Church-State Relations Books

You'd expect this book to be either a paen to conservative values, or a completely dry legalistic review. It's neither, which is really wonderful. The first chapter suffers from bouts of overdetail, but once you get past that, the book blossoms into a very interesting pastiche of historical facts and musings reported in an unconventional array of styles that really hold your attention. Besides, where else would you read about the treatment of Jews in the Massachussetts Bay Colony?? A highly original read.

The first book by John T. Noonan, Jr., that I read was his tour de force, Contraception: A History of Its Treatment by the Catholic Theologians and Canonists, which I finished reading on June 5, 1967, finding it an exemplary study of a fascinating subject. On June 16, 1973, I read his Power to Dissolve: Lawyers and Marriages in the Courts of the Roman Curia. Each year I pick a book which I consider the best book I read that year. For the year 1973 I awarded Power to Dissolve the greatest book of the 55 books I read that year. When I saw The Lustre of Our Country I knew I could not go wrong reading it, and I was right. Other reviewers have written well of the book, but even if you do not read the entire book--its chapters are able to stand alone--read Chapter 7, entitled "The Pilgrim's Process." It is a dazzling and devastating critique of the Supreme Court's meanderings in dealing with the religion provisons of the First Amendment. This is an excellent book, and anyone interested in its subject will be rewarded in reading it.

This is a very special book. Its subject matter is weighty, its intent serious, its disciplines--law and theology--address issues of grave import. The purpose of this review is to alert potential readers to qualities as to which a more adequate review is likely to leave them unaware. The text of the "Lustre" is not ponderous. Instead navigation of the thicket of ideas which the text presents tends to leave the reader refreshed rather than drained. Eccentric and various in its organization and modes of presentation, this book frees one from captivity to a prescribed routing and invites navigation after one's own bent. Subtle logic combines with a pervasive historical sense. Events permeated with paradox and tragedy are presented with insight and wit. Not an easy read; but rewarding. As in the case of Whitman's Leaves of Grass, a reader of this book touches the life of a very special American.

John T. Noonan, currently serving as Judge on the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, has written both a personal and historical account of the experience of religious freedom in American history. Noonan begins his book by giving an autobiographical narrative of his Catholic upbringing in Boston and how this affected his theological and political views on religious freedom. He discusses his difficulty in reconciling his belief, taught by his father and other intellectual mentors, in religious tolerance with the teachings of the Catholic Church, which asserted that it was the one true church and that it was the duty of the state to actively promote Catholicism as the only true religion. Noonan then draws upon his theological knowledge to argue, contrary to what his Church once taught, that the very idea of religious freedom is fundamentally a Christian one. Noonan sums up his argument:
"By the first century A.D. there is in the Mediterranean world a religionEhat carries the concepts of a God, living, distinct from and superior to any human being, society, or state; of obligations to that God, distinct form and superior to any society or state; of authorized teachers who can voice these obligations and judge any society or state; of an inner voice of reason that is one way God speaks as well as by His authorized teachers. According to these concepts as taught by this religion, each person, individually and not as part of a family, tribe, or nation, will have to account to God as Judge for every thought and deed. Collectively, these concepts are at the core of liberty of conscience and liberty of religion."
Noonan then turns to history. In the Introduction to the book, Noonan put forward the argument that "free exerciseEs an American inventionEever before 1791 was there a tablet of the law, a legal text guaranteeing to all a freedom from religious oppression by the national legislature." Noonan now goes on to demonstrate the evidence for this claim. He traces the settlement of New England, the religious oppression of the Quakers and the Baptists, and then tells how religious liberty came about from these early conflicts. Noonan writes that:
Plymouth and the Bay Colony provided an ideal and a rhetoricEhode IslandEnd PennsylvaniaEhowed that organized government could exist without supporting a churchEand] Maryland provided the phrase [free exercise] that is at the core of the First Amendment. All four colonies demonstrated that the Church of England could tolerate other forms of Christian worship and so prepared the ground for the English Act of Toleration.
Noonan demonstrates that it was the pluralism of the colonies and the diversity of religious sects that contributed in large part to the development of religious freedom in early America. This "proliferation of sects" gave colonists "a variety of alternatives to the established" churches, which "created political constituencies that politicians had to consider."
The book then turns to the legacy of James Madison and how he has so influenced our views on religious freedom. Noonan gives a mini-biographical treatment to Madison, describing his early religious training and somewhat sudden entry into colonial politics during a critical time in our nation's history. The reader cannot help but to sense the author's deep affinity for Madison and his legacy. Noonan gives special treatment to Madison's role in crafting the American concept of church and state matters.
Noonan then goes on to describe early 19th century American church and state relations through a fictional sister of Alexis de Toqueville. Contrary to Toqueville's, Democracy In America, Noonan argues that church and state interacted in a manner that was not exactly in keeping with the Madisonian ideal. Government at this time was very closely involved with religion and supported it in a number of ways that could be construed as respecting an establishment. Noonan also describes the abolitionist movement and how this crusade was firmly rooted in American Christianity, at least the Northern variety.
Noonan focuses a large portion of his book dissecting and examining the legal aspect of church and state matters and religious freedom as a whole. He keeps the readers attention by a fictional dialogue between 'Harvardman' and 'Mr. Simple.' There are several interesting observations made by Noonan during this quite extensive examination of jurisprudence relating to church and state matters. One of the most intriguing is:
"Ceremonial deism was the court's description of prayers by a legislature, prayer at the opening of a court, and of 'In God We Trust' imprinted on the coinagesEust as Secular Humanism was nonreligious practice that was called a religion, ceremonial deism was religious practice that was not to be called a religion. The court created a kind of American Shinto, a state religion that for establishment purposes was a non-religion because its purposes were secular."
One could only conclude after reading such an argument that the Supreme Court has indeed established a religion appropriate for government support at the exclusion of all others. Is this not what Madison and others warned us would happen if the state took it upon itself to delve so deeply into religious matters as our courts recently have? Noonan argues his point but at the same time allows the reader enough leeway to decide on his own.
The book concludes with four examples of how the American concept of religious liberty has impacted the world EFrance, Japan, Russia, and the Roman Catholic Church. The final example brings us back to Noonan's own beginnings, or where the first part of the book left off. In 1965 the Roman Catholic Church formally adopted, after centuries of persecution of 'heretic' sects, religious toleration. Beyond the significance this event served for the author, it provides an appropriate closing to the topic of religious freedom and certainly a monumental one in human history as a whole.

