Book Description
It begins with the sudden revelation of astonishing secrets—secrets that have shaped the personalities and fates of three siblings, and now threaten to tear them apart. In renowned author Elizabeth Berg’s moving new novel, unearthed truths force one seemingly ordinary family to reexamine their disparate lives and to ask themselves: Is it too late to mend the hurts of the past?
Laura Bartone anticipates her annual family reunion in Minnesota with a mixture of excitement and wariness. Yet this year’s gathering will prove to be much more trying than either she or her siblings imagined. As soon as she arrives, Laura realizes that something is not right with her sister. Forever wrapped up in events of long ago, Caroline is the family’s restless black sheep. When Caroline confronts Laura and their brother, Steve, with devastating allegations about their mother, the three have a difficult time reconciling their varying experiences in the same house. But a sudden misfortune will lead them all to face the past, their own culpability, and their common need for love and forgiveness.
Readers have come to love Elizabeth Berg for the “lucent beauty of [her] prose, the verity of her insights, and the tenderness of her regard for her fellow human” (Booklist). In
The Art of Mending, her most profound and emotionally satisfying novel to date, she confronts some of the deepest mysteries of life, as she explores how even the largest sins can be forgiven by the smallest gestures, and how grace can come to many through the trials of one.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Better Berg?.......2007-07-29
I'd read Berg's writing book and decided to check out one of her novels. I believe, at least according to other reviewers, this isn't the best one. The story was okay, but the writing and characterization were fair. I was very disappointed after reading her book on writing (Escaping into the Open)--which was delightful.
The Art of Mending left out the "art" part of it. It was difficult to finish because it seemed to be a rough draft--where the characters were just beginning to be fleshed out, but not quite there yet. There was no real climax. It read more like a boring memoir. And it didn't ring true in many places. The mother never seemed like a real person, just a pawn to move the story forward.
I'm sure Berg is capable of better, so I'll read a couple of her other books. But this one fell flat.
Forgiveness.......2007-07-15
Elizabeth Berg has touched many with this book, teaching many of us the art of love and forgiveness.
Great, typical Berg writing..........2007-05-10
I am a HUGE fan of Elizabeth Berg. Her writing is addictive--poignant and inspirational. This was a fabulous page-turner, as I've found is typical with all of her other books.
A Lukewarm Reading Experience.......2007-05-03
This is "light reading" to the point that it may insult your intelligence. The book has a very casual, superficial, and lighthearted approach to some very heavy issues. The book involved a lot of detachment. The characters are completely detached from one another and from reality. The author also seems detached from her characters, from reality, and from her readers themselves. All of this ambivalence might leave readers feeling detached from the whole story as well. Towards the end, I really felt as though Elizabeth Berg just wrote this novel to collect another paycheck from her publisher. (In an interview with the author at the end of the book, she does actually seem to imply that writing this book was more of a duty than a pleasure since she was under contract). Unfortunately, her approach to this book as a job rather than an artistic endeavor really comes across in her writing.
The characters are ridiculously one-dimensional and the plot is predictable in a very disappointing way. The main character Caroline is extremely frustrating in her selfishness, self-absorption, and dangerously extreme simplemindedness. Perhaps she was intentionally portrayed in this manner, but her behavior made for a difficult read. The underlying themes of abuse, familial neglect, grief, and mourning aren't given the amount of emotion, sensitivity, and thoughtfulness they deserve.
There were a few bright spots sprinkled here and there. Some of Berg's imagery is absolutely beautiful and many of her metaphors are sheer poetry. But overall, the book is very formulaic, and most of it reads like the script for one of those infamously awful made-for-tv movies on Lifetime.
Thought-provoking.......2007-01-23
This book has flaws and I would really like to give it three and a half stars because of those flaws, but it was such a good read, I don't want to discourage anyone from selecting it. The character of Pete didn't ring true to me--he's too perfect. He always understands, always says the right thing,is always there to engage,etc. I also thought the character of Maggie was a bit unreal. I loved the character of Steve. He was just right as the brother who wants to understand, but more than anything, really just doesn't want to be bothered. He has his memories neatly tied up and he doesn't want his life upset by something that happened years ago. Laura doesn't want that for her own life either, especially with her father just dying. But when the unraveling starts, she realizes that she must know and understand. The absolute best thing about this book is the portrayal of the mother, warts and all, and Caroline, who isn't a very likeable character yet draws you into her quest for validation. I honestly didn't know until the end what the truth was. And I found myself being sympathetic to all those involved--even the guilty.
