You really do have to be a Catholic to truly appreciate this wonderful book. As a Catholic schoolgirl entering her eleventh year in Catholic school (scary, isn't it?), I can fully relate to this. I honestly don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my entire life.

You know what the funniest thing about this book is? Everything in it is true...from the different kinds of nuns to Father What-a-Waste (sigh); from the description of mortal and venial sins to the purchasing of pagan babies. Well, they don't sell pagan babies anymore, but they did in my mother's day.

Even a staunch Catholic like my grandmother would have to crack a smile at the descriptive, colorful language and the abfab portrayal of the sometimes ridiculous traditions of the world's most scandalous, under-fire church. This book is a must-read for all Roman Catholics, practicing or no.

I laughed all the way through this, which must be a sin! If you are a Catholic like me you will remember everything this book talks about. In fact, I had forgotten a lot of it. I'm a little surprised it did not go into Knights of Columbus Halls (a.k.a. - the Catholic bar) and Bingo (a.k.a. - Catholic gambling) a little more. But heck, they sure covered everything else. I have to go now, I have to finish crossing myself and say a few dozen hail Mary's.

...because if you went to Catholic school, you can relate. I first read this book ten years ago when I was in Catholic school, and the nuns didn't take it away from me (amazing!). I laughed my a** off. For those of you who have read it and aren't Catholic, yes, we do practice for everything, yes, the nuns are that bad (but they don't have clickers anymore). This book is hilarious. Please, please get it and read it, cover to cover. You will laugh every time you read it.

I read this as an outsider of the Catholic Faith, but I found it very intriguing, nonetheless. Ratzinger's perspective on the essence and origin of the Church is impossible to dismiss, and the truth in this book, although it's doubtful that the author intended this, exposes huge problems in the (many) Protestant concepts of "church". Although the contents of this book were not originally intended to be presented in book form, the ideas are fluid and clear. A great book. 4 stars only because I'm not (at least not yet) Catholic, and, therefore, there wasn't much practical wisdom I could take from this book.

Of all Cardinal Ratzinger's works, this is my favorite. It touches upon issues of ecclesiology and sacramental theology. In short, Cardinal Ratzinger ties in the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Eucharist, with the Church. Through it, he explores God's covenant with His people. I have long noticed the various double meanings -- one sacramental, the other ecclesiological -- in much of our theological language. Words like "communion" and "Body of Christ" carry the double significance of our communion with one another, as well as our communion with Christ. This book explores both, tying them together in an easy to read, as well as understandable, format.

This is a little book which was not originally a book by intention. Yet it is held together by the internal theme of ecclesial self-identity. It is a little book with a big message.

In any sphere in order to know how something is to function, it is extremely important to understand its origin and purpose. It is no different with the Church. In a confused and confusing world there is need for such a book as this to re-establish and re-invigorate our ecclesial focus. ...And Christ Jesus is its essence and center.

CALLED TO COMMUNION is not necessarily the easiest read because a good part of it was originally directed at individuals(Bishops) who could be assumed to have had some prior knowledge of the subject matter. Still it is worth the time invested, for even the average reader interested in the Church as well, to search out the pearls of wisdom which are assuredly to be found within its pages.

As always the Cardinal writes from an admirably, profound knowledge and depth of faith.

Especially edifying is the section on exactly when there became two Bibles, Catholic and Protestant. Written fairly, he shows how Trent did not "add" books to the Bible, only recognized books already considered canonical through the centuries by most of the Church. Luther in his turn, chose the shorter canon, with his own historical reasoning (some prominent Church Fathers preferred the shorter text, like Jerome). The book also does a good job of reviewing how the New Testament was formed. But this book put to rest the deuterocanonical question. The Bible has 73 books, not 66, and arguments for the shorter canon shows their historical weaknesses. Very good read.

