As secretary/treasurer of the Facial Pain Section of the Dutch Association of Headache Patients (NVvHP), and being a sufferer of facial pain myself, I would like to state that this is the best and most complete book for "laymen" that has ever been published about typical trigeminal neuralgia and all atypical facial pains. I completely agree with the other reviewer's opinions given below. Furthermore, it has been written in very clear English. Therefore, I can recommend this book also to patients (and their relatives) in The Netherlands and in other "non-anglosaxian" countries. I wrote this recommendation also in "Hoofdzaken", the Magazine for headache and facial pain patients in the Netherlands. My compliments to the authors !

I first experienced trigeminal neuralgia 8 years ago. It was extremly difficult to get a diagnosis or information on this condition. My neurologist was well informed as is my current one but their time is limited. 8 years on (now!), I need help and advice again! This very well written book is a MUST read for all sufferers and care givers to enable them to round out their doctors advice and help them choose the way forward.

From a sufferer's viewpoint myself, I cannot express how strongly I would recomend this book to others. I have now purchased 2 copies - I gave the second copy to my doctor so he could lend it to patients in the future because the first copy was so good!

If you are reading this review then most likely you either have experienced what has been described as the "most terrible pain man can endure" or you know and care for someone who has trigeminal neuralgia or a related facial neuralgia disorder.

This important book, published by the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association, is a must read for anyone with face pain. Written so the average person without a medical background can really understand these tragic conditions, it includes chapters on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, latest treatment options, alternative treatments, what to do when medication doesn't help, questions to ask when deciding on surgery, comparative statistics on outcomes and complications of different surgical procedures, recommendations on helping your doctor help you, tips from facial neuralgia patients, suggestions on how families can help, and so much more. An extensive resources section lists books, organizations and Internet resources and websites about facial neuralgias and related disorders. A glossary includes common medical terminology with easy to understand definitions.

Although "Striking Back" focuses on trigeminal neuralgia, other facial neuralgia conditions are covered including atypical facial pain, atypical trigeminal neuralgia, anesthesia dolorosa and glossopharyngeal neuralgia among others. These are rare conditions and most publications are directed towards the medical profession. What a rare find -- finally a book for those of us who are facial neuralgia patients or who are family members or friends.

The authors, one who suffered in the past from trigeminal neuralgia, the other, a neurosurgeon specializing in treating facial pain disorders, write with humor, compassion and hope. The book is well organized with good illustrations and pictures and is an important resource for anyone trying to live with a facial neuralgia disorder.

Just for the record, I am not associated with the authors or the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association in any way but am part of a team who writes a patient-to-patient website on facial neuralgias.

To write a biography of John Paul II, George Weigel leaves with advantage. He is a Professor of Ethics as the subject, and well known for his articles about religion and public life. Weigel also understands and professes the Catholic faith. If we add his privileged access to very close collaborators to the Pontiff and several hours of encounters with the Pope himself, the result should overcome any precedent biographies. We are before a work of remarkable dimensions, with two very clear parts: before and after the Cardinal's Wojtyla election like as Pontiff. Weigel has spoken with many direct witnesses of the polish times of the Pope's life, which gives this section of the work the freshness and novelty than the pontificate years of his work back. He gives the impression that these years are dominated by the documents, the speeches and the points of view, while he losses the essence of the inher character .

This book tells the fascinating story of the role of the church, particularly the Roman Catholic church, in the collapse of communism in eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. This subject has received precious little coverage in the popular press, but cannot be ignored by serious students of history. The author takes the position that it was neither Mikhail Gorbachev, nor Ronald Reagan alone that did it (brought down the Yalta imperial system), but the undeniable and inexorable faith of many Christians throughout Europe. The collapse of Communism had its roots in the early work of Pope Pius, Pope John XXIII, Paul VI and finally the Polish pastor/dramatist/linguist Karol Woytyla, who became Pope John Paul II. The close identification of Catholicism with the Polish history kept the national character alive and ultimately denied the power of tyranny in Poland and elsewhere. I recommend this book to anyone who is skeptical of the biases of the press

