History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Institutes of the Christian Religion (2 Volume Set)

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Calvin is the best personal theological trainer I have ever found. Don't listen to the naysayers!
Disappointment
Calvin Institutes
A Brilliant Christian Thinker
Please read why I give this book one star (it deserves less)

Institutes of the Christian Religion (2 Volume Set)
John Calvin
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

Calvin is the best personal theological trainer I have ever found. Don't listen to the naysayers!.......2007-05-07

What can I tell you? John Calvin helped me get my spiritual compass pointing north again! He got the flab and plaque out of my man-centered doctrine and whipped it into God and Christ-honoring shape! Reading his 'Institutes' was like getting a top-flight seminary-level education for fifty bucks. (except that unlike seminary, Calvin will strengthen your faith, not undermine it)

There are those who pick up the 'Institutes' for the first time and read it in the same way they pick up a Bible for the first time and read it. With preconceived notions and without the right historical (and spiritual) context. "It's too hard to understand. Too many words. Not relevant enough! Doesn't help me with my immediate problem(s). Doesn't add to the discussion (or debate). What is he talking about here, and why? He sure sounds intolerant! Have you got anything else?"

The Bible was not written in a vacuum and neither was Calvin's Institutes. When you realize the unbelievably adverse historical and personal circumstances Calvin did his pastoral and theological work under, you marvel that he even had strength or will to write letters to his friends and even to princes, let alone lengthy biblical commentaries and bulky catechetical tomes (which is what Institutes is). So it's only natural that his works have frequent references to some of those volatile situations and events and important, paradigm-shifting movements going on at the time, and the persons living (and dead) who were his most vociferous enemies. Read Paul's and Peter's epistles and the Gospels (and even the Psalms!). They are peppered with denunciatory remarks aimed at their enemies. Biblical faith and Christianity are not for pansies, cowards or the faint of heart. Straight talk and direct verbiage based on unchanging truth will defeat error, heresy and the wiles of the devil to encourage struggling believers and bring comfort and relief to sincere seekers.

If you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and the patience to remember that Calvin's Institutes was written first in Latin, then in French, then translated into English (and several other languages later)--and written nearly 500 years ago in a world much different from ours--then you will find an endless supply of useful and supremely-relevant spiritual wisdom and supernaturally-profound insights that will strengthen your faith and deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Scriptures and the unfolding of God's revelation to man throughout history, much more than you thought possible, and probably more than with any other book on systematic theology, ancient or modern.

Let it never be said that Calvin's Institutes should be placed on a par with the Bible or that it is free of error and infallible! I do, however feel totally confident in saying that, for a better understanding of the historical development of Christian doctrine, especially during that epochal and turbulent period called "The Great Reformation," and for a more established perception of what is biblical and unbiblical in a world of proliferating opinions and conflicting positions on matters of religion and faith, Calvin's Institutes is invaluable. It belongs in every Christian's library, period!

Disappointment.......2007-05-01

I feel like Institutes was a major let down for three reasons.

#1 Calvin does not add any value to the ongoing theological conversation
Please, please, please provide any comments to the contrary. I would love to hear them. But from where I stand, I fail to see where Calvin brings anything to the table in terms of thorough research, wrestling with issues, and trying to discover the true meaning of the text. Maybe I'm spoiled in that I went from reading N.T. Wright's COQG series to Institutes, but whereas I feel that Wright has actually advanced the conversation including doing the hard digging for evidence, I feel that Calvin has taken the easy way out and given us a meandering polemic full of speculation.

Most of the book is a rant against various heresies of the day but he rarely provides quality reasoning that makes any sense. I believe this is because the Bible doesn't address all the issued that Calvin wants it to address. But that is, I think, the number one mistake of biblical interpretation: Forcing the Bible to address issues it was never meant to address.

In business they have the phrase "to add value." A product goes from being manufactured to being in a warehouse to being sold in a retail store. The manufacturing plant and retail store are general considered to add value to the product. The warehouse is not. The manufacturing plant adds value by putting various zero-value parts together to make something of value, thus adding value to the parts. The retail store adds value to the product for the consumer by getting it to them in an efficient way. The warehouse is just a place where you store extra product while waiting for retail to request it. Value got added on the assembly line, then it was in a holding pattern in the warehouse and then value got added at the retail point of sale. I see Calvin's Institutes as a warehouse in the production of theology. He adds nothing to the conversation.