This wonderfully written book is not a history of the formation of the canon nor is it a justification for the Catholic or Protestant Canon. The author doesn't try to justify any one position. This book deals with many difficult questions, but at the same time, he answers in a manner that allows you to come to your own conclusions. For example, Why are there two version of the Old Testament? Is the Canon infallible? What does and did Gods inspiration mean? Why can so many people read the Bible and come up with so many different doctrines? These questions are tackled in the manner that provides a tool rather than a simplistic answer. It was the "Rule if Faith." The author explains the role that the "Rule of Faith" played in the development of the Canon and its interpretation. I great book, easy to read, well written.

To a follower of St. Therese, this book about her sister Celine (Sr. Genevieve) is, of course, very interesting, even fascinating. I wish there were a little more scholarly info, however. Celine always seemed especially interesting to me. She had many opportunities: a marriage proposal, a proposal to found an active order in Canada, apparently a strong talent in art and photography. Yet these don't really shine through in this book. Conversely, her sanctity didn't come through either, for me. Still, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading the details about Therese's family. I would love to see a good book about her sisters Pauline and Marie, also. I understand that one about Leonie is already in print.

This book was a truthful account of the life of Celine, sister and witness to Saint Therese. Celine worked very hard to carry on the way of "spiritual childhood" as her sister suggested, and the book tells of some of her trials towards seeing Therese canonized. Celine is a wonderful person herself, delightfully human, and a woman I would have wanted to meet. If you've enjoyed the stories of Therese, you'll enjoy this book.

William Whalen provides a very straightforward and easy to read explanation of Freemasonry and its relation to Christianity without the alarmist hype so often found in books of this genre.

The book focusses on the Craft as practiced in America, but also touches upon the English and Grand Orient Lodges. He reviews the Blue Lodge Degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason)with just the right amount of detail -- neither glossing over, nor bogging down with the needless repetition often found in "exposes." (The full rituals are readily available from Masonic sources.)

He explains the history of the Blue Lodge, the Scottish and York Rites, the Shrine, Prince Hall Lodges, and other Allied Masonic Organizations. For the most part, he lets Masonry speak for itself; not only does he cite Masonic sources that claim Masonry as a religion of itself, but includes Masonic defenses of its compatibility with Christianity (and other religions).

In his chapter "Catholic Attitudes toward the Lodge," Mr. Whalen presents the objections of the Catholic Church to Freemasonry as consistently taught for nearly three hundred years. Freemasonry represents a belief system that is at best indifferent toward Christianity, and the unique plan of salvation revealed by Jesus Christ.

He also explains the confusion that resulted in the 1970s, after a Cannon Law revision removed the explicit reference to Freemasonry and its penalty of excommunication for Catholics who joined the Lodge. Many Catholics apparently became Masons during this time under the mistaken impression that Church Teaching had changed. (Rome has since clarified this misunderstanding.)

Whalen devotes a chapter to the Protestant and Eastern Orthodox criticisms of Freemasonry, which are virtually identical to the Catholic position.

In his closing chapter "The Christian and the Lodge," the author explores reasons for the decline of Freemasonry in our society, and insists that while "Christians must respect the decision of others to affiliate with the lodge,...[many] have come to realize that the Great Architect of the Universe is not the God Jesus taught them to call Our Father."

William Whalen gives an excellent description and history of freemasonry. Today when some might question what all the fuss is between Christianity and freemasonry, this book explains in extremely understanding detail. William Whalen tells everything from the secret "blood oaths" freemasons take to why freemasons vowed not to let the "enemy," the Catholic Church, continue succeeding in providing health care through Catholic Hospitals. A great book for understanding how egregiously mislead people are into believing freemasonry is just another fraternal organization. Exposes the evil of freemasonry at its most basic, as well as advanced levels.

Dorothy is an amazing person but I think the book wasn't exactly fulfilling. It was alright but it was missing something. The stories could have been touching but she didn't really write them meaningfully. The stories weren't really touching even though you knew they were actually. She almost wrote without putting the full spirit of each story into them. She wrote although she were talking, not as a formal piece of writing, which was refreshing, but not totally appropriate.

