Book Description
The Columbine tragedy in April 1999 pierced the heart of our country. In December 1999, we learned that the teenage killers specifically targeted Rachel Scott and mocked her Christian faith on their chilling, homemade videotapes. Rachel Scott died for her faith. Now her parents talk about Rachel's life and how they have found meaning in their daughter's martyrdom in the aftermath of the school shooting. Rachel's Tears comes from a heartfelt need to celebrate this young girl's life, to work through the grief and the questions of a nation, and to comfort those who have been touched by violence in our schools today. Using excerpts and drawings from Rachel's own journals, her parents offer a spiritual perspective on the Columbine tragedy and provide a vision of hope for preventing youth violence across the nation.
Book Description
Nir Rosen has been hailed by The New York Review of Books as the reporter who managed to get inside Fallujah "at a time when it was a death trap for Western reporters," and as one of the few Western reporters able to report the truth from Iraq. Still in his twenties, a freelancer who has written for The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, and Harper's Magazine, Rosen speaks Iraqi-accented Arabic and has managed to report from some of the country's most dangerous locales. Even The Weekly Standard notes that "he probably has more sources in the insurgency than any other American reporter."
Rosen knows better than anyone how much the Americans are hated, and how deeply the Sunni Iraqis hate the Shias and vice versa. He has listened to the insurgents, and he knows that they will never rest until the Americans are gone. Too many Sunnis and Shias are willing to use violence for Iraq to ever have peace. The overthrow of Saddam has proved to be nothing less than a triumph for the martyrs who use violence at every turn.
Ever since the fall of Saddam's regime Rosen has been in and out of Iraq, from north to south, listening to Friday sermons in mosques, breaking bread with dangerous men, interviewing political henchmen, joining Shia pilgrims, and listening to ordinary Iraqis who face American soldiers on raids in the Sunni triangle. He has had to plead for his life at times, and he has received more than one death threat. He has been pres-ent when bombs were detonated, and he has sat in meetings of insurgent leaders as they made policy decisions about territory they controlled. He has heard the double messages of Iraqi leaders -- the careful English messages for Western ears and the unvarnished hostility in Arabic -- and he has interviewed politicians and imams and seen how the insurgents and gang leaders create militias, private courts, prisons, security services, and more.
In the Belly of the Green Bird is a searing report, unlike any other book about the American experience in Iraq. Almost everything covered in the Western media has been at least one or two steps removed from the minds and acts of the people who will determine the future of Iraq. Some of them are peaceful, some are violent. Some of them hate one another with the intensity of ancient enemies. The depth of discord between Sunnis and Shias is difficult to fathom without listening to them. Their anti-Americanism is much more recent, but not much less intense. The divisions within this cobbled-together country, much like those within Yugoslavia after Tito, are simply too intense to contain.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing, Shallow.......2007-06-30
I was excited to read this book. I thought Rosen's movement outside of the Green Zone might have generated valuable insight into both Iraqi and resistance culture. Unfortunately, I found the book analytically shallow, skimming the public surface of the society without penetrating into the substance beneath it. He overwhelms the reader with details of his experience in Iraq, and emphasizes that his knowledge of the language and the culture aided his understanding, but these details are only compensation for his inability to actually explain much about the things he is describing.
As examples, I will use two themes that dominate Rosen's book: anti-Semitism and the rhetoric of religious leaders. Rosen is repeatedly pointing out Iraqis' tendency to blame the circumstances of the Middle East, and particularly the occupation of Iraq, on conspiring Jews, as well as the frequent use of the term as an insult. He does not, however, attempt any explanation for this phenomenon outside of brief references to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. How do Iraqis perceive of Jewish-ness? What explains their belief in the conspiracy? These questions are not addressed. Instead, he is content to simply quote a number of anti-Semitic slurs.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the book is the incessant quoting of speeches in mosques without providing any interpretive tools for understanding the rhetoric. Rosen spent a lot of time - the overwhelming majority of the book - listening to sermons and talking to religious leaders. While Rosen does a good job of indicating when a leader might be speaking to militants, he does absolutely nothing to contextualize the language, attitude or culture of political Islam. How do "ordinary" Iraqis interpret these sermons? What do the words mean to them? How does this language - shocking in a Western vocabulary of "tolerance" - actually shape itself within Iraqi society? The people of Iraq - the recipients of these statements - are rendered nearly invisible, leaving a crucial gap in the lifespan of this rhetoric. Rhetoric is, after all, only as meaningful as its interpretation. Rosen simply translates the statements and sermons, leading the reader to the conclusion that they - and their attending masses - are predominately irrational, bloodthirsty and violent.
In failing to engage in a more thorough analysis of these two themes, Rosen mystifies them, erasing all but the most superficial conditions from which they emerged and in which they have purpose (or "reason"). Anti-Semitism and vitriolic rhetoric, then, risk being "naturalized", perceived as conditions that are somehow "natural" or intrinsic to Arabic culture. This is not explicit in the book. I believe Rosen's desire to portray the Iraqi people was genuine. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line there was a failure. Rosen was not capable of gathering any real insight or he was not capable of putting it into his book. Either way, "In the Belly of the Green Bird" is a disappointment.
