Customer Reviews:
Significant Catholic Response to Sola Fide.......2007-09-19
This hefty tome should give you plenty to think about on this distinction between Catholic/Orthodox and Protestant views of justification and sanctification. Whether we say we are saved by faith while cooperating with works (Catholic) or we say it is a faith that is not alone (most Protestant views), it seems to be splitting hairs to many. But the issue is one on which distinctions are everything to those locked in the debate. Whether you think it theological hair-splitting or you find yourself on one side of a dilemma, you will want to study this issue in all the detail provided in this book. A good resource for the Catholic apologist or for the Protestant wishing to learn more from the Catholic doctrines of faith, grace, justification, and sanctification.
Flawed Hermeneutics - Eisogesis instead of Exegesis - Contextual Inconsistency .......2006-08-30
QUESTION: What was the roll of Christ's death on the Cross?
If man is capable of completing his own salvation once begun by Jesus, then man is claiming Christ's death is only a "partial payment" towards his salvation. All of Grace with CD (Audio) (Pure Gold Classics)
- Why then is man unable to inaugurate, or begin his salvation via the same system he uses to "complete" that salvation?
If God rejects all actions of man that launch his salvation, - why does God then supposedly accept our actions that complete our salvation, or bring salvation to fruition? All of Grace with CD (Audio) (Pure Gold Classics)
Moreover, what stops man from both BEGINNING and FINISHING his own salvation without the necessity of Christ's Blood?
IF according to this book's eisogesis, man can complete a work of Christ, but man cannot also begin his own salvation - Why not?
QUESTION: What did Jesus mean when He looked to heaven, breathed His last, and claimed; "It is FINISHED!"
In the Greek, Christ's cry from the cross, "It is finished!" is an accounting term, it means that the debt was paid in full. Accordingly, justice is satisfied by full payment of its penalty. The penalty of sin is death for which God sent Jesus as payment in full.
The Bible clearly states, "For by grace are ye saved...not of works" (Eph 2:8-10). True to such scriptures, evangelicals firmly declare that we cannot earn or merit salvation in any way. Eternal life must be received as a free gift of God's grace, or we cannot have it.
Grace that we attempt to earn is not "grace." Salvation is given to us as a (free) gift since the penalty was fully paid. God offers pardon and eternal life as a free gift. He cannot force it upon anyone or it would not be a gift. It would not be by grace.
If man can earn his own salvation through a Liturgy that denies God's grace and Christ's finished work on the Cross, --- Didn't God play a mighty cruel hoax on Jesus to require his suffering and death for our salvation when we could affect our own salvation without Jesus' death?
Faith + Works = Justification/Salvation.......2006-08-04
Obviously 'Southern Reviewer' is tryin to play a cruel joke on everyone when he/she isolates verses despite 2 Tim 3:16. And as long as he rejects and denys it, he will always be lacking in the truth. And I invite them to e-mail me. How do we recieve the blood(and body)of Christ? read John 6:54-56.
Are you saved? read Philippians 2:12 & Philippians 3:12
(The Bible states we are supposed to be doing something, whether he likes it of not.) Not to mention Matt 16:27, Matt 25:34, John 5:29, Titus 3:8 etc. Folks the Faith Alone vs. Works question is answerd right there is the Bible not only in James 2:17(which by the way Luther never resolved) But also Matt 10:22, Matt 16:27, Matt 25:34, Luke 17:10, John 5:29, Romans 2:6-13, Acts 10:35, 2 Corinth 5;10, Titus 2:7, Titus 3:8 1 Peter 4:7-11, Rev. 20:13 and especially Philippians 2:12 & Philippians 3:12. Those are the verses the Faith Alone crowd doesn't want you to know about.
The works of the Law that Paul speaks of are the 613 man-made Laws the Jews had on righteousness and cleanliness, not the Ten commandments(without the Ten commandments, how do you know your a sinner in need of Christs Atonement?)
Also 'sola fide' is an unbiblical man-made doctrine because Luther seriously misinterpreted what Paul said and ment see "Paul and Palestinian Judaism" by E.P. Sanders and "Paul among the Jews and Gentiles" by K. Stendahl
Also, God's gift of salvation through grace is given to us freely. We do nothing to merit it. But the choice is still ours. Thus we recieve 'objective salvation' freely. But in order for us to have 'subjective salvation,' we must certainly exersize our God-given gift of free will(Calvin and the predestination crowd don't want you to know about Rev. 3:8 & Rev. 3:20) to accept or reject salvation.
On Confession-Romans 10:9 & James 5:16 go hand in hand. Also,
On Purgatory-1 Corinth 3:15 & 1 Peter 3:19 go hand in hand (contrary to the negative, naive, anti-catholic review of crypto-papalogist, 'theologicalresearcher!') Romans 2:13 & James 1:22.
And now 'southern reviewer' trys to site Christs "it is done," where The Lord ment (His work) was done and (His mission) was fullfilled NOT, our work or mission, as revealed in the verses I already sited above and Phili 2:12.
As for Eph. 2:8-10 it says "through are faith" NOT because of our faith. Through our Faith, like a channel. Sorry again Southern Reviewer.
Faith Alone human tradition.......2006-01-10
This book should be read by any Christian seeking a biblical explanation of the doctrine of justification. There are two important points which Sungenis stresses and makes clear through abundant biblical passages: St. Paul's intent on using the phrase "works of the law" means works performed to justify oneself through ANY law, be it Mosaic Law, natural law, or ceremonial law; St. Paul makes a distinction between works performed under the auspices of justification through the law and works performed under the new dispensation of grace;.
