As a pre-med major hoping to work in Third World Countries, this book speaks straight to my heart. Bentivegna is brilliant and completely honest about the suffering in Haiti. I found myself laughing in earnest at his awkward culture shock and horrified by the people that came to him for help. He has a heart of gold and a mind to match; his spirit and humanity are revealed to the public and I am in awe of his character. Bentivegna is a man I would have loved to meet and work alongside of in Haiti and his book is a testament of his work. I recommend this for anyone and everyone. It is wildly intellectual without seeming dull. It is shocking, grotesque and painful, but very true. I have seen Haiti with my eyes and he speaks from the heart with real clarity.

"Neglected and Abused" is a must read for anyone going to Haiti as a medical volunteer (or anyone going to Haiti for any reason). I was captivated by Dr. Joe's tales of medicine in a country with so few resources. I have been going to Haiti as a medical missionary for two years now and I found this book to be an excellent account of the medical situation in Haiti. I think this book would be a wise read for anyone planning a trip to give you an idea of what you are about to face. Dr. Joe's experience took place in the late 1980's before the embargo and the subsequent further deterioration of the health situation in Haiti. Keep that in mind when you read this book - things are worse now.

I am not Haitian, but I have been to Haiti many times and the book seems to present a very realistic picture of the people and problems in Haiti. Dr. Bentivegna simply tells it like it is--he realizes that problems like malnutrition, unsanitary water, and lack of vaccination programs and birth control compound any doctor's best efforts to provide medical care to the poor in Haiti. He does not hide his frustration as he encounters these things and others as his year in Haiti progresses. Along these lines, he states in the epilogue: "The problems that initially seemed so easy to solve became infinitely complex the better I understood them" (p. 161).

The title of the last chapter in the book is "Questions Without Answers," and includes story upon story of ethical dilemmas he encountered in Haiti (which are so different from the dilemmas encountered in 1st-world medicine), and how he chose to act in these situations. They illustrate how gray the lines can be, and how he had to, as he says, "play God" in Haiti. He also points out the problems that occur when people and groups attempt to impliment short-term solutions to long-term problems. It's very eye-opening.

In the midst of this, it is obvious that Dr. Bentivegna loves and respects the Haitian people, and that he is torn by their plight. Sadly, though this book was written more than a decade ago, it might as well have been written last month. We can only hope and pray that Aristide's leadership will bring infrastructural changes and economic development to Haiti in the coming years. It is only these things, as Bentivegna notes, that will provide long-term change in Haiti.

"The Divine Initiative is an invaluable resource and a major contribution to Lonergan studies... Stebbins has laid out [the] material...with a thoroughness and clarity that will be extraordinarily valuable to many people."

From: Robert Doran, Lonergan Research Institute, University of Toronto

"The care with which Michael Stebbins has exposed Lonergan's method and its results...makes Lonergan's sometimes cryptic remarks accessible to all those who have the stamina to explore these issues, and so leaves both philosophers and theologians without excuse for attending to so demanding a synthesis."

From: The Thomist, 60, 1996, pages 484 - 488

"In my judgement, this book is wonderfully accurate as an account of Lonergan. Stebbins analyzes and synthesizes with great skill. In his treatment of the operations of intellect (in chapter 1), right through to his concluding remarks about Lonergan on actual grace (in the latter half of chapter 8), he is extremely sensitive to details and distinctions that others often overlook or misunderstand. Moreover, he not only explains accurately, he clarifies. He understands the material so thoroughly that he is able to link Lonergan's claim in fresh ways, offer original examples, and thus teach the reader what Lonergan really is getting at. Given the challenging technical character of the material, this is a stellar achievement."

"I deem the book to include features of interest to systematic theologians in general, historians of theology, philosophers of religion, metaphysicians generally, persons interested specifically in Lonergan, and persons interested specifically in Aquinas. I commend it to them all."

From: Method: Journal of Lonergan Studies, Volume 14, Number 1, Spring 1996 Published by the Lonergan Institute at Boston College

If somebody loves you authentically so much so that you become better person than before, you can't help loving him dearly. It happens. And it can happen even through a book! In this incredable book called "insight", you are invited to a wonderland of a higly diffentiated intelligence, only to find that it is no other than your real self. At first you wonder, you ask, you think hard, and you get it! For the first time you come to know what is understanding. You begin to doubt, you reflect, and finally you judge that you are a knower! Now you are changed. Now you know you are consciously operating in your experiencing, understanding, judging, and deciding. Now you know what knowledge is, what it means to you, and how it means to you. You become a living, knowing, acting subject. And you come to love Lonergan, since he introduced you to yourself. To "read" Insight may take a long time, years or decades. However when you finish it, you will begin to take another long trip to yourself, where no one had gone before...

