Book Description
Who in Bethlehem could guess that their tiny, obscure village, populated by shepherds, would become the hinge upon which all history turns…and the focus of a terrifying rampage? Sixth Covenant is the conclusion of the three-book Nativity story within the A.D. Chronicles series. Sixth Covenant chronicles Mary, Yosef, and baby Yeshua in the first months of his life in Bethlehem. From the shepherd’s visit to the escape to Egypt to the Bethlehem babies who gave their life for Jesus, discover the most critical events in the history of the world.
Customer Reviews:
Better Then the Last Entry.......2007-07-24
The Messiah has come! After the angels visit, the entire village of Bethlehem is buzzing about His long awaited arrival. Rachel and Zadok are honored to have been such a big part of His arrival and lead the village in making Mary, Josef, and baby Yeshua feel right at home.
Meanwhile, a growing caravan of travelers is coming to pay homage to Yeshua. Crossing the wilderness, they face many dangers from the land and marauders as they approach their destination. And they continue to watch the sky as the signs continue to unfold.
Unfortunately for all, King Herod is still as paranoid as ever. He wants any sign of rebellion crushed immediately, and the news of the arrival of Messiah will mean bad news to all concerned. Can the arrival of Yeshua be kept a secret from the mad king? If he does find out, what will the consequences be?
After reading the last book in the series, I guessed at the general outline of this one, and I was right. Anyone familiar with the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus will find no surprises in the story. Yet the characters were rich enough that the book was able to draw me in most of the time. The lessons on the meanings of Jewish law and how that ties into Jesus' birth were kept shorter this time then the last book, which really help. And, even though I knew what was coming, the ending still gripped and moved me.
Interestingly, there was no mention of any of the characters from the first few books of the series. While the visit to Jesus' birth was interesting, I hope we get back to them in the next entry in the series.
Book Description
A work of first-rate scholarship in which Paul Jewett writes the most persuasive case ever to demolish the best arguments posed in favor of infant baptism, showing this practice to be an unbiblical vestige of ecclesiastical tradition. Jewett demonstrates that only the only valid New Testament baptism is "believer's baptism". His criticisms of paedobaptist arguments from Augustine down to Jeremias are thorouigh and devastating.
Customer Reviews:
Convincing.......2007-04-05
I have examined the Scriptures and read books on both sides of this complex issue trying to find the truth (see my listmania list to follow my journey), but this book is by far the most thorough, biblical, and thoughtful book I have read on the subject of baptism. Jewett comes at the discussion from a distinctly Reformed view due to his adherence to covenant theology (a view I share) so this book may not be useful for those of Anglican, Lutheran, or Catholic persuasions.
Starting with church history , Professor Jewett examines infant baptism back to the time of the Apostles examining sources and the defense of some of the best defenders of infant baptism like Joachim Jeremias. Then he moves on to theological questions concerning the covenant of grace, the definition of baptism in Reformed creeds, and the actual practice of baptism in Reformed tradition in their light. What he finds is: weak evidence for the Apostolic foundation of infant baptism and foundational inconsistencies between the definition of baptism given by the Reformers and their disciples and their practice of infant baptism.
Even if you disagree with Professor Jewett's conclusions this is a must read for baptists and paedobaptists who want to make sure they are true to the bible and the biblical principles of the Reformation.
The most thorough examination I have found.......2004-06-01
This book is incredibly thorough, well researched, and well presented. Jewett analyzes the practice of infant baptism from a theological and historical standpoint. I found his detailed historical analysis to be particularly beneficial, as the historical record is often muddled and partial. The book is well worth purchasing if for no other reason than its look at the history of infant baptism.
The theological analysis was quite thorough as well, however it is important that one pays close attention to the subtitle of the book "An Appraisal of the Argument That As Infants Were Once Circumcised, So They Shoud Now Be Baptized." The theological analysis deals strictly with the covenantal view of infant baptism - the author does not address the view that infant baptism actually creates faith such as the Lutherans believe. I don't find this omission to be a fault of the book; I find it necessary to keep the argument focused. A detailed examination of all the issues concering infant baptism would surely take up volumes. Suffice it to say that Jewett has successfully analyzed this particular category of infant baptism theology.
simply excellent.......2003-12-12
Fantastic book- all arguments for and against infant baptism are thoroughly evaluated, and Jewett's stellar writing style makes it a pleasure to read.