Sungenis covers the history of the issue of justification with particular concentration on the thought of St. Augustine, Luther, and Calvin. He demonstrates how Protestant theologians tend to raise the writings of St. Paul to a superior level over the rest of Sacred Scripture including the Gospels and other N.T. writings, thus distorting their viewpoint. He shows how many Protestant theologians engage in further eisegesis rather than exegesis when justifying their doctrine of justification. Sungenis explains the issue of forensic vs. transformational justification. He articulates through biblical references the distinction between justification, sanctification, and salvation. He explains the difference between condign and congruent merit. He also includes numerous appendices covering various issues related to the topic.
The most important accomplishment in this book is Sungenis' clear demonstration through biblical passages that works are indeed necessary for salvation. My only criticism is that he fails to show how this can be if our salvation is completely through the grace of Christ. I think for Protestant readers this becomes the cardinal factor because when one starts talking about the necessity of works, justification and salvation through Christ is immediately called into question. In order to answer this question I think Sungenis should have covered more clearly the issue of sufficient and efficacious grace and the governing will of God. The important point to remember in St. Augustine is his teaching that some are saved and others not simply because while God loves all people and wills the salvation of all people, he loves some more than others and gives them grace unto salvation that He knows they will not refuse, while to others He offers grace sufficient for salvation, but which he knows they will refuse. This is the crucial difference between Luther/Calvin and St. Augustine. Luther and Calvin claim God actively wills the damnation of certain individuals, while St. Augustine says God actively wills human persons to have free will and subsequently must ALLOW certain individuals to refuse His grace and thus be damned. This is how St. Augustine preserves the doctrine of free will while Luther and Calvin must resort to defining humanity as totally depraved.
For a good summary of St. Augustine's teaching on the issue of predestination go to the "New Advent" web site for the Catholic Encyclopedia article on "St. Augustine - His Teaching."
Thorough, Unified Treatment of Traditional, Historical Justification.......2005-12-13
I'm in nearly daily dialogue with Protestant friends regarding a number of things, very often sola Scriptura and sola fide. For quite some time I was wondering why Scott Hahn hadn't written a book dealing with the Traditional answer to Reformed Predestination. Then I found this book with its chapter on Predestination, a work within a work, along with Dr. Hahn's endorsement.
This comprehensive volume of Robert Sungenis clearly illustrates what the major biblical authors and personalities had to say with regard to salvation, justification and sanctification. After a good introduction, Mr. Sungenis leads us through an examination of Paul's thinking on the matter. He's able to articulate the distintion Paul made between the system of law - in which man had come to believe that he obligated God through works - and the system of Grace - in which man is obligated (in a different sense) to perform works of love and to emulate Christ. Next, his exposition of James' epistle removes it from the Pauline lens through which many Protestants necessarily view it. James stands on its own as an answer to the abuses and misunderstandings of Paul's criticisms of "the Law." Next we see what Jesus himself had to say on the subject of salvation/justification - a subject often ignored in the polemical struggles of various Christian groups. Then Mr. Sungenis reviews Justification as "event" (protological and eschatologial) and "process" (ongoing in the life of the Christian living in grace). The chapter that "drew" me (if you'll pardon the Johannine expression) was the one on the Christian discussion regarding Predestination and Free Will. There are a few more chapters on Justification and the relationship of Christian works thereto.
Throughout this work, Sungenis takes us again and again to Scripture and through the writings of authors ancient (Augustine) and modern (James White, John MacArthur) as well as those Reformers (Luther, Calvin) who set the tone for much of what has transpired over the last nearly 500 years. I appreciate that the Reformers are not demonized, and their theologies are respectfully reviewed.
The various appendixes contain focused academic material dealing with finer points of doctrine or passages of scripture. For Catholics, this book bears the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. For other Christians and those interested in the historical discussion of "Salvation" and "Justification," this book will be an essential part of your library whether you agree with the conclusions of the author or not. I happened to, but I also own and read Augustine's writings on faith, works and grace, Luther's "Bondage of the Will" and Calvin's "Institutes."
Customer Reviews:
A Waste of My Time.......2007-06-29
Do you want to read a genuinely thoughtful book on God's Holy Scriptures? Or are you already anti-sola scriptura and just want your prejudices massaged?
Scripture and Works Defined.......2007-06-27
Any Christian apologist that defends the Church has a good basic knowledge of that arugements and responses to fundamentalist's attacks on the Church concerning the Bible. However, Sungenis a veteran of these battles provides the reader with good arguments against sola scriptura. Likewise excellent biblical arguements for Sacred Tradition are provided. The one great feature of this book is the depth to which the author goes to explain why sola scriptura when compared to the Bible plus Sacred Traditon is the truth
What Can Fallen Man Add to --- "GOD Breathed"???.......2006-09-28
.
~The Savior says:
"........You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of GOD."
It is important to point out that in the short five years, I was a Roman Catholic; their "traditional" teaching authority changed TWICE, and with it changed too, their nonessential doctrine. It also paved the way to increased confusion regarding their essential teachings in my mind because I seemed unable to pin it down for any length of time. Unlike the constant state of flux of "Tradition", I found the stability and welcome refuge in the Bible because like God, the author, the Holy Bible is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) is quite simply the doctrine that the Holy Bible, being the Word of God, is the only infallible rule of faith and practice for Christians in the post-apostolic age. The Bible, much unlike my personal experience with "tradition," the Holy Bible is not subjected to editing on a continuum, or generational change, it does not change with the Pope, nor is it subject to man's caprice and well intended "tweaking."
As the title demonstrates, this book's parti pris is to undertake to injure the credit or reputation of Biblical authority. The book's mission resolves to supplant God's Word with that of the Roman Catholic hierarchy's teaching that THEY are that ultimate and infallible authority concerning man's fate.
