Since my first reading of "The Call of Pope Octavian" it has become one of my favorite novels. Set during the conclave called to choose a successor to a retiring Pope John Paul II, this novel has what it takes to hold my attention. History, the promise of church reforms and a dash of suspense make this a thought provoking book.

This story is told from two perspectives. The principal one is that of Andrea Aschenbrenner, the religion reporter for the St. Louis Lodestar. Aschenbrenner's deeply felt concerns about the role of women in the church are revealed during her discussions with other American reporters covering the conclave, in as well as in her quiet time thoughts. The other perspective is that of the fly on the wall at conversations of the cardinal electors prepatory to and during the conclave.

Father Faherty, professor Emeritus of history at St. Louis University, uses Andrea's interviews with her St. Louis University professors and others with whom she comes in contact to expound on his views of recent church history. The historical assessments of Twentieth Century Popes is very edifying. Highlights of Papal which history work their way into the dialogues force the readers rethink our own understandings of current institutions of the Church. The explanation of the significance of the name Octavian gives a hint to the reforms to be implemented by the new Pope who adopts that moniker. Father Faherty's views of some St. Louis institutions and personalities are clearly seen through the thin veil of this novel.

With his election, Pope Octavian immediately implements a series of reforms which alter the church structure as we know it. While based on sound Catholic doctrines and authoritative church documents, the reforms can be described, in essence, as the conquest of American inspired spirit of liberty over the faith in Rominata, the attitude that sees all wisdom in Rome, which has so long held sway over the Vatican.

One a personal basis, the repeated references to places and institutions with which I am familiar and persons who I know, or know of, adds to the enjoyment of this splendid book. The reference to one council father of a "physically unimpressive cardinal from some place along the Mississippi" is easily recognized as the bishop by whom I was confirmed.

Whether you are a St. Louisan or not, "The Call of Pope Octavian is an excellent read for anyone interested in the history and, more importantly, the future of the Church.

Called to Teach is not just another book for teaching method, its unique focus is based on the Christian model of teaching. Therefore teaching becomes incomplete when one knows solely on teaching, the key to the successful teaching determines by the heart of the teacher. The effect of teaching in the Lord can profoundly touch eternity. The key principle of becoming a successful teacher is to humble ourselves before God, a life submission. The root of teaching model in book is built on the idea of ¡§dynamic synergism¡¨. Dynamic synergism literally means combined elements with a driving force. The book is consistently focused on three elements of teaching and learning: heart, head, and hand. These elements are inseparable if one wishes to become a dynamic synergist. One thing I like the most about the book is its emphasis on the heart of teacher, a heart that would go beyond just teaching, rather it is a heart for life change teaching.

I bought this book as a result of hearing Bill Nix on a radiotalk show, while driving to work. Organizational Development is amajor area of professional interest to me. Bill Nix takes on thecomplex subject of individual and organizational behavior, and simplifies these into ten principles which can be understood and applied by any leader, at any level, in any organization. There is no "psychobabble" here, just good solid sense. Bill provides many practical illustrations of the key principles from his everyday experience. Undoubtedly, the reader will have many examples of hisor her own to add. The key concept of establishing your own individual purpose in life, then connecting it with the stated purpose of the organization in which you work, and applying these ten principles, may seem simple on the surface, but will provoke much soul searching. Some will find that they recognize areas where personal change is absolutely necessary. Some may even find that, when they examine this question honestly, these factors are so incompatible that they must make a change in their employment. I was personally so challenged by the book that I decided to contact the author directly about using this program as a means of effecting change in organizations. Bill Nix is as engaging in person as he is in print. This book is well worth the modest price, even if all you use it for is personal self-examination and improvement. It is beyond price if you decide to pursue the concepts further and apply them to your organization.

E-Mail Me After You Have Read This Book. It Will Change Your Life For The Better.

EXCELLENT! If you are looking for a biblical way to help the suffering soul I encourage you to buy this book. This book helps to clarify how you can point people back to God for their answers. It helped me to show people how to seek help and healing from the only One who can touch the wound of the soul. Only God "heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). You can learn how to direct people to Him. I hope you love the book as much as I do!