#2 Calvin is an expert at saying a lot without really saying anything
This particular problem makes a review especially difficult. During my reading and as I think back, I'm trying desperately to see somewhere that Calvin has actually done the work of a theologian and helped readers to understand God better. I can't come up with a single quote, passage, chapter, or part that I would recommend to anyone. I can come up with more than a few where I just have to stop and say, "Where the hell is he getting this from. Here is a quote from Book I chapter 15 that sounds like it is right out of Plato, not (Sola) Scriptura,

"Furthermore, that man consists of a soul and a body ought to be beyond controversy... Now I understand by the term `soul' and immortal yet created essence, which is his nobler part. It is of course true that while men are tied to earth more than they should be they grow dull... Now the very knowledge of God sufficiently proves that souls, which transcend the world, are immortal, for no transient energy could penetrate to the fountain of life."

Beyond controversy? Nobler part? More than they should be? Sufficiently proves? Transient energy? Clearly this is straight out of the 16th century. If you talked this way in today's theological discourse you wouldn't get published, but rather laughed at.

And by the way, forget Plato. That quote sounds like it is straight out of the newly released Gospel of Judas and fits in line with nearly every one of the Nag Hammadi texts (sometimes called extra-canonical gospels such as Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Mary, etc.). Compare Calvin's quote above with this one out of Judas, "But you will exceed all of them. For you will sacrifice the man that clothes me." It seems the Calvin had fallen back, at least partially, into the Gnosticism that the early church fathers had battled so hard to avoid.

This is obviously an example of something I just simply disagree with Calvin on, but the point is that Calvin assumes all this but provides no support. The larger point is perhaps that he doesn't provide much of anything I can either agree or disagree with. He just doesn't say much. Any support he does provide is in the form of proof-texts stretched way further than they were ever meant to go. To sum up this point, Calvin reminds me of those professor's (we all had at least one) in college who would talk for like an hour and a half, and after you got out of the class, you'd ask yourself, "Did he actually say anything whatsoever in all that time?"

#3 Calvin addresses issues that are irrelevant today.
Throughout the book, Calvin addresses numerous little "disagreements" he is having with what he would consider fools. The majority of these not even considered issues to be debated any longer today. Though in the 16th century he may have been arguing against real person, his book today argues against a straw man, or I should say an army of straw men. This goes along with point #1.

Calvin Institutes.......2006-03-15

very good volume of the Institutes with lots of footnotes. a must for any Calvinist or those looking to broaden their knowledge of Calvinism and what it is all about

A Brilliant Christian Thinker.......2006-03-06

John Calvin is a controversial figure in the history of thought. The main intellectual architect of the Protestant Reformation, his influence casts a shadow over everything from the Wars of Religion to the English Civil War, to the bitter split in Western Christendom between the Catholic Church and Protestantism, which continues today.

However contemporaries describe Calvin as a fairly meek and mild figure; prone to poor health and fits of coughing, Calvin died at a fairly early age by modern standards. Yet during this time he was remarkably productive, producing his brilliant magnum opus 'The Institutes of Christian Religion', his commentaries on the Bible, creeds and catechisms, as well as taking a very active life in the form of both theologian and public administrator.

Calvin's controversy comes from a certain part of his systematic theology, predestination. The logic of predestination is this; if God is omnipotent and omniescent, it is a logical necesscity that God forsaw the fall of Adam and Eve and of all of humanity. Since the Bible seems to indicate only those in Jesus Christ will be saved, it seems God has pre-destined most of humanity to eternal damnation to hell for original sin, even before they are born.

Predestination in fact does not form the central focus of Calvin's theology itself, at least as much as it did in later Calvinists. However Calvin simply felt he was returning to the theology of Augustine, which he felt (asides from the unhealthy influence of Platonism and Manicheiasm on his thought) largely got Christian theology correct. Similar positions to Calvin can also be found particularly in St Anselm and also in Jansen, before the Reformation.

Whatever the role of predestination, Calvin aimed to produce a new systematic theology which was truer to the Bible than corrupt scholastic Catholicism had been, in much the same spirit as Luther, though Calvin is more logical and systematic than Luther, having recieved a far better liberal education in the form of his humanistic studies and Law background. He is also an excellent biblical exegete, and one of the first modern exegetes who pays close attention to the original Hebrew of the text and its literal meaning, something neglected since the time of Origen and St Jerome. It is no doubt in the spirit of Calvin that Protestantism produces some of the greatest bible scholars and commentators who healthily remind other Christians to pay close attention to the Bible and its context, before wandering off into other roads.

Yet I also feel Calvin's legacy has some great weaknesses; his attachment to Augustine's rigid predestination is hard to defend when now we know the majority of the world's peoples don't know or never knew Christ at all, and that many religions have very different concepts of God or reality than the Christian one. His instances of religious intolerance and bigotry, particularly towards Catholics, and his brutal heartlesseness towards the 'heretic' Michael Servetus (noted with particular disgust by the Protestant historian Edward Gibbon) in allowing him to be executed, are certainly not in my view exemplars of behaviour to be allowed in society today. He was also in many ways blind to the beauty and power of Philosophy, seeing that humanity was hopelessly lost and corrupt in ignorance outside of what revelation could teach, a position I find hard to accept given the remarkable progress the human mind has made in understanding our own nature and that of the universe.