There is good reason for the author's motivation. Beside baptism, there are six more sacraments in Roman Catholicism teaching plus rosaries, alms, Mary's suffering for our sins and none of these find support in sound Biblical exegesis. Therefore, it becomes an overriding issue for Roman Catholicism to sully the authority of Scriptures in order that they may displace The Word with their own authority and teachings. The Gospel According to Rome
This is why Roman Catholicism and the author are so intent on dismissing or minimally confusing God's Word, --- because it does not support the author's theology. Talking with Catholic Friends and Family: UnderstandingHow They Think and Feel, Why They Trust in Tradition, What the Bible Teaches Moreover, Mary's intercession with Christ, the merits of the saints, one's own suffering for one's sins in purgatory, etc. these too, have no Biblical support. History shows us that many of these teachings called "tradition" did not actually become part of his church teachings until hundreds of years after Christ's death on the Cross. Martin Luther's 95 Theses This is why the role of tradition is so vital to defend. The Catholic Church calls itself, "our sacrament of salvation." Preparing Catholics for Eternity
Christians have full confidence in the fidelity of the Holy Scriptures because they are "given by inspiration" or as the Scripture says, it is "God-breathed" ---- the very Word proceeding from the mouth of God.--- What "The Scriptures say" and what "God says" are the same thing. That is what Jesus believed.
As you read, my sincere prayer is that God will reveal His truth to your heart and mind. God bless you.
A good argument . . . even (maybe especially) for us Protestants to look at.......2006-04-25
Well here's one Protestant at least who's not going to bombard this book with criticisms and complaints--seeing as how these reviews are meant to discuss the book, not the plethora of beliefs held by whichever reviewer. I'm not really sure what some of these Protestant reviewers were expecting when they picked up the book.
That being said, I'm in no danger of converting, and yet I definitely think this book warrants 4 stars. Prompted by discussions with my Catholic roommate I was referred to this book. It didn't dispell all the historical and theological "myths" that Protestants propagate (most of which I would say aren't myths), but it did lay out a very solid argument from historical, theological, and biblical grounds. Any Protestant looking for a solid Catholic critique on those three grounds of the Protestant position should definitely pick this one up and be challenged by fairly solid scholarship. I especially appreciated hearing a thoughtful critique of 2 Timothy 3:16 and other scriptural passages used to defend Sola Scriptura (Chapter 3).
Bottom line, I don't think Sungenis and his companions are right, but I think he makes a good argument that Protestants need to hear and address. If you want a good and concise Catholic argument on this issue--seek no further.
Typical Romanist Attack of Christianity.......2005-02-04
This book "Not by Scripture Alone: A Catholic Critique of the Protestant Doctrine of Sola Scriptura" would be closer to the truth if it were titled "A Romanist Attack of Biblical Christianity" or something to that effect. Because this book is at it's heart just an attack of Biblical Christianity.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Average customer rating:
- Great book - really offers context - recommended for professionals
- Not Trauma Alone
- this is a great book
- This should be on every therapist's bookshelf
- A Must Read
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Not Trauma Alone: Therapy for Child Abuse Survivors in Family and Social Context (SERIES IN TRAUMA AND LOSS)
Steven N. Gold
Manufacturer: Brunner- Routledge
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ASIN: 1583910271 |
Book Description
Until now, psychotherapy for child abuse survivors often centered on the trauma of their abuse experiences. However, survivors frequently reveal a history suggesting it was not abuse trauma alone that created their difficulties, but growing up essentially alone - without the consistent emotional support and guidance needed for development of effective functioning. This book presents an alternative to trauma-focused treatment that, though effective for treatment of other forms of trauma, can induce deteriorated rather than improved functioning in survivors of prolonged childhood maltreatment. The contextual therapy presented in Not Trauma Alone delineates a psychotherapeutic approach that emphasizes helping survivors develop the capacities for effective functioning that were never transmitted to them during their formative years. Detailed descriptions of the methods and interventions comprising contextual therapy are included in this critical book for all mental health professionals, clinicians, academics, and students in the field.
Customer Reviews:
Great book - really offers context - recommended for professionals.......2007-06-06
This book is really for professionals; I wouldn't recommend my clients read it. I appreciate the perspective it brings to an often too politicized field. In addition, Dr. Gold does an excellent job of *not* blaming but rather using the available literature and the experience at his clinic to endorse ways to help our clients *move on* from their traumatic situations & contexts into a healthier and happier life.
Not Trauma Alone.......2007-03-26
Excellent viewpoints from different angles. I read it from a 'victim in recovery' view. I identified with the entire book. It does not cover the more unusual aspect of the victim living in fear of losing his life at the hands of his mother as in my case; but does cover very fully the more usual traumas in the family context of PCB (Prolonged Child Abuse). I read it all through, then started all over again - slowly - with my yellow highlighter. It gave me confirmation and great respect of Steven Gold's immense research and practical experience in this area. One can see 'Dissociation' in action from the social family viewpoint. Definitely a good study/read for those dealing with trauma victims as survivors or those in recovery. This is reality. (We are not alone!)
this is a great book.......2006-01-15
I think there is an unfortunate tendency among some therapists even today to focus primarily on child sexual abuse (and perhaps to a lesser extent, child physical abuse) as the source of the client's problems. The treatment approach that ensues all too often involves one of two things: focusing exclusively on the damaging effects of the traumas, which in the 80's and early 90's often promoted deterioration rather than increased functioning, or, in reaction to this, avoiding the subject altogether and focusing on the biological basis of mental illness and an often superficial examination of present-day problems.
This book provides another approach. As other reviewers have stated, it emphasizes the essential fact that many child abuse survivors grow up alone. If not physically alone, then emotionally abandoned in many cases. This points out the difficulties of living with insecure attachment, a subject that is getting more attention among therapists these days.