One of the ironies of American Constitutional history is that many of our greatest jurists have never had the opportunity to sit on our highest court. One thinks of such obvious examples as Learned Hand, John Johnston Parker,Arthur Vanderbilt, Roger Traynor, and John Minor Wisdom. John T,. Noonan, currently a senior judge with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, clearly deserves to be ranked in this select company( as does his philosophical antipode, Richard Posner of The seventh circuit). This book, remarkably lucid, remarkably learned and remarkably humane, constitutes the culmination of Noonans historical, legal and philosophical reflection.Other reviewers have already indicated the riches of this fine books contents. I will only note that I learned something new, or encountered a fresh and startling argument, on almost every page. Noonan has thought deeply about democracty and human freedom, not only in America, but in other countries as well. The chapters on France, Japan, and Russia show an understanding of the cultural political, and religous life of those nations which borders on the extraordinary. The chapter on Tocqueville( told through the literary device of an imaginary account of America written by Tocquevilles equallly imaginary sister, Angelique,) is quite brilliant, and opens up new perpectives on Tocqueville. All in all, a great book. One hopes for more from Judge Noonans learned and humane pen.It is truly amazing that mediocrites such as Breyer, Kennedy, Ginsburg and Souter sit on the court, while this deeply patriotic and brilliant man has to preside over the often humdrum cases of the ninth circuit.

Sandra Johnson is an amazing storyteller! She brought the account of St. John's Baptist Church and the seige upon it to life for all of us who have had the good fortune of discovering this book. It is the incredible journey of hate and love and the enormous range of emotions in between. It is also the tale of unlikely friendships, terrifying and horrifying events, injustice, and the hope and promise of racial harmony. This is a book that I personally hope will be brought to the big screen -- so all those folks who aren't readers will be exposed to this story. (Film producers: somebody out there please take note!) I firmly believe that the entire world needs to learn of Standing on Holy Ground -- it truly is one of the handful of "must read" books. It would be wonderful if every high school or college literature class would somehow use this book as required reading. It has much to offer about friendships, volunteerism, racial inequities, dedication and hard work, and perseverence in the highest form. We should each take it upon ourselves to spread the word of this book, for it was by accident that I learned of this extraordinary tale. I was not surprised that Ms. Johnson was awarded the coveted Christopher Medal for her effort in bringing this true story to life. I anxiously await her next book with her special gift to convey emotions, report facts, mesmerize the reader, and spin the tale to the upmost. Don't keep us waiting Ms. Johnson!!

A really good book - easy to read and follow. The author makes you feel as if you have known Ammie personally, along with all the other players in this story. For most of us, we have not been exposed to the prejudice and hatred that exists around us and the pain and heartache that is produces. It brought me to tears several times, but it also warmed my heart. I highly recommend this book to all.

I was introduced to this book by Ammie's daughter, Christy. Christy played an integral part in my new book "Angels and Quilt Pieces...Our Journey with a Katrina Family" - which will be available July, 2007. Christy was one of our "Angels" and gave us the "quilt pieces" story and theme.

I was fighting tears before I finished the first chapter. I thought we had come farther than this. What broke my heart was not just that a few twisted individuals would commit such atrocities, but that the victims did not trust the system to come to their aid. That speaks volumes. We still have a long way to go and Sandra's book has made that abundantly clear. Those who helped turn things around for this church are true heros and much braver than I.
Betty Wilson Beamguard

STANDING ON HOLY GROUND is compelling and thought-provoking and reads like fiction, but becomes all the more riveting and terrifying when you realize it's a true, unadulterated story of the modern-day South and the racism that still exists. But it is also a story of triumph and how two women, against all odds, brought a community together -- a community that reached out beyond the town, the county and the state and effected thousands of concerned citizens in America. Sandra E. Johnson's prose is solid, unbiased, but also visceral an unblinking in its re-telling of the obstacles and challenges faced by two friends (one black, one white) and their fight to save a rural country church from hated and racism. This is a "must-read"!