Further reading.......2006-12-10
The other reviewers have done a great job acclaiming this great piece of journalism. To get an idea of his substance and style check out the most recent account of his time in Iraq: "Anatomy of a Civil War: Iraq's Descent into Chaos," published in the Boston Review and read In the Belly of the Green Bird for an in depth alternative to the Iraq Study Group's imperialist apologetics.
For a complemetary perspective, Patrick Cockburn's articles from Iraq have been indispensable in charting the country's descent into civil war. His most recent, "Iraq Nears the 'Saigon Moment,'" can be read on the CounterPunch Web site. His most recent book is "The Occupation: War and Resistance in Iraq", and is also available from amazon.
I've found both of them completely consistent with the firsthand news, analysis, and opinions about contemporary Iraqi society found at the Electronic Iraq Web site.
Misses the mark.......2006-12-06
While I am immpressed with Mr.Rosen's desire to risk his life to get the real deal, I am unimpressed with the data he gathered, how he wrote it, and the analysis he provided.
This book fails on two accounts. It neither provides breakthrough journalism on the Iraqi insurgency, nor does it read well as an "Adventure-Travel-Writing".
Mr.Rosen does gather decent data which isn't forthcoming from most Western News sources; Namely the face behind the resistance. Unfortunatly, it appears Mr.Rosen's tour of Iraq only gave him a superficial understanding of the situation. Or maybe he wasn't able to articulate it well; Because in the end, I didn't gain much knowledge about the resistance. Just opinions, and a chronology of events.
The second disappointment, was casting the book as a travelogue, but missing the key elements of such a work. I could see that Mr.Rosen kept trying to work up his exploits, but his writing style, and pointless explanations/history of every person he met, threw me off.
Most of his interviews were colored with his own views. Sometimes presenting his views as facts.
Overall, I'd say this book has some useful information if you are seriously researching the subject. For general readers, I would steer clear. A better replacement would be Z.Chehab's "Inside the Resistance" or "Night Draws Near" By A.Shadid.
Mixed bag.......2006-10-11
The highlight of this book is, far and away, the inside-Iraq perspective it provides. Rosen was constantly out and about (often and great personal risk) and met with all kinds of people in Iraq -Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, in the governemnt, in the resistance and just ordinary people.
That's the heart of the book, and it's very, very good. We have enough books about the goigns-on inside the Green Zone (which were never particularly ilustrative of the reality of >95% of Iraq) and about the perspective of US soldiers there. This book brings a new, different and very valuable perspective.
The main downsides are an appaling lack of editing (particularly in Chapter 6, about Zarquawi), and a tremendous pro-Arab/anti-Kurd bias.
The latter is probably the largest shortcoming; it's quite clear that it comes from his perception of Kurds as being non-religious and disdainful of Arabs. In his portrayal, Kurd leaders come across as being rabidly anti-Islamic and anti-Arab, and that obviously does not sit well with Rosen (who is both).
He's entitled to whatever view he wants to hold, but his tut-tutting over how Kurds drink whisky, dont go to the mosque much and describe Islam is "the religion of the arabs" that was forced on them through invasion comes across as profoundly petty.
It comes across in all kinds of ways - he primly describes how he refused to have a drink with a Kurdish leader, tells us how another one who's doing the first translations of Zen Buddist texts into Kurdish is "a real fascist" who should entitle his book "Zen and the Art of Ethnic Cleansing" because he's in favour of the return of Kurdish families to their homes in Kirkuk, where they were expeled from by Saddam's "Arabization" campaigns of the 1990's.
This puts an extra-large question mark on his judgement regarding other matters. However, the rest of the books was good enough that it still merits 2-3 stars.
Need info on Iraq? Ask Rosen........2006-10-04
Nir Rosen is lucky to be alive. Travelling through Iraq during a very dangerous time, Rosen risked his life every day. He also got some great firsthand information.
Rosen's book really shows what disarray the country of Iraq is in. It also shows how much most Iraqis dislike Americans. And it is not a hidden, secret hatred, either. To read firsthand accounts of speeches, prayers, and calls to action is mind blowing. Rosen shows us an Iraq that we otherwise couldn't have known existed.
Rosen points out the difference between the Iraqi resistance, that just want the Americans out of Iraq, and the jihadis, that are looking for a final holy war between Muslims and... pretty much anyone who's not Muslim. All this violence adds up to a hard time for any Westerner in Iraq. It even makes it dangerous for Iraqis to walk the street as hundreds are killed each week in car bombings and shootings.
The Iraq Rosen portrays in this book is very different than the Iraq that you hear about on the news. We might hear about occasional bombings, but I don't think we realize how bad the situation is over there. I don't know what the solution is, and Rosen doesn't offer one; he objectively displays the information he gathered. But this information seems to point towards an inevitable civil war.
Anyone that is interested in reading about what life in Iraq was like between April 2003 and the elections in January 2005 should pick this book up. The afterword goes into late 2005, and gives you an idea of more recent developments. I didn't have any knowledge of Iraq going into this book and now I want to know more. This is the kind of news that we should be given on a day-to-day basis. Rosen covers the good and the bad in equal parts, and really shows us the opinions of different sects of Iraqis. This only serves to highlight how different they truly are, and how those differences could be leading Iraq to a Civil War.