This author did not waste his time and was not lazy in writing about this Pope of Hope. If you are a Roman Catholic you will enjoy the insight and may cringe about the foresight of what is revealed. If you are Jewish you will see the opportunity that is available now in coming to grips with reconciliation based on truth of history known only to sons and daughters of Abraham. The book is easy to read, follows in details and reveals as much as one can know about this man of honor, spiritual healing and forgiveness to those who hate him, tried to kill him and disdain his faith. Communists will see just how puny their ideas and philosophy are compared to what motivates and guides this man of God. In the end, like all good biographies you will learn more than you came to know about a simple but powerful example of a man called John Paul II. Excellent superb excellence.

This is an excellent book that shows us why our current Pope will someday be known as Pope John Paul II the Great! It is an insightful look into both the pope's life, thought, and faith. It addresses the often neglected Theology of the Body. I had the honor of meeting the Holy Father face to face with my wife after our wedding on our honeymoon and it was an awesome experience. I recommend it to anyone who would like to understand both the man and the Catholic Church as it enters into the third millenium of Our Lord.

For this Presbyterian, George Weigel's book about Pope John Paul II was a revelation not only about a remarkable figure in history, but also about Catholic thought and practice. Weigel has written far more than a conventional biography. "Witness to Hope" is also a sweeping history of John Paul's times and his papacy, a trenchant observer's comments on politics in the '70s and '80s, and a sharp-minded theologian's explication of John Paul's voluminous writings. A couple of critics have sniped that Weigel's book lacks "incisive criticisms" of John Paul. In fact, Weigel does speak critically at many points; he simply does so with such civility and respect that bloodthirsty adversaries of the Pope and his church are likely to be disappointed. Far more valuable is Weigel's fidelity to a principle that he states at the outset: that John Paul's life and papacy can only be understood "from the inside." Weigel's vantage point is as "inside" as any author is likely to get; footnote after footnote reveals that information provided by Weigel comes directly from conversation with John Paul II. Weigel's own credentials as a religious thinker and writer, his access to the Pope and to senior officials of the Holy See, the dramatic life of his subject--- all these make the nearly 900 pages of this immense book richly rewarding for the serious reader. Consistently throughout "Witness to Hope," George Weigel paints a fervently evangelical and intellectual Pope who presents Christianity as demanding, but exciting and fulfilling. One might say the same about George Weigel's book: it makes greater demands upon the reader than would a more superficial, sentimental biography--- but it richly rewards the reader with its account of an important life.

All of us Catholics are disgusted by both the priests who destroyed hundreds of lives and the bishops who enabled these monsters. However, we should be equally disgusted by groups both inside and outside the Church who shamelessly exploit victims of sexual abuse to advance political causes and theological extortion. In the midst of this chaos, George Weigel provides a refreshing ray of light with his honest critique of the Church heirarchy and his committment to the truth of the Catholic faith. This book was written with intense charity and loving concern for the Catholic faithful. Mr. Weigel uses his extensive first-hand knowledge of the Church, including the papacy, to outline a cohesive, competent, and comprehensive study of the causes, effects, and solutions to the current crisis facing the Church.

In this book, Mr. Weigel plays the honest centrist, even though he usually fits more comfortably in the traditionalist camp. There is no pitiful blaming of "media hype," a claim common among traditionalists. Also, there is none of the tired "us-them" or "noble laity vs. the evil heirarchy" silliness of the Catholic left. Instead, Mr. Weigel's essential thesis of the Chruch is the same as Christ's - a family of believers, each with his or her own role in the plan of salvation, and each called through his or her own baptism to a life centered on Christ.

Mr. Weigel's assertion that seminarians must first be mature disciples of Christ seems intuitive, but is unfortuantely quite revolutionary. Similarly, his call for bishops to be apostles instead of managers should be equally obivious. The fact that Mr. Weigel is compelled to rebuke the Church leadership on these points shows the true crisis in the Church today. The book ends with a cause for hope - the culture that created this tragedy is on the wane. . .an assertion that has been proven recently in the surge of new seminarians over the past few months.

