Phillips Books

A first-hand account of the first days of The Battle of The Bulge. Robert Phillips is a surviving member of the 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. Mr. Phillips also had a distinguished career as a military historian after the war. This book is well-written and has enough maps to provide perspective, along with some pictures. It provides detail not found elsewhere about the delaying action fought by the 28th Division, particularly the 110th Infantry and the 687th Field Artillery, to buy time for the defenders of Bastogne. Recommended for all readers who have a sense of history.

A first-hand account of the first days of The Battle of The Bulge. Robert Phillips is a surviving member of the 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. Mr. Phillips also had a distinguished career as a military historian after the war. This book is well-written and has enough maps to provide perspective, along with some pictures. It provides detail not found elsewhere about the delaying action fought by the 28th Division, particularly the 110th Infantry and the 687th Field Artillery, to buy time for the defenders of Bastogne. Recommended for all readers who have a sense of history.

This book should be REQUIRED READING for every student at some point in time during their education. It does a great job of explaining the Christian worldview outside of the culture of individual churches that often drag that same worldview in the mud at times.

I highly recommend this work for religious studies classes and students, for those in the Church that are interested in becoming equipped as Christian thinkers, and for those investigating the claims of Christ and Christianity.

After reading over 3000 books on theology and Christianity in my life, I find that "Total Truth" does as good a job of explaining the Christian worldview as anything I've read.

I have often lamented the overuse of the term "life-changing" amongst Christians. It is not unusual to hear people walk away from a particularly captivating sermon or conference saying "that changed my life!" The real measure and test of life change is time, for only in time will we really know what has made a significant impact on our lives. Having established that I do not use the term lightly, I would like to suggest that Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey may just be a life-changing book. As believers we collectively spend millions of dollars and countless hours reading about Christian living - making our homes better, making our families better, making our lives better, discovering our purpose, rediscovering our masculine soul or our feminine soul and so on ad infinitum, ad nauseum. There are some who love to supplement with the study of theology or church history, and those are great pursuits. But if we buy so many books and read so much, why do we dedicate so little time to examining and studying worldview? I do not mean to indict the reader and clear my own name, for in all the reading I have done, this is the first book that deals predominantly with that topic.

Total Truth is subtitled "Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity" and this is the task to which Pearcey dedicates the book. She shows how Christians have adopted a worldview that is bound and influenced by our culture, so that we now understand Christianity through a secular worldview. She teaches that the opposite needs to be true - that we need to see society through a distinctly Christian lens, allowing a Christian worldview to interpret all that we see, do and think. She says "This book will address [the hunger for a Christian worldview] and offers new direction for advancing the worldview movement. It will help you identify the secular/sacred divide that keeps your faith locked into the private sphere of 'religious truth.' It will walk you through practical, workable steps for crafting a Christian worldview in your own life and work. It will teach you how to apply a worldview grid to cut through the bewildering maze of ideas and ideologies we encounter in a postmodern world." (Page 17) In short, the purpose of the book is to help Christians free their faith from its cultural captivity and to see that Christianity is not merely religious truth, but is Total Truth - truth about the whole of reality. "The purpose of a worldview is to explain our experience of the world-and any philosophy can be judged by how well it succeeds in doing so. When Christianity is tested, we discover that it alone explains and makes sense of the most basic and universal human experiences."

As a devotee of Francis Shaeffer, Pearcey borrows heavily from his writing and ideas. Most notably, she understands, as did Shaeffer, that Christians have mimicked the world in adopting a two-level worldview which she calls a fact/value split. It can be represented as follows:

VALUES
Individual Preferences
---------------------
FACTS
Binding on everyone

In the upper level are values which are mere individual preferences and on the bottom level are facts which are binding on everyone. Facts represent knowledge drawn from and proven by science and in this way they are considered objective and rational. On the other hand, on the top level are values which are considered subjective and a product of tradition. Thus are not binding beyond the individual's conscience and are essentially irrational. They have little to say about reality. This split has pervaded all aspects of society.

The thesis of this book is "the key to recovering joy and purpose turned out to be a new understanding of Christianity as total truth - an insight that broke open the dam and poured the restoring waters of the gospel into the parched areas of life." The first step in recovering a Christian worldview is to understand the bifurcated worldview which is inherent in our postmodern world. Having understood that we have made false disctinctions between secular and sacred, we can begin integrating our faith into every area of life so that we bear a consistent witness throughout. Politicians are beginning to come to the realization that politics is downstream from culture. In order to change the politics of our nations, we must first influence the culture, and to do that we must reclaim a Christian worldview. "Ordinary Christians working in business, industry, politics, factory work, and so on, are 'the Church's front-line troops' in the spiritual battle. Are we taking seriously our duty to support them in their warfare? The church is nothing less than a training ground for sending out laypeople who are equipped to speak the gospel to the world." That is the subject of the bulk of the book - training and sending laypeople who can share the Gospel with the world. Pearcey continually exposes those areas that have been polluted by a secular worldview and explains how Christians need to reclaim them.

