Ward Books

Brian Doyle is simply one of the two best essayists writing today. This book proves it--- once again.

I discovered this author when I picked up a copy of his book of essays - "Credo" in a used book store a few years ago. I was stunned at the power of his prose, read the book cover to cover twice, and gave copies to family and friends. I bought this book thinking it was more essays. At first I was disappointed to have been 'tricked' into buying poetry (what an embarrassing admission) - but what a brilliant and pleasant trick. Some of this writing left me close to dumbfounded. Certainly speechless. Amazing, amazing stuff. I anxiously await more.

Wonderful! But then I love anything Brian Doyle writes. He makes you laugh, he makes you cry. He makes you just feel good.

There is nothing here, especially not on the uncited page 120, which in any way opposes the official teaching of the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. There is nothing here which has been found by the Chruch's own censors to obstruct its publication. This is the meaning of the Nihil Obstat.

For anyone to contend they find something here which offends their Faith, if they have seen this book at all, is to claim to know the Catholic faith better than the Catholic Church's own hierarchy and Censor Librorum. This therefore is no longer the Roman Catholic Faith, but some schism, if they are serious at all, which is not apparent. They are following there own gleeful lights, and not the Catholic Faith as established and maintained in the Holy See. To so mock the the official pronouncements of our heirarchy is against Canon Law, and cannot be taken seriously. To mislead "faithful Catholics" to avoid this book is to oppose the official pronouncements of the Church, and thus to deceive the faithful, and is clearly contemptible. I hope such joking receives its just reward, which it apparently shall not upon the amazon.

I quote from page 120, which is one paragraph, or rather partial paragraph which begins on page 119 and ends on page 121 (in the 1995 sixth impression by London's Sheed and Ward). Let me first point out these pages present not the Reverend Father Schillebeeckx's own conclusions, but his summary of an article by another Catholic theologian, which had been published in the well-known and respected academic Catholic theological journal Verbum. Thus this quote begins with a quote from the other theologian:

"'It is interpersonal - the host mediates between the Lord (in his Chruch) and me (in the same Church). I kneel, not before a Christ who is, as it were, condensed in the host, but before the Lord himself who is offering his reality, his body, to me through the host.' The host is Christ's gift of himself, and Christ's persence is that of the giver in the gift, as J. Moller and, later, L. Smits have argued. The gift here is food and drink, but these are not a gift from an ordinary man, but from Jesus, the Christ, and they are therefore the non-deceptive, but irrevocably authentic gift of Christ himself. It is, of course, true that Christ also gives himself in the other sacraments. But this gift of himself is realised in the most supreme way in the Eucharist - the bread and the wine become fully signs. 'What takes place in the Eucharist is a change of sign.' Transubstantiation is a transfinalisation or a transsignification, but at a depth which only Christ reaches in his most real gift of himself. Bread and wine become(together with the words of consecration) the signs which realize this most deep gift of Christ himself. Schoonenberg concludes: 'Those among us who are older rightly regard their faith in Christ's presence under the species as a great treasure. ( . . .)'"

This book from beginning to end defends and explains the Thomistic and official Church dogma of the transubstantiation.

This book bears the official Imprimatur of our Hierarchy, and also passed the official Censor Librorum, receiving the Nihil Obstat, which clearly designates there is nothing in this book which opposes official teaching of our magisterium, and that there is nothing in this book which would block its publication (nihil obstat).

This book remains one of our finest documents explaining clearly the history and meaning of the transubstantiation of the Blessed Sacrament, and one of the best ways for Catholics and converts and initiates and the curious to come to grips and comprehend this mystery of our Faith, in our Eucharist.

Please read this book as a glorious and brilliant and officially approved theological document essential to our Theology. You will not be disappointed. Great reading for Lent our any other time of the year.

Highly recommended and officially approved.

Written forty years ago already, the great and influential Dominican priest and preacher and professor the Reverend Father Edward Schilebeeckx clearly covers the history of the Eucharist, past, present and future, foreseeing even the exciting developments in our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI's Sacramento de La Caridad: Sacramentum Caritatis.