Sandra E. Johnson has created a masterpiece in journalism! No bias can be found anywhere in her book--only the facts. As the story unfolds, one truly begins to feel as he or she were treading on Holy Ground (page after blessed page). Upon reading this book, no one can ever say againg that the truth is boring or that real stories must be embellished for artistic flare and entertainment. Johnson's words hammer home every riveting detail in a fashion that makes the reader feel as if they are gliding through a well-written novel. Who needs fiction when you can have this kind of truth?

Through telling of how diverse people banded together to rebuild St. John Baptist Church, Sandra Johnson shows the world that love, faith, hope and a spirit of unity can come together to work miracles. It is a message that she proclaims to us all and we're the better for it.

As a Pagan, I find it puzzling to see the beginnings of alliances between many Christian fundamentalists and Jewish liberals. And I find it even more puzzling to see the beginnings of alliances between many Muslim fundamentalists and Christian liberals. What's up with that? This book helps explain it.

First, the Christian fundamentalists and the Jewish liberals. Traditionally, Jewish liberals have been suspicious of Christian fundamentalists for many reasons: the most vocal Christians have generally defamed Jews, encouraged anti-Jewish violence, and engaged in missionary work that Jews have reacted very negatively to. In addition, views on social issues such as abortion, school prayer, and gay rights have generally been very different among these two groups. And Christian fundamentalists have been suspicious of Jewish liberals for some of the same reasons: differences on social issues as well as the hostility that they see on the Jewish side.

Why is it becoming different now? The author explains that it is because both sides see a need to defend Israel. I think that explains part of it. But I think he overlooked something even more important: both the Christians and Jews are siding with Israel for the same reasons. That is, the constant Arab lies, the United Nations and European Union support for Arab terror, and the dishonesty of many in the media have angered both groups in the same way. And even upon further reflection, they both still see all these problems as serious threats to society as a whole.

That's the easy part.

The tough question, which Merkley answers superbly, is why we're seeing an alliance between Christian liberals and Muslim fundamentalists. Merkley shows that it goes far beyond any need to attack Israel.

The two groups are strange bedfellows indeed. They have different religions, and their attitudes towards religion are very different. One group has mostly liberal values while the other is reactionary and intolerant. Historically, they have the legacy of Muslim invasions of Europe, the Crusades, and European colonialism. Why would liberal Christians support those who favor slavery, terrorism, totalitarianism, irredentism, mistreatment of Women, and intolerance of the rights of others in general? Why would fundamentalist Muslims even seek or accept such support?

It certainly isn't any rational need to oppose Israeli behavior. As the author points out, "Israel's offence follows from the nature of Islam." This alliance is the result of three factors: Muslim offence at the existence of Jewish rights in Israel, Muslim pressure on the Christians of the Middle East, and long-standing contempt of Judaism by more than a few Western Christians.

Merkley shows that the effect of all this has been devastating to the Christians of the Middle East. The majority have fled the area. Most of those who have stayed have done so either because they supported Muslim terror against the Jews or because they were pressured into tolerating it. This has poisoned their relations with the Israeli Jews while not raising their esteem in the eyes of Arab Muslims.

Merkley is at his best when he documents the reactions of all sorts of diverse Christian groups to the State of Israel. I strongly recommend this book. And if you want more, read Bat Ye'or's book on Islam and Dhimmitude next.

This book documents how liberal Protestants in the U.S. who have reworked their theology regarding the Jewish people have allowed the prophetic voices of their churches to be hi-jacked by groups like Sabeel and the Middle East Council of Churches and other church institutions that have embraced what can be politely described as a Judeophobic agenda. These institutions have portrayed Israel's efforts to defend itself against enemies intent on destroying it as a Jewish assault on Christian sensibilities and the mainline churches cooperate in broadcasting this narrative. Merkley offers enormously valuable background and history to the conflict. It also provides insight into how putatively progressive Christians have remained silent about the the mistreatment of religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East. A hugely important book that has not gotten enough attention. A must read for this interested in understanding Christian anti-Zionism.

This absorbing work follows on from Merkley's 1998 masterpiece The Politics of Christian Zionism 1891-1948. He believes Christian attitudes to Israel derive from deeply held theological persuasions that ought to be considered in the historical context of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The first part reviews the historical elements that have always been present in Christian attitudes towards Judaism whilst the main body reveals the wide variety of Christian voices worldwide and particularly in the Middle East. Finally, he examines different Christian institutions and their theological and political relations to the Middle East. His arguments derive from verifiable facts and evidence based on the official literature of churches and organizations as well as interviews with spokespeople of the aforementioned and of the State of Israel and the Palestinian authority. Merkley engages boldly and wittily with this arsenal of fact and opinion, unafraid to take a stand, speak his mind and make a case for Israel.