Book Description
To save her failing bakery, Lina trades souls with Persephone, the Goddess of Spring--and starts falling for hunky Hades.
Customer Reviews:
The best thing about this book is the title. And that's not saying much........2007-10-01
Hades, ruler of the underworld in mythology, is handsome. He has a palace. See Hades. See Hades' palace. See the "mature" heroine win Hades' heart with her kindness and good spirit. See Hades and Heroine have silly and predictable misunderstandings. See all work out well in the end. Ta da! Romance writing is easy! We can all do it!
The previous reviewer hit the nail on the head here when she wrote that this is a fill in the blanks romance novel. The premise seemed so promising but I'm so disappointed with this dull attempt at a novel.
Who knew Hell could be so inviting? .......2007-08-22
I love PC Casts Goddess series and this one is no different. It finds our heroine trading places with a goddess and visiting hell, literally. Who knew hell could be so inviting? Hades is strong, sexy and dangerous. All the things that make a woman swoon. This is another in a long line of good books where the heroine and the man come together and its sexy, fun, and at times laugh out loud funny. Ms Cast has a way of telling a story that pulls you in and makes you feel like you are there. I recommend this one to anyone.
For Mythology Lovers.......2007-05-13
With her Goddess Summoning series, P.C. Cast is breaking into the fantasy genre with her witty banter and far from perfect characters with whom you can relate. Demeter is a far more wise mother, Persephone is not just another pretty face, and you can't help but love Carolina as she realizes that you can't believe everything you read. Cast has breathed new life into mythology, and given us book lovers another reason to stay up at night.
Bow Down Before the Patron Goddess of Mary Sues.......2007-04-11
This is my second book by PC Cast. The first one was Goddess of the Rose. After reading them both, I'm sensing a pattern here.
Goddess of Spring is very loosely based on the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. Lina is a middle aged baker who's just received some bad news. An accounting error leaves her owing so much in back taxes that if she doesn't think of something quick, her bakery, Pani del Goddess, is going to go under. While experimenting with new recipes to expand her bakery's menu, she summons Demeter. Demeter offers her a deal: change bodies with her flighty off-spring Persephone. Persephone will save the bakery, but Lina in return must descend into the Underworld for six months. Demeter explains that the realm of the dead needs the touch of a mature woman. Of course while Lina is there she falls in love with the Underworld's god, Hades. Much hand-wringing ensues about how he will react when Lina and Demeter's deception is exposed.
Let's get it out of the way: The Goddess Summoning series is a big fat Mary Sue wish fulfillment series. In Goddess of the Rose and Goddess of Spring a middle aged woman from Oklahoma is chosen to be the goddess of some fantasy realm. She goes from being a struggling nobody to being large and in charge. In the fantasy land, she wins over the love of her subjects through her natural charms and wisdom, and makes everyone's life much better. It gets to the point that no body can function without her guidance. This is not a bad thing. As far as Mary Sue fantasies go, these are actually pretty low key. Complementing it all is PC Cast's lovely, descriptive prose. Her descriptions of the Underworld are really what carry the story, because there is not much plot here. From the on set we know there will be a romance and eventually Hades will find out that Lina is not what she appears. The story just meanders from event to event until it reaches that point.
My biggest problem with this and Goddess of the Rose was there is something about the love interest that makes me feel unclean. I have no idea why I feel that way about Hades. He's just so..... nondescript and anti-social. I think it has to do with one scene in which Lina decides to have a bath out in the garden. Hades gets an eye-full and it leads to a rather Ewwwwww moment. At least I know why the guy from the Rose book creeped me out. It was based off Beauty and the Beast so the guy had horns, fur, and cloven hooves.
That's Goddess of Spring in a nutshell. A pleasant beach read, nothing more, nothing less. I just wish Cast could cook up some more exciting plot lines. If these stories ever went beyond Mary Sue fixes world with her awesome maternal nature, I think these stories would take a significant step up.
Goddess Series Review.......2006-08-06
I like finding a new author with a fresh voice... PC Casts Goddess Series is just that. She takes the old mythology and puts a delightful spin on these stories. Incorporating the old with the present. The women in her stories could be any of us modern woman. Thanks PC for a great read. I look forward to the rest of your stories.