Please note as well this book, the Eucharist, by the REverend Father Edward Schillebeeckx, bears the IMPRIMATUR of His Excellency Robert F. Joyce, Bishop of Burlington, as well as the NIHIL OBSTAT of Father Leo Steady, Censor Librorum. For anyone to suggest this book should be banned is to place oneself above and beyond the judgment of the Catholic Church's own magisterium and hierarchy, which blesses this essential and comprehensive and still informative study. Such a person might then either accept the learned judgment of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, or reconsider their own relationship to this Church.

In defending the revolutionary (for his times) statements of his brother Dominican Saint Thomas Aquinas (now our standard theological touchstone), Father Schillebeeckx asks how Saint Thomas and especially Saint Bonaventure's scholastic discoveries would be received in our persent instant media age, in which the majority of the Church might still reject their orthodox theology, maintaining still as then that the EUcharist is actual flesh and human blood rather than the mystery of transubstantiaion of aristotilean phenomeom of accident as explained carefully and subtly by Saint Thomas. Fr. Schillebeeckx writes without writing, between the lines, the difficulties encountered by the theologian now pursuing the Thomistic Eucharistic dogma, and the care and balance required in new restatements of the theological truths.


For instance, Father Schillebeeckx quotes Saint Thomas Aquinas's then extraordinary statement: "Corpus autem Christi non manducatur in sua specie, sed in specie sacramentali. (p. 15)" a dangerous writing when most Catholics still believed they were chewing actual human flesh rather than the "accidental appearances" of bread bearing the Real Presence of the Body of Jesus Christ. In this book, Father Schillebeeckx clearly, carefully, cleverly, completely explains, among several other orthodox Catholic Church dogma, this Thomistic concept of Sacramental species, and thus supplies us an excellent background for understanding and for living Our Holy Father's recent restatement of these truths of our Faith.

Briefly, and I strive here to write impossibly briefly, after this excellent introduction of the issues involved, Father Schillebeeckx devotes the first part of this book to explaining clearly the Tridentine approach to Faith, as defined at the Council of Trent which set so many other standards for our Church. He concludes this first section with a discussion of the Aristotelian doctrine of substance and accidents and their relevance to our Church and to the Eucharistic mystery, and asks the essential question "What is Reality?"

His second part brings the Tridentine principles up to date, in light of our scientific age. He breathtakingly explores the conflict between Aristotle and modern physics, and humbly displays the breadth and depth of his knowledge and faith in his defense of Trent and of Aquinas in the face of our modern perspectives. Any true believer may find here in this section sufficient response to those empirical philosophers and scientists who cannot "see" nor "sense" the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. If a host sits alone in a tabernacle, with no one to see and to hear and to pray and to adore, is it any less loved and loving? The empiricist might question whether the tree falling ni the wood with no one to hear makes any sound, but Saint Thomas Aquinas makes it clear that Christ is in no way confined in Real Presence by the Tabernacle.

Father Schillebeeckx then provides current anthropological and Lacanian concepts of Sacrament as Sign, sacramental symbolic activity, and the religious sacramental act, returning resoundingly to the Tridentine Concept of Substance. He then discusses how the One Real Presence of Christ can have manifold realizations. He touches on the Eucharist in the light of the then desire for Christian Unity, even with denominations which refuse to recognize the real presence in the Eucharist. He again underscores the Distinctively Eucharistic Manner of the Real Presence, and returns to Scriptural sources for exploring the Biblical assumptions.

Upon this foundation he develops the Basic Principle: "Reality is Not Man's Handiwork." We do not decide what is real and what is not. Christ is Really Present in the Eucharist. This is a Reality we did not make, but must recognize. To deny Reality is insanity (These are my own observations, not relections from Father Schillebeeckx, but inspired by him, who writes so much better, so much clearer, with such greater discipline and learning and structure).

Father Schillebeeckx concludes this great and good book by explaining the ways in which we seek to give meaning to the undeniable realities. We cannot deny the reality of an event, of a phenomenom, of a substance, but we diverge in our understanding of its meaning, and in our expression of that understanding. After explaining various aspects of this meaning-filling process, Father Schillebeeckx again returns to exposing this in light of the "Real Presence of Christ and of His Church in the Eucharist." and the Body of the Lord appearing in sacramental form, through transubstantiation, transsignification or a new giving of meaning.