He chronicles the development of the attitudes of different strands of Christianity, including the Catholic and mainstream Protestant churches on the one hand versus Evangelicals on the other, whilst acknowledging that significant numbers of individuals in the first two groups hold personal convictions that correspond more closely with the second. Approved by the United Nations, the establishment of Israel in 1948 occurred in an environment of worldwide approval but even then there were opposing voices. These came from Protestant missionary groups in the Middle East as well as anti-Zionist Jewish organizations in the USA. Soon after the rebirth, the Catholic and mainstream Protestant churches started to shift to a critical stance. Formed a few weeks after this historic event, the World Council of Churches has a long history of enmity to the Jewish state. As the war clouds were gathering in 1967, the WCC remained quiet about the Arab World's bellicose rhetoric and threats of genocide. But immediately after Israel's resounding victory, it pounced with a sanctimonious condemnation of violence.

Since then, the WCC has become notorious for parroting Arab and UN propaganda, culminating in its participation in the hate-fest at the 2001 UN Conference on Racism in Durban. Merkley lucidly exposes the reptile tongue of the WCC and the mass media, demonstrating the similarities with the anti-Semitic propaganda of the Nazis. He argues that the leaders of the WCC are a militant ecumenical elite far removed from the essence of theology and fully committed to political causes. He contends that Christian anti-Zionism is not just a form of generic anti-Zionism but that it draws from the same theological roots as the medieval European blood libels. In this regard, see also The Resurgence of Anti-Semitism by Bernard Harrison. The Christian Left seeks to appease radical Muslim opinion about the existence of Israel, as liberal churches have allied themselves with a movement with which they have nothing in common. Merkley does not pretend to believe in either the meme of the religion of peace or the willingness of Israel's neighbors to live in peace with it. See Peace: The Arabian Caricature of Anti-Semitic Imagery to understand why.

As anti-Zionism gained momentum in the 1970s, more individuals with different convictions started leaving those churches as is evident from the declining membership of the mainstream denominations. And Christians Zionists became actively involved in the support of Israel and her people in the Diaspora. Those of a theologically more conservative disposition have shown themselves to be steadfast and loyal friends of the Jewish State. Organizations like the Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, Bridges for Peace, Christian Friends of Israel, the International Christian Zionist Center and CUFI are devoted to the welfare of the country by means of practical and political assistance. Chapter seven provides interesting information on the institutional variety of and theologies of Christian Zionism. Please note that most of them avoid proselytizing. Standing With Israel by David Brog is an informative read on the history and current composition of the movement whilst In Defense of Israel by John Hagee and Future Israel: Why Christian Anti-Judaism Must Be Challenged by Barry Horner explain the theological motivation.

Merkley is uncertain whether the mainstream churches will move further in the direction of what he calls neo-Marcionism (See Lost Christianities by Bart Ehrman for an explanation) in order to appeal to secular liberals, Islam and the Eastern churches or whether it will attempt Jewish-Christian reconciliation. On the Protestant side the signs are not promising with their divestment attempts, while things look more ambiguous in the Roman church in view of the militant rhetoric of Michel Sabbah, Archbishop of Jerusalem. Besides obvious reasons for standing with Israel like its adherence to the rule of law, commendable record of respecting the holy places of all religions, astonishing cultural and technological accomplishments and uninterrupted record of democracy, there is another reason why Christian Zionists are loyal to the Jewish state. It is, like the attitude of the other churches, rooted in theology, but quite overtly based on scripture. To its Christian friends, the rebirth of Israel represents the major miracle of the 20th century. It is a requirement of faith to seek the blessing of Israel above all other considerations; the existence of Israel is considered crucial to the survival of our Judeo-Christian civilization.

Among the valuable contributions of this illuminating work is the refutation of myths, false perceptions and stereotypes fabricated by the mass media. As already mentioned, many Christian Zionist organizations have a strict policy of not seeking converts. They are not all fundamentalists or biblical literalists nor do they profess to know the sequence of events that will lead to the return of Messiah, and least of all do they want the Jewish people to suffer any more than they already have. Merkley provides abundant evidence that anti-Zionism flourishes on the Christian Left today, but further proof is available in The New Anti-Semitism by Chesler and The Deadliest Lies by Foxman. I highly recommend Christian Attitudes toward the State of Israel to all who wish to understand what is happening in this world of lengthening shadows. The book includes notes, a bibliography, references and an index.

I can't say enough good things about this book. In fact, I am going to buy several copies to give to friends, both Christian and Jewish. I'd like to give it to liberal Protestant friends, but sadly, having read the book I am older and wiser about the deep roots of liberal Protestant hostility to Israel (and Jews).

I found the background on the World Council of Churches, the Vatican, and the Evangelicals really fascinating. Merkley is wonderfully frank and honest about difficult topics. I found him a trustworthy reporter. At times his exasperation shows, but on the whole he shows an admirable restraint.

This book helped me understand some unpleasant interchanges I've had with people in my own community, for example the Presbyterian minister and the socially elite lady who works with Protestant missions in "Palestine." I have been deeply disturbed by their moral indifference to Jewish life (the minister) and outright anti-semitic slurs (the rich mission lady.) It is always helpful to be able to put personal experiences like this in a larger political/historical context and understand them at a deeper level.