Well researched, but beware of his bias........2002-03-28
Dr. Jewett's book is something that anyone interested in infant baptism should read. This book examines the historical evolution of infant baptism, the scriptural arguments, and the theological arguments. It is highly informative and reads like a thesis. If you are at all interested in infant baptism, READ THIS BOOK.
The problem with this work is that Dr. Jewett makes conclusions where the evidence is not necessary conclusory. For instance, he analyzes history and concludes that infant baptism was not a practice of the apostles, yet such a concusion is just one INFERENCE that could be made after taking in all the evidence. However, it should be noted that such conclusions are probably the best that anyone could do in reaching a definitive answer to an age-old issue.
The reason for Dr. Jewett's approach is clearly that he has made his decision from the beginning. This book reads like he has already made his decision, and whatever it takes, he is GOING to push the round peg into a square hole.
However, I would highly recommend this book for two reasons. First, the sheer amount of research and information provided by the author is worth taking a look at. Second, his arguments will better help anyone to refine their thoughts, from either an experienced theologian or a novice.
My lone criticism of this book, other than I believe it reaches an incorrect conclusion, is that he should have tried to be more objective, and avoided any language that would indicate his view was already biased from the start.
Book Description
Note from the Editor, This volume contains an English translation of the famous Ethiopian work, Kebra Nagast, The Glory Of Kings. This book has been held in the highest honour in Ethiopia for several centuries and has been, and still is, venerated by the people as containing the final proof of their descent from the Hebrew Patriarchs, and of the kinship of their kings of the Solomonic line with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
In other words, the book proves:
1. That the lawful kings of Ethiopia were descended from Solomon, King of Israel.
2. That the Tabernacle of the Law of God, the Ark of the Covenant was brought from Jerusalem to Aksum by Menyelek, Solomon's firstborn son.
3. That the God of Israel transferred His place of abode on earth from Jerusalem to Aksum, the ecclesiastical capital of Ethiopia.
Menyelek was performing the Will of God in removing the Tabernacle of Zion from Jerusalem, as God was satisfied that the Jews were unworthy to be custodians of the Ark wherein His Presence was, and the Ark wished to depart. Ethiopia had stretched out her hands to God (Psalm 68:31) and He went to her with the Ark, to preside over Menyelek's kingdom, which was established in accordance with the commandments that He had given Moses and the prophets and priests of Israel.
The line of kings founded by Solomon continued to reign even after the Ethiopians became Christians under the teaching of Frumentius and Adesius, and that line continued unbroken until the tenth century of our era. God then permitted the line to be separated from the throne, and allowed the Zagwe Kings to rule over Ethiopia until the reign of Yekuno Amlak, who restored the Solomonic dynasty in A.D. 1270.
Ethiopian literature documents a legend to the effect that when god made Adam He placed in his body a "Pearl" or "Seed" which He intended should pass from Adam into the bodies of a series of holy men, one after the other, until the appointed time when it should enter the body of Mary, and form the substance of her firstborn son Jesus, the Christ. This "Pearl" had passed through the body of Solomon, an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ and Menyelek, the son of Solomon by the Queen of Sheba, were sons of Solomon, and so, they were akin to each other. But Christ is the Son of God, and therefore, being the kinsman of Christ, Menyelek was divine.
The Kebra Nagast asserts that the kings of Ethiopia who were descended from Menyelek were of divine origin, and that their words and deeds were those of gods.
The Ark of the Law which Menyelek removed from the Temple of Jerusalem was a rectangular box made of hardwood plated with gold, and measuring about four feet long, two feet six inches wide, and two feet six inches deep. It was provided with a cover upon which rested the Mercy seat and figures of the Cherubim. In the Kebra Nagast no mention is made of the Mercy sear and the Cherubim, but we read there that Moses made a case shaped like the "belly of a ship," and in this the Two Tables of the Law were placed. The case made by Moses carried the written Word in stone, and later on the Women carried the living Word Incarnate. Although western history is silent as to the place where the Tabernacle of the Law was finally deposited, Ethiopian tradition asserts that it survived all the troubles and disasters that came upon the Abyssinians in their wars with the Muslims, and that it was preserved at Aksum.