However, Dr. Gold does not stop with a conclusion that adding attachment theory to trauma theory will relieve the client's problems. He also says that many clients are missing essential life skills (and I mean basic skills, such as regulating emotions to avoid suicidal crises and be able to function; paying bills; keeping the house clean; maintaining a healthy weight, and establishing a stable attendance record at a job, among others). These skills are so obvious to many people that some therapists (along with the general public) expect child abuse survivors to know them. However, they all too often don't and are blamed when they can't function well (or even at all) in life. This book shows how to remedy these problems.
Another benefit of this book is the inclusion of experiences of male survivors, who were until recently often neglected in the child abuse literature.
I am using the word "survivor" in this view for lack of a better term, but Dr. Gold points out the limitation of this term; that it does not account for the non-abuse related aspects of the person.
Dr. Gold points out that clients usually don't enter therapy with the goal of talking about child abuse experiences. They want to know why they can't make their lives work. In his approach, some processing of the trauma may be necessary, but it is put in context of the overall life of the person.
This book makes the reader conceptualize child abuse and its sequelae in a totally different way and I strongly recommend it. As another reviewer pointed out, it is well-written and free from the jargon and highly technical language of most professional mental health books. My only caveat is that no one book, including this one, can be viewed as the Bible for explaining an individual's life. In therapy, the individual's experience is more important than any book. But I think the author would agree with this. His approach is highly instructive and compassionate.
This should be on every therapist's bookshelf.......2005-10-15
This is a book you have to have. It's an `I can't put it down' book. It makes you wonder how you ever managed to work with traumatized clients without it. It makes you realise why you weren't getting anywhere, why what you were doing in therapy wasn't good enough to help clients move on from their past trauma.
Traditionally therapy with this group of clients focussed heavily on the trauma. This book takes the reader beyond that. For once a book is looking at more than just the trauma in the past as something to be dealt with. It shows the reader why difficulties today must be tackled in a different way when the client has a trauma history than with other clients. But it opens your eyes to ways to work with other clients too.
When I am asked to recommend a book for therapists with trauma clients this is the one I choose. It is the only book that helps one understand why everyday life is so difficult for such clients, something no other book does in such depth or in such a useful way. Reading this book is like waking up to what life is really like for this group of clients; you will never see a client in the same way again. Now you will know why they behave as they do, why making changes is so difficult and why what works with other client groups doesn't work so well when the client comes from an abusive or neglectful family.
Steve Gold shows clearly how incidents of abuse are set within a family context that does not provide the tools for dealing with everyday life in an effective manner. Because of the general family context in which ongoing abuse occurs, these clients have always lacked vital coping mechanisms and abilities that are usually learned during an adequate childhood. The model proposed gives one a framework to work effectively and help the client face both the fears of the past and the fears of today. It places the trauma processing within a therapy that enables the client to grow rather than staying focussed on trauma alone. It provides the reader with a model to use to effectively understand, assess and teach the vital abilities that were never taught in childhood. It opens your eyes to the context in which these clients developed all their strategies to cope, ones that do not help them now.
This is a book that mustn't be missed. It is one you will take off the shelf again and again. Whatever DSM category your client fits into, if they have problems that arose from a traumatic childhood this is the book to guide you. It is the most important book you will ever buy.
A Must Read.......2001-10-20
When Not Trauma Alone: Therapy for Child Abuse Survivors in Family and Social Context was first published, I quickly ordered it from my local bookstore. I had known Steve Gold as a supervisor, a dissertation committee member and a friend and I absolutely cherished him and his work. But the book sat on my shelf for over a year before I finally picked it up and read it from beginning to end. Maybe I thought I knew what Steve had to say. Indeed he was my clinical supervisor in a yearlong practicum with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and my professor in a couple of graduate school courses. Perhaps I was thinking that my clinical conceptualization and treatment of clients, not just trauma survivors, were so greatly affected by Steve's influence that I could indeed learn no more.
How wrong I was!!! Not Trauma Alone is one of the best books I ever read. It did not read as so many mental health treatment textbooks do. Steve's insight, compassion and humor really shine through and are truly inspirational. From the title of the chapters (e.g., Alone: Growing Up in an Ineffective Family) to the specific skills taught (e.g., self-sufficient problem resolution), this book is a must-read. My reactions to the content of the book, in particular the clinical vignettes, were vast. At some points, I laughed out loud, at other times, my heart felt heavy in sorrow. But most importantly, my reactions were, "Right on Steve!!!!" and "This is why I am in this profession" and these are the kinds of mental health practitioners I am proud to say I am a part of.
I encourage everyone I know in the mental health field (and a few psychologically-minded friends who aren't) to read this incredible piece.
Book Description
Humans are a striking anomaly in the natural world. While we are similar to other mammals in many ways, our behavior sets us apart. Our unparalleled ability to adapt has allowed us to occupy virtually every habitat on earth using an incredible variety of tools and subsistence techniques. Our societies are larger, more complex, and more cooperative than any other mammal's. In this stunning exploration of human adaptation, Peter J. Richerson and Robert Boyd argue that only a Darwinian theory of cultural evolution can explain these unique characteristics.
Not by Genes Alone offers a radical interpretation of human evolution, arguing that our ecological dominance and our singular social systems stem from a psychology uniquely adapted to create complex culture. Richerson and Boyd illustrate here that culture is neither superorganic nor the handmaiden of the genes. Rather, it is essential to human adaptation, as much a part of human biology as bipedal locomotion. Drawing on work in the fields of anthropology, political science, sociology, and economics—and building their case with such fascinating examples as kayaks, corporations, clever knots, and yams that require twelve men to carry them—Richerson and Boyd convincingly demonstrate that culture and biology are inextricably linked, and they show us how to think about their interaction in a way that yields a richer understanding of human nature.