I really liked this book. I knew Dorothy Edererfrom her work at a local parish years past. So when I heard she had written a book , I knew I had to get it. I found the personal stories very moving--I laughed and cried. The chapter lead-in prayers are wonderful, and I have already shared them with friends. The faith the author expresses is an inspiration. I have most of my Christmas shopping done thanks to this book--I have gotten copies for family and friends. A book that made me feel, think, and want to share--what more can you ask for in a book?

An excellent collection of short episodes that depict the Spirit of God working in people in enery day life. The gift of love and joy that people can give to one another even in times of hardship is the rainbow of life. It is the Spirit of God working in and through people giving and receiving random acts of kindness.

The "current" in the title is 1944. This is a re-issue of a book first published in 1930.
There are interesting stories - but this is not a history that takes into account the second half of the 20th cnetury.

This book explains all of the questions that I, as a public-school-educated cradle (i.e., ignorant) Catholic, had about my religion.

After re-discovering my Catholic faith, I have been trying to explore the depths of my Church and its teachings. This book has helped me to put people, places, and events in their proper perspective.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in finding the roots of their Catholic faith.

Every Catholic at some time in his life has undoubtedly felt a desire to know the history of the Catholic Church. But where to begin the study of nearly 2,000 years? Probably no book was better concieved or better executed to fulfill this need than Church History by Fr.John Laux. Written expressly both for students and adults; anyone who becomes familar with this book will find that he has aquired an excellent background in Church history. The author intersperses the history with many brief, interesting biographies of famous people, and at the end of each chapter, he quotes briefly from a famous writing of the era, blending a medly of elements into a comprehensive historical composition that is at once brilliant and fascinating. Church History by Fr. Laux is a story of the Church unparalled in its scope, depth, variety, interest, and impact, and a book all Catholics should read, that they might understand in what manner the "mustard seed" planted by Our Lord has grown to be the greatest institution in the entire world!

The book has moments of clarity then it will wander off. Uses sexually charged terms like androgeny, feminine side, masculine side which are totally unnecessary. I think the dude has wandered a little too far into eastern mystisism for his own good. It makes me wonder if he really is a Christian, especially when he is promoting Mary worship. Mary should be venerated not worshipped.

This is a beautifully written book. It is very readable. If these two men speak like they write, both must be dynamic preachers, public speakers, and workshop facilitators.

The strongest parts of The Wild Man's Journey are the middle or core chapters. Examples here include: The Two Journeys, Man the Maker, and The Father Wound.

Does the book need work? Yes. Rohr's lengthy "Introduction to the Revised Edition" is not necessary. Much of the information he has included there should either be interjected into the text of other chapters or perhaps placed in an "About the Authors" section at the end of the book. Like a sermon or public speech, the introductory text of a book has to be hard-hitting and to the point to grab the attention of the audience (mainly male readers). An early chapter on John the Baptist (probably the most famous of the biblical wild men) would have been very appropriate for this book as well.

I also believe that the authors overdo "the feminine side" of male spirituality. What they interpret as feminine attributes could easily be interpreted by others (including developmental psychologists)as very masculine, fatherly traits.

This book is a good primer on male spirituality. However, there are other books available that go beyond what Rohr and Martos have written about. I would be interested in finding out just how much laity input was involved in the writing and editing of this book. Too much emphasis seems to have been placed on the viewpoint of the clergy.

I have been going through life-changing circumstances and this book speaks to me in a way that gives me understanding about myself as a man and has me take responsibility for my life as a human being and a spiritual being. I first read the book over five years ago and it was interesting. Now that I am on a journey for a deeper understanding of myself, I happened to come across the book again and re-read it. My listening of this book is so much different now than before and it challenges me to continue the journey to be a man of wisdom in my life and make a difference with the people I meet. This book is a treasure.