Product Description
This book represents a selection of spells and potions using only your cauldron. This is a 35-year collection that has been worked by me, gleaned from working in various covens, or given to me by friends.
There are spells, potions, various magical recipes, and the like. You will find a list of items in the back of this book to help you in creating your own spells. No matter what your belief - Pagan, Wiccan, Kitchen Witch, etc. - there is something here for you. Locate a spell that best suits your present needs, and let the cauldron bubble!
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Book Highly recommended to all.......2007-03-05
Truly a wonderful and needful book for every Pagan. Tons of fantastic Cauldron receipes, which desperately needed to be written. I am so thrilled to finally have a Cauldron spell book that is jammed packed with lots of spells, potions and more. This book is now one of my favorites and would recommend every Pagan, Wiccan and Druid to get this. Written from the heart and so easy to read and understand as well. Thank you.
Fire up the cauldron!.......2007-03-05
This is a wonderful book - packed with spells and potions for every situation, and the first book I've seen devoted to using a cauldron. Whatever you may need to do, be it blessing, healing, protecting, or banishing, you can find a spell in here. Spiritual bath recipes are included. There is even the occasional soup recipe! This is a must-have reference book for every kitchen witch's library! I'm looking forward to more works from this author.
Average customer rating:
- The Wilderness Within shows Beauty within!
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The Wilderness Within
Barbara Spring
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 20th Century | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Collections & Readers | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
United States | Single Authors | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands | South America | Latin America | Travel | Subjects | Books
General | Adventure | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1592867855 |
Book Description
The Wilderness Within is a collection of poetry and a few travel essays. They draw upon the experiences of ordinary life looked at in an extraordinary way.
Customer Reviews:
The Wilderness Within shows Beauty within!.......2004-10-05
Barbara Spring shows all who will take a moment to ponder her poetry the beauty that is within, without and all around us in our natural world and our more ancient traditions. Spring takes her experiences and her knowledge of the human race's cultural richness and weaves the two into a lyrical experience for her readers.
I highly recommend The Wilderness Within for everyone. This little jewel has something for the well read and the novice.
Reviewer name: Deven Vasko of Betsie's Literary Page @ http://betsie.tripod.com/literary/
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Classic Chinese Short Stories, Volume 1 (Unabridged)
Meng-lung, Sung-ling, Hsun, Shao-Chun, Ta-fu, Lin Yu, Feng, P'u, Lu, Yeh, Yu Tang
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B0001EM8KU |
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Goddess of Spring
Manufacturer: Berkley Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HMA5NI |
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[Inti Jalsu]
William L Melvin
Manufacturer: Institute of Current World Affairs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00073BCCU |
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The Preludes Series : Darkness and Light, Kendermore, Brothers Majere, Riverwind the Plainsman, Flint the King, Tanis: The Shadow Years (Complete Dragonlance Series - 6 vols)
Paul B.; Carter, Tonya R.; Kirchoff, Mary; Stein, Kevin; Niles, Douglas; Siegel, Barbara; Siegel, Scott Thompson
Manufacturer: TSR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000JKQ9WO |
Average customer rating:
- Brief and Engaging
- morality
- The Optimistic Jew
- Outstanding and prophetic
- Ostensibly about education -- in reality, about life
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The Abolition of Man
C. S. Lewis
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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Ethics & Morality
| Philosophy
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| Theology
| Reference
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
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General
| Theology
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| Christianity
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Similar Items:
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The Weight of Glory
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The Great Divorce
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The Problem of Pain
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Miracles
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The Four Loves
ASIN: 0060652942
Release Date: 2001-03-20 |
Amazon.com
C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man purports to be a book specifically about public education, but its central concerns are broadly political, religious, and philosophical. In the best of the book's three essays, "Men Without Chests," Lewis trains his laser-sharp wit on a mid- century English high school text, considering the ramifications of teaching British students to believe in idle relativism, and to reject "the doctrine of objective value, the belief that certain attitudes are really true, and others really false, to the kind of thing the universe is and the kinds of things we are." Lewis calls this doctrine the "Tao," and he spends much of the book explaining why society needs a sense of objective values. The Abolition of Man speaks with astonishing freshness to contemporary debates about morality; and even if Lewis seems a bit too cranky and privileged for his arguments to be swallowed whole, at least his articulation of values seems less ego-driven, and therefore is more useful, than that of current writers such as Bill Bennett and James Dobson. --Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
C. S. Lewis sets out to persuade his audience of the importance and relevance of universal values such as courage and honor in contemporary society.