After Pearcey thoroughly deconstructed our society's postmodern worldview in the first few chapters of the book, I found I did not have as clear an idea as to how I could rebuild a Christian worldview. But perhaps this is because there are no easy answers - there is no happy W.O.R.L.D.V.I.E.W. acronym that will allow me to follow a 9-step program to worldview reconstruction. The key is to acknowledge the deficiency of holding a two-level worldview and by immersing myself in Scripture, allowing God to shape and mould me as He sees fit. A Christian worldview must necessarily flow from the study and application of God's Word. I need to understand and believe that Christian Truth is a unified whole, equally encompassing all of life.

In reading books written by intellectuals, rather than pastors and teachers, I have often found that their theology is shaped more by the Catholic intellectuals of days past than by the Protestant theology. This is not the case for Pearcey. She strikes a good balance of praise and criticism in her presentation of Protestantism, generally defending the actions and motives of the Reformers and believers of history. Similarly she praises various Catholic scholars (such as Aquinas) for contributions they made, but is necessarily harsh when discussing their shortcomings. Throughout the book, the author maintains this important balance. It was wonderful to see that Pearcey presents significant, deep theology that clearly aligns with the Reformed understandings of the Scripture.

I am in agreement with Al Mohler who said "Total Truth is one of the most promising books to emerge in evangelical publishing in many years. It belongs in every Christian home, and should quickly be put into the hands of every Christian young person. This important book should be part of the equipment for college or university study, and churches should use it as a textbook for Christian worldview development." Pearcey has crafted a masterpiece that is intellectually stimulating but still accessible and practical. It will challenge, motivate and change. I give it my hearty recommendation.

Absolutely well researched and a MUST READ for anyone who is interested in the development of Christianity and Western Civilization. I had to slow down and read little bits at a time to make sure I absorbed it all-but overall well done!

A great book though at times a hard read but one of the most valuable books for Christians to come in a decade in my opion. Shows clearly how there are many world views but only one the one Christ taught is Total Truth! A must read to see how to be a witness in the world no matter what kind of job you hold or your place in life. Neil

Trick of the Mind is a mystery novel by Cassandra Chan with an unlikely pair of detectives: Phillip Bethancourt, a man of independent means, and Jack Gibbons, an up-and-coming Sergeant. Phillip's outing in Paris is interrupted by a phone call telling him that his friend has been shot. Gibbon's colleagues and friends are shocked since such violence is rare in London. Unfortunately Gibbons is unable to remember anything that happened after reporting for work the morning of the shooting.

While the police are following up to see what forensic evidence was left at the scene after the rain, Phillip tries to follow his friends' thinking about the case he was involved in. Jack had just been transferred to a different division from Homicide. He was investigating the theft of some heirloom jewelry from the estate of an old woman. Phillip meets the people involved to learn what it was that Gibbons had found out. Along the way he meets Gibbon's cousin and an insurance investigator and begins to piece together the missing hours.

I found the characters of Gibbons and Bethancourt immediately engaging. Chan has created people who are original and likable. They interact like old friends. The sections that talk about Jack's time in the hospital are especially well done. She portrays the pain and frustration wonderfully, as well as the various reactions of the visitors. It is great to read a story in which someone is shot and actually takes time to heal. Even from his hospital, Gibbons is very much involved in the resolution of the case.

This is the third book in the Gibbons and Bethancourt mysteries, and I will be looking for the first two.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a great read for any who like classic mysteries.

Affluent Phillip Bethancourt congratulates his best friend New Scotland Yard Detective Sergeant Jack Gibbons on his transfer into The Arts Theft Division after working homicides. In fact the pair worked a couple of cases together (see THE YOUNG WIDOW and VILLAGE AFFAIRS).

However, his accolades turn sour when someone shoots Jack. Phillip assumes the shooting of his friend is tied to his new police work; most likely Jack's investigation into an antique jewelry robbery in which the detective sergeant was getting close to solving. As Jack slowly heals, Phillip quietly arranges with Police Detective Chief Inspector Carmichael to share information as the amateur sleuth makes inquires into who shot his friend and why.

The key to this strong whodunit is that Jack is not running around town like a superhero, but instead is gradually recuperating from his wounds and is in no shape to search for clues; instead the collaboration is refreshed by Jack's boss working with Bethancourt. The investigation is fun to follow and a final twist adds a great climax to the strong story line. Readers will appreciate the inquiries as Phillip escorts the audience on a rare tour of a part of London that seemingly never appears in literature.

Harriet Klausner

I loved the pictures, and am extremely proud & happy because this is a beautiful, classy & wonderfully put together collection of pictures of Black South Carolinians during this period in time.