In abandoning the nature-versus-nurture debate as fundamentally misconceived, Not by Genes Alone is a truly original and groundbreaking theory of the role of culture in evolution and a book to be reckoned with for generations to come.
“I continue to be surprised by the number of educated people (many of them biologists) who think that offering explanations for human behavior in terms of culture somehow disproves the suggestion that human behavior can be explained in Darwinian evolutionary terms. Fortunately, we now have a book to which they may be directed for enlightenment . . . . It is a book full of good sense and the kinds of intellectual rigor and clarity of writing that we have come to expect from the Boyd/Richerson stable.”—Robin Dunbar, Nature
“Not by Genes Alone is a valuable and very readable synthesis of a still embryonic but very important subject straddling the sciences and humanities.”—E. O. Wilson, Harvard University
Customer Reviews:
Culture? Or izzit still genetics in disguise?.......2007-05-24
I have to admit that with a title that makes as straighforward a declaration as this one does, I anticipated an imaginative, full frontal assault against the increasing dependence on genetics, DNA, & biology to explain our human nature. Instead, Richerson & Boyd divide the pie pretty equally among genetics, culture, and environment, noting that these three factors are mutually dependent and interactive. Fair enough, but I was disappointed how far they leaned into the genetics camp and how little they credit to human creativity. In fact, they state there really is no such thing as individual creativity but only individuals who are able to carry forth mass cultural trends that have been underway for some time. "Culture usually evolves by the accumulation of small variations" (p. 50). One should note here the early emphasis on the concept of evolution because their book turns out to take Darwin's foundational principles of biological evolution and directly apply them to cultural evolution. Culture, itself, they state, is an adaptation.
Other animals have exhibited certain local behaviour patterns that others have termed cultural, but "only humans show much evidence of *cumulative* cultural evolution. By cumulative cultural evolution, we mean behaviors or artifacts that are transmitted and modified over many generations, leading to complex artifacts and behaviors" (p. 107). In this way, complex artifacts are not "invented by individuals; they evolve gradually over many generations" (p. 107). So human cultural evolution, though not inspired by "great person breakthroughs" is still unique, depending as it does on external memory storage and teaching-learning. I liked this, as I am an educator.
I also liked the point that culture and genes co-evolve. Still it seems to me, they tend to see the human species in a more mechanical manner than is necessarily the case: Everything is ultimately done for survival. Cases where cultural choices like human sacrifice or mass witch-hunts have been undertaken are seen as mistaken attempts at survival. I wonder how this accounts for the suicide cults that have appeared and, not surprisingly, rapidly disappeared? They explain altruism or kindness in the same way, as leading to survival of the group. They even seem to disparage efforts to control population growth. Such efforts, mostly in the middle & upper classes of industrialized countries, are said to be the result of "selfish cultural variants" (p. 169). "Modern low fertility does not maximize fitness" (p. 173). Surely this puts them firmly in the evolutionary biology camp.
The writing is most often turgid & uninspired, with the many examples of cultural continuity or adaptation being local, mundane, & unimpresssive. They end by pleading for the wide acceptance of "a proper evolutionary theory of culture" since that "should make a major contribution to the unification of the social sciences" (p. 246). They call for the development of a mass of quantitative detail on cultural variation to equal the detail found in the study of genetic variation, simply equating the two.
I felt let down at the easy way cultural symbolism & artistic experession were simply dismissed by suggesting a little quatitative analysis would reveal them as simple functionalism. By now I was bored. By the time they snidely state that "So many older scientists try their hand at philosophy that it can practically be regarded as a normal sign of aging" (p. 254), I was glad to finish the book and close it.
Thoughtful and readable insights .......2007-01-16
If you are curious as to why human behavior is often described in terms of culture or nature, and felt something was missing, this is a must read book. The authors make a thoughtful and readable presentation of their compelling insights into the mechanism of evolution as it applies to humans.
Nothing About Culture Makes Sense Except in Light of Evolution.......2006-12-27
All social scientists and psychologists should read this book, or another introduction to Dual-Inheritance Theory.
Genes and Culture working together........2006-03-01
Not By Genes Alone by Peter J. Richerson and Robert Boyd explains something that should seem simple. Genes made us, we made culture, so genes shaped culture. Yet culture also helped shape us, so genes and culture interact together and work together to make us. But HOW do you do research on culture and link it to genes? Well, if culture also acts like genes, then what you want to do it treat it like genes.
And that is what the book does. It studies culture from an evolutionary point of view, breaking it down to traditions and values, making these the genes of culture. Cultures evolves, adapts and sometimes even cause problems, bringing about the extinction of the culture. One culture might work better than another and overwhelm the weaker, less fit culture.
By using the ideas and knowledge that Darwin has passed down to us the authors were able to understand how genes and culture worked together to shape US. LOTS and lots of detailed, data rich, chapters. Take your time and enjoy.
Great article in NY Times.......2005-05-27
The Science section for 5/10/05 had a great review and discussion of this book and its concepts. Made me order toot sweet.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30814FA39540C738DDDAC0894DD404482&incamp=archive:search
DPS/Seattle
Average customer rating:
- Catching Up With a Spiritual Classic
- wonder
- It is good for Man not to be alone
- an explanation of religion
- . . . the One who IS . . .