On a happier note, Merkley gave me information I did not know about the theology and policies of the main Evangelical groups. I was especially interested to learn that the often repeated comment they are only helping Israel so that all the Jews will be killed in Armageddon is actually a lie promulgated by anti-Israeli Christians eager to alienate Jews from their one group of dependable support (Merkley says this in a much more measured way, but that's the nub). I have to say this also fits my personal experience - the several evangelicals I have talked to in my community have only quoted Bible about 'those that bless you shall be blessed, those that curse you shall be cursed' in explaining why they think supporting Israel is a good idea (in both senses of the word 'good.')

I feel very grateful to Merkley for this book and I only wish it were more widely read.

The Dutch impact on American culture and especially in this case, Chicago, is very often overlooked. This book aims to correct some of that. History comes alive in the details and this book certainly has a lot of them. It places you exactly in the context of the Dutch American experience. This book is a must read for fellow Dutchmen and for history buffs looking to understand this microcosm of life that penetrates so deeply in our society.

Swierenga does a fantastic job of pulling out all the details, both historic and personal, of the Dutch people who settled in the Chicago area. From religion to schools, societies, businesses, politics, to the "other Dutch," this book covers it all and includes wonderful photos of old Chicago, the farms, churches, schools, transportation (horse-drawn wagons, milk trucks, garbage trucks, etc) and families. Much of the book deals with the religious aspects of Dutch immigration and life as religion played a huge and fascinating part in the daily lives of the Dutch. "Dutch Chicago" is an amazing compilation of history and geneaology entwined with personal stories and interesting tidbits... very readable, very educational.

This has to be the best Dutch/American book written to date. Countless times I have been dismayed at the lack of Dutch/American books written , and the lack of those displayed or for sale in predominant Dutch areas. This book whets the appetite , but we need more. More books on the old country in English , and more on the Dutch immigration to the US.

This book is a treasure of facts and stories of the Dutch immigrant's experience coming to Chicago. Squabbles in the churches , dutch clubs , and how the Dutch shaped Chicago areas , like Pullman , Roseland , and Englewood.

A must read if you are into history and the Dutch. It filled in some blanks of my own understanding of my upbringing !

My Father's side of the family grew up in Cicero, and this book is a fantastic resource to see what it was like for my ancestors. Some of it is a little dense, and it focuses quite a bit on the church and religion, but that's understandable since that was one of the main things that held the Chicago dutch together. I have to give it 5 stars, though, just for the fact that there is a picture of my grandpa in this book!

Philip Berrigan,who beacame {in}famous for being the first Catholic priest jailed ON PRINCIPLE{for his destroying of draft files in Baltimore in 1967},has penned a sort of autobiography. Philip Berrigan has always been a huge burr in the side of everyone in power:religious superiors,wardens, govenment officials{his encounter with Rober McNamara during the war is telling}et,al. He has courage that is beyond my comprehension,continually going forth to non violently protest the ongoing nuclear threat{often by hammering a submarine,or desnt the hollow nose cone od a missle, the pouring blood as a symbol over the objects] For these protest, he has served the majority of the past 30 years in tough penitentaries.What would make this talented handsome intelligent man do such things? The story that he tells, almost mundanely is captivating. Childhood on the Iron range in Minnesota,Stern Irish father and sweet,loving german mother,brood of brothers,athlete,decorated soldier in WWII[they didnt give medals out for laying in foxholes},the he joined the only Roman Catholic order dedicated to serving Black americans, the josephites.{S.S.J} His older brother Daniel,Jesuit priest and famous poet and peace activist,was his role model on this. Throughot the momoir, Phillip Berrigan recounts the good life and hrad times of the next 35 years of his life. His eventual leaving the priesthood, his marriage to Elizabeth McCallister{a former nun , which coused much idiotic tounge wagging back then},his three daughters, his life in Jonah House in Baltimore,Md.{a kind of catholic woker house}, and his dogged, relentless pursuit of the Gospel truth as he sees it. Whether or not one agrees with Berrigan{and in the current climate, thew number of sympathizers must have shruken dramatically}, his almost sisyphusian struggle is admirable. Time alone will decide whethere or not Philip Berrigan has been a prophet or not. What he is is a courageous,honorable man who is willing to put his life, NOT YOURS, on the line for his beliefs. Now that is quite extraordianry.Good book, well written{if almost purposely low-keyed},simply astonishing story.

This book is an autobiography by Phillip Berrigan, a man that hated war and murder by nations and people. He fought for peace and justice but the state continually locked him up in prison for his beliefs. But that did not stop him from spreading the word of the Gospel and being and activist for peace, against war, invuluntary inlistment into the army and nuclear weapons.

What more can be added to the excellent reviews already posted here but to say that Philip Berrigan stands ever, though now posthumously, as the most courageous of Catholics in America, with his Jesuit brother Daniel, and provides us the way to live ever and fully Catholic in our anglo America.

Father Philip earned his sainthood through courageous and direct action for peace and justice, suffering for his Catholic faith within the dank cells of federal prisons. Not for him the country club prisons of the wealthy GOP and Enron offenders, etc., for which much of the present administration seems bound and determined. Father Philip suffered the same fate as our poor who dare to defy the Empire and cry prophetically for peace and economic justice, for social justice, for equal opportunity, for our Faith.