This complete, modern translation of the Kebra Nagast derives mainly from the Spanish version of the work which appeared in Toledo in 1528 and in Barcelona in 1547, with its French version published in Paris in 1558. Many subsequent translations and editions have been made into German, English, Italian and other languages.
This popular edition conforms to the classic literary style of Budge's Translation-Commentary, with its elegant Old English phraseology and syntax. After verifying and
Customer Reviews:
Excellent African text, poor edition.......2006-05-17
I do not want to comment on the truthfulness of the extraordinary medieval African text that appears in this book. The wonderful Kebra Nagast is a document that should be known and studied far more widely than it currently is. It is unfortunate, then, that this important text should be spoiled for so many readers by this extremely problematic edition by Brooks. First, Brooks' edition is not a new "modern translation"--the entire text is directly taken from Sir Wallis Budge's translation of 1922. Budge's translation is quite beautiful, but this is not due to Brooks. Further, Brooks' claim that his is a new translation may prevent a true new translation from being done from the actual African text (instead of from very problematic European translations in English and German). Such a true translation is long overdue. Second, Brooks' introduction has a number of factual inaccuracies, especially about when and where it appeared in Europe. He can argue what he wants and should, but to do some from errors is disrespectful of this important text. If you are interested in a real history of the Kebra Nagast, see Munro Stuary-Hay's last book, on the ark of the covenant. Ethiopia's extraordinary history, its important role in global history, and its magnificent texts have been ignored for too long to be treated in the cavalier fashion of this "translation". The only reason I give this edition three stars instead of one is because no other translation is easily available in print in English, although a free version of the entire Budge translation is in pdf on the web somewhere.
doubtful edition.......2005-11-22
I must confess to owning two copies of Wallis Budge's translation, and therefore my review may be colored or spoiled by previous contact. It must be noted that Dr Brooks used a Spanish translation from the Ethiopian Ge'ez as his starting point, and there are several lacunae and editorial lapses in this edition. It was also noticeable that Dr Brooks apparently believes the claims in the original and advances scarcely-disguised notions of Africanist superiority, which would be rightly termed racialism as it had been with Budge's British Imperial conceits. The assertions in the editorial review above are noticeably absolute and categorical, despite the legend which it relates, and which may be found in differing versions within Ethiopia itself.
Excellent text of Ancient Ethiopian Histroy/Mythology.......2003-06-17
Three cheers for Miguel Brooks for making available for English readers this text of classic Ethiopian History/mythology. This is an interesting account of the great love affair of Solomon and Sheba and the rise of their son King Menelik I.
Overall, it makes for a good read. Biblical lore is mixed with Ethiopian history and legends.
This is an important work, since Ancient African Mythology (aside from that of Egypt) are so litttle-known in the west. This holds up quite well even without comparisons to Greek Mythology and other European Epics.
This, the Egyptian Tale of Two Brothers, and the Sundiata Epic are the best Ancient African Epics I've read (so far). When John Hunwick's translation of the Tarikh Es Sudan is available at a lower price, I'll be on the hunt for that too!
The Ark in Ethiopia.......2001-12-12
As a lover of biblical legends and a peripatetic scholar in the subject area, I encountered a copy of the "Kebra Nagast" while following some thoughts on the travels of the Ark of the Covenant. I have suspected that the Ark had made its way to Ethiopia some time in Israel's history. This was the thesis of Graham Hancock in "The Sign and the Seal," and I expected "The Glory of Kings" to reaffirm that belief. As is often the case with this sort of literature: it does and it doesn't.
Set down some time in the 11th Century, the "Kebra Nagast" is the history of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, the birth of her son and the eventual removal of the Ark to Ethiopia. It is a remarkable document that shifts from testament style writing to Gnostic Christianity repeatedly. Its aim is to prove that the line of Ethiopian Kings is heir to the throne of David. This is certainly a possibility since there has been a significant Jewish presence (currently referred to as the Falashas) in Ethiopia for several thousand years.