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Man Is Not Alone : A Philosophy of Religion
Abraham Joshua Heschel
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Theology
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Heschel, Abraham Joshua
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Similar Items:
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God in Search of Man : A Philosophy of Judaism
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Man's Quest For God
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The Sabbath
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The Prophets
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Between God and Man
ASIN: 0374513287 |
Book Description
Man Is Not Alone is a profound, beautifully written examination of the ingredients of piety: how man senses God's presence, explores it, accepts it, and builds life upon it. Abraham Joshua Heschel's philosophy of religion is not a philosophy of doctrine or the interpretation of a dogma. He erects his carefully built structure of thought upon foundations which are universally valid but almost generally ignored. It was Man Is Not Alone which led Reinhold Niebuhr accurately to predict that Heschel would "become a commanding and authoritative voice not only in the Jewish community but in the religious life of America." With its companion volume, God in Search of Man, it is revered as a classic of modern theology.
Customer Reviews:
Catching Up With a Spiritual Classic.......2007-04-09
I first read bits of Man Is Not Alone in the 70s, but only today read through a just purchased copy of this lyrical reflection on religion and doubt, belief and faith, man and God, the Ineffable and Jewish tradition. Why I didn't take in more of Heschel's obvious wisdom on my first encounter with him long ago is unclear, but its clear to me now that this book, written in 1951, will continue to be appreciated as a spiritual classic for generations to come.
wonder.......2006-03-03
If you want to be infused with wonder for the God of the Universe, this book is filled with great aspects and ideas. Heschel is a man so sensitive to the changes of his time, that his writing is as fresh today as it was 50 years ago.
It is good for Man not to be alone .......2004-11-09
This is a profound work. It is written by a Hasidic philosopher- poet. It is a work of reflections and these reflections require commentary. I would not say that I understand the work, but I do say that in the presence of this kind of writing one feels a certain holiness. I think the best way to demonstrate this is by citing one passage. It is from the section ' In the Presence of God'" The pious man is possessed by his awareness of the presence and nearness of God.Everywhere and at all times he lives in His sight, whether he remains always heedful of His proximity or not. He feels embraced by God's mercy as by a vast encircling space. Awareness of God is as close to him as the beating of his own heart, often deep and calm but at times, overwhelming, intoxicating, setting the soul afire"
Clearly Heschel the grandson of the Atper Rav (The Lover of Israel) was such a soul on fire with the presence of God. " May that fire warm and light the way to those of us not as close, not as sure but still striving to come closer to G-d.
an explanation of religion.......2003-04-20
Heschel's book is a description of faith rather than an argument for faith: not an attempt to persuade the faithless, but an explanation of how the religious person thinks. I especially liked his discussion of prayer and ritual; Heschel explains, for example, that set written prayers exist to help us think about our faith as we read them. MUCH easier to read than his more famous book "God In Search Of Man"; I wish I had read this book first.
. . . the One who IS . . ........2000-07-02
A thinking person who doesn't believe in God, someone who is searching for God, or a believer who wants to know God more deeply -- all will be touched by this profound portrayal of "the One who IS." It is a beautifully written treasure of wisdom.
Book Description
What could be nicer for newlyweds than to sit down to a lovely meal they made together? Not On Love Alone makes it easy. It is a cookbook for newlyweds, organized chronologically around the first year of marriage.
Starting in January, each month has a main dinner menu that is based on seasonal ingredients, and a smaller menu, ranging from breakfast to lunch to drinks or dessert, for when a full menu is too much to tackle. There are also dozens of cooking tips, ingredient notes, shopping aids, and equipment pointers sprinkled throughout, accompanied by the author’s own charming drawings.
Having learned to cook as a young girl at her food-lover father’s side, Jessie Carry Saunders writes with a tone that is both surefooted and casual. So, break out that new Cuisinart! Saunders is determined to persuade every newly married couple that they can cook, and — with her mix of delicious recipes and cooking tips — to encourage one and all that they can be relaxed about making great meals.
Customer Reviews:
Wedding Present.......2007-06-09
I've given this book a couple of times as a wedding present, it is awesome and thoughtful.
Great for Newlyweds.......2007-05-21
This is a really cute book. It would make a great gift for a wedding shower. The pictures are fun and the chapters are very informative. I will be buying more as gifts!
Delicious all the way through.......2006-06-27
I have had success with the recipes I've tried from this book, so it already wins a thumbs up. But it's the writing that I really have to rave about--in fact, I found myself abandoning whatever novels I was reading at the time and curling up in bed with this book to read instead! It is such a wonderful conversation from someone else who is new to marriage, and her charts, tidbits, and cheese play are amusing and helpful. My husband has taken her suggestions on salt and made them law in our house.
On a practical level, this book is well put together. It does not overwhelm you with recipes but instead gives you one wonderful new meal to try each month, plus some other must-have recipes, all with the goal of getting you to sit across the table from your spouse. I also liked the book because the author is young, busy, and crammed into a city-style apartment with all its limitations. It addressed many real-life challenges I face in my own life and kitchen, making it more relevant than Betty Crocker.
Everyone we love who gets married this summer is getting this book as a gift from us.
Delighted, Charmed and Inspired Newlywed.......2005-06-05
I received Not On Love Alone: A Year of Delicious Dinners and More for Newlyweds, by Jessie Carry Saunders, as a gift from my mother-in-law and I absolutely adored it! In fact, upon finishing it, I went out and purchased another one as a birthday gift for a friend. I read it like a novel: while the food narratives and recipes are meticulously detailed and delicious-sounding in every way, equally enjoyable are the charming anecdotes about the author's husband (JS), father (Pops), family vacations, and dinner parties, as well as the whimsical illustrations, done, I understand, by the author herself. As a newlywed myself and a culinary novice, I feel inspired by Jessie to tackle and conquer my own kitchen! I'm particularly looking forward to making her chicken noodle soup and her peach bellinis, and as my experience grows, I may even feel confident to tackle her recipe for doughnut bites with chocolate ganache filling! This book is a great read as both a cookbook and a piece of art: I promise you that you will be absolutely charmed and delighted by it, as was I!