Book Description
Considered to have been the most beautiful princess in Europe, capable of arousing ‘profane passions’, Elisabeth of Hesse and by Rhine, or ‘Ella’ as she was known, was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria and the daughter of Princess Alice of Great Britain and Grand Duke Louis of Hesse. A privileged, happy Victorian childhood was touched by tragedy not only with the early deaths of her youngest brother and sister but also that of her young mother. Close to Queen Victoria, Ella spent some of her happiest times in Britain. At 20, however, much against the wishes of her grandmother, who despised everything Russian, Ella became engaged to Grand Duke Serge Alexandrovich, the authoritarian younger brother of Tsar Alexander III. It was at their wedding that her younger sister, Alix, formed a love match with the future Tsar Nicholas II; an event which not only sealed the fate of both sisters, but that of the Imperial House of Romanov. But for these two marriages, the history of Russia might have been very different.
With the assassination of her husband, Ella renounced society and, against considerable opposition, founded the first religious Order of its kind in Russia, working for the poor and destitute of Moscow. Though loved for her charitable works and pionerering achievements, Ella, like Nicholas, Alexandra, and fourteen members of their family, met a brutal death at the hands of the Bolsheviks. At the height of the Russian Revolution, she was taken captive to Siberia where, having been clubbed with rifle butts, she was hurled alive into a disused mineshaft and left to die of her injuries. Later retrieved, her incorrupt body was eventually laid to rest on the Mount of Olives. She was subsequently canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church as the Holy Imperial Martyr Saint Elisabeth Romanova.
Customer Reviews:
A Veritable Slog.......2007-06-10
Having read many books on Russian History, I agree with a previous reviewer and state here that this is perhaps the worst one I've encountered. There are several misspellings, comma splices, etc., suggesting the need for an editor. I read this book to the end because I paid for it, but it was truly a veritable slog to the last page. The writing is dense and obtuse, suggesting a recent class in English Composition as evidenced by complex sentence structure that is needless and ultimately impedes understanding. There is no chart detailing the family relationships which would have helped in identifying some of the more distant family members mentioned. There are other books that are clearer, more easily digested, and don't leave this bad taste behind when one puts them down. This is a rehash of several other materials already out there - and while this is not usually a problem in many cases, there is nothing new added here except poor writing and a supercilious attitude that runs like a thread throughout the book. I do not recommend the book, but I do recommend the subject.
ELLA.......2007-03-21
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I'VE READ SEVERAL BOOKS ON NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA, OF COURSE. AND RECENTLY DAGMAR, NICHOLAS'S MOTHER. XENIA AND OLGA, HIS SISTERS. THE BOOK ON ELLA SHOWS HOW, ALONG WITH HER SISTER ALEXANDRA, THEY SEEMED TO HAVE BOTH BEEN AFFECTED SO MUCH FROM THEIR MOTHER'S EARLY DEATH. THIS BOOK MADE IT INTERESTING READING ABOUT OTHER MEMBERS OF THE IMPERIAL FAMILY. NOT ONLY WAS ELLA A MARTYR BY THE WAY SHE DIED, BUT ALSO BY HER MARRIAGE WITH SERGE.
Badly researched and strangely written.......2007-03-09
Warwick, the author, certainly isn't a historian. 19th century European history was my college major and remains a passion. This book is riddled with major historical inaccuracies, e.g. he confuses and merges Prussia's wars with Denmark and Austria, completely failing to understand their historical context and effect. The signifigance of this example is, if he botches what I already know about, how reliable is the rest of his research? He also has some strange perspectives. It is a well-documented fact that Ella's husband was gay. Yet Warwick treats this fact as a series of rumors spread by malicious people hurling the most vile of accusations. One suspects Mr. Warwick has some great big hang-ups related to homosexuality that interfere with his ability to write about his subject. I stopped reading about a third of the way through. This book is garbage scholarship, a dilettante's effort to make money off a dead woman no longer around to object. The other thing that amazed me were numerous misspellings, as if the book was so cheaply produced there was no money for proofing the text.
Excellent Read - Illustrations Weak.......2007-02-16
This was an exceptional read. Very easy - you are never mired down in endless ramblings like some historic tomes (you know, those ones that make you go "What?!?!"). I'm really glad Mr. Warwick did not repeat gosspip and rumors of Ella and her husband, Serge, as fact - like I've seen done before. If it is rumor or gossip - he tells you that fact upfront and tells you that these stories are so far unsubstantiated. The only thing I did not like, and this is really minor - Ella lived in a world where portraits were the norm and photography was everywhere - so where are all those pictures? The photos in the book were OK - but I really believe biographies should really have extensive sections of photographs so that the reader gets a really good idea of the individual. That aside, I really enjoyed the book and I believe anyone would as well.
A Virtuous Royalty.......2007-02-12
Princess Elizabeth of Hesse and by Rhine, Grand Duchess Serge of Russia, was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Born three years after the death of Prince Albert, she became one of her widowed grandmother's favorite grandchildren. This seemed to set a tone for Ella, as she was known, throughout her life. Very beautiful, she had a deeply religious side to her which was intensified by long visits to her perpetually mourning grandmother and by her mother Princess Alice's deep devotion to bettering the lives of the common people. Ella lost her mother when she was 14, further encouraging her religious interests, as did her eventual marriage to Grand Duke Serge, brother of Tsar Alexander III.
Serge was and is an enigma. He was either beloved or hated. Rumors of his sexual proclivities and peculiarities abounded while he was alive and intensified after his death at the hands of a terrorist in 1905. Christopher Warwick admits that no one can now know the truth about Serge, but he speculates that Ella's marriage was unconsummated, which naturally affected her emotionally and helped lead her to her eventual doom.