This book covers all the important manuscripts of the early Church. This volume excells in its coverage of the earliest Church documents. The only draw back is the lack of Justin Martyr's Apologies. Other than that this book is an excellent source for reading about the Apostolic Fathers.

Being both a neophyte in the faith of Christianity and the history of the Church, my hunger for reading both the Bible and other early Christian manuscripts has flourished. How does one come to the truth in a faith that is so full of opinion in doctrine, and misunderstood tradition? I guess if I knew that answer, I wouldn't be so involved in searching these texts. Regardless, I do trust that the truth is there, and that the Spirit has both lead and will lead me to it.

This book has been one of those occasions in which I feel that the Spirit and God's timing were working in me. At a time when all of the negative parts of the Church were bringing me down, this text has helped me to focus on what is really important in my faith, my walk with Christ.

To begin, the works of such early martyrs such as Polycarp, help one to see just what was going on in the mind of a man of faith who knows that he will be honored to recieve the same persecutions as his Lord. In this day and age, the idea or desire of such a sacrifice is alien to the majority of Christians, and other than 2 Maccabees, is only hinted at in the Bible.

Also, to have a glimpse of what was happening in the church shortly after the demise of the apostles, is very enlightening. Although the scraps that make up quotations of the lost letters of Papias are less than adequate, one finds that early after the distribution of Revelation, the argument over a millenial kingdom raged. Since Papias was under the tutilage of John (the elder, or the apostle, I won't argue that one) in Ephesis, his point of veiw on this matter should not be ignored, though he was proclaimed a heretic later on.

Finally, the most important aspects of this text is the concern that these early Church leaders had in the direction that the Church was leading. Questions that popped up at these times were and still are very important to the understanding of how one walks in the faith after one has come to it. These texts are strong in explaining the importance of a life of good works and the importance of unity amongst the congregations.

Also, we get a glimpse of what was happening at that troublesome Church in Corinth after the apostles were no longer an influence. In a way, some of the most practical instruction has been written because of this Church, and they didn't stop in needing more after Paul's demise.

This book is a must-have for any Christian who wants to know the historical and theological roots of his/her faith. It shows that many "recent controversies" in the church were present from the very beginning--and answered effectively by men steeped in the Old Testament and the Gospel.

The book's subtitle, "Tradition and the Historical Record," sums it all up very well.

The authors take an amazingly detailed look at the traditional history of the Mormon Church (pre 1830 for the most part), and compare it closely with contemporary documents. (i.e. property deeds, census, etc.)

In order to really understand this book, you may consider using a whiteboard to draw out the timelines. This should help you to understand the contradictions between what the traditional record is, and what historical records reveal. Otherwise, you will probably have a potpourri of dates shuffling around your head.

Very detailed and difficult to get into.
It belabors chronological events to the point of boredom. This said, it is a necessary exercise to determine the timing of events such as the First Vision of Joseph Smith, the visit of Moroni, etc.

Just don't read it passively. It's insightful and mostly balanced.
Though it does rely heavily on Eber Howe's biased affidavits regarding Joseph Smith's involvement in treasure digging. I remain unconvinced of their inherent historical value.

An in-depth look at Joseph Smith's world and how it shaped the founder of the LDS. An interesting read for those interested in Mormon history.

Good labor and a hard sweat aer earmarks of a good book. You must credit Wesley for the detailed footnotes that pepper this book, and make it firm in all things.

Things change, and I guess that is the essence of Mormonism. All is not what it was, but we can live with that since we know it is wrong.

This book is totally on the mark, since ther eis transion, change, and evolution, and Mormonism's progess is evidecne of its falsity. Good cannot get better.

On page 27, the page number is missing, and the word "Moroni" should be "Alma." The index was rather weak for my staste, but the binding held up as is cross-refernced the informatiopn with my otehr books. YOu can never have too good of a binding in a book.