This is the definitive text of Bernard Lonergan's most important work, Insight, with over 130 revisions, based on the meticulous labor of comparing three texts, line by line, word by word! All students of Lonergan's thought owe a great debt to Frs. Frederick E. Crowe and Robert M. Doran for having executed their task with such thoughtfulness, perfection and devotion. Corresponding pages to the second edition of Insight, which has been the standard one, are given in brackets. My previous review was based on the second edition.

Rev. Bernard Lonergan, S.J.(1904-1984), though still not commonly known, was, talent-wise, certainly one of the top thinkers of the 20th century. It takes time for his thoughts to be appreciated, developed and applied. There are already numerous web-sites and hundreds of books, articles and theses written on his ideas. He might be publicly acknowledged as one of the 100 most influential thinkers by the end of this century. For more than forty years, his works continue to nourish and challenge people, initially in seminary circles, and gradually in different universities. Boston College has been a key base for over 20 years in fostering studies of Lonergan's thought and stimulating dialogue with people in diverse fields. Insight remains one of the basic books that one needs to master if we want to reach up to Lonergan's mind, just as he reached up to the mind of Aquinas. One of the perennial issues underlying human differences is our assumptions about knowing and reality. What is it to know? Is it taking a look out there? Or do we presume that we cannot know reality? Lonergan proposed an arduous journey for all of us to become aware of what we are doing when experiencing, understanding, judging and choosing. The focus is on appropriating or gaining self-knowledge of our recurrent cognitional processes and structures in knowing. "¡Kit is essential that the notion of insight, of the accumulation of insights, of higher viewpoints, and of their heuristic significance and implications, not only should be grasped clearly and distinctly but also, in so far as possible, should be identified in one's own personal intellectual experience." (p.xx) "Thoroughly understand what it is to understand, and not only will you understand the broad lines of all there is to be understood but also you will possess a fixed base, an invariant pattern, opening upon all further developments of understanding." (p.xxviii) This is a difficult, painstaking and challenging task, not achieved just by reading from cover to cover (785 pages plus 30). Lonergan's examples from mathematics, physics, classical and statistical investigations might be a hurdle to those who don't have background in such disciplines. Insight is like the Zen master's finger pointing towards the moon. One must be careful not to get lost in the sweeping and erudite visions and constantly come back to appropriating one's own knowing processes. This is not a book for the faint-hearted. One easier introduction is Terry J. Tekippe's "What is Lonergan Up to in Insight? A Primer". Then one can go on to Flanagan's Quest for Self-Knowledge, and The Lonergan Reader, edited by the Morellis, and finally come to grapple with the full original and Lonergan's later works on Method in Theology and Macroeconomic Dynamics.

This book is a gem and should be on the reading list of any fan of Fitzgerald or Hemingway. Much of the contents are anecdotal recollections of Hemingway regarding Fitzgerald who he regarded as immensely talented but weak and dominated (by Zelda and the bottle). A variety of letters between the two help to bring to life the closeness that was in evidence in the early friendship before Fitzgerald's decline and Hemingway's enormous success (followed by his growing intolerance of the waning and less successful like FSF). This book also does not attempt to hide the sometimes incomprehensible mean -spiritedness of Hemingway when despite all his success (largely aided by the early support of others he later cast aside) still felt enough threatened to throw his drowning friends an anchor.

This has new stuff that wasn't in Brucolli's previous book on the two authors SCOTT AND ERNEST. I read that one, and when starting FITZGERALD AND HEMINGWAY, thought I'd read the same book, but with a few added facts. Well, there are tons of new facts in F & H that are EXTREMELY interesting to the Fitzgerald and Hemingway fan. I recommend this book highly. I've read much of it more than once.

Books on spiritual direction are usually addressed to the spiritual director, aspiring or practicing, but there are at least four reasons why a good book on spiritual direction like this one would be helpful to the spiritual directee.

First, the book clarifies the ends, or more accurately, the end, singular, of spiritual direction. Many are perplexed, asking what is the point of the whole process, and a gifted spiritual director like Houdek might well provide a sound answer. He carefully expresses this purpose in terms of the transcendent dimension of all human experience: "Spiritual direction is concerned about a person's life in all its dimensions and at every moment because God can reveal mystery at all times and in all experiences" (p. 8). He says more than that, of course, and it's worth the reader's time to go over the exposition.