Despite these reservations, Calvin is a brilliant mind who sheds much new light on Christian theology and is a pivotal figure during the time of the Reformation, and cannot be ignored by any student of this period of history.

Please read why I give this book one star (it deserves less).......2005-11-30

I have the Institutes and I have read with careful atention Calvin`s Doctrine of Salvation. He teaches pretty well some christian truths. He uses the bible and the church fathers, but when Calvin gives his (or Luther`s) peculiar teachings, he shows how unchristian his doctrine really is by NOT quoting a single NT text or church father to support what is nothing more than an heretic view. Just to give an example: he teaches in this book that the good works of the christian stink, smell horrible, but Calvin doesn`t give a single quote from the NT or the fathers to support this view. His teaching is clearly anti biblical. One more: When he teaches about Righteousness he never quotes Matthew 5:20. In this text Jesus tells us that if our justice is not superior than the scribes' we won`t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Justice for Matthew is good work of love for God and the needy (Mt 6:1). Calvin simply doesn`t quote this biblical text, and just read his commentary on his "Harmony of the Gospels" and you will see how in some 29 lines Calvin just run from the simple sense of this text, and that`s because Mt 5:20 goes against his doctrine (salvation by faith alone).
Calvin taught that salvation can`t be lost, even tough this doctrine wasn`t taught by the church fathers (not even by Augustine). Read Daniel Corner`s Conditional Security of the believer"
Yes you will find in this book his classic insult to God: that He has predestined some people to hell. And Calvin`s use of violence to support his views is well known. Let`s reread the Bible without Calvin`s lens.

Institutes of the Christian Religion (Two Volumes in One)

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Protestant Opus
What are they putting in the water in Colorado?
Calvin's Institutes / worth reading the actual writings of Calvin
This Translation is Often Overlooked
Very confusing religious opinion

Institutes of the Christian Religion (Two Volumes in One)
John Calvin
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

Protestant Opus.......2006-10-25

A lot of people think they know John Calvin. This work is the best summary of his theology anywhere and the best way to get into the mind of the great reformation leader. There is no better summary of reformation theology anywhere. Calvin's writing style is challenging but flowing and rich with rewards. It will help you formalize as a protestant what you believe and why you believe it. The serious theologian must not overlook this Opus of Protestant theology.

What are they putting in the water in Colorado?.......2006-03-29

I would have to say that it is sadly not surprising that Liza and Mr. Oshell respond to Calvin's Institutes in the manner found in each of their reviews. As mentioned by J. Oh, the primary problem is that there are many commonly held misconceptions about Calvin and many different views on what it means to be a Christian. Let me start off by saying that I readily admit that the Institutes are not an easy read. But neither is the Bible, nor most things of substance. The time and style in which the books were written only compound the problem for modern readers (though this translation does much to remedy the situation). I think no doctrine is so commonly misunderstood as predestination. First, it should be noted that predestination is not, despite what Oshell and Liza claim, a creative interpretation out of line with Christian thought. In fact some have argued, and I tend to agree, many aspects of it were held by the early church fathers as may be witnessed in their attacks on Pellagianism. In other words, predestination was considered a central part of Christianity since the time of Christ. Second, the opposite understanding leads to the conclusion that salvation is based upon our own acts, which is perhaps the greatest example of the sin of pride--putting one's self above God. Third, no where in the Bible can one find anything against the notion of predestination. Finally, predestination is specifically mentioned several times in the Bible including Ephes. 1:3-5; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 2:7; Acts 4:27-28. In addition, there are countless other mentions of God's foreknowledge and Christ's choosing us prior to our choosing Him throughout the Bible. Simply because the modern churches are too caught up in the feel good message of "be a good person and be saved" or the more subtle message of "God will reward you for your faith," when improperly understood, does not at all attack the substance of the Biblically sound doctrine of predestination.

The legalistic manner (including the near overclassification of his theological subject) in which the Institutes are written is a better explination why many modern Christians have difficulty following Calvin...this I feel is the only place where his humanistic/legalistic background impedes his work; for the logical and precise exegises of the Bible does not always require as much classification. That being said, however, in some respects it is this very thuroughness that makes the Institutes a must read.

Also, finally in response to the notion that predestination = salvation by chance...I might suggest reading Jonathan Edwards' "Freedom of the Will" wherein is made a forceful argument that it is the lack of predestination which leads to salvation by pure chance.