The finest parts of this book come toward the end, when Warwick describes Ella's putting aside her wealth and social position and founding an order of nursing sisters in Moscow. Her devotion to her work kept her from fleeing to safety after the Revolution, and eventually she was murdered just one day after her younger sister, Empress Alexandra. The circumstances of her life and death have made her an Orthodox Saint and Martyr, and she is remembered today in Westminster Abbey as one who suffered and died for her faith.
Warwick writes well and does a very thorough job covering Ella's life. Sometimes the descriptions of court ceremonies and celebrations wax a bit tedious, but that is how they must have seemed to some of the participants, like Ella, who had their minds on higher things.
Amazon.com
Jesus Freaks by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs, is a companion volume to dc Talk's album of the same name. It is a book for teenagers about martyrdom, containing dozens of profiles of figures ranging from Stephen, whose martyrdom is described in the Book of Acts, to "Anila and Perveen," two teenage Pakistani girls and Christian believers. In 1997, Perveen was killed for running away in order to avoid marrying a Muslim man; Anila was imprisoned for helping her friend escape. In an introduction to the book, Michael Tait explains its purpose: "In a world built on free will instead of God's will, we must be the Freaks. While we may not be called to martyr our lives, we must martyr our way of life. We must put our selfish ways to death and march to a different beat. Then the world will see Jesus." The book's design is hip and easy to read, and its summary of Christian persecutions that continue today is useful--and frightening.
Book Description
This Gold Medallion-nominated book opens the eyes of a new generation to the persecution of Christians around the world. Created by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs, Jesus Freaks is a companion volume to dc Talk's album of the same name. It's a wake-up call to prayer and to lives of unashamed faith, offering stories of martyrs past and present. The book was written especially for teenagers, with:
-A hip and easy-to-read format
-Timeless Scripture
-Poignant quotes
-Dozens of profiles of martyred figures
-And more
A powerfully enlightening volume.
Customer Reviews:
Inspirational, Amazing, Worth every penny and every minute spent reading.......2007-06-21
I have been in full-time Christian service for years and was inspired by this book to really live for Christ. It is absolutely amazing to see how God works in the lives of His people and how much faith He gives them. It is the most inspirational book I have ever read (except for the Bible, obviously :).
inspiring, heartfelt stories..........2007-06-18
would what you do for your faith? how much would you be willing to lose for your belief in Jesus? would you be willing to die to pronounce your beliefs? this book is filled with incredible stories about people who risked everything with calm and peace in their hearts and souls to pronounce their love of our Savior. Inspiring and an eye opener to horrific challenges Christians face in speaking their beliefs in certain parts of the world. Not a book to sit down and read straight through but to savor, maybe a story here, a story tomorrow. Feeling a bit insecure or persecuted about your faith? Sit down and read a few stories and you will be invigorated.
Amazing, however...........2006-11-04
I had first read this book when I was 14, and I remember being totally inspired by it. Fuelled by nostalgia, I decided to buy it and the whole Jesus Freak series, and I must say, it still had the same effect on me! Only one thing bothered me: I am Catholic, always was and always will be, and I found certain passages offensive, especially when dealing with our turbulent past. This book mentions Mary of Scotland's persecutions, horrible events, yet fails to mention Elizabeth's equally horrible persecutions. Surprisingly, it also seems that there are no modern Catholic martyrs, when in actual fact there are thousands! An inter-denominational approach would have been much wiser. Nevertheless, this book remains unique in its presentation of committed Christians who loved Christ so much, they were prepared to die for him, when many times, we wouldn't even publicly declare our commitment to him, for fear of being outcast or ridiculed. VOM and Dc Talk, good job, 4/5!
Buy this Book now!.......2006-10-23
I read this book for a book report and was amazed .This book is so inspirational it makes you think if you would be able to stand up for God and what you believe in. It makes you wont to be more obedient to him and praise him more. It also shows struggles that past Christians have gone through. It makes you realize that this is happening in real life and that here we are with freedom to speak about God while many people are being persecuted and even killed for their beliefs . If possible buy this book as soon as you can and trust me you won't regret it.
One story was about a boy named Roy Pontoh from Indonesia. He led a Christian camp for children and was trying to get all the children home but did not have enough transportation. Four men went to the next village to rent a bus. While they were gone, a Muslim mob in the village killed them. Roy and the children waited a long time for the bus but it never came. When they heard the mob approaching, they all hid. Many were found and killed. Roy was found and was clinging to a bible. He was in the middle of the mob and was told to renounce his God. He could only say "I am a soldier of Christ." The Muslim leader swung a sword at his stomach and it hit the Bible he was holding. The Bible flew into the crowd as the second blow sliced Roy's stomach open. His parents later found him dead in a ditch but were proud because their son stood firm for Christ to the very end.
A message about tolerance.......2006-10-23
While the stories in this book were moving, as any account of suffering would be, I found myself considering the irony that the editors and fans of this book are "bible-based" Christians, who exhibit little or no tolerance for other faith traditions. I would ask them to consider that narrow thinking--such as, there is only one way to God or only one way to interpret the bible--precipitates religious persecution and violence.