Read this book to learn where Phil came from, in his own words, the strength of his courage and uncompromising Faith conviction. Read this book to discover how Phil lived our Faith to the fullest ("hasta las ultimas consecuencias" as we say untranslatably in Latin America). Read this book to discover the strong example of living the Catholic Faith which we leaves us all to follow, to live as true children of God, working for peace and justice as powerfully and bravely as Jesus of Nazareth at the market stalls dirtying the Temple gates.

Highly recommended for all Catholics, particularly for those of us grown lazy and materially comfortable and thus compromised by the secular powers and dominations from the full exercise of our Faith, a prophetic Faith which compells us to alter those structures which oppress us, as Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI clearly states repeatedly in the conclusion of his Apostolic Exhortation The Sacrament of Charity: Sacramentum Caritatis, where he writes the Eucharist compells us to action, where he writes we cannot remain on the sidelines in the face of such injustice and oppression, in a world, as His Holiness explicitly exhorts us, in which a tiny percentage of the resources wasted on war would feed our world's hungry and poor.

Read this book and learn to live with courage and truth our Faith to the fullest, in the footsteps of the prohpetic martyr of the Americas Archbishop Romero, in the path to peace and justice forged of Phil Berrigan.

The perfect antidote to Mel Gibson's version of Christian values. Phil Berrigan was a typical product of the depression--family of dirt poor immigrants, went into the army to fight Hitler and do his patriotic duty--but then came home and entered the seminary. His first posting was to inner City Washington DC, where he encountered racism and poverty up close. Rather than just put in his time, and then turn his back, serving out his priesthood in a comfortable middle class white community and give an occasional sermon about poverty, Berrigan engaged the poor children he was working with as brothers in Christ, and asked why.

His quest for answers continued as he was posted in the deep south (Louisiana) in the late 50's, early 60's...Emmett Till through the Freedom Rides. He concluded that racism was a violation of Christ's principle that all men are brothers--and said so.

Forced out of the deep south, he relocated to Baltimore--still a racially divided city, where Blacks were in poverty. As the Vietnam War escalated, Berrigan saw that the racism and poverty he experienced daily were inextricably linked to this country's increasing military industrial complex, and its position of world domination/exploitation.

As a Christian, Berrigan felt he had no choice but to resist this injustice, demand that the world put aside militarism, and treat all of mankind as brothers in Christ. He joined civil rights movements, and the anti-war movement--always maintaining that non-violent resistance was not only the right tactic, but was the only course open to a practicing Christian in America.

He poured blood on draft files, burned them with napalm, and spent six years in high security prisons as a result. While imprisoned, the FBI charged him (along with his brother, Daniel Berrigan and his by then wife, Elizabeth McAllister) with plotting to bomb the White House and kidnap Kissinger himself.

Berrigan freely admitted to discussions about making a citizens arrest of Kissinger for war crimes, but denied all other charges. He was ultimately acquitted of all charges.

For the rest of his life, Phillip Berrigan resisted the military. A founder of the Catholic Ploughshares movement, he consistently sought to beat swords (nuclear weapons) into ploughshares. As he explains at length, he did not expect his actions to cowl the US government into abandoning its nuclear program. Rather, he was acting on his conscience.

Reading his autobiography makes one ashamed of all of the excuses we each make on a daily basis of why we can't act better--too busy, might affect my job, I have kids, and on and on. Berrigan let none of this stop him. He married, raised three kids, and spent most of his adult life in prison, on bail awaiting trial, or on parole.

His courage is magnificent. His dedication to living a life of conscience is inspirational. But above all, Berrigan's version of Christ and Christian duty is one of universal love and respect. If these principles were lived by everyone, we would live in a far better world than that of Mel Gibson and his glorification of pain and violent sacrifice.

Berrigan lived the life (as he put it) of a Catholic attempting to become a Christian. Whatever one's beliefs, Berrigan's was a life worth understanding.

This book reveals the evil forces behind the United Nations. It is not a club of well-meaning, idealistic Christians. The founding of the UN has been the work of Communists. In truth the UN is an organization that has been leading a global campaign against: - the Christian family - traditional Biblical values - the nationhood of America The UN is the world's anti-people planner. How can an organization be so presumptuous that it makes guidelines for world population? This tyranny needs to be ended. Distributing contraceptives to teenagers without parents' consent, and moving the world to an antichristian New World Order. If you are pro-life, pro-family, and pro-gun, then you need to read this book to grasp that this global organization is against your freedoms. The UN is busy promoting abortion, destruction of the family, and eradication of Biblical religion in the name of "social progress". Since I read that book, I am an absolute UN opponent. The world would be a better place without that kind of an organization. What I like about this book is William Norman Grigg's strong Christian conviction that is revealed on every page. He says the truth: the world's only hope for peace is not the United Nations, but it is Jesus Christ! He is the Prince of Peace the Bible says!

Mr. Grigg holds your intrest with his easy to read style, while presenting this thoroughly documented report of how the goal of the United Nations is bring about world peace by having everyone recieve the same UN aproved education and practice their aproved one-world pagan religion. If you disagree... Well, that won't be an option.
Read this book. Learn. You won't get this information on the nightly news.