There are several things to keep under consideration while reading the "Kebra Nagast" story of the travels of the Ark. The chiefest of these is that the "Kebra Nagast" was set down during a period of extreme turmoil in Ethiopian history. This was a time when Jewish and Christian and Moslem forces were vying for power, and the "Kebra Nagast" was of vital importance in establishing the legitimacy of the line of Kings that was eventually to include Haile Selassie. As such its real focus was on who was the rightful King of Ethiopia, and the story of the Ark is really an evidentiary tale.
Secondly, the "Kebra Nagast" is an effort to explain why the Falashas, who brought the Ark into Ethiopia, had lost control of it. Unfortunately, 'The Glory of Kings' explains this as the result of the horrific sinfulness of the Jews. Written at a time when there was little sympathy for Jewry, the story has strongly anti-Jewish sentiments. I don't believe that this is true in modern Ethiopia, but it may make many readers quite uncomfortable with the text.
I mean no disrespect. The "Kebra Nagast" is an important text for members of the Rastafarians and should be treated with the same honor one would give to the sacred writings of any other group. The books mix of mysticism and explanation is a fascinating insight into the Medieval world in places other than Europe, and should help to convince many that culture was alive and well in many places that we often label otherwise.
Whether you decide to believe the "Kebra Nagast" instead of one of the other legends of the Ark is a personal decision. But I think this document contains much that would interest all those who seek more information on the Ark and its related legends, as well as the stories of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The quality of the translation is excellent. Also provided are two informative sections on the history of Ethiopia and to the Falasha themselves.
WISDOM IS SWEETER THAN HONEY.......2000-05-26
I HAVE READ THIS BOOK, AND THERE IS NOTHING I WOULD SAY TO DISCREDIT IT, AS IT WILL ULTIMATELY BE HELPFUL TO SOMEONE WHO IS WILLING TO SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST. I CAN SAY THIS AS A PERSON WHO HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ THE ORIGINAL VERSION IN ENGLISH TWICE, ONE OF THE TWO WHICH THE BOY lord napier STOLE FROM ETHIOPIA.THIS MODERN VERSION IS THE SKELETOL REMAINS OF THE ORIGINAL, AND IS PORTRAYED IN A MORE ACADEMIC FORM WITH ALL THE ALLEGE MYTHS AND LEGENDS REMOVED, NO DOUBT THIS IS WAY THE AUTHOR WANTED TO WRITE IT. I AM OF THE OPINION THAT THE ORIGINAL WITH ALL IT'S MYTHS AND LEGENDS IS SWEETER THAN HONEY, ALSO TO ME IT IS THE SWEETEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ AND MY LIFE HAS BEEN ENRICHED HAVING READ IT .
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- Waited 40 years for this great tome
- HISTORY THAT I HADN'T BEEN TAUGHT
- A STUNNING BOOK
- A sadly deficient study
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The King Arthur Conspiracy
Grant Berkley
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Moses In The Hieroglyphs
ASIN: 1412026423
Release Date: 2006-07-06 |
Product Description
AD 562: A comet destroyed Arthurian Britain. English academics rejected this history, obliterating evidence of Arthurian Dynasty, Covenant Ark, Lost Ten Tribes, early christianity, invaluable decipherment evidence in American voyages, Estruscan & Pelasgian
Customer Reviews:
Curates Egg.......2007-01-16
This is a dense book covering a wide range of fascinating subject matter. Much of the argument and content runs at odds with established histories and will be regarded as "academic heresy" by many. If only half of it is true, then it is truly a fascinating piece of work and well worth picking up. Although in some cases it does expound "new ideas" which are now widely accepted.
Unfortunately, the author has an axe to grind and does this repeatedly in an over the top treatment throughout the book, which detracts somewhat from the excellence of the read. Additionally there are a few leaps in explanation which sometimes leave the reader perplexed, coupled with a considerable amount of repetition and somewhat low budget graphics in places. I fear that this style will put mainstream academics off even bothering to follow up and test many of its hypotheses.
Putting this wingeing aside,it is worth ploughing through the book, because there is a lot of exciting stuff in there and it's a refreshing challenge to received wisdom in an area which is under researched.