A Must for Every Home Cook.......2005-05-28
I loved this book! Jessie Carry Saunders's writing and recipes combine the elegant authority of Elizabeth David with the infectious enthusiam of Rachel Ray. It's clear she knows and loves her subject.
Of the recipes I've tried so far, I particulary recommend Roasted Poratoes with Shallots and Toasted Walnuts, Green Bean and Hazelnut Salad, Roasted Asparaugs, Fried Chicken, Sort of (sounds weird but it works), Lemon Ginger Tart and Wrong Way Torte. Perhaps Saunders timed the release of the book to coincide with the strawberries that go in the torte.
Saunders's drawings are evocative and inspiring. I can't believe she did them as well as wrote the book. How talented can one young woman get?
JS (her husband, to whom the book is dedicated) must be one lucky guy. Her family sounds kind of kooky, but very close-knit and loving.
I'm really looking forward to this writer's next book(s).
Product Description
This book, focused on corpus planning in language policy, provides a broad, integrative framework and also discusses multiple languages in detail. It provides readers with great familiarity with a wide range of language cases and at the same time gives them the theoretical tools and analysis to see how they inter-relate. The novelty of this volume is twofold: First, it deals with corpus planning alone (modernizing a language per se), and second, it does so in terms of a systematization of the often unconscious language status aspirations that both guide language planners themselves and motivate the lay public (the target population of all language planning). Corpus planning is going on all over the world today and inevitably becomes an expression of the societal goals, ideologies, and aspirations of the societies and cultures that support it. The implication is that the distinction between corpus and status planning, which has a long tradition in language planning research, must be critically re-examined. DO NOT Leave Your Language Alone: The Hidden Status Agendas Within Corpus Planning in Language Policy begins with a brief introduction to language planning as a whole, to corpus planning in particular, and to the unavoidability of a status component in the execution of all corpus planning past, present, and future. Topics of the central chapters include: corpus planning and status planning: separates, opposites, or Siamese twins?; the directions and dimensions of corpus planning; does "folksiness" come before or after "cleanliness"?; the bi-polar dimension of uniqueness vs. Westernization; the classicization vs. "panification" bi-polar dimension; the Ausbau vs. Einbau bi-polar dimension; the interdependence and independence of dimensional clusters; and can opposites and incommensurables be combined? Written at an introductory level assuming no prior knowledge of the field, this book is intended as a text for higher undergraduate and lower graduate level courses in language planning and policy. It is equally valuable for researchers in the field of language planning, policy, and politics, as well as those in sociolinguistics, political science, and communication studies more generallythat is, for all who are interested in fostering or limiting human intervention in the language change processes that are ongoing worldwide. Finally, an introduction to corpus planning that is full of historical vignettes, good humor, visual illustrations, and cutting-edge thought!
Book Description
A uniquely compassionate book that provides information, companionship and hope for individuals and families coping with depression.
Customer Reviews:
The company she kept.......2004-11-14
Look at who she was married to! If I'd been married to him I would have been depressed for eight years, too.
Luckily, the American people didn't elect him or we'd ALL might have ended up DEPRESSED FOR EIGHT YEARS!
Great Book for Describing Depression.......2004-08-23
This is a wonderful book if you want to know what it feels like to be depressed. It does feel like you are all alone because one of the main things about depression is that you disengage from everything and everyone. For a book about how to get out of depression, how to re-engage, try the book Depression is a Choice or Undoing Depression.
I Beg To Differ.......2004-02-20
When you have depression, nothing matters. The title of this book is complete B.S Yes, you are alone. Just because there are millions of people suffering with depression, doesn't mean that these people are with you. Depression isn't easy and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. These stories are heartbreaking and make you feel even more alone because there's still no one to talk to. One of the stories explained it perfectly:
"No one wants to be around someone who's down. Who wants to spend time with someone who's full of fear, anger and sadness? Besides, I don't know anyone who's gone through what I'm going through right now. What can I say to people? That I want to check out, that I want to go to sleep and never wake up. Nobody wants to hear that. It's lonely being depressed."
I'm not saying this is a bad book, it's just that the title is completely unsuitable.
Thank God for Explaining Depression So Well!.......2003-03-27
I knew this book was for me in the first few pages. One of my favorite parts was the quote on page 12 from William Styron: "Brainstorm," ...has unfortunately been preempted to describe, somewhat jocularly, intellectual inspiration...Told that someone's mood disorder has evolved into a storm --a veritable howling tempest in the brain, which is indeed what a clinical depression resembles like nothing else-- even the uninformed layman might display sympathy rather than the standard reaction that "depression" evokes, something akin to "So what?" or "You'll pull out of it" or "We all have bad days." It just doesn't get more honest than that. It's a storm all the time, sometimes it hails or upgrades to a tornado, but it's always a storm. Thank you for writing this book. I could finally explain depression to my family and friends.
The title says it all.......2003-03-20
This book is perfect for anyone experiencing mild to moderate depression. While I was depressed, I searched for books endlessly until I found this one. This book was radically different from the others because it wasn't attempting to explain why I was depressed, it just acknowledged that I was and put into words what I was feeling. The problem often times with depression is that there aren't words to describe the emotions. It's so much more than "sad". I just didn't have the energy to read a lengthy book. With "You Are Not Alone" you can just pick it up, open up to any page and start reading to get instant relief. I still take it off my shelf when I feel low. It's like a favorite music CD...it soothes and puts you at ease.