Second, the book elaborates on the means of spiritual direction, in this case, at modest length but in depth. By reflecting upon tested principles, but more importantly, accounts of actual applications, as well as reports of their beneficial effects in the lives of other directees, the directee grows in an awareness and understanding of the process in oneself and in others and so begins to value the experience of spiritual direction more deeply. Just as significant is that the directee derives the criteria for assessing the quality of spiritual direction, thereby empowering the directee in the process of their own guidance. All in all, this knowledge of spiritual direction not only enriches but also empowers the directee in the subtle, intricate, potentially precarious process of spiritual discernment, in which the ultimate responsibility devolves upon the directee.

Some of the most helpful discussions for me pertain to the author's limited attempt to classify directees into types, so I became aware of the profoundly varied yet distinctively individual quality of the spiritual life. Also important was his discussion of the gifts--theological and psychological awareness, spiritual experience, interpersonal skills--ideally suited for spiritual directors.

Third, the book is itself a helpful source of doctrine on spirituality.

It is apparent from the very beginning that Houdek assumes the traditional model of the spiritual life as a progression in stages, so that the influence of St. John of the Cross is present throughout yet refined--the author's tone is modern, flexible, without the slightest trace of doctrinairism. The author's distinction between "vagueness" and "obscurity," which traces to the Mystical Doctor, is especially valuable.

In what sense does the author disclose a Jesuit perspective, as noted in the title? His focus is on discernment, both as a central topic and a governing paradigm, so that discernment even marks the writing style of the book--reflective, attuned, open to truth, wise.

Houdek's discussion of discernment is so discerning itself that I feel compelled to quote: "Although helpful techniques or methods in spiritual discernment do exist neither ultimately guarantees real success. To explain or expect success we must look toward other realities...First, God's unqualified and unconditional love guarantees divine revelation to each of us. God's Spirit works within each person to validate and perhaps even guarantee that the person can and will arrive at a competent understanding and interpretation of individual personal experience. Second, the predispositions of the persons are far more important and influential than any technique or method for spiritual discernment...The central disposition for discernment is trustful surrender--trust in the love, the promises, the fidelity, and the providential care of God--to the initiatives and actions of God" (p. 116).

Fourth, the book brings up fresh perspectives on old issues or introduces new issues in spiritual direction, matters that may be of greater significance to the directee than the director. Some of these issues include problems arising from transference, gender dynamics, or the supervision of spiritual directors.

One weakness of the book is the relative absence of discussion on many aspects of modern clinical psychology, but this knowledge does not lie within the expertise of the author. However, he recognizes its value as well as its necessity in some cases, so that he gives short advice on identifying the need for counseling and on working successfully together with the counselor.

I highly recommend this book as a wealth of experience and wisdom brought to bear on an important area of the Catholic experience--spiritual direction.

Introduction (What is spiritual direction?) Chapter 1 -- The Directee and the Process of Spiritual Growth (Patterns of spiritual growth and development: Direction for beginners, Being Purified by God, Direction for directees who are moving toward God, Direction of directees who have been purified by God; Growth patterns: awakening to spiritual realities, personal appropriation, commitment to the gifts of God, discerning the voice of God; Emotional fervor, dry prayer, and spiritual awakening; final period of purification) Chapter 2 -- Some Particular Types of Directees and Their Needs (Five types of directees: Beginners, Religious converts, Those having a dry and arid prayer life, Contemplative, Those having a roller-coaster experience of prayer and faith; Issues for Beginners: Fear, Anger, Depression, Sexuality, Authority) Chapter 3 -- Prayer and Spiritual Discernment (The mystery of prayer; difficulties in prayer; personal prayer; spiritual discernment; signs of a "good-spirited" directee; religious movements in the director; strategies for spiritual discernment) Chapter 4 -- The Director and the Process of Direction (Community recognition; Gifts needed for direction: Theological and psychological awareness [a balance of Scripture, the Christian ascetical and spiritual traditions, and recent advances in the human sciences including psychology], spiritual experience [personal experience of the Spirit and personal supervision], interpersonal skills [hospitality], self-appropriation [personal competency, goodness, and vision]; The process of spiritual direction [recognizing the work of God]; The director's genuineness, caring, and understanding; Criteria for evaluating spiritual direction [altruism, hope, emotional expression, trust in God, the awareness of mystery]; Issues of transference in spiritual direction; Gender differences in spiritual direction; Supervision for spiritual directors)

