshoes and head on up to the North!

I cannot recommend this book enough. Don't think twice about purchasing it. I purchase in bundles and give to friends. The family story of St. Bernard will inspire all those that take time to read. Get through the first two chapters and you will not be able to stop thereafter. A MUST READ FOR ALL CATHOLICS!

THIS BOOK BY POET SHARRIF SIMMONS WAS HARD TO PUT DOWN. THE COVER ART IS BEAUTIFUL, WHICH MADE ME WANT TO BUY IT, AND THE POETRY IS FULL OF RICH IMAGERY AND FUELED WITH POLITICS. THIS IS A MUST-READ FOR ANY LOVERS OF POETRY IN THE WRITTEN OR SPOKEN FORM!! SHARRIF IS AN AUTHOR TO LOOK FOR.

Our school has purchased class sets of this outstanding review aid and used it to prepare our students for the Virginia Standards of Learning tests (SOLS). What sets this book apart from typical "workbooks" is that it is interactive and requires students to think on a higher level. The activities are interesting and promote class discussions. It offers a "springboard" or overview of historical topics which can then be further researched or discussed by the students if desired. The maps are clearly printed and students can complete them to review historical places and events.

This series attempts to make math fun, and for the target audience (ages 6-8 in this case), maybe they'll succeed.

Jeff wants to be the best - at almost anything! His friends are better at baseball, sledding, leaf raking... and he's determined to come up with something he can win. When he decides to make the biggest snowman ever, he and Maria each make one and then measure them to see whose is bigger.

I'm all for anything that even tries to make math more fun for kids, so the 5 stars is more for that than for the content, which is just okay. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the activities pages at the back of the book are full of fun stuff that all relates to using math. Not bad at all - for a book about math!

I'm very glad I read the Fidget Factor. It was short, simple, and motiviating. Just reading through the different activities I learned that at almost every point in my day I can find opportunities to move, just a little more. I work 70-80 hours per week and have trouble finding time to exercise. Reading this showed me that there are many little things I can do to increase my level of physical activity, and burn extra calories. Michelle

This volume is one of the most elegant books I have read - it should be read by everyone with some sense of spirituality, or for anyone that has any inclination to question the rationale of a Loving Spirit in a world racked with insecurity and hate.

The reading can be done in less than 45 minutes - although the arguments that he makes are hardly complicated, the examples he conveys are concise, but still inspiring. The pinnacle of why violence and unhappiness occur are precisely examined for the lay audience, without any deep theological or technical details.

I had forgotten how timeless the prayer of Francis of Assisi was - it is beautiful writings like this and its inclusion by Jean Vanier that convince you of the infinitude of the written word, and its Higher purpose. What makes this work so unique is its accessibility, consistent in spirit with the idea of encouraging humility and compassion, and motivating the reader to remove oneself of any sanctimony or arrogance by addressing the search within.

Humanity can only understand the violence in these dark times by redefining that Peace means more than shows of courtesy and tolerance, but something within each one of us that needs some Divine help, especially if we are sincere about making peace, and not just abhorring violence.

Written by a child care professional Jeff A. Johnson especially for other child care professionals, Finding Your Smile Again: A Child Care Professional's Guide to Reducing Stress and Avoiding Burnout is filled with dozens of experience-proven techniques for coping with stressful situations and preventing burnout, in a field where an estimated 30 to 40 percent of practitioners quit. From recognizing the signs of burnout in oneself and others ("I can't smile at the kids anymore") to taking positive action to bigger issues such as seeking one's Ultimate Purpose, Finding Your Smile Again is utterly invaluable. An absolute "must-have" for anyone working in or considering the field of professional child care.

This is a great undiscovered book. I happened across it and was quite thrilled! Countless 14th,15th and 16th century woodcuts, some I have never seen before (and I collect them) to go along with the eerie stories. Some I have heard before, some were brand new. All in all a great book if you love folklore, old witch stories and old woodcuts.