The author, William Norman Grigg, is senior editor for The New American, a publication of the John Birch Society. The JBS has been at the forefront of the effort to get the US out of the UN. This book, written in 1995, is still an important work. Mr. Grigg has meticulously foot-noted his expose into what direction the UN elite want to take the world, especially the US. Beneath its veneer and rhetoric, the UN is a socialist/communist organization. Its vision of rights is completely opposite of that of America's Founders, as Mr. Grigg explains. Read the book to see actual quotes from Americans who support the UN. You will be surprised, as I was. Our children are being programmed in government schools to accept the legitimacy and authority of the UN, and this does not bode well for the future of this country. I urge you to read this book and, if you want to stay current, subscribe to The New American.

This is one of the most enlightening and informative books I've read on the U.N., its design, and its goal to enslave all of humanity. Mr. Grigg does not write from the viewpoint of one who is paranoid (as the mainstream media would label one espousing such views). Rather, he meticulously documents and supports his arguments and reasoning, primarily from materials published by the UN itself.

Through the UN's own material, Mr. Grigg shows how the organization seeks to gain ultimate control of every facet of our lives, while deceptively claiming to be the guardian of "human rights." Mr. Grigg shows that, in reality, the U.N. actively promotes: a culture of death through its policies on population control, a religious environment devoid of everything having to do with the God of the Bible and traditional Protestantism, radical environmental policies (based on bogus and unproven "scientific research"), governmental control of children through the granting of so-called "children's rights" that "liberate" them from "unfit" parents, etc. In short, Mr. Grigg touches on things that affect our daily lives and will have profound effects on future generations--on our friends and loved ones.

Mr. Grigg points out very accurately that the so-called "rights" so easily granted by UN bureaucrats in plush, red-carpeted offices can and are just as easily taken away by the same elite who want to rule the world.

Yet, it is not simply a book of doomsday warnings. The most important section tells readers what they personally can do to help stop the eradication of our God-given rights and freedoms by the UN.

This is must reading for all those who are concerned about what's happening in the world today. It is a "wake up" call that things don't just happen but are planned by specific people for a specific purpose. Unless large numbers of people are alerted to what the U.N. has in store for all of us and are willing to join the ranks of others who are fighting for our freedom, it will soon be too late!

Readers of "Love the Sin" may also enjoy Naked in Haiti: A sexy morality tale about tourists, prostitutes & politicians. It is about the joys and problems of sex tourism. It skewers sex tourists and politicians alike, though the prostitutes come out looking pretty good (they always do). There is also a religious connection, though it's not central to the plot.

This one is not just for the ivory tower. Topics discussed give a historical perspective on the issues we face today. I found concise useful information and thoroughly enjoyed the read. I give the authors a great deal of credit for giving me a greater insight into sexuality and religion, topics I thought I had rather a good grasp of.
Three Cheers form a fellow sinner!

Though some of the reasoning behind the viewpoints seems weird the book is still good. It take an interesting look at the religious right and how they perceive sex, as well as homosexuality. A read for any uber religious fanatic who thinks that sex is good, as long as it's Christian sex.

In their co-written book, Jakobsen and Pellegrini have presented a compelling account of the enduring role of "sin" in contemporary political discourse, from the Clinton impeachment proceedings to the Christian Coalition's attack on homosexuals.

They point out, among other compelling insights, that the concept of religious tolerance, long viewed as a progressive Enlightenment value, has often justified the very kinds of repression it is intended to prevent by positing an authoritative norm (in the United States, the Judeo-Christian tradition) from which other religious, sexual and political minorities are "permitted" to deviate.

The two authors also draw an extended analogy between freedom of religious and sexual expression, and argue that the Supreme Court, especially in its pivotal 1986 Bower v. Hardwick ruling, has essentially ignored the Constitution on the matter of church-state separation by invoking a general notion of "morality"--thereby reinforcing the dominance of Christian values in America.

Jakobsen and Pellegrini envision a more pluralistic society in which disestablishment of religion and state is pushed to its logical conclusion, and extended to the realm of sexuality. This is an excellent, intelligent book--a must for the scholar and general reader alike interested in religion, politics, and the law.

Dr. Anderson's book is worth reviewing. If you enjoy reading this book then I encourage you to also read Racism@Work Among the LORD's People by Robert Upton.

If you want to begin a multicultural ministry, there is no better resource than this book. Unlike other books that deal with principles and theories about diversity, David Anderson lives it out both in his personal life and in his ministry. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book as a great tool to begin the process of breaking down the walls of seperation and segregation. Hopefully, a book like this would make "Eleven o'clock Sunday Morning" the most integrated hour.

Pastor David Anderson has "been there, done that." As a seasoned pastor of a multi-cultural church in a multi-cultural area, Pastor Anderson writes both with biblical insight and personal experience. A well-written, practical, and hopeful book, "Multicultural Ministry" is a must read for everyone interested in racial harmony and mutual ministry.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction, and Soul Physicians.