Customer Reviews:
Comprehensive, But Misuses Bultmann.......2006-05-05
Sungenis has written a comprehensive defense of Transubstantiation and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He has also analyzed those church fathers (Tertullian, Eusebius, Augustine, etc.) who use figurative language when discussing the Eucharist. Sungenis believes that these fathers were thereby simply employing spiritual applications of the Eucharist, and were in no way questioning the Real Presence. Of course, one needs a technical theological and historical background to assess the validity or otherwise of Sungenis' arguments.
Sungenis defends the view that the latter half of John 6, wherein the Lord tells His disciples to eat His Body and drink His Blood, is a reference to Holy Communion, and not simply a continuation of His Bread of Life discourse of the first part of this chapter (where He uses the eating of bread figuratively to represent believe in Him). Sungenis cites Bultmann's contention that the latter part of John 6 was a later addition by the early church for the purpose of supporting the Real Presence in the Eucharist. But the fact is that Bultmann believed that virtually ALL of the Gospels were simply bits and pieces of early church teachings stuck together. Liberal theologians like Bultmann would furthermore have us believe that almost none of the Lord's teachings and actions are found in the Gospels. According to Bultmann, the Lord never had a Last Supper and never instituted the Eucharist. The church invented these myths long after Jesus and attributed it to Him. For these reasons, Sungenis' citation of Bultmann with regards to the latter part of John 6, and as a defense of Transubstantiation and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is inappropriate and somewhat disingenuous. If Bultmann is correct, the Last Supper and the Eucharist are inauthentic.
I have to give him thumbs up.......2005-03-21
I got this book because I saw the 'eucharist' in some protestant churches, reduced to mere symbolism. While I do believe in the 'real presence', but am not Catholic, so do not believe quite as Sungenis, I still have to give him 5 stars. I just think he did a super job of presenting his viewpoint. Some say it is a bit heavy on the 'scholarly' side, but I found it very well written, and not too hard to follow, even as a 'lay person'.
Scholarly.......2005-01-11
Sterile? I don't think so. Scholarly? You bet. Exhaustive? That's putting it lightly.
For those reading this who have not read Robert Sungenis, he is meticulous and tedious to a fault. If you want to explore the exhaustive depths of an issue he has covered, you will want it. If you want an hour read by which you can glean snippets to stump others, don't bother. Why? I'll tell you.
He goes for it. When you think Sungenis has totally and utterly exausted and annilated the particular idea or verse or word study, he brings more. I think he's brillant. I'm also kinda geeky and weird. I do fix computers for a living so I have an excuse to be so. I don't know if there are a handful like me who will admit all that to an unknown, online audience.
Fact of the matter is, if you want to exhaust the subject Sungenis sets his mind upon, you gotta get it. Then later you can go back to it as often as you like and learn something new you missed the first million times. If you do not want to do too indepth a study, skip and go on to someone else. But Sungenis MISSES NOTHING!
Thowing down the guanlet.......2004-10-19
As with his other Not By books, this leaves no stone unturned. For a an uneducated guy like me, my copy is dog-eared. Very thorough and technical and as usual systematically shows that the Eucharist has always been apart of Christianity.
Detailed Excellence.......2004-06-20
Not only is this the best, most thorough work of its kind, but if all Catholic priests had to master it and use it to teach about both the Real Presence and the necessaity of propitiation, then we would not see so many contemporary Catholics who think more like Zwinglians and Calvinists than like Catholics. As with Not By Faith Alone, this book is also a must for apologetics.
Average customer rating:
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Epilepsy You're Not Alone: Special Edition
Stacey, Chillemi
Manufacturer: Lulu.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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Neuropsychology
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General
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Nervous System
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Look Inside Health Books
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ASIN: 1430300108 |
Book Description
Epilepsy You're Not Alone, is targeted for individuals who have epilepsy. Unlike other books on epilepsy, it will focus on the facts of the connection between the mind, body, and spirit as it relates to epilepsy, showing readers how to use that connection to cope with epilepsy.
Customer Reviews:
Reviews .......2006-10-16
Source: By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor,
Review:
Stacey Chillemi is 32 years old, a mother of three, a wife and writer. Her journey and reason for being is defined each day by the happiness in her children's eyes and the people with epilepsy she has helped through her writing. By Jenna Martin, Senior Editor (...)
Source: Great Book
Review:
My name is Donna, and I just want you to know that I bought your book a few years ago and it was very encouraging to me, really did get a lot out of it. I'd recommend it to anyone else who has E, and their family members who'd want to understand what it's like to live with this condition. It surely does help to know we're not alone in this.
Source: A reader
Review:
I just finished your book Epilepsy; You're not Alone and thought I'd tell you how much I appreciated it. The positive attitude was very refreshing and a welcome change from the "Why me?" stories that I read so often.
Source: Editorial Review -Anchor / Talk Show Host /News 12 NJ,
Review:
"Life deals us many hard blows that we often don't expect. I admire the fact that someone like Stacey Chillemi was thrown a curve ball that may have knocked many of us down to the point where many of us may not have wanted to get back up, but she did. It wasn't easy but she possesses a determined spirit that won't let her give up. For that reason Stacey will go far and achieve whatever dreams she sets her mind to accomplish."Della Crews Reporter
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- On and Off the Beaten Path: The Central and Southern Bahamas Guide : From South Florida to the Turks and Caicos
- On Combat
- One Hundred Years of Solitude (Oprah's Book Club)
- Outlook 2000 One Day Course (One Day Course Microsoft 2000)
- Phycology
- Prisoner of Conscience: One Man's Remarkable Journey from Repression to Freedom
- Redeeming Love
- Revolutionary Road
- Row, Row, Row Your Boat (Board Books for Babies)
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