Thank you, Mr. Weigel, for giving us an excellent plan for true reform!

I read this book from start to finish in one evening.It is the best study of the current crisis in the Catholic Church and indeed the state of the Catholic church I have yet read. The author's criticisms of past handling of sexual abuse are fearless but fair. Pope John Paul II's own excellent teachings on the formation of priests were given good exposure. The link between good priestly formation and adherence to the general teaching on sexual ethics was beautifully drawn.

Best of all was George Weigel's passionate call to holiness through love of Christ and fidelity to His teaching- not just for the laity but priests and bishops alike. I finished the book with great hope and certainty that this crisis will eventually bring renewal.
I heartily recommend this book to all who are even only remotely interested in the Catholic church.

Arguably the most important book that has so far emerged from the current Church crisis. Highly recommended, but there is a caveat. George Weigel occasionally "argues" by fiat. For example (p. 104): "No serious person doubts that psychology and psychiatry can be of help in handling problems of clerical sexual abuse." Implying what? That only the frivolous would have the temerity to so doubt? Weigel's assessment may very well be correct, but since when is dismissiveness an acceptable replacement for argumentation and reason (except of course for those who subscribe to Catholic Lite)? This kind of "argumentation" is unworthy of Weigel, and is indicative and symptomatic of rushed aspects of the book, though his desire to get his prescriptions for reform out as soon as possible is understandable and laudable. The bottom line is that "The Courage To Be Catholic" is extraordinarily cogent and inspiring. I very much hope that Weigel has sent a copy to every bishop, archbishop and cardinal in the country. And, certainly, this book is a must-read for every Catholic.

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Are you a lapsed Catholic?

Do you ever wonder why Catholics believe what they believe?

Want to learn a lot about Catholicism but don't have the time to do a lot of reading?

If yes, then get this book.

This is an excellent short book, each chapter takes an issue and cuts to the heart of the matter.

Weigel is a master scholar and worth having in your home.

Would give 10 stars if they had them!

George Weigel has written a little masterpiece here. The Truth of Catholicism is a gem with a simple premise: accept an invitation to examine Catholicism from the inside and one might likely end up staying. Like Witness to Hope his authoritative biography of Pope John Paul II where Weigel successfully attempted to understand the Pope from the inside, Weigel here looks at the central principles and beliefs of Catholicism and how these radiate outwards to create a cohesive and compelling engagement with the world-in short he examines Catholicism from the inside.

One of the book's great gifts is the accessibility of the writing. I am always struck by how Weigel can take the complex and lengthy and render it understandable and concise. Weigel does not avoid the thorny issues either; rather, this book is about the thorny issues, about how Catholicism's primary convictions lead to convincing answers about the tough questions. Take for instance the often debated question of women's ordination. In just a few short pages, Weigel offers a persuasive answer to why the Catholic Church teaches that she cannot ordain women. (I will let you read the book to get his answer).

Truth of Catholicism is a great gift for inquiring minds of any or no faith. For those who are puzzled by the paradox of a person like Cardinal O'Connor who could be a forceful teacher of the Church's sexual doctrine while changing the bedpans of AIDS patients, this book explains that there is no paradox. Catholic Christianity when lived to its fullest does not lend itself to the neat labels of the secular press. The book is also a great read for the average Catholic who like me is the product of poor catechesis. In a short 180 pages, Weigel teaches more than one is likely to learn in most Catholic religious education programs over one's childhood and adolescence.

In short, I cannot recommend Weigel's book highly enough. It paints a picture of an intoxicating adventure-the adventure of Catholicism.