An excellent and comprehensive conclusion closes this book, which is essential for any thinking Catholic seeking the ever unattainable understanding of the mystery of the Holy Eucharist and the Real Presence of Christ, which has fascinated and challenged our Church from the first days of Christianity, and continues to do so, as evidenced in the urgent interest around the Pope's recent Apostolic Exhortation on the Eucharist.

Other important works to consider, along with our Holy Father's, include Eucharist and the Hunger of the World and The Eucharist and Human Liberation and of course The Living Bread by FAther Thomas Merton.


It is important here to note that at no point does Father Schillebeeckx suggest replacing the traditional Thomistic doctrine of the Transubstantiation with some new formula of transignification and in fact there is no contradiction between the two beyond the process of hermeneutics. In fact repeatedly at every point in this imformative and Faithful treatise, Father Schillebeeckx explains clearly and with conviction the concept of Transubstantiation as first written and taught by his brother Dominican Saint Thomas Aquinas, and held as a central doctrine of our Faith with some literalist grumblings ever since. Father Schillebeeckx in fact transmits a greater and more clarifying understanding, confirmed belief beyond all understanding, and conviction in the very orthodox and subtle and mystical doctrine of Transubstantiation than most Catholics then or now. Any restatement in terms of transfiguration seeks to address the contemporary concerns of the highest echelons of academic philosophers, including the Lacanian psychologists (as in for example, most accessibly Lacan for Beginners (Writers and Readers Beginners Documentary Comic Book) or Introducing Lacan (Beginners)) or even Bahtkin. At no point does Father Schillebeeckx deny in any way the dogma of the Transubstantiation, but rather explains more clearly and completely than in any other text available. Should the average Catholic come to encounter in this way the full implications of the Real Pressence in Transubstantiation, he may experience a mind-numbing shock similar to that experienced by the average American first reading carefully and with comprehension our Bill of Rights.

This is a great overview of succession planning for any family business owner, whether the business is in its first, second or third generation. It is also a good source to help other family members and key non-family members get a sense of what succession planning is, as well as what is involved in the in the succession planning process.

This is a great overview of succession planning for family businesses. Not only did I enjoy reading it, I give copies to family business owners, their family members, and/or their employees who are struggling with this issue. I highly recommend it!!!

I highly recommend all of John Ward's books about family businesses.

Co-authored by Susy Flory and Gini Monroe with the assistance of W. Ward Gasque, Using The Best-Selling Novel To Share Your Faith: Fear Not Da Vinci is an exclusive and conceptual study of Dan Brown's famous novel, The Da Vinci Code. Exploring a Christian response to various elements in the novel, Fear Not Da Vinci introduces readers to such ideals and explanations for Christians as to whether or not it is okay to read the novel, if Jesus really was married, if Mary Magdalene is pictured in "The Last Supper", if Jesus was merely a man or a God, if women are holier then men, and tactful ways to approach analyzing and discussing Dan Brown's novel with a gentle touch -- as opposed to an irrational and abrasively critical argument. For its in-depth study and articulated text, Fear Not Da Vinci is highly recommended for Christian readers when reading or discussing The Da Vinci Code.

This is a book on conversational evangelism. The authors have used the best-selling novel "The Da Vinci Code" as a challenge for Christians to take courage and communicate their faith. Flory and Monroe share tips, techniques, and examples to equip the reader to use the Da Vinci Code novel and movie as a bridge for witnessing to our culture.

The book reviews and highlights the key issues detailed in the novel that attempt to discredit the Christian Gospel and the authority of the Scriptures. Sample questions and answers help prepare the reader to defend Biblical truths against the claims Dan Brown has introduced through his fictional characters. The authors use testimonies, stories, illustrations, and personal examples to keep the text moving at a fast pace.