Calvin's Institutes / worth reading the actual writings of Calvin.......2005-10-27

I found this book to be accessible despite the fact it was written and translated so long ago.It was also worthwhile finally reading Calvin's original writing and so many references made to him and his views in other contexts.

This Translation is Often Overlooked.......2005-09-17

Unfortunately this translation of Calvin's 'Institutes' is often overlooked due to the more popular translation from Battles. However, this is an excellent translation of Calvin's most famous work and given its age (first published in 1845), it is surprisingly modern - due in part to this very edition which has been 'tweaked' into a more modern verbiage.

This 'tweaking' in no way has diminished, however, the wonderful job Beverage did in translating this work. From what I have been told by several Latin scholars and theologians, and having studied Latin myself, Calvin's Latin is not a walk in the park. That being the case, once you read this translation, you can see why Beverage did such a great job.

The one feature I like best about this translation is the fact that it is well footnoted for the researcher and reader. Therefore, this translation is well documented for further research into Calvin's thought. This also helps to clear up difficulties of translation (remember Calvin's Latin is very tough). At certain points in Calvin's work, his thought via a solid translation gets confusing for scholars, this edition has footnotes detailing these difficulties, and that makes for a better read.

Now, about Calvin's 'Institutes' This work is Calvin's Opus and gives the reader the best information regarding Calvin's thoughts on the Church and Church Government, Calvin's hermeneutic, Calvin's theology of God, Calvin's epistemology, Calvin's Soteriology, the benefits of the grace of Christ, his views on the Papacy (of his day), the Roman Catholic Church, the current state of Christendom, and much more. The interesting thing about this work (the Institutes), it is not Calvin's definitive work on the theology of predestination. Calvin actually wrote several other works which deal only with that subject and present a far better assessment of his theology behind predestination (see Calvin's treatise titled "Concerning the Eternal Predestination of God," and Calvin's response to Pighius titled "The Bondage and Liberation of the Will.")

But, for the best overview of Calvin's thought on the Church and theology, the Institutes is the work to read. Beverage's translation is a great work. It is introduced by the reformed theologian John Murray, it has a general index in the back of the work, and reads very much in modern verbiage. I highly recommend this edition.

Very confusing religious opinion.......2005-06-02

I agree with Mr. Oshell on almost every point. I find John Calvin, in this writing, and in many others, confused about what he really believes. He speaks of 'justification', 'sanctification', regeneration', 'grace', even 'faith', but cannot seem to come to an agreement with himself as to what these important terms mean. After reading a good amount of the Institutes, I think John Calvin thought they all meant the same thing. But of course, according to Calvinism, knowing about these things was ever meant for most of the world anyway, and knowledge of them doesn't make any difference to anyone's eternal destiny, so really, what does it matter who does or doesn't understand these terms? The reader might find his eyes spinning in his head after a short while. Much philosophy indeed....

John Calvin, like Calvinist writers in general, must of necessity give opposite meanings to the words of the living God in Scripture in order to teach what it is they believe, "Calvinism". But I think any true 'believer' should be horrified by Calvin's notion that salvation and damnation of individuals are utterly left to chance, a decision already made by God for each of us before the foundation of the world, and most importantly, arbitrary in regard to "faith". God merely made the decision without any regard to His foreknowledge of a person's faith or lack of faith in Christ. Unbelievable. But this teaching comes from Calvin's belief that there IS no condition for salvation, that faith in Christ is not necessary for those 'elected' by God to salvation in eternity past. God, they say, simply "gives the gift of faith" to the ones He has already elected to salvation (making them meet the apparent condition for salvation (faith) in John 3:16-18). To hell with the rest, literally.

Is it any wonder that Calvinism has never enjoyed any peace in Christian circles? The 'goodwill' of Calvinism's gospel is simply not meant to be goodwill to 'all'.

As for spiritual deception, Mormonism and the Watchtower Organization can't hold a candle to the brilliant deceptions of Calvinism. Let me emphasize "BRILLIANT". Calvin's Institutes turns truth on its head. Just do as the Bereans did and never fail to compare what Calvin says in his Institutes with the word of God to see if they are in agreement. What I found in Mr. Calvin's writings was 'the word of men' we read about in 1 Thes 2:13.

It is difficult for me to accept the fact that otherwise intelligent men would even 'want' to believe Calvin's horrible teachings. But its true, one's faith is a thing of the heart, and we can all believe whomever and whatever we want (I made the free will choice to reject John Calvin's teachings).