Book Description
A great Christian classic, this book describes the heroism and martyrdom of countless believers. It has been an unparalleled volume since its 16th-century origin.
Customer Reviews:
A Must read for all proclaiming Christians........2007-01-10
Fox's Book of Martyr's is as precise an account of the tribulation period as there is to be read. Yes, that tribulation period, the one most think is ahead of us in time and will be a mere 7 years.
I realize I am one of a very few who believe these are the Martyr's of Revelation 6:9-11 and Revelation 7:9-17. Read with an open mind. You too can see they are one in the same. Refuse to see other wise and you will not see it just like the majority around you.
Think of it this way: 7 years is hardly a long time so why then in Revelation 6:10 are they asking the Lord: "How long, O'Lord, holy and true, wilt Thou (key word here) refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
"How long" and the Lord "refraining" implies a much longer time than 7 or fewer years.
People we are in the time of the last days. Christ said in Matthew 24:9 "They will deliver you to tribulation, and they will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name."
This is exactly what Fox writes about in his book. It is an accurate account of the history of the tribulation period as described in the Bible.
If you're truly a Christian then seek the truth no matter where it leads. We've already been told if we seek truth, the Holy Spirit will open our eyes. You need not be an arrogant, pompous pastor with credentials on the walls and full of false doctrines to think you might fully understand the messages in the Bible. Rather with humility and a genuine love for our Lord Jesus Christ, a beautiful world of understanding awaits those that seek it.
Very Good Book.......2006-05-24
This book should be read and reread -- loyalty to Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of Christ must be celebrated!
Fox's Book of Martyrs.......2006-03-10
Although I waited years to read this book because I heard how "gross" it was, I am so glad I finally purchased and read it. What a blessing it has been to me. The martyrs of old died for what they believed in, for their faith, the least we can do is read what they went through doing so. I would totally recommend this book.
Faith of Our Fathers.......2005-02-15
The Bible states that our LORD is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It stands to reason that if He remains unchanging, then the faith He bestows on believers is the same as that of the early Christians.
What was most educational and humbly to me as I read this work is that the early Christians did not attempt to pass laws that would make their society more comfortable for them, but gladly shared in the suffering of Christ, their only concern being to share His Gospel. Jesus did not command us to make life comfortable for ourselves, but to preach His Gospel in season and out of season. If you, as I have, find that difficult, this book, coupled with Scripture, will open your eyes to the need and give your heart courage and embolden your faith.
Crucial history for the scholar of the English Reformation.......2003-09-15
Though the reviews that follow focus on the sentimental experience of reading Foxe's Acts and Monuments (as it was originally titled), there is also real academic value to familiarizing yourself with this work. Foxe's book was read alongside the Bible in the post-reformation English liturgy. His anthology of Protestant martyrdoms (mainly under Queen Mary)--complete with gory illustrations--helped to define England's national identity during the late sixteenth century. The agonies and ecstasies he narrates go on to influence the kinds of stories major literary figures (like Shakespeare) choose to tell.
A wonderful primary source for those interested in the habits of mind of renaissance / early modern England.
Book Description
A dramatization in verse of the murder of Thomas Becket at Canterbury. “The theatre as well as the church is enriched by this poetic play of grave beauty and momentous decision” (New York Times). “Within its limits the play is a masterpiece.... Mr. Eliot has written no better poem than this and none which seems simpler” (Mark Van Doren, The Nation).
Customer Reviews:
Haunting!.......2007-03-06
My high school put on the play, "Murder in the Cathedral" for their fall drama in 1969. In retrospect, my guess is that few of the players and still fewer of the audience had any real idea as to the momentous events that the play dramatized. Yet, the language has lingered with me from that day to this, now close on forty years later:
"...the stubborn King, and the French King, in ceaseless intrigue, combination...
....meetings unending, and endless, at some place or the other in France...
....you will be left to your own devices, which must be paid for at higher prices...
....It does go against the grain a bit to kill an Archbishop, especially when one has been brought up in a strong Church tradition..."
The play, in fact, dramatized the struggle between Saint Thomas A' Becket and Henry II over the rights of Church and State. Truly, it was a classic confrontation between what ultimately became, under the Tudors, the power of the state relative to the rights of Holy Church. Now, as a high school junior, I had wanted, of course to play Thomas. I wound up as the lowly Second Priest. But, knowing now what I did not know then, I understand that I could not have done the Archbisho's character justice, as I was then a Protestant. In fact, the reasoning of Thomas, particularly with regard to the Temptors, was classic Catholicism.
The play is wonderfully rich in language and meaning. It can be read in one long sitting. And reading it is well worth the time and effort. Pick up this little book, and be richly blessed by the experience.
"Blood for blood.".......2006-08-19
The murder and subsequent martyrdom of Thomas Becket is always a chilling tale and one that poet T.S. Eliot does a masterful job in relating. "Murder in the Cathedral" is a look at Becket's return from France, after his fallout with King Henry II, and his murder by knights of the King. The play may be a difficult read for those unfamiliar with Becket's life, and those unused to Eliot's poetically styled play. Yet it is an intriguing look at one of the church's martyrs, told by a man who came to faith later in his life.