This is a wonderful book to read about the multiculturalism concept in churches. It doesn't just talk about the reasons for advocating church diversity, it talks about why it doesn't happen in churches and the history behind it. The author gives excellent tools at the end of the book to help churches begin to explore racism and cultural diversity in their own facilities. Thumbs up! Dr. Anderson for the insight God has given you.

The authors have done an excellent job of re-centering our priorities in ministry to Muslims. They focus on friendship and understanding as the keys to effective minstry. The book has a healthy balance of theology and history with practical ministry applications. At Biola University we have used their models for a continuing relationship with Muslims in our area.

This book is a great resource to have to understand how Muslims came into existence. It clearly lays out differences and explains how the Muslims view the Bible and Jesus. I was unaware of specific Bible passages that Muslims think were changed to hide references to Mohammad.
One illustration that was very helpful to me is that the Muslims view the Koran as Christians view Christ.
This book will give the reader a clear understanding of Muslims origin, doctrine and culture. It helps to remove any fear or mystery in speaking with them.

Dr. Zaka and Dr. McDowell have compiled a wealth of information and knowledge in this book. Dr. Zaka is an authority concerning Islam and I highly recommend this book to any Christian searching for methods of interaction with Muslims. I give this book 5 very enthusiastic stars.

"Today the Islamic world is no longer somewhere else, in some other part of the world; instead Chicago, with its 50 mosques and nearly half a million Muslims, is part of the Islamic world" (p.3).

Authored by two men who have both studied Islam and ministered to Muslims nationally and internationally, this work is the single best resource for learning how to approach Muslims living in the U.S. with the gospel that I am aware of. Written with competence and grace, McDowell and Zaka have produced a marvelous handbook that ought to be read and acted upon by congregations and individuals alike. With Islam in general and the growing Muslim presence within the USA in particular receiving increasing attention, this book is crucial for understanding Muslims in the North American context and for reaching out to them with the love and compassion of Christ.

Composed of four main parts, the last of which is the longest, McDowell and Zaka endeavor to provide the reader with an understanding of the Muslim's background including its historical, cultural and theological aspects (Parts 2 and 3). Here we are introduced to what Muslims believe about revelation, Allah, Jesus, human nature, salvation, and life in the world. Similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity are noted providing a framework within which Islam is to be understood and approached. As is characteristic of this volume throughout, Islamic beliefs and practices are discussed with charity and fairness. While Islamic sources and viewpoints are by no means handled uncritically, yet faultfinding and censure are always subservient to comprehension and improved understanding.

With it being the first and the final sections of this book (Parts 1 and 4) that keep this work from being simply another survey, we turn now to consider what is the real contribution made by this work. Prior to talking about the life of Muhammad, the development of Islam, Muslim cultural distinctives, and what it is that Muslims believe; McDowell and Zaka first ask this foundational question, "Why should we reach Muslims here?" While such various factors as the growth of Islam in North America, Islam's spread into the African-American community, the attraction and conversion of many North Americans to Islam, the goals of the Muslim community within the USA, and the paucity of people ministering to Muslims all form part of the reason for reaching out to Muslims, they are nowhere made the whole. For under-girding all of these dynamics is this more basic factor: a responsibility to fulfill God's commission. This responsibility to Muslims is expressed in the following words that deserve to be highlighted here. "Our enemy is Satan, not Muslims. We should regard them as friends, neighbors and fellow human beings made in the image of God. We believe this is God's perspective. Jesus died for and is seeking to save, a multitude out of Islam" (p.xviii).

Anchored in this commitment to biblical evangelism, McDowell and Zaka round out their work by instructing the reader in how to actually reach Muslims. Following a chapter on the theological basis for Muslim evangelism, our authors offer advice on how to meet Muslims, on various methods for reaching Muslims, and on developing a strategy for Muslim evangelism. Wise counsel on how to conduct one's self when visiting a mosque and on studying the Bible with Muslims also contribute to the practicality of this section. The real contribution of this final section, however, is the nuanced commendation of friendship evangelism and the establishment of "Meetings for Better Understanding".

Perhaps not widely known, the concept behind these Meetings for Better Understanding (p.217ff) is the creation of a friendly, personal environment in which Christians and Muslims can communicate with each other with respect and understanding. Based around having Christian and Muslim speakers present their respective views, and premised upon two communities of faith reasonably engaging each other not in debate but in mutual discussion, the aim of these meetings is to break down walls, stereotypes and misunderstandings. It is also to foster openness; to gain a better understanding of each other's religious expression, and to give Muslims the opportunity to hear the Christian gospel carefully explained. Trusting in the truth of God's Word and the power of His Spirit; these meetings are neither a back peddling nor a watering down of Christian distinctives. Rather, they are a real (and very promising) attempt at building personal, social, and theological bridges with Muslims in order to present Christ as "the fulfillment of the hearts of all of us longing for peace with Allah" (p.xii).

While a good deal more that is positive remains to be said about this volume, the bottom line is that Muslims and Christians at the Table meets a glaring need and fills an obvious gap in this kind of literature. Not only does it call North American evangelicals to make the most of the freedom available to witness to Muslims on our home shores, but it also offers a viable, biblical model for how we can go about this. Theologically astute and practical in the best sense, this is one evangelism text that deserves to be read closely and put into action.