William Temple's 'Christian Faith and Life' is a collection of lectures that Temple, who made a career of being a bishop (and ultimately Archbishop of Canterbury, like his father before him) in the Church of England, delivered at Oxford in 1931. These lectures comprise an easily accessible, down-to-earth exposition of Temple's theology, which has had an enduring impact both on Anglican theology generally, and practical ecumenical theology more generally.

'The mind grows always by intercourse with a mind more mature than itself.'

Temple's writing has been instrumental in giving shape to Anglican theology, which, as the 'official church' of Britain and many parts of the British Empire, also influences the theological directions of many other denominations.

'The whole case of religion, through all ages, is that it is a venture, a quest of faith.' Temple argues that to have direct, concrete and verifiable certainty of the reality of God negates the spiritual merit of faith. Faith in an Ultimate Being, of ultimate good and compassion and mercy, is central to the Christian faith, and has parallels in most other religious constructs, even those officially or notionally polytheistic.

'Faith consists so far in the determination to live and to think as if this thing were true, and to find how far we can solve life's problems by the use of that hypothesis.' This becomes the essential question in practical theology. If there is a God (if we have faith that there is a God) what then must we do? The Christian answer to this is a surprising one, given the nature of God in the Christian concept.

'The Christian conception of God begins with an exaltation of the Divine Majesty, the greatest the mind can conceive, but when the greatness and the far-reaching power, might and authority of God exhibit themselves in man, it is by washing the disciples' feet.'

The fundamental call of God, for Temple's theological construct, is the call of service to our fellows. Temple was living and writing in the post-Victorian world, in which the comfortable stability of culture, society and morals had been shaken by the first World War and the quickening pace of technological advance, urbanisation, the beginnings of post-industrialism, and a reassertion of an accepted skepticism and diversity in most human endeavours. 'Nothing comes under this new criticism more fully than everything which might be regarded as a moral convention.'

Temple espouses a strong moral code that is rooted in eternal truths, one that is nonetheless flexible enough not to be dismissed and ignored by current culture.

Temple explores the role of the church, the role of sacraments and prayer, the relevance of common Christian symbols and the activity of the Holy Spirit in this short book of lectures. Clear and concise, practical and spiritual, this brief book outlines a compassionate and full theology that is as fresh and vital today as it was when first formulated in the inter-war period. High on practical application and usefulness, the scholar may find some rigour missing here. Temple, however, took his charge, as a cleric to be an educator, seriously, in this and other writings.

I highly recommend this book for American Christians who are going to Europe. The authors have done an excellent job of including the obvious sites of Christian significance (Notre Dame, Rome, etc.) and balancing them with relatively obscure sites (Austria's St. Florian Abby, for example).

Other things I like about this book:

* The "Country in a Capsule" section at the beginning of each country section provides an excellent introduction to each country -- very well done.

* The inclusion of even minor "countries" -- Gibraltar, Andorra, Malta (which I now want to visit!), Liechtenstein, Iceland, Monaco and of course the Vatican City (they left out San Marino, though -- its not even in the Italy section) is refreshing, and I found them to be very interesting. * The sprinkling in of some (well-selected) not specifically Christian sites. The authors seem to understand that even "Christian Travelers" will want to see some of the other major sites in Europe, too, and so they provide a valuable service in reporting on these places for us through Christian eyes.

Because "The Christian Traveler's Companion: Western Europe" does not include information on lodging, restaurants and transportation (trains, buses, etc.), they pack a lot into their 360 pages. Because of this, though, you will also need to purchase a more general travel guide book, too, to give you that kind of information. You will find only modest overlap between a general interest guide to Europe and this one.

Overall, well worth having -- I recommend it!

Bill Crump has written a very informative book about the Christmas traditions that answer many questions about the season that many of us have had. I especially liked the customs and traditions of the holiday seasons from the other countries, as I'm sure many other people will who are researching family histories. Way to go Dr. Bill.

Lisa's truth provided me a mirror that reflected my own life. As I examined my plight, her book, A Circle of Friends Celebrating Life, encouraged me and strengthened me with the courage to walk away from 30 years of mental and physical abuse.

Thank You,
A Survivor of Domestic Violence

This book contains many tales by Hans Christean Anderson that entertain children of all ages. My children did a play about Hans Christean Anderson and after reading the book they love his stories even more. It is a wonderful book that brang enjoyment to my whole family! I recommend it for your kids as well!