The first act of the play centers around Thomas Becket's return from France. He had fled there for a period of years in an effort to avoid the King, and their 'difference of opinion', to put it simply. Becket was first appointed Chancellor by Henry II, and then made Archbishop. King Henry II hoped that by granting Becket both titles he would have more control over the church; but Becket saw things differently, and roused the king's anger when he excommunicated several bishops. Throughout the first act, Becket is set upon by four temptors who reveal his fate to him, serving as a catalyst for readers to learn some of Becket's background and to know that he wasn't purely without fault.
The second act moves at a much faster pace than the previous, with the king's knights denouncing Thomas and trying to persuade him to reverse his decision. When Becket refuses, the knights return and kill Thomas at the altar of the church, a death that he gladly accepts as a martyr for his Lord. The most intriguing part of the play is when, after the brutal murder is completed, the knights turn to the audience and explain their reasons for killing Becket and why it was the right thing to do in an effort to preserve England. "Murder in the Cathedral" is a play that will make readers want to examine the events surrounding Becket's death, and leave them wondering if all those explanations at the end might be right after all.
Thomas Beckett as martyr philosopher; Shakespearean genius.......2004-10-16
The audiobook version of "Murder in the Cathedral" (with Robert Donat playing Thomas Beckett) is a surprising delight, especially for those who love rich language and philosophical musings.
Centered around the age-old story of how Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered by knights for defying the king's authority, the play explores a variety of themes: church vs. state, the quest for power, the pursuit of pleasure, the heroism or vanity of martyrs, and the search for life's meaning in the face of death and the "void".
The performances of the actors in this audiobook are superb, especially that of Robert Donat. Hearing his deep resonating voice, you truly feel the charismatic power of the archbishop and former chancellor to the king.
The performance alternates between straight dialogue, poetry, and the Gregorian style chanting of monks. While the poetry and chanting is tedious in parts, it at least breaks up the dialogue into digestable chunks and moves the plot along.
Readers shouldn't be put off by the medieval theme of this piece. The substance of the play is as modern and relevant as any play you'll find. The plot contains a novel twist as well.
With its many poetic and philosophical flourishes, there's more than a trace of Shakespeare in this work. And here's a little known fact: another T.S. Eliot work, "The Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats", was the inspiration for Cats, the longest running Broadway musical.
So push the rewind for me. Time to visit that bloody cathedral again.
Written by a dilettante........2004-09-29
"Murder in the Cathedral" is more of a coffee house production than a dramatic classical play. Since I do not care for poetry, or Shakespeare, I knew I was jumping headfirst into a dead-end. Still, I did not expect to be bored out of my gored. T. S. Eliot was attempting to use the genre "poetic drama" to his benefit, but instead conjured up an illiterate form of speaking. I disliked the play 'A Man for All Seasons,' (involves the death of Thomas Moore) but at least that play can be coherently understood, and actually teaches something. I do not recommend.
Murder in the Cathedral.......2004-05-11
The play is about Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury and is not worth reading if you like a literal story, where what you read is what you get and reading between the lines is unnecessary. That is what I liked about this play. It allows you to interpret the dialogue so that you develop your own understanding behind the plot.
Thomas Becket lived in the 12th century and rose to power because of his friend King Henry. Becket at first had been a Chancellor in Henrys court and had then been given the title of Archbishop. Henry wanted him to have both the titles whereas Becket refused because he felt he could not perform both jobs to the same expectations. This was because Henry had radical views about the separation of the church and the state and Becket did not agree with these views because he did not believe he could serve two very opposite masters. The result was an argument between the two.
Literally, Henry and Becket are in a skirmish during the play, but the actual conflict is between Becket and his conscience. The play goes deep into Christianity and the Catholic faith, which I found to be enjoyable. Just as Christ had tempters, so does Becket. They offer him power and material wealth, when all they want in return is for Becket to alter and transform his principles.
I liked how you saw main characters in this play, such as the Chorus, progress from fearing the unknown to joyfully accepting God. While the play has Christian connotations within, it stresses primarily on universal human values such as humility and devotion.
The entire play is written in verse and Eliot managed to capture such complex themes and dialogue in such concise yet poetic words.
Book Description
When Rachel Scott's life was tragically cut short in the Columbine High School shooting, she left behind a group of grieving friends and family. But as stories of Rachel's faith and courage have surfaced, her legacy has grown to include hundreds of people who have been stirred by her example and are now impacting their world for God's kingdom. In this moving book, readers will cherish the encouraging stories of those who are still passing on Rachel's spiritual legacy. Her father, Darrell Scott, shares his own reflections, which are deeply personal and poignant. Never-before-published writings and drawings from Rachel's journal are also included, along with photos of Rachel and her family and the people whose stories are featured.
Customer Reviews:
Rachel Smiles.......2004-02-19
Rachel Joy Scott was a 17-year-old girl from Columbine High School. She was one of the 13 people killed in a tragic killing spree on April 20th, 1999. It is told that Rachel was a sweet soul, just trying to make a differnce in the world...that, she did.
Rachel Smiles is the 3rd book of a 3 book series. It was written by Darrell Scott with Steve Rabey. It tells stories of peoples' lives which Rachel has been a part of and touched.