Discerning Your Congregation's Future: A Strategic and Spiritual Approach

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A Prescription For Growth
Excellent guide to church planning
An excellent planning book for any venue

Discerning Your Congregation's Future: A Strategic and Spiritual Approach
Roy M. Oswald , and Robert E., Jr. Friedrich
Manufacturer: Alban Inst
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ASIN: 1566991749

Book Description

Drawing on extensive consulting experience with congregations, the authors provide a step-by-step guide to congregational planning that grounds strategic planning techniques in a process of spiritual discernment. The result: members will own the vision and be eager to participate in the congregation's calling, life, and ministry. You and your planning committee learn the theory behind the techniques, along with receiving help for addressing specific situations.

Customer Reviews:

A Prescription For Growth.......2007-08-24

This book lays out a most indepth, step-by-step guide to uncovering what God has in store for your church. If followed in it's entirety without skipping any of the process, it will be an experience of spiritual growth for your congregation as well as a tool for understanding the direction that Christ is moving your church. It is an easy to read, challenging prescription for growth.

Excellent guide to church planning.......2007-06-09

Oswald has a process that is focused on the core of church life and beliefs to come up with a plan for how to move forward versus standing still.

An excellent planning book for any venue.......1998-06-09

Oswald and Friedrich have given us a wonderful source book for doing congregational planning. But in addition, they have given strategic planning consultants and facilitators in many fields a concept that opens new horizons in strategic planning. The idea of discerning, rather than planning, future direction says that there is a way we ought to go and our job is to find it. This concept, when coupled with systems thinking and organizational learning (see for example Senge, _The Fifth Discipline_), provides a way of reframing the strategic planning process. The exercises, while generally unsuited to the board room, can be adapted to that environment with a little imagination, once the planning consultant creates a safe place for those invovled in planning to access the part of their mind capable of discernment.

Entering the School of Your Experience (Bridges to Contemplative Living With Thomas Merton)

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Great Foundation for Discussion Groups
Begin, Reinvigorate, or Deepen Your Spiritual Life

Entering the School of Your Experience (Bridges to Contemplative Living With Thomas Merton)
The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living
Manufacturer: Ave Maria Press
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ASIN: 1594710899

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Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton gently leads participants on a journey toward spiritual transformation and a more contemplative and peace-filled life. Each eight-session booklet offers an introduction to Merton and contemplative living through prayers, readings from Merton and other spiritual masters, and questions for small group dialogue. Book One: Entering the School of Your Experience helps readers explore what is meant by contemplative living and contemplative dialogue while moving them forward in their journey toward spiritual transformation. While the series uses Merton as a starting point, it seeks most of all to mine the spiritual depths of those who use it.

Customer Reviews:

Great Foundation for Discussion Groups.......2007-02-06

This book - the first in a series - is a wonderful tool that I can see used in many faith-based groups. As a springboard for the exploration of Thomas Merton's work, it also serves as a conversation starter for faith-sharing and similar endeavors. I did not find that this book was very conducive for individual reflection nor would I recommend this for someone looking for a preliminary survey of the work of Thomas Merton alone. There are many other sources for both cases.

This is excellent for parish, campus ministry and small-group based discussion.

Begin, Reinvigorate, or Deepen Your Spiritual Life.......2006-11-14

"Entering the School of Your Experience" is the first of eight booklets in the "Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton" series edited by Merton scholars Jonathan Montaldo and Robert G. Toth. Themes are based on key principals from Merton's thought including (1) our everyday life is our spiritual life, (2) spiritual formation is grounded in the experience of relationships and community, and (3) personal transformation is the foundation for societal and cultural transformation.

The series is designed for adult Christians in committed small groups, but is also appropriate for individual use. Each of the eight sessions consists of four to five pages containing excerpts on the given topic from two "voices," Merton's and that of another spiritual leader; a psalm; an introduction to the readings; and questions for reflection and dialogue. In addition, optional concluding prayers and a facilitator's guide are provided.

As shown in the following examples from the Contemplative Dialogue session of "Entering the School" the material is broad enough to address the needs of those wishing to begin, reinvigorate, or deepen their spiritual lives. From the introduction to the texts: "Our natural urge is to be heard, and therefore we are often not fully present to one another when communicating." From Merton's voice: "Silence...can at times be the response of a greater love, and of a love that does not endanger truth..." From the voice of Eckhart Tolle: "Most people don't know how to listen because the major part of their attention is taken up by their thinking." From reflect and dialogue: "What value do we place on silence in our culture and our everyday lives?"

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Don't forget your mother!
Huge Omission
Excellent, as far as it goes!
Excellent, as far as it goes!
excellent synopsis of Calvin's most important work

Calvin's Institutes
Jean Calvin , and Donald K. McKim
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0664222986

Customer Reviews:

Don't forget your mother!.......2003-03-03

This book completely leaves out Calvin's fourth book, his treatment of the church. My suspicion is it was omitted because Calvin's doctrines didn't line up with those of the publisher. This ignoring of the doctrine of the church reinforces the erroneous idea that the body of Christ is insignificant when Calvin himself considered the Church our Mother.