The book is thoroughly researched and well documented. The table on the themes of the Bible showing references where Jesus quoted from each book of the Old Testament was excellent and can become an excellent reference tool for every reader. I especially appreciated the table outlining the material from the Gnostic writings in light of Biblical teaching.

W. Ward Gasgue's contribution on Gnostic teaching added another dimension to this important book. The resource list provided at the end of the book provides recommend reading for additional study in refuting "The Da Vinci Code" and for help in personal evangelism.

This is a timely book for every Christian.

Fear Not DaVinci reflects the compassionate hearts of the authors, their love for their Savior, and their ardent desire that the biblical truths about Jesus not be distorted by Dan Brown's best-seller, The DaVinci Code. I found this book to be eloquent, understandable, heartwarming and practical. The authors are to be applauded for their exceptional writing skills, compelling stories, and mastery of complex theological issues. I know the Lord must be well pleased with the devotion, dedication and hard work of His faithful servants, Gini and Suzy. What a blessing!

Without a doubt, these CDs are the very best product I have had for outreach to teenagers. I have bought all 4 that are on the market, and can't wait until they make some more. They are intersting, challenging, relevant and steeped in God's word.

We have several small groups in our church and those that used this material found it to be easy to use to launch discussions. The biblical base and contemporary visual made it easy for participants to relate to the truths and principles found in the Bible. With 5 sessions that follow one incident/person/story, participants could track the development of the situation at hand and share their own stories/experiences relating back to the video portion and the Bible. I would highly recommend this material to anyone in a small group environment.

I teach a coed Adult II Sunday School class, and I found Fork in the Road by Liquid absolutely timely and inspiring. The focus on David and the key events in his life are marvelously portrayed in an exceptional video format. The best thing that I liked was that the video for each of the sessions was only about 10 minutes. Plenty of time for the discussion and lesson on the scripture. Biggest problem is that there are little helps for the teacher. I had to use Charles Swindol's and Max Lucado's books on David as background. My group truly enjoyed the study about a man of God, who though he was after God's own heart, was all human. He made mistakes and learned from them.

Good resource book. I was able to identify and confirm a couple of pieces, seashells and coral, I thought may be fossils.

I bought this book as a gift for my cousin. Paired with few small fossils, it makes a great gift for any youngster. It doesn't feature EVERY fossil out there, but rather offers a vivid example of major items. It shows a picture of each-DK Books are great for pictures, I highly recommend their travel guide series--along with an artist's reproduction of what the animal may have looked like in life, and pertinent info about each. I would buy it again, and in fact, I wish I had ALL the DK Books, because every one I've ever seen was great.

I gave this book to my 9 year old son for Christmas and he loves it. It is very easy to read and the pictures are extremly interesting and detailed to look at and study. There is a lot of information for him to look through, which means he will be able to read this book over and over again. This book will be a great reference for any upcoming projects or reports he may choose to do for school.

This is an extremely comprehensive volume that covers all the ground that designers, budding designers and photoshop enthusiasts need to know...The case study even tells you how to create a postcard ready for the printers and how to create your own site using ImageReady. There's stuff on printing, workflow, image correction, filters, as well as the obvious like layers and selection... This book is another winner from friendsofED!

I've had Photoshop for over a year. I've spent most of that time being frustrated with the program. I bought Foundation Photoshop 6 a little over a month ago and am now learning in leaps and bounds. Foundation Photoshop 6 is truly excellent for beginners, providing easily understood instructions, explanations and exercises. With this book, anyone can learn to create amazing graphics. I highly recommend it.

For me as a beginner it was really helpful and covered a big range of topics

This book is well worth purchasing. It is very logical and comprehensive. It provides a holistic framework for effective health care regardless of the health practitioners profession.

This text is actually required reading for most if not all osteopathic medical students. It is a 'textbook', however, and hence completely (sometimes exhaustively!) comprehensive. But it is easy to read so that anyone with an interest in OMT will get a methodic how-to for myriad techniques, also a thorough history of osteopathic medicine to boot! One of my OMT professors at the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine wrote or co-wrote a few of the chapters so of course, I think those are the best! If you are looking for an educational approach to learning manipulation and the reasons behind it, this is a valuable resouce.