One very interesting thing happend to Rachel's family, and Darrell talks about it in this book, is a dream that a man named Frank Amedia had. Frank was a total stranger to the Scott family. He lived in Ohio, and he had watched Rachel's funeral on CNN. He called Darrell, and wanted to know if he knew anything about his dream. The dream was a vision of Rachel's eyes crying a stream of tears. The tears were watering something, but Frank didn't know what. Darrell said he didn't know what the dream meant. About a week later, the police station called to say that the Scotts could pick up Rachel's backpack, which was being hed as evidence. As Rachel's family went through her bag, they found Rachel's latest journal, with a bullet hole through it. The last entry was put in 15 minutes before Rachel Scott was murdered. It was a drawing of eyes crying 13 tears (the number of people killed that day) watering a columbine flower, that was dripping blood. Mr. Scott immediately thought of Frank Amedia.
Personally, I think Rachel Smiles is a great book. After reading it, I feel like I know Rachel Scott. It's an uplifting, non-fiction book, that seems to pull you in as you read. This amazing book can be found on www.amazon.com . You may also visit the web-site to find out how to purchase any other books written by Darrell Scott: www.rachelscott.com . I highly recommend this book t anyone wanting a refreshing, uplifting, all-around good book.
Excellent Book On Rachel's Impact.......2002-11-17
I think that this is an excellent and touching book about the impact of Rachel's life and of her beliefs. I don't agree with certain things that was said in the book(specicially about Eric and Dylan and their impact[as someone who looked into what happened extensively, their impact is more than Rachel's father says, or more accurately, does not say, in the book]), but I think that it's a great book for anyone who wants to know about Rachel's impact and legacy.
Rachel Smiles Extraordinary.......2002-10-31
From the author of the best-seller "Rachel's Tears" comes a book not about the life of Rachel Scott, but about the lives her story has changed. It isn't surprising that this book is touching and impactful. Rachel Scott's dad is a wonderful writer, and the other books her family has written are just as touching and impactful. This one especially impacted me because I am one of those who was deeply touched by Rachel's death and life story. Although I was not featured in the book, it was totally inspiring and encouraging to hear how other people were touched by her as well. This world is a hurting world, and sometimes we feel there is no hope and it seems there is no hope. The stories in this book give me hope. They show me that God really CAN work miracles, and that people really can be transformed. Rachel Scott wanted to start a chain reaction, and she wanted to be used to reached the unreached-- God answered those prayers, and through her family and her own stories being published, Rachel Joy has done just that! We need more people like her in this world! If Rachel Scott or the tragedy at Columbine touched your life in any way, you should read this book.
Amazing, beautiful, encouraging!.......2002-09-17
"Rachels Smiles" will sure make you smiles while reading. Its amazing how many lives were touched by this wonderful lady. If you enjoyed reading "Rachel's Tears", you'll sure enjoy reading this. Darrell Scott is an amazing writer and really brings out her story in its true colors. When I read this, I felt as if Rachel and I had been best friends before! This book will encourage you to continue the Chain Reaction!
Book Description
By the coauthor of the best-selling book Jesus Freaks, this daily devotional features hundreds of stories of ancient to modern day believers--many of whose stories are published here for the first time--who sacrificed everything for Christ. Each true account concludes with a life application and a Bible verse to challenge you to live out your own extreme devotion.
Customer Reviews:
Jesus Freaks repackaged?.......2007-08-16
I was a bit disappointed with this book since a majority of the stories that I have read so far appear in the Jesus Freak books. Also, condensing the full stories of these amazing heroes of faith into little bite size devotional nuggets seems to lose some of the impact. That being said, Voice of The Martyrs is a great organization to support anyways, so go ahead and buy it.
Amazing!.......2003-03-13
This is a great book! I got it for Christmas and I have not missed a day of reading it. It will totally change the way you live your life, and make a big impact on your faith. It will make you bolder for Christ, and more thankful for all you have.
I highly reccommend this book to everyone, you'll love it!
Heart wrenching and inspiring.......2002-08-09
This beautiful book (the cover and interior are designed beautifully) will break your heart and inspire you at the same time. You'll be amazed at the perseverance of Christian brothers and sisters around the world who have been persecuted for Christ. The layout in 1-page readings with scriptures and life applications is terrific. Get this book.
THIS BOOK WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD!.......2002-01-30
Over and over as you read this book, you are challenged.
As I read each day's devotional I see an example of incredible, sacrificial faith in Jesus Christ. And each day I am pushed to ask myself: do I have that kind of faith?
What a challenge! And the stories are incredible and well told. I was struck by the variety of people who have faced the ultimate questions and answered firmly by following Christ's call to take up our crosses. Each day's reading features a story of a Christian, an application thought, and a scripture verse.
The Voice of the Martyrs has done a great job of presenting this material in a challenging way.
I especially like it that the days are numbered, instead of dated, so that you can easily start using this devotional any day of the year. That makes it a practical purchase or gift any time of year, not just around January 1.
Great book! Great challenge! Don't pick it up unless you're willing to face tough questions and have your life and faith changed.
Very Nice...........2002-01-18
The book is organized into 365 daily readings, with each topic referencing someone who displayed "extreme devotion" even to the point of laying down theirs or a loved ones' life.
Nicely organized with side scriptures and commentary on the day's story.
I highly recommend. I just started reading, so I've only covered about 14 or more stories to date, but I look forward to spending time with the book each day!
Average customer rating:
- One of the best books I have ever read
- Through Gates of Splendor
- Awesome!!!