Waited 40 years for this great tome.......2005-11-11
I've been interested in the King Arthur thing for many years but was not convinced by stories of him being in Somerset and all points west.
My grandparents told me that they had been taught that Arthur was son of Meurig, son of Tewdrig, a great king of the Glamorgan dynasty. But how hard was it to find this book before the internet came along and Amazon offered me the chance to read this and The Holy Kingdom.
So allthough this history is personal to me I can see its relevance to readers across the globe as it is their history.
Why do many regions in the UK claim Arthur? Because there were two Arthurs, who fought at separate times and in separate places. All the evidence is here. Arthur ll's cousin Madoc Morfran then journeyed to the USA in the 6th Century and vast amounts of evidence are provided for the reader in this respect.
The abilities of Arthur ll, Madoc and their counterparts in terms of seafaring ability does not surprise me but what amazed me was the amount of detail, documentation and facts provided by Grant Berkley.
The author has cleared worked closely with historians Wilson and Blackett to provide a thoroughly fascinating account of early penetration of the Americas and the history of those who accomplished this feat.
I feel like a whole new vista has opened up for me and I hope more books will be forthcoming.
HISTORY THAT I HADN'T BEEN TAUGHT.......2005-11-10
I read the book in amazement. This wasn't what those boring tutors had taught me at school. It wasn't what my Priest told me in church. And it was not easy to find on the Internet.
Away from the digital playground I went to my local library to see if what Berkley writes is true; that my history has been perverted, altered, done away with and destroyed. Sadly and surprisingly, what he says is true and my fear is that not enough people know what has happened to their history.
You can indeed read the sources the author provides. Visit the library like I did.
And I do think it's a key to many hundreds of millions of European-American people's identity, which is probably why no major publisher, more interested in Posh n Becks scandal, will touch it to their eternal shame.
Although a brilliant book and one worthy of sitting on anyone with a brain's shelf, the writing style is unique and prone to repetition. By which I mean it doesn't read like the travelogue style so beloved of mainstream publishers.
It is my hope that this book does very well.............
A STUNNING BOOK.......2005-11-05
Coelbren is very well-known by those aware of establishment attempts to replace real British history with a fake one more suited to the needs and aspirations of the controllers.
Coelbren was passed down from generation to generation and written about at great length by John Williams in 1946, in the seminal Barddas in 1852 and by the noted historian D Delta Evans in 1906. There have been numerous other studies.
Every year at the Welsh Eisteddfod Coelbren novelty items are on sale and you can always follow a trip to North Wales with a trip to South Wales where you will see Coelbren carved in Cardiff Castle.
The same, identical alphabet is found in Welsh churches, throughout the UK,throughout Central Europe and back to the Middle East. This is the same alphabet found in the Nag Hammadi texts and can be translated using the same methods as generations of Welsh Bards used...
With British history one can easily see that a "replacement version", minus the achievements of the ancient British, has been developed. Out went the successful, noble, cultured, worldly wise and scientifically advanced Ancient Britons - who were experts in astronomy for example - and in came semi-literate tribespeople so beloved of the academic estblishment and 19th Century Imperialists seeking to justify Empire...
Coelbren is one key to unravelling all this and bringing the light of truth to shine on an increasingly truth-hungry public...
If you want the truth, read The King Arthur Conspiracy.
If not, stick to Ball and Ashe!