Huge Omission.......2003-03-03

This book completely leaves out Calvin's fourth book, his treatment of the church. My suspicion is it was omitted because Calvin's doctrines didn't line up with those of the publisher.

Excellent, as far as it goes!.......2000-12-23

I bought this little book to help me teach a class on Book IV of the Institutes. But guess what? It only covers Books I-III. Book IV basically deals with Calvin's concept of the Church and Sacraments, so this little book will not be found too helpful if you're in the same position as me. However, the book is an excellent help on Books I-III. Very graphically oriented; it teaches just by means of its formatting! I'd like to know why the editors didn't include Book IV. Would it be that they are Baptists and Calvin's views challenge theirs?

Excellent, as far as it goes!.......2000-12-23

I bought this little book to help me teach a class on Book IV of the Institutes. But guess what? It only covers Books I-III. Book IV basically deals with Calvin's concept of the Church, so this little book will not be found too helpful if you're in the same position as me. However, the book is an excellent help on Books I-III. Very graphically oriented; it teaches just by means of its formatting! I'd like to know why the editors didn't include Book IV.

excellent synopsis of Calvin's most important work.......1998-10-26

This study guide provides an excellent synopsis of Calvin's magnum opus, written to set forth the basics of protestant theology as well as to defend Protestant beliefs as thoroughly scriptual. Mark Devries gives a very thorough and clear summary of each major section of this voluminous work along with a commentary which not only reinforces Calvin's main thesis for each section but also discusses how modern readers react to Calvin's position. Margin notes provide plenty of direct quotes from the original work as well as scripture supporting the main ideas of each section. The biographical sketch and commentary also lay out the historical context in which Calvin's work was written, deepening one's understanding of the Protestant Reformation and Calvin's seminal role in it. This is the first of the Shepard's Notes series I have read but I plan to read others. It is a great summary for those who want to understand the major points of a classic theological work without wading through the original text but would also enhance and facilitate the study of the original if read alongside it. By the way, Devries has also written the Shepard's Notes study guide for Augustine's Confessions.

Becoming Who You Already Are (Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton Series Vol. 2)

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Wisdom, Encouragement and Inspiration

Becoming Who You Already Are (Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton Series Vol. 2)
Jonathan Montaldo , Robert G. Toth , and The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living
Manufacturer: Ave Maria Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1594710902

Book Description

Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton gently leads participants on a journey toward spiritual transformation and a more contemplative and peace-filled life. Each eight-session booklet offers an introduction to Merton and contemplative living through prayers, readings from Merton and other spiritual masters, and questions for small group dialogue. Book Two: Becoming Who You Already Are helps readers learn to utilize their own life experiences as the primary tool for spiritual growth. It points readers in the end to embrace our deep connections with all of creation through the God who made us. While the series uses Merton as a starting point, it seeks most of all to mine the spiritual depths of those who use it.

Customer Reviews:

Wisdom, Encouragement and Inspiration.......2006-11-14

Becoming Who You Already Are is the second in a series of eight booklets based on the work of Thomas Merton, one of the most important spiritual writers of the 20th century. It contains eight small-group sessions also suitable for individuals. Suggestions for use are provided in the introduction and an accompanying facilitaror's guide. The series, designed for adult Christians, helps readers explore four elements of spirituality Merton considered essential: our relationships with self, God, others, and all of creation.

Each session is built around excerpts from two "voices," Merton's and that of another spiritual leader. A psalm, short introduction to the readings, and reflection questions round out each topic, and optional concluding prayers are printed in the back of the booklet.

From this simple, gentle approach new insights spring up spontaneously in the days following completion of a session. For example, the last topic in "Becoming Who You Already Are" discusses Merton's "Fourth and Walnut" story. At a busy intersection, he was "overwhelmed with the realization" that he loved and was connected to everyone he saw. One reflection question asks readers if they ever had a Fourth and Walnut experience. I had not, but over the next week, with Merton's words in mind, I came close.

Those familiar with Merton's life and work will be drawn to the Bridges of Contemplative Living series for its connection with him; others will learn more about him, perhaps going on to explore his journals, essays, poems, and other writings, but certainly benefiting from the wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration contained here.

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Calvin condensed
Calvin's Institutes as Hors D'oeuvre
Calvin Compressed
great abridgement of Calvin' s most excellent work...
Thank you Tony Lane!!

The Institutes of Christian Religion
John Calvin
Manufacturer: Baker Academic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0801025249

Book Description

The heart of Calvin's teaching, translated in easy-to-understand language, helps pastors, scholars, and laypersons grasp one of the most important works ever written.