This is the long awaited basic textbook for osteopathic medicine. It is surprisingly complete, covering philosophy, history, research, and manipulative techniques. The beginning osteopathic student may find it most useful for its practical discussion on the techniques--high velocity, myofascial release, etc. I believe it is also helpful in standardizing our terminology, which will make it easier when taking board exams or talking with colleagues from other osteopathic schools. It includes contributors well known within the osteopathic community, including Michael and William Kuchera, Melicien Tettambel, Eileen DiGiovanna, and many others. As a family practice resident I frequently turn to this textbook first when I want to know more about how to treat a patient or when preparing lectures for students and housestaff.

During a recent trip to Alaska where I was photographing Grizzly bears, I wanted to acquire a book or two that would be good representations of professional bear photography. I looked at many (and there are many good ones). Of the outstanding books I previewed, none were more professional and complete than Ward's. He is the consummate naturalist, always getting his pictures, but never to the detriment of the animal. He has many interesting stories to tell, and he tells them well. The cover photo is fantastic, and it is rivaled by many more inside the book. I have looked through this book several times since I returned from my trip, and it is a fine reminder of the Great Land... and a great animal. Thank you Mr. Ward.

As a former National Park Ranger, a naturalist, and a professional wildlife photographer, Kennan Ward presents a captivating view of grizzly bears in their natural surroundings. I was left in awe of these magnificent creatures.

Kennan Ward: "Grizzlies in the wild":This is the stuff that gets a "couch potato" out to the campsites! Nature at it's extreme, Indian legend, bears so huge and unique that they are known far and wide by their names alone, Carniverous and dangerous, the author respects them all. The tenacity of ward's pursuits and his dedication as a photographer, brings us one of the most informative, entertaining, inspiring and picturesque books that I've read in a very long time.

My son got this for Christmas last year. It took him a while to get to it, but when he started reading it, he was hooked. He did not want this book to end. The artwork is lovely, and the story-telling is first rate as well, with the tale taking a new twist every few pages.

So if you want an adventure story for children, this one should really hold their attention and make them want to read.

Gulliver's Travels is definatley a classic. Anybody looking for a book to read should definatley check into this one if they have not already read it. Even if you have a second time would only do you good! Gullives Travles is a book that can reach most levels of reading with the content. A few words a big, but they can be bypassed. Swift has definatley done himself well with this one, and the great part about it is that if you like the book, there are also movies that can be rented of Gullivers Travels. All in all the book is a good book.

"Gulliver's Travels" is arguably the greatest work on satire written in the English language, but while it might look like a children's book it is not really one. In "Gulliver in Lilliput" the first part of Jonathan Swift's story is retold by Margaret Hodges. This covers Gulliver's shipwreck, his being captured by the miniature Lilliputians, his involvement in the war with Blefuscu, and, in an effort to provide narrative completeness, with return to England. Hodges gets high marks for adapting the story to younger readers, now presented as a children's tale, without completely watering down Swift's sharp satire, although clearly this version emphasizes more of a sense of fun for the proceedings. Hodges is providing an abbreviated version of the original, yet she has managed to keep the important details while working in some of Swift's original language, such as what the Lilliputians say in their own language. Those who have read the original will be impressed with this retelling of the first part of the classic story.

What makes this volume even more special are the sepia-toned pen and watercolor illustrations by Kimberly Bulcken Root. In keeping with the spirit of the story she has worked all sorts of humor and wit into her detailed illustrations of Gulliver in the land of the six-inch tall Lilliputians. You will really want to pay attention to the details of each and every picture, because there is a lot to be found. Taken together, the text and illustrations of "Gulliver in Lilliput" provide a marvelous introduction to Swift's famous tale intended for young readers in grades 3-6. Younger readers might not be able to appreciate Swift's satirical attacks, but the important thing here is that they will develop a sense of affection for the work and one day will pick up the original to enjoy the full force of his assault on the conventions of 18th-century society (my recommendation would be the annotated version of "Gulliver's Travels," which will provide all of the details as to what Swift is really doing).