Customer Reviews:
Brief and Engaging.......2007-09-19
In this brief book, C.S. Lewis discusses the failing of relativism and affirms the existence of objective moral values. This system of objective values, which Lewis calls the Tao, must be granted if there are to be any values whatsoever. In a long appendix at the end of the book, Lewis shows that all (or almost all) cultures, both past and present, have affirmed some basic moral principles that are part of the Tao. Against the relativist claim that all socieities have their own moral codes, Lewis demonstrates that all humans are guided by an underlying system of objective values which they may or may not recognize.
In the third and final chapter, Lewis foresees a day when men have complete control over the destinies of the next generation. Should men achieve an take advantage of such power, it would not mean that man had finally dominated nature. Rather, it would mean the abolition of man. Unguided by the Tao, man's decisions about what future generations should be like would by guided only by natural impulses. Thus, by destroying the Tao and attempting to dominate nature, man can only succeed in destroying himself.
Like always, Lewis writes with great clarity and intelligence. "The Abolition of Man" is an enjoyable read and certainly worth checking out.
morality.......2007-09-15
I did not particularly like this book because it was a very hard reading. The moral lessons it teaches though are lessons that we cannot avoid. Yes, there is morality, but it would be almost impossible for a teacher to teach these lessons these days. Too many lawyers around.
The Optimistic Jew.......2007-08-31
"The Abolition of Man" rejects moral relativism and affirms "the doctrine of objective value, the belief that certain attitudes are really true, and others really false, to the kind of thing the universe is and the kinds of things we are." This very tiny book makes cogent, witty and eloquent arguments against a nihilistic view of the world that has become the foundation of postmodernist deconstructionism. To proponents of this intellectual pose he says: "...you cannot go on `explaining away' forever...You cannot go on `seeing through' things forever...To `see through' all things is the same as not to see." This book reinforced my basic instinct that the pessimistic nihilism of postmodernism (as well as Jewish post-Zionism) are wrong at some very fundamental level. It's theme was one of the forces driving me to write my own book "The Optimistic Jew: a Positive Vision for the Jewish People in the 21st Century".
Outstanding and prophetic.......2007-08-16
Lewis does an outstanding job exposing the current school of thought and its destined direction. Unfortunately, we have not heeded his warning and are already headed at full speed in the exact path he exposed. In my opinion, this is Lewis's best non fictional work.
Ostensibly about education -- in reality, about life.......2007-06-13
While a short book (my copy has only 121 pages) this book is about teaching and learning and how we pas our culture from generation to generation. But the reality of the book is that education is used as a foil for talking about how and why we transmit culture from one generation to the next. Because ultimately, that's what education is about, and why it's so important: because in educating children, we are telling them and ourselves about what is important, and why. A fine book, deceptively easy to read, but taking a long time to digest and reason through.
Amazon.com
Six by Lewis is an excellent introduction to the work of C.S. Lewis, the 20th century's premier Christian apologist. This special six-book collection includes The Abolition of Man, a defense of objective morality, which comprises the basis of his Christian apologetics; The Great Divorce, a Christian perspective on Heaven and Hell; Miracles, an examination of the possibility and probability of the miraculous; The Problem of Pain, an in-depth look at the tough issue of human suffering; The Screwtape Letters, a fictional discussion between two demons illustrating the frailties of the human conscience; and Mere Christianity, Lewis's crowning achievement, a rational defense of Christianity.
Customer Reviews:
A great introduction to a great writer........2003-03-26
This set collects together some of the more famous writings of C.S. Lewis, a man seemingly at ease talking philosophy, or just spinning fanciful yarns. Both are offered here for the reader's enjoyment.
THE ABOLITION OF MAN is a series of lectures on how, without a firm understanding of right and wrong, or plain old good and evil, humanity is destined to destroy itself.
THE GREAT DIVORCE is a lush phantasm about a spirit's journey to Heaven and what he sees and learns from the spirits there.
MERE CHRISTIANITY, what can I say about this brilliant study of the very core of what Christians believe and what the religion teaches. Just read it, it's beautiful.
Also included in the set are MIRACLES, THE PROBLEM WITH PAIN, and THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS.