A sadly deficient study.......2005-08-28
My interest in this book derives from having worked as an archaeologist in the Ohio Valley region for over 25 years and though my comments will be largely restricted to matters which pertain to this specific geographic area in large part they are applicable to much of the book's content. Despite otherwise glowing reviews which have appeared in this forum, I personally found the volume woefully lacking as a worthwhile scholarly effort. Grandiose and sweeping claims are made with abandon throughout the book yet remain either poorly documented or, in most instances, simply not documented at all. Among these claims are assertions that numerous reputed ancient Welsh Coelbren inscriptions in the form of petroglyphs (rock carvings) have been found in Kentucky. Early in the book (pg. 9) the reader is shown an illustration of this supposed 7th century alphabet which consists of 40 letters, each formed only with straight lines. However, as one progresses in the volume and critically examines the so-called Coelbren inscriptions found within the region (see Chapters 16 and 17) it cannot escape the reader's attention that many of these are fashioned from characters utilizing curved lines. Moreover, elsewhere in the text (pages 120-124) the author glibly informs us that early Coelbren contained only 16 letters. As is true to course with the vast majority of this long and rambling tome, no supporting epigraphic or documentary evidence is offered to explain this anomaly. Buried deep within the volume's 583 pages, the answer to this conundrum appears on page 400, and I quote:
"At all times, Jim Michael, Alan Wilson, and Barem Blackett [research collaborators in the study examined by Berkley], have been careful never to reveal the Coelbren Ciphers to anyone in America. So which Sign corresponds to what modern letter is kept as secret as possible. This has to be done to avoid allegations of forgery, although the majority of Coelbren inscriptions have been well known for very long periods and were never before identified as British Coelbren. It also serves to prevent any 'helpful' forged inscriptions being made."
In actuality, what the reader is being told - and is expected to unquestioning believe - is that: (1) no other scholars know the "secret code" required to "translate" such inscriptions; (2) there is no way that anything they say can be either confirmed or disproved; and therefore (3) "you'll just have to trust us" concerning the accuracy (or lack thereof) of any given translation. In plain and simple terms, any inscription can convey any meaning they wish. Such cult "scholarship" in concert with claims of esoteric knowledge and a self-imposed aura of infallibility is an unabashed display of outlandish arrogance which has all the trappings of outright fraud. Indeed, this approach must surely qualify as the type of snake-oil show which would have made P. T. Barnum smile and say to himself, "Now why didn't I think of that!" "Why," one is left to reasonably ponder, "are these the only people capable of reading this reputed ancient script in a nation not lacking in qualified scholars capable of translating any number of dead languages from Ogham to cuneiform to hieroglyphics to Linear B?" One must further wonder how it is that historians and archaeologists alike in the British Isles can ferret out obscure stones bearing Ogham or Latin inscriptions yet are presumably intellectually incapable of recognizing a form of writing said to be indigenous to their own country. Perhaps even more amazing is the assertion (pages 507-523) that the copper scroll (scroll 3Q15) found near Qumran, Israel, was written in Colbren rather than Hebrew and the Welsh were part of the "Ten Lost Tribes of Israel". Likewise, any and all serious and academically respected Arthurian or Welsh scholars such as Geoffrey Ashe, Leslie Alcock, or Griffith John Williams are arbitrarily dismissed as completely inept, untrustworthy, and agenda driven. It accordingly comes as little surprise that serious scholars reject the work of Wilson and Blackett and their associates. For those who enjoy fairy tales, this book will provide several hours of entertainment. At the same time, it should be kept in mind that in common with Swiss cheese, this volume offers a little bit of substance replete with a good many holes. Conversely, individuals seeking serious and critical scholarship regarding Arthur, Madoc, and Welsh lore would be well advised to seek out more substantive and reliable sources. Regrettably, the greatest "conspiracy" evidenced in this book is aimed at attacking the intelligence of its readers.
Submitted by: Donald B. Ball
Louisville, Kentucky
Book Description
Angus M'Kethe, brave Duncan's younger brother, is no longer a child with a toy bow and arrow. He is now a young man, facing the same persecution and spiritual questions that his entire family has struggled against for years.
Loyal to his family, Angus must match wits in a life-and-death struggle against Highlanders. By faith, Angus turns his beloved game of chess into a tool of victory. But desperate fear grips the Clan with an unexpected murder! Will Covenanters be found guilty? Angus's true test of manhood and marksmanship will come at the Battle of Drumclog!
The Crown & Covenant series follows the lives of the M'Kethe family as they endure persecution in 17th-century Scotland, and later flee to colonial America. Douglas Bond weaves together fictional characters with historical figures from Scottish Covenanting history.
"Douglas Bond in King's Arrow, once again will inspire boys to become men, and men to become men of God." R.C. Sproul Jr., Director, Highlands Study Center
Customer Reviews:
We Hardily Recommend this Book (Todd & Terri - KnowledgeQuestMaps.com).......2006-02-24
We started reading Duncan's War by Douglas Bond together as a family sometime during the fall. We became so excited about the story that we had to put the children under strict orders not to touch the book during the day, but they had to wait until family reading hour. "No Peeking!" was the command they would hear when their hand would reach slyly for the book on the end table.