An excellent book that directly and succinctly explains many issues at the heart of Christianity today....and one that doesn't water down matters. To the reviewers who feel snubbed by Weigel's work I would suggest you re-read the book. As a Christian I didn't perceive any arrogance in his 'apologia'.
Perhaps some Catholics have a mistaken understanding (or under appreciation) of the Church as the Bride of Christ. This would go for many non-Catholic Christians as well. However, this is most likely attributable to our age's poverty when it comes to appreciating all things transcendent. This book is well worth a read, and frankly, a re-read and reflection. And if you liked this book, Weigel's other works, consider his biography of JP2 'Witness to Hope' and his 'Courage to be Catholic'. Weigel is one of the most approachable and competent Catholic apologist on the scene today, as is Peter Kreeft.

Whether you like this book will depend on how central you believe the gospel is to Catholicism. This book struck me as an exercise in apologetics for Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger. There was very little of the gospel to be found.

I bought the book on the basis of the welcoming introduction, "An invitation to come inside", which echoed the warmth & welcome of most congregations I know. After a few chapters, though, I felt the doors were clanging shut behind me.

The book is well-written and is a good exposition of the positions of the current leadership of the church and how some of its more controversial positions have developed. Taking that into account, I gave it 3 stars. However, because of its uncritical acceptance of an extremely culture-bound understanding of catholicism, without relating it to the touchstone of the gospels, please read with caution. Read the New Testament instead.

Mr. Weigel, an eminent Catholic theologian, truly does the Church a service by explaining in depth the reasoning behind some of Catholicism's most controversial positions. Whether you are a committed Catholic or an ex-Catholic, you will benefit from this book.

The one aspect of "The Truth of Catholicism" that stands out in my mind is its philosophical/theological approach to issues. This isn't a conventional book in the sense that one can "open" to "the" chapter on, say, contraception and find answers. Mr. Weigel's book is brilliantly cumulative; that is, understanding of succeeding topics depends on understanding of certain Catholic principles and concepts that he spells out before discussing the actual "controversies." "The Truth of Catholicism," for me, was eye opening because it explained these bedrock principles that, as a Catholic, even I had not understood or been aware of. It really gave me an appreciation for the sheer depth of Catholic philosophy and thinking.

My only complaint is that the book was just too short! Regrettably, the author leaves some to be desired on the issues of divorce and ordination of women. As I was reading I wanted to dialogue with Mr. Weigel, ask him questions about this or that conclusion. But I do recommend the book wholeheartedly!

Okay, now, for those of you who think Finney was such a great "evangelist" who brought in so many "converts" to Christ, you should study some of his beliefs before you go on saying how great a preacher and revivalist Finney was. Finney denied justification by grace through faith alone, total depravity, inherited and imputed sin, and prevenient grace. As a result, people become their own saviour. Obviously, the problem with these types of revivalisms are that they have no solid and orthodox theological foundation.

After having read this book, I have mixed emotions. First, I'd say that I learned quite a bit, and enjoyed the tremendous amount of research the author put in. Hambrick-Stowe is clearly knowledgeable and it comes through in the book.

My main hesitations in recommending this book are the almost gratuitous jabs the author takes at Finney and others that really take away from the scholarly feel. For example, after his conversion, Finney quit his practice as a lawyer and told a client (as he writes in his autobiography), "I have a retainer from the Lord Jesus Christ to plead his cause, and I cannot plead yours." Hambrick-Stowe felt the need to follow this up with the line "A famously witty utterance, it is also the kind of line that may have gotten better with each telling until it finally saw print" (p. 19). This type of cynical statement, grounded only in the author's speculation, almost ruined the book for me. He does it several times. Sometimes it's based on his opinion (as the above example). Other times, when there are two conflicting accounts, he will select one as the "correct" version and then put the other version in a bad light. He does this a few times with Finney's Memoirs. Charles Finney wrote his Memoirs (his autobiography) when he was in his seventies, about events that happened up to fifty years earlier. Interestingly, he asked his wife to burn it the day before he died. He never even intended his autobiography to be published! Though there are undoubtedly some errors in his Memoirs, it was actually a "prodigious feat of memory" as Hambrick-Stowe calls it (p. 292). Whenever Hambrick-Stowe finds a discrepancy in it, he should have been more charitable, realizing it was the work of a man in his seventies who did not intend it to be published. In general, I wish he had been less caustic in general, especially in the early parts of the book.

