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This is a relative thin book (96 pages), and is meant for a small group to read through, as well as individuals to study through. It is divided into 14 sessions, where individuals are supposed to go through and do the odd numbered sessions, and small groups are supposed to do the even numbered sessions.
This book is primarily meant to be a study guide for small groups, with leader notes, art of leadership guide, bibliography for further study. The exercises are meant for individuals to work towards the small group study.
Contemplating Bible reading is a 1500+ year old tradition based on lectio divina, divine reading. The process, as described by peace is to Reading/Listening to Scripture (listening for phrases or words that jump out at the reader), Meditating (considering what these words/phrases are and the connection to one's life), Praying (...through these phrases), and Contemplation (resting and listening to God in these topics in silence).
The book goes through a number of texts, and allows both groups and individuals to reflect upon them. It gives some background to the Scriptures, and allows for discussion questions. There are some thoughtful questions in each of the sessions, to allow the reader to think about the passages and the meaning (and application) more. There are also essays on Lectio divina and upon each step.
It pretty good book for some small groups and individuals, if your small group is fairly biblically sound and mature as Christians. The danger of being overly subjective is present, and reading one's own story or one's own prejudices into the text (eisegesis) is a possibility. Nonetheless, this can be a thoughtful way to read Scripture differently than the traditional Bible study guides.
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According to Butler, the advocates of missile defense and other measures designed to keep and expand nuclear arsenals in the U.S. use the argument that current treaties, especially the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, are not being adhered to and are thus useless. Butler, however, indicts the U.S. as being the main noncopliant culprit in that the U.S. has not bilaterally reduced its arsenal along with Russia to lower levels as is required in the treaty. Instead of scrapping the treaties, Butler advocates that these treaties ought to be bolstered and the proper institution be established to ensure compliance by all signators.
Butler's book outlines effectively a few specific arguments against NMD.
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There is a nice introduction to every piece to give the reader a decent context, and each article has a few follow-up questions for future insight.
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There are altruistic reasons to get involved, but that alone may not be enough to commit military forces that are in limited supply, when injustice is seemingly unlimited. There are regional security issues, but the former Yugoslavia was not of regional concern to the US. Rather the reason for our involvement (as described by Holbrooke) was principally that only America had the political and military clout to negotiate a peace settlement. While critics claim this as American ego, Holbrooke says the EU, while an excellent unifier of economic concerns, did not yet command concensus with regards to security issues and could not handle the problem without US involvement. In this book, Holbrooke relived day-by-day the story as it unfolded around him.
Anyhow, long story short...good book. Its value lies in describing a version of the US political mindset for involvement in Yugoslavia. And it explains why we sent troops there. Detractors of the book are that it gets a bit wordy, and that Holbrooke sometimes has trouble reigning in his State-Department-sized ego, a condition common around the beltway. Pretty good book; solid work.
Although the roads are better in New York, the book helps one begin to imagine some of the behind-the-scenes battles in the 2002-2003 UN negotiations on military action in Iraq.
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I was never disappointed. Each night I was greeted with words of comfort.
What a wonderful gift for anyone who is facing difficulties in their life! What a wonderful gift for anyone who wishes to seek peace through God!
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Holmes quotes Col. S.L.A. Marshall at length throughout the book. And yet, despite this pattern, not once (that I could find anyway) did Holmes mention the massive WW II Marshall study which concluded that the *majority* of US combat troops did not fire in the heat of combat. The result of that study was the overhaul of basic training and boot camp so that soldiers not only experienced the sights and sounds of combat, but that they also simulate killing as much as possible. The Marshall study negates much of Holme's central thesis that warfare is "natural" for men and that most men seek it out willingly.
Holmes also gives lip service to women and combat and uses convenient examples to discredit. For example, many people use Israel as an example of a sexually intregated force. This is despite the fact, as Holmes points out, that women really don't handle weapons much in the Israeli military. However, there is at least one force that Holmes failed to mention -- the Viet Cong which consisted of over 75 percent women! Because he doesn't mention that example, he can easily sweep the issue of sex under the rug. The truth of the matter is, in war environments where one side views itself as attempting to liberate itself women usually play an integral role, including combat.
Holmes' sociological ignorance is never more obvious then when he discusses the sexuality of soldiers versus those who oppose war. Soldiers biologically want sex with women more! Holmes issues this proclamation without the slightest effort to back it up or to explore other options. In Holmes' world all soldiers are heterosexual and want lots of sex. This would certainly be surprising to the many great homosexual military leaders in warfare history. And I think quite a few "peaceniks" from the 60's might have some contrary evidence to offer Holmes as well.
Holmes is a historian with a military background. He is not a sociologist and he lacks the experience, training and understanding to explore deeper issues and to look at contradictions to his beliefs.
I give this book two stars just because this is important field to look at. Hopefully someone with better understanding of the use of propaganda (from all sides), gender roles, sexism, cultural history (that isn't Anglo Saxon!) will come along and do this topic justice.
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I have a friend whom is an SGI member...and I used to attend their meetings until a member decided I could not bring my Bible to the Meetings...So I am still welcome but not with my Bible???
God Bless You All!!
In "Jesus" Most Precious Name...
With Love...In Christ...
Eileen
I have a friend whom is an Church member...and I used to attend their meetings until a member decided I could not bring my Buddhist manuscript to their Bible study Meetings...So I am still welcome but not with my Buddhist Manuscript???
May you be imparted with the widsom, courage and love of the Buddha!!
In Buddha's Most Precious Name...
With Love...and enlighned spirit...
Ieleen
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Just the concept of an economics book sounds dull. This book is the opposite of dull. When I received my copy, I responded like the other sheep: I stayed up all night reading it; I gave copies to friends and relatives; I re-read it myself; and then I read all of Hoskins' other books -- all excellent (to the sheep).
This book is a light in the darkness. It will reveal truths that will change forever your understanding of the world system.
My advice to you is simple: If you are a wolf, do not buy this book. You will hate it. If you are a sheep, it will be one of the most important books you will ever buy. Plan to start reading it early in the day unless you want to be up all night.
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Their shared quest inspires concrete proposals that are directly relevant to conflict resoulution today, including such hot topics as the death penalty, nationalism and regional unification, religious fundamentalism, the proliferation of nuclear arms, and the role of the United Nations in peacekeeping around the world.
"Choose Peace" is presented as a dialogue between these two scholars, and identifies the various sources of violence and unrest, while demonstrating the role of Buddhist philosophy in formulating solutions that will lead to lasting peace.
Far from abstract, their quest inspires concrete proposals that are directly relevant to the political agendas of today, such as the death penalty, nationalism and regional unification, fundamentalism, arms reduction, and the proliferation and supervision of nuclear technology, and the role of the United Nations in peacekeeping initiatives.
Presented as a dialogue between the two men, Choose Peace identifies sources of global violence and unrest and demonstrates the role of Buddhism in formulating peaceful solutions.
The two men share bitter personal memories of World War II. During the German occupation of Norway, Dr. Galtung's father was imprisoned in a concentration camp for his resistance activities. In Mr. Ikeda's case, his older brother died in combat, adding to the terrible anguish he felt during the war.
Far from abstract, their quest inspires concrete proposals that are directly relevant to the political agendas of today, such as the death penalty, nationalism and regional unification, fundamentalism, arms reduction, and the proliferation and supervision of nuclear technology, and the role of the United Nations in peacekeeping initiatives.
Presented as a dialogue between the two men, Choose Peace identifies sources of global violence and unrest and demonstrates the role of Buddhism in formulating peaceful solutions.