Duncan's War is followed by The King's Arrow and then finally Rebel's Keep. This series, called the Crown and Covenant, follows the lives of the M'Kethe family during 17th Century Scotland as they endured brutal persecution at the hand of King James and King Charles. Those that remained loyal to King Jesus called themselves the Scottish Covenanters. This is the story of those who must wrestle with honoring God and applying His word while living amidst a government that is trying to obliterate Christianity.
As a reader, I was particularly struck with what I would do if I were in this situation with my own family. While reading these stories, I had to grapple with the scriptures as I put myself in their shoes. As a father and a Christian, I want to honor God and obey His word above all else. And yet I desire desperately to protect my children from all outside harm. In the story, the children watch their father's actions as he attempts to obey King Jesus above all others, and while they do not fully understand them at the time, they come to appreciate them more fully later as they grow and mature. The father never compromises his integrity in the midst of war. He clearly keeps the perspective that this life on earth is not the only one we live for. There is one to come. How we live and die here will show Whom it is we honor. This is how I want to live. I want to set a strong example for my children as I live out God's word even during difficult times. While reading these stories, I was struck once again that how we live in this life has implications in the next. We are to live for the Audience of One.
Fighting Presbyterian Highlanders.......2004-11-15
It has been a long time since I read this book. Let us hope I remember enough about it to make a decent review.
I would hazard a guess that many of the readers of this review are homeschooling mothers with teenage children very much like me. As a 14 year-old homeschooler myself, I feel qualified to give you some feedback.
The main gist of the book concerns Angus M'Keith, younger brother of Duncan M'Keith, who was the hero of the previous work (Which would be helpful to read first, but not, if I remember aright, absolutely essential). He finds himself in the midst of Catholic persecution from the English persecutors of the Scottish Presbyterians. Throughout it all his faith is tested as he follows his father and brother through harrowing adventures.
From a purely literary standpoint, these books are not brilliant. They will not be compared to Dostoyevsky or Austen in future years (not that many books can claim the honor of being their equals as it is!). Nevertheless, nothing stands out as achingly bad prose; Douglas Bond is a solid enough writer.
From a purely theological standpoint, these books are quite good. The main issues it deals with are keeping one's faith under persecution, and under what circumstances it is right to kill your enemies. It is solidly Christian all throughout, and is a book your lads--and perhaps even some of your lasses--will most likely enjoy.
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Clan, King and Covenant
John L. Roberts
Manufacturer: Edinburgh University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0748613935 |
Book Description
Clan, King and Covenant explores the turbulent history of the Highlands during the seventeenth century. The signing of the National Covenant in 1638 first challenged the powers of Charles I in Scotland, but it was only when Alasdair MacDonald joined Montrose in raising the Royalist clans that the country erupted into civil war. Central to the conflict was the ancient enmity between the MacDonalds and the Campbells, Earls of Argyll, as Clan Donald attempted to reclaim their ancestral lands in Argyll. Political and religious tension mounted with the accession of James VII of Scotland (James II of England) as a Catholic king ruling over a predominantly Presbyterian people. It reached a climax in the outbreak of the Highland War, when Viscount Dundee won a devastating victory at Killiecrankie on behalf of James VII over the Presbyterian forces of Lowland Scotland, but at the cost of his own life.
Subsequently the Crown imposed an uneasy peace upon the Highlands, after the cold-blooded plotting of "murder under trust" culminated in the Glencoe Massacre. Cordoned by William of Orange, few events in the blood-stained history of the Highland clans have quite the dreadful resonance of this act, carried out so cynically as a matter of public policy.
Customer Reviews:
Four Stars at Least.......2007-07-16
My 15 year old son devoured these books and is begging for more. Good reading is very hard to find.
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An Inner-Biblical Exegetical Study of the Davidic Covenant and the Dynasticoracle (Mellen Biblical Press, 58)
Griphus Gakuru
Manufacturer: Mellen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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| Old Testament
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ASIN: 0773477438 |
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