To his credit, Hambrick-Stowe does nicely set Finney in the historical context, and acknowledges the immense accomplishments and genius that Finney had. He ends with the appropriate quote from James Morgan that "There was in him [Finney], in prayer, the most remarkable power that I have ever seen in any human being."

Charles G. Finney And the Spirit of American Evangelicalism By Charles E. Hambrick-Stowe

The book Charles G. Finney by Charles E. Hambrick-Stowe is a biography of an influential nineteenth-century Christian, Charles G. Finney. Hambrick-Stowe writes of the ways that Finney influence on the people brought forth the spirit of American evangelism. The author looks at Finney as a typical American, and as a Spirit filled believer mixed into one. One of the major themes in the book is how this complex man, Finney, managed to hold together the very different religious beliefs. These beliefs were of Presbyterian New School-Old School schism, and the Calvinist and Wesleyan versions of the Protestant gospel. Another theme is about the effectiveness of Finney ministry and his way of preaching. Before his conversion Finney was an apprentice to a lawyer, and Hambrick-Stowe points out how this had much influence on the way that Finney preached. Finney began his preaching career in and around New York after the first Great Awakening, and before the Civil War. According to Hambrick-Stowe's account of Finney's conversion and preaching ministry, was anything but traditional. Hanbrick-Stowe continually points out different times that Finny broke with the traditional ways of preaching and went on to forge new ways to evangelize the American people with much vivacity. Hambrick-Stowe did not believe that Finney started the Second Great Awakening, but he was a major contributor influenced by preachers from the Great Awakening. His critical thinking skills and the poor preachers that he heard before his conversion helped strengthen his conviction to present the gospel with furor. Hambrick-Stowe makes Finney out to be the spark that lit the fire of evangelism. Because there was much turmoil in the church, and a lack of enthusiasm in preaching, Finney's style spoke directly to the people and brought on deep conviction of even the hardest critic. People responded to Finney's preaching because he used whatever method was necessary for the congregation. The greater the crisis in the community where Finney preached, the greater the response to the Holy Spirit. If a town or city were experiencing turmoil in any sense of the word, they would look to religion to lighten the burden of the social and economic status. Finney used this to his advantage in the pulpit. Hambrick-Stowe lets the reader believe that another reason for the effectiveness of Finney's preaching is due to Finney's personal interest in the people Spiritual wellbeing. In his ministry, Finney would go to different people's house to talk to them on a personal level, and to get a better understanding of them. He would talk to the local authorities and the religious leaders as well. Finney would encourage people to pray for the ministry, for penitents to give their lives to Christ, and for those who had special needs to come up to the front to be prayed for. Hambrick-Stowe tells us that another factor that contributed to Finney's influence was his message for all peoples regardless of age, race, or sex. Even during a time of heated theological debate between the denominations, Finney brought harmony where there was discord between people. Finney's role in the time was of a person who led the way for a new means of revival that continue today. His idea's of salvation for all persons was a new idea after the puritan and Calvinistic ideas of predestination. Finney encouraged door-to-door evangelism, personal testimonies in a service, and even women's testimonies. This is a good educational book.

Catholic social teaching took an important turn when Pope John Paul II promulgated his magisterial encyclical Centesimus Annus in 1991. The Pope dealt with a wide range of topics, but focused special attention on economic justice. While there is much that a democratic capitalist (to broow Michael Novak's useful phrase) might quibble with in the encyclical, it nevertheless rewards careful reading. Unfortunately, this book does not do it justice. The book is in two parts. First, a poorly edited condensation of the encyclical itself. Second, a collection of essays. The commentaries mostly appeared in a 1991 issue of National Review. They average 3-4 printed pages. The analysis is uniformly shallow and even trite. In short, there is little here that would be of interest to the serious scholar or even the informed layman.