Outstanding Christian Apologetics!.......2001-02-15
I bought an older edition of these works, when the paperbacks were $3.95 and the overall set was $27.95 in U. S. currency. Its one of the best overall sets I have bought.
These books are central to understanding Lewis as a Christian writer, and especially as an apologist. Most people may know him from NARNIA or one of these volumes, and it is a good place for introduction into the mind and works of C. S. Lewis. All the classics are here, from SCREWTAPE and MERE CHRISTIANITY along with ABOLITION OF MAN and three other works, all of which range from profound (the majority) to beautiful (THE GREAT DIVORCE).
THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS are a series of letters written from one devil to another, and present a very interesting point of view not often heard.
THE GREAT DIVORCE explores the doctrine of love and how without free choice there would be no hell. You either say "Thy will be done," to God, or God says "Thy will be done" to you. Its yr choice. The framing device is a bus trip from hell to heaven.
THE PROBLEM OF PAIN deals with why would a benevolent and loving God include pain in his universe, and the theological ramifications that pain brings into any dicussion of God or religion. Especially interesting, although admittedly speculative, is the chapter on animal pain. Lewis vehemently opposed vivesection, which comes out rather strongly in his novels THAT HIDEOUS STRENGTH and THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER.
MERE CHRISTIANITY stands as one of the best apologetic works for Christianity ever written. This is a book written for the lay person, and is one of the best tools for making it accessible to nonbelievers.
MIRACLES, the last apologetic book he ever wrote (there are religious works by Lewis after this, but they are more relaxed and do not have a rigid central arguement), deals with the subject of miracles in the universe.
THE ABOLITION OF MAN is a book length essay, devided into three parts, concerning the universal code of morality which MERE CHRISTIANITY talks about in its first two books.
Lewis was a very versatile writer, and along with THE ESSENTIAL C. S. LEWIS you have a good start into this wonderful writer. I have been a long time reader of him, and have only recently gotten into his literary criticism, of which none is represented here, although some in THE ESSENTIAL C. S. LEWIS. Although some are more for the specialists, it is a particulary rewarding experience, and he is a well trained guide in the field of literature. I highly recommend AN EXPERIMENT IN CRITICISM, which for me is his central work concerning literature.
A DEFINITE 'MUST HAVE'!.......2000-06-29
C.S. Lewis' essays are a MUST for everyone and anyone who is interested in good literature and/or wishes to think about things as we know them. His reflections, although deep and thorough, are also easily grasped and understood; the beauty and simplicity of his words makes these essays accessible to whomever is interested in them, both Christian and non-Christian (I'm an atheist myself). It is impossible for one to read them and not feel 'touched' by something which might be beyond our comprehension...
The Intellectual's Christian.......2000-02-15
If not one of the greatest Christian philosophers of the 20th century (perhaps of all time), C. S. Lewis was certainly among the most accessible to the lay reader not deeply conversant with theology or metaphysics. And as a professor of Mediaeval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge, and friend and confidant to T. S. Eliot, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy Sayers and many other major literary figures of the early to mid-1900's, his thoughts were constantly refined in discourse with the best minds of his day. This collection is an excellent introduction to Lewis' exceedingly broad range of thought. Mere Christianity was originally presented on BBC as broadcast lectures on the basic teachings of Christianity, which are, as presented by Lewis, quite though-provoking and compelling. The Great Divorce and The Screwtape letters deal fictionally and humorously with, respectively, the mind-set of heaven and hell, as well as the tendencies in human nature which provide both with their denizens. The Abolition of Man seriously tackles the role of the educational process in the development of character (or lack thereof) in its subjects, something quite relevant in a day of increasing mayhem in the schools. And Miracles and The Problem of Pain deal with fundamental philosophical issues that transcend denominational perspectives. These extremely challenging books are recommended, not only as a sampler of Lewis' unique perspective, but as an introduction to a pious life for readers who heretofore have seen faith only from a secular viewpoint.
A good selection.......2000-01-25
C.S. Lewis was such a prolific author on many topics that it can be difficult to know where to start. If you are interested in his Christian writings, these volumes are among his most accessible and popular. Many people discover Lewis through "The Screwtape letters," which is a humorous, fast read that nevertheless tackles deep issues and stays with you. If you are looking for a more intellectual discussion of what Christianity is to Lewis, and why he believes as he does, "Mere Christianity" is the volume to read. If you have read little bits and pieces of Lewis and want to get to know his work more thoroughly, the publishers have made a