Customer Reviews:

Calvin condensed.......2007-07-19

The sheer mention of Calvin's name can wrinkle the face of many Christians. Is there any notion for such harsh treatment? This condensed version will help the reader arrive at a rock solid conclusion to the question and is a lot thinner then the original!

The book is compiled of four books, and is as follows, the first book in is, "The Knowledge of God the Creator." In the first five chapters he launches directly into the fact that God has made Himself known to all men. Calvin's analyses follows closely to the beginning pages of Romans. He points out that all have been given the light of conscious and the light of creation. He couples this together with the fact that men suppress the knowledge that has been given to them, but are rightfully condemned under this knowledge.

Chapters six through nine speak about God's word and God's spirit. Calvin points out that man needs more than just general revelation, but also needs the bible (specific revaluation). On page 45 Calvin shows the need to pay careful attention to scripture if one wants to benefit from the spirit of God. He clearly shows that any doctrine that surpasses the scripture is undoubtedly a teaching from Satan himself. Building upon this thought, chapters thirteen through fifteen present a defense for the deity of Jesus and the tri-unity of God. The beginning of Calvin's discussion of the nature of man was opened in the fifteenth chapter. Calvin speaks on how man is constructed of body and soul, and the soul consists of the intellect and the will.

Part four goes over God's providence and shows God is always active and in control of His creation. Calvin touched on the balance of free will and God's providence by explaining that man is bound to his sin nature and in his sin nature, man will never choose God.

Book two goes over "The Knowledge of God the Redeemer, in Christ." In the first three chapters Calvin shows the teaching that is referred to as total depravity. He illustrates how all mankind has been affected by the fall and is enslaved in sin. Here Calvin expounds on this by showing that this does not mean that men are as evil as they can be. God's common grace still refrains man's nature, but the unregenerate man is dead in sin and their heart intent behind all action is always sinful.

Continuing through the book, we come upon the discussion of God's law. Calvin explains the law is like a mirror showing people their sinful condition before God. The law also acts as a refrain as well as governs men. The next section Calvin shows how Jesus "became a man to perform the office of mediator." Here he illustrates how Christ has two natures and He has "performed the office of redeemer in procuring our salvation."

The third book is entitled "The Way of Obtaining the Grace of God." It begins by discussing the work of the spirit and then quickly moves into faith and repentance. Calvin comes out swinging in the proceeding book by dismantling the false allegations of someone who only confesses Christ. He lays out that living the Christian life is a life of self denial.

The fourth book that Calvin wrote was on the "Outward Means by Which God Helps Us." This section begins by looking at the church and makes the distinguishing factor between the true and false church. The election of church teachings was lightly covered and also church discipline. The remaining section covered Calvin's views on the sacraments. Many whom have not studied Calvin or reformed theology may find the section on sacraments a little difficult to swallow. Many may be alarmed at his view of adult and infant baptism and charge him with baptismal regeneration. Also his view of Jesus presented in the Lord's Supper may rattle some.

John Calvin was a significant theologian and scholar. I recommended his work for anyone who is looking for a deep study of reformed theology. Anyone who cast Calvin off for his work is missing out on the writings of an astute theologian that they could greatly benefit from.

Calvin's Institutes as Hors D'oeuvre.......2006-09-09

Qick, compact and precise is how I would describe Tony Lane's abridgement of Calvin's Institutes. Lane eliminates much of Calvin's polemic against Catholicism and the Pope, yet keeps his flow of thought and argumentation smoothly rolling along. Lane doesn't eliminate or bypass the doctrines that people have difficulty with. He gives them fair treatment. Reading this book makes one want to go back to Calvin's unabridged version and examine things in more detail and depth.

This is an extremely easy read. Tony Lane does a great job in bringing John Calvin's pastoral heart out in his writings. As soon as you start reading this book you can notice that Calvin was not some far-off removed theological iceberg, but was a pastor first and foremost.

Excellent work. Excellent read. You can't pass it up for the price!

Only because of grace,
--Jeffrey

Calvin Compressed.......2006-04-03

"The Institutes of the Christian Religion" began as a rather short monograph, but grew to a multivolume treatise as Calvin revised and rewrote it over his career. This abridgement cuts away the excess and brings the reader the essentials of Calvin's theology.

Surprisingly, that theology, although not jovial, is not as somber as the popular portrayal. Calvin states his ideas and backs them up with scriptural citations, well constructed argument, and references to earlier Christian writers, most notably St. Augustine. He gives a defense of predestination which almost, but not quite, convinces.

In the chapter on the Church, Calvin writes of differences in doctrine and makes a call for tolerance of differing views--so long as they are not TOO different. It would be interesting to know if those words were written before or after the Servetus incident.