This may be the greatest Catholic spiritual guide for lay people ever written. First published in 1609, its message is still entirely fresh and apropos today, and this popular abridgement which only deletes some extra language and multiple examples, renders it more powerful still. This great Doctor of the Church walks the beginner through several important decisions which lead to choosing the devout life. He then explains all the purifications we must go through and the rejection of mortal and venial sin. Finally he shows us how we are to fulfill our religious obligations and how we are to conduct ourselves in the world as devout Catholics. Covers prayer, how to meditate, Confession, frequent Communion, recreation, dancing, dress, poverty (both actual and spiritual), chastity, obedience, humility, slander, rash judgement, good and evil friendships, etc. Includes special instructions for husbands and wives on marriage. Great Catholic wisdom and one of the Church's best-loved spiritual classics!

This book by St Francis De Sales is very readable and inspiring for anyone wanting to be a lover of God. Written in the 1600's it is as relevant today as then. Aimed not at Religious or Priests but at Lay men and women it explains how to build your faith and prayer life. The abridgement enables today's reader to clearly follow the teachings of this French Bishop. Excellent reading.

Mr. Mee is a fantastic writer. As another reviewer remarked, Mr. Mee definitely brings history to life. The meetings described in this book make for great, enticing reading material for junior high school on up.

Mr. Mee is an excellent writer and truely brings history to life. I recommend this book to anybody that wants more than "light reading", has an interest in human-kind and is not a real history buff.

I finally bought it, and I'm more than glad I did. This book is not at all what I thought it would be about --- it is so much more. Initially, I thought it would be another book about the life of St. Francis which, of late, I've been quite taken with. This book, though, has more to do with how we can make our faith real --- how we can really respond --- in light of a needy world around us. This is just what the doctor ordered. I say this reluctantly, but reading a chapter is almost better than going to church. I close this book at night with the understanding that I've got to get out there and DO something; I feel like I CAN make some small difference in this world, and that means so much to me. I'm at that point where I WANT to change, WANT to make sacrifices, WANT to be conformed to what God wants me to be. I want desperately not to be an 'average' Christian who longs for the same dusty, lifeless, rusting things the world does. This book reminds me that Francis, in his life, was not afraid to give up personal comfort and familiarity. When he finally overcame the greatest personal obstacle for him --- learning to love the leper -- he was freed from within, freed from that nasty monster that can entangle so many of us. Reflecting on his unique experience, I am compelled to look at my own prejudices, those things about people that keep me from loving them completely. I can't remember the last time a church sermon so compelled me. I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to grow in ways far outside the box.

St. Francis and the Foolishness of God is not just about St. Francis, but about themes that touch all of our lives. There are reflection questions at the end of each section and an invitation to share stories. I recommend this book for personal and group reflection.

Being one of the first students to analyze and experience the BPFT was quite amazing. Not only because it was a chance to be a part of something new but mostly because I could see that this test will revolutionize physicial fitness testing. This is a collection of tests that can be used for able and disabled students with standards for both. The brilliancy of this work is that it fully allows you to customize a physical fitness test battery for nearly any student.

If you want to know God in a more profound way, this is the book to read. Sheed really delivers with his easy-to-understand, explanations about the mysteries of God, the Trinity, Mary and the Catholic faith. There were so many "lightbulbs turned on" in reading this book that I now feel immensely closer to God and more knowledgeable of His plan and His works. This book is invaluable as an introduction to Theology.

I am now reading Sheed's "Theology and Sanity", which is a deeper study of the subjects found in "Theology for Beginners".

"Theology for Beginners" is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to know God better.

This book is of immeasurable value to anyone who wants to begin learning the essentials of Catholic theology. Mr. Sheed wrote this book in such a way that anyone can understand. As Scott Hahn writes in the introduction, "Frank Sheed never composed an incoherent sentence...he wrote simply, but never simplistically." This book is an invaluable resource. I find myself going back to the pages I highlited when reading more complicated works.

The book is at its best in discussing some of the more complicated issues, such as the soul, the trinity, and grace. I learned a great deal from reading this book, and it gave me the impetus to read more advanced theological works.

I really can't praise this book enough. If you are a Catholic who wants to learn more about your faith, or someone from outside the church who wonders where Catholic practices come from, definitely read this book.

A great recap for lots of areas. Worth buying for the trinity discussion alone. Very useful and clear. You will find yourself referring to the material in the book to explain things to your friends. Highly recommended.