This book was a visual journey into the lives of early 20th century black america. Many of the pictures could be termed as "dignified photo essays" of life in the black community.You feel as though you are right there behind the lenses of these photo's while they're being taken. They almost have an "ethereal beauty" about them. In these photo's you can see the dignity of a race of people who were considered low class at the time of the photographs, but in the way they are portrayed you feel like you're in the presence of royalty. "A visual treat for the eye's" is the best way to describe this book . It is also well worth reading as you enjoy the beautiful photography! I would highly recommended this book to african americans and those who enjoy a look into the past!

Turning Back The Darkness: The Biblical Pattern Of Reformation by Richard D. Phillips (Associate Minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia) is a critical examination of God's principles, and pivotal turning points in the era of the Christian Church. Turning Back The Darkness does not specifically focus upon the crucial historical juncture of sixteenth-century Europe; rather, it reaches all the way into Old Testament and New Testaments, and ranges from the wisdom of Solomon to Christ's letter to the churches. Turning Back The Darkness is a very highly recommended and insightful religious analysis of interest to Christian scholarship and the non-specialist general reader alike.

Turning Back The Darkness: The Biblical Pattern Of Reformation by Richard D. Phillips (Associate Minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia) is a critical examination of God's principles, and pivotal turning points in the era of the Christian Church. Turning Back The Darkness does not specifically focus upon the crucial historical juncture of sixteenth-century Europe; rather, it reaches all the way into Old Testament and New Testaments, and ranges from the wisdom of Solomon to Christ's letter to the churches. Turning Back The Darkness is a very highly recommended and insightful religious analysis of interest to Christian scholarship and the non-specialist general reader alike.

Remember the Tawana Brawley case? It took over the headlines in the late 80s with a horrifying tale of racism and abuse, with accusations against influential and senior law enforcement officials. In the end, it turned out that Tawana had lied about everything-- but the damage was done. This fascinating step by step account by the reporters who did the work to get to the bottom of the tangled story Tawana spun is still riveting today-- and the exploitation of her symbolic value by Black leaders (especially Al Sharpton) and the press is reminiscent of subsequent cases (OJ's, for example) that dominated months of news coverage. Track this down: truth is always more improbable than fiction, and this book proves it.

Unholy Alliances: Working the Tawanda Brawley Story is
a fascinating look at news reporting from the inside.
A look at just how much a story can consume both sides
of the issue, and just how dangerous reporting that story
can be.

Accusations flying, stories of what's what seeming to
change over night, witnesses recanting statements...
People being accused of everything from racism to
bestiality, all in the name of avoiding the real issues,
the real probing questions being asked by our team.

Mike and Anna have taken the time to present to
us, the reader, a storyline that it is not as
convoluted to us, as I'm sure it got to them at times.

Both Mike Taibbi and Anna Sims-Phillips are leaders in
their respective fields!

Mr. Taibbi is a highly credible, enterprise reporter who
is currently with Dateline NBC and Ms. Sims-Phillips
is an outstanding TV producer currently with 20/20.

Both have received numerous industry awards for their
superb news coverage over the years.

So many believers are living in fear, depression, anxiety, and other torment. Dr. Phillips takes the Word of God and shows the Christian how Christ has already won the victory over these troubling strongholds of Satan. It is a practical, easy to read volume. A great counseling tool!

This book begins with Dr. Phillips own story of encounters with Satan-from there it moves to The scriptures for the best and clearest teaching on defeating Saqtan that I have ever read. Rich and practical-a book needed by all believers.

This is an good book for the scientifically minded interested in Venus. It starts from the outside and works in peeling back the layers of Venus like an onion. It makes a clear distinction between the accepted facts and the still debated theories.

It is a little out of date, but is an excellent place to start.

I have to warn those who are not scientific or technical professionals, this is not a book for laymen. Each chapter is written like a scientific paper, which can make for fatiguing reading if you're not use to the style.

I've only read a few of the papers, but they are very good. If you know lots of phyics, this book is everything you want to know about Venus and then some. Most papers are using the Magellion data.

Finally a wonderful, comforting and inspirational book that helps us face the losses we experience in life. Pastor Coates gives us insight in a very loving manner as she candidly shares her journey throught grief. You can feel her pain but also her spirit as she comes to grips with losing the love of her life. She empowers us to cope with our own grief while helping us understand joy will come again in the morning. Her strategies for working through grief are as simple and profound as the truths that have always sustained mankind through the ages. A superb book!!!!! Get it for yourself and buy it for those you love. They will thank you. We all experience loss in our lives and we need to know how to triumph over it and invent a new future.

This book is a wonderful read. You can read it in a couple of hours, not wanting to put it down. What a wonderful way to remember her husband, who was taken away from her so suddenly. This book is definitely a guide to let people know that your life doesn't have to stop there. Is it easy?? No. But oh, what joy to know that with the help of God, family, friends, and memories we CAN SURVIVE!!!!