- Very Inspirational and Encouraging
- A Must Read for the Missions Minded
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Through Gates of Splendor
Elisabeth Elliot
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Similar Items:
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End of the Spear
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Beyond the Gates of Splendor
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Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot (Lives of Faith)
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The Savage My Kinsman
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JUNGLE PILOT
ASIN: 0842371516 |
Book Description
The unforgettable true story of five men who braved Auca lances. This edition includes a follow-up chapter that will give readers a unique perspective.
Customer Reviews:
One of the best books I have ever read.......2007-04-08
If you are a Christian - this is a must read. If you are not a Christian - this is a must read.
Through Gates of Splendor.......2007-01-16
Great book. Poor presentation in this current printing. Words and pictures are small. Paper and physical book itself is low quality.
Awesome!!!.......2007-01-10
This book should be a part of every Christian's library. I had heard Elizabeth Elliot talk on the radio and had known the story of "the five missionaries" but reading the book gave me great insight to the lives of these families- devoted to ministering to the unsaved. They gave definition to 'the purpose driven life!'
Very Inspirational and Encouraging.......2006-12-08
This book really makes one question: How much do I truly trust the Lord? What would I be willing to give up should I be called to it? Would I be willing to sacrifice the basic comforts I know and depend on? Would I be willing to sacrifice my life with forethought decision? Even harder for me to think of than the sacrifice of my own life, would I be willing to sacrifice that of my husband, packing him up for a trip not knowing if I would ever see him again on this side of heaven?
Elisabeth Elliot does a fantastic job of giving an account of the families' journeys to and in the mission field by using the journals and letters of some of the men and women. The men's and women's excitement at God's faithful attentiveness to their prayers is stirring, and their spiritual struggles are also encouraging. I give a lot of credit to Elisabeth Elliot for that. She doesn't fluff up the missionaries as uber-Christians. She shows through their struggles and lives that they have the same power as you and I, and that power is the blood of Jesus Christ.
Even if you are not a Christian, this book may shed some light on both tribal culture and missionary culture. Whatever you believe, this is still a powerful tale of sacrifice, struggle, hope, and forgiveness. It is also still well written and well organized with multiple story lines forging into one giant one. Elliot knows how to pull you into the story. If for no other reason, this book is an interesting read because it shows the developing stages that led to the historical event that captured the compassion of the world - Christian and non-Christian alike.
This particular version has updates to the story as well, which is a definite plus. I hope you are blessed by this book.
A Must Read for the Missions Minded.......2006-09-15
Through Gates of Splendor is a gripping account of the true story of 5 missionaries martyred in the jungles of Ecuador. Sound familiar? That's because it's the same (basically) story recently popularized by the film End of the Spear.
If you watched the movie and the story moved you, you'll love this book. It gives the backdrop of the story; what brought these 5 men to that beach to give their lives for the cause of Christ.
The author was wife to Jim Elliot, one of the 5 men who lost his life. She quotes often from Jim's writings and diaries. Man, that guy could write!
My favorite of Jim Elliot's quotes comes from his diary, reflecting upon trying to serve God in the U.S.:
"The problem of meeting a culture with truth from God is the most difficult kind of thing. Once comes as a renovator, a conditioner of society, and society is in no mood to be conditioned. The fixedness of the human mind is the 'wall of Jericho' to Gospel preaching. God must shake, or there will be no shaking." (p. 20)
It's high time God shook things up...and it's high time we stop getting in the way.
The book is an inspiring source of faith, hope, and sacrifice. God's glory has certainly shone through the tragedy. The blood shed that day has certainly been a seed planted, watered, and cared for to a miraculous fruition of God's love and peace among indigenous tribes.
Read it! You'll be better for it. . .
Book Description
With life-changing impact, Jesus Freaks: Martyrs and Jesus Freaks: Revolutionaries have captured the attention of Christians of all ages with their stories of Christian martyrs and revolutionaries who took a stand for Christ against the culture of their day. Through these influential books, dc Talk challenges readers to pray for the persecuted church around the world and openly stand for Jesus. The new packages highlight the differences between the two books.
Books:
- Rich Dad's Before You Quit Your Job: 10 Real-Life Lessons Every Entrepreneur Should Know About Building a Multimillion-Dollar Business (Rich Dad's)
- Rise Above: God Can Set You Free from Your Weight Problems Forever
- Roswell High Series 1 Through 10: The Outsider; The Wild One; The Seeker; The Watcher; The Intruder; The Stowaway; The Vanished; The Rebel; The Dark One; The Salvation
- Scourge of the Seas: Buccaneers, Pirates & Privateers (General Military)
- Selling Sickness: How the World's Biggest Pharmaceutical Companies Are Turning Us All Into Patients
- She Comes First: The Thinking Man's Guide to Pleasuring a Woman
- Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast: The Evolutionary Origins of Belief
- Storm Warning: The Story of a Killer Tornado
- Tapping the Healer Within : Using Thought-Field Therapy to Instantly Conquer Your Fears, Anxieties, and Emotional Distress
- The 23rd Cycle
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- Zoro's Field: My Life in the Appalachian Woods
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- 5,110 Days in Tokyo and Everything's Hunky-dory: The Marketer's Guide to Advertising in Japan
The Journals Of Rachel Scott A Journey Of Faith At Columbine High
She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall
Chain Reaction A Call To Compassionate Revolution
Rachel Smiles: The Spiritual Legacy of Columbine Martyr Rachel Scott
Rachel's Challenge: A Columbine Legacy Teacher's Guide