Another issue Calvin addresses in the chapter on the Church is church discipline. He outlines his theories on Bible-based discipline, and they are almost identical to modern-day church discipline in many Bible Belt churches.

Those with little experience of Calvinism can find it an off-putting theology. Read this book and "Calvin for the Armchair Theologian," and you might not convert, but you'll have a much more sympathetic view of Calvinism.

great abridgement of Calvin' s most excellent work..........2003-02-26

If you're looking for an easy reading abridgement of the Institutes, this is an excellent choice. I enjoyed getting an overview of Calvin's work during devotions and before bed without having to think too hard about "translating the translation" which is so often the case with older translations. The fact of the matter is that there are other abridgements that may do the trick also, but this one does just fine for me. I'll read it again and again. So, if you want a overview of Calvin's Institutes without having to deal with the "intricate" details, think about this one... if you want an exhaustive history/biography of his life and works, obviously this won't do it for you.

Thank you Tony Lane!!.......2001-08-25

This book is an abridgement of Calvin's much larger "Institutes." Tony Lane has paraphrased sections of Battles' translation into crisper, more idiomatic English so as to make Calvin's writing accessible to the contemporary reader. I first read this book as a 16 year old and I found no difficulty in understanding it! The guiding principle of Lane's abridgement is that Calvin's positive theological statements and arguments are, more or less, left in tact, while the (sometimes vindictive) polemics that Calvin indulged in are removed. I personally like this feature, because it enables one to see more clearly how edifying and pastoral Calvin's theology is. Calvin's extensive polemics, in this respect, can have the influence of making the modern reader lose sight of this. Lane follows the standard referencing system for the "Institutes" used in the Battles' translation. This is extremely useful, because when Lane indicates that he has abridged Calvin in a certain chapter or section, one can then go to the Battles' version to see what he has left out! Lane gives the reader enough of the "Institutes" so that one can grasp the flow of Calvin's arguments and penetrate to the centre of his theology. After reading this, I got the impression that I hadn't read a disjointed series of abstracts but a COHERENT arguement. It's Lane's ability to maintain the structure of Calvin's overall argument that makes this abridgement especially good. This book serves as an excellent entry into Calvin for the general (or busy) reader. It's short enough so that the attention span is not strained. As a text for a seminary or college course on Calvin's theology, it's a book that students could realistically read through in a semester. This book, taken together with the abridgements of many of Calvin's commentaries in the Crossway Classic Commentaries series, would provide an accessible (and relatively comprehensive) grasp of Calvin's theology and exegesis for the interested pastor or layperson.

In the Beginning: Fundamentalism, the Scopes Trial, and the Making of the Antievolution Movement (H. Eugene and Lillian Youngs Lehman Series)

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In the Beginning: Fundamentalism, the Scopes Trial, and the Making of the Antievolution Movement (H. Eugene and Lillian Youngs Lehman Series)
Michael Lienesch
Manufacturer: The University of North Carolina Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0807830968

Book Description

The current controversy over teaching evolution in the public schools has grabbed front-page headlines and topped news broadcasts all across the United States. In the Beginning investigates the movement that has ignited debate in state legislatures and at school board meetings. Reaching back to the origins of antievolutionism in the 1920s, and continuing to the promotion of intelligent design today, Michael Lienesch analyzes one of the most formidable political movements of the twentieth century.

Gather Into One: Praying and Singing Globally (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies Series)

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Gather Into One: Praying and Singing Globally (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies Series)
C., Michael Hawn
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0802809839

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One of the benefits of the multicultural nature of Christianity has been the introduction of the Western church to worship music from around the world. However, while many songs from other parts of the world are now available in Western hymnal collections, little has been written to help church musicians and ministers understand, appreciate, and use these songs in worship. Gather into One fills this void. In this volume C. Michael Hawn explores the work of five of the most influential global church musicians found in North American hymnals: Pablo Sosa (Argentina), I-to Loh (Taiwan), David Dargie (South Africa), Patrick Matsikenyiri (Zimbabwe), and John Bell (Scotland). Hawn discusses the biographical background of each of these composers and elucidates the meaning of their music within their respective cultures. Having studied global song himself on site throughout the world, Hawn sees this music as a valuable gift from other cultures to our own - sung prayers that can broaden the ways we pray and sing together in corporate worship. His extensive research leads to some intriguing proposals, with Hawn encouraging diverse expressions of worship, endorsing the church musician as a worship "enlivener," and making a case for "polyrhythmic worship" in our churches. A unique resource, Gather into One demonstrates the spiritual riches to be gained through multicultural worship and makes a concrete contribution toward realizing the worldwide unity of the Christian church.

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