Wednesday, November 20, 2013

same kind of different as me.


Book Review.

Hall, Ron.  Moore, Denver.  With Lynn Vincent.   Same kind of different as me.  A modern-day slave, an international art dealer, and the unlikely woman who bound them together.  Thomas Nelson. 2006

Comment.  Henry

A fascinating true story written in novel form.  It is very unlikely that the lives of a modern-day slave, Denver Moore, and an international art dealer, Ron Hall, could have intertwined like they did given the barriers of discrimination and prejudice that were (and perhaps still are) common in that environment.  The story is a powerful example of positive change, of courage and spiritual strength.  There are heart-wrenching episodes of emotion that are not uncommon to life. 

Reaching out to the homeless is something that none of us should ignore.  All of us can be involved at some level.  In this story Deborah Hall had a very unique, influential ministry to the homeless (especially Denver Moore) of the Union Gospel Mission on East Lancaster Street in Fort Worth Texas.  It was in this setting where Ron and Denver began their unusual relationship.

“This book is more than a memoir- it captures the presence of the only presence of the spirit that can transform the problems of our society.” Rick Perry- Governor of Texas. 

hdirksen.blogspot.com

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Gilead.


Book Review.

Robinson, Marilynne.  Gilead.  A novel.  Harper- Perennial. 2004.

Comment.  Henry.

I am a relative newcomer to reading novels.  I rely on recommendations from friends.  Although it took me a bit of ‘adjusting’ to get into this novel I did enjoy my read.  I particularly appreciated the religious focus of the author.  The historical setting was an interesting thread. 

I list several endorsements with which I heartily agree.  “Good novels about spiritual life are rare.  This is the best.” –Newsweek.  “Quietly powerful (and) moving articles of faith.” – O magazine.  “This is a morally and emotionally complex novel. . . . where every word matters. . . . A classic that should be read. savored, and read again.” –The Courier-Journal (Louisville)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

Sunday, November 10, 2013

In The Valley of the Shadow


Book Review.

Kugel, James L.  In The Valley of the Shadow.  On the foundations of religious beliefs.  Free Press.  2011.

J.K.-Starr Professor of Literature at Harvard University (emeritus).  Lives in Jerusalem, Israel.

Comment.  Henry.

I picked this book up at the library.  My selection of books is made based on title and a quick look at intros and/or prefaces.  This book has neither.  The motivation for this book came as a result of a diagnosis of terminal cancer.  That created certain anticipation for me as to where the author might be going.  The academic, researched focused approach was a disappointment to me.  This is an academic thesis on the different aspects of religion.  It is not what I had anticipated.

James describes his initial response to the diagnosis of terminal cancer as a stoppage of the background music of life. (15)  He turns to the topic of religion and its “vanity” (23) as he explains his experience with chemotherapy.  Religion is portrayed as an experience of the brain much like epilepsy.  There is a “‘God spot’ in the human brain.” (61) 

The world of the soul is a “stark world” (89) indeed.  The reality of suffering and death especially of innocent people raises the “sickening question” (153) about God being the source of good and evil.  The development of monotheism ended the significance of omens.  Scholars agree that there isn’t any difference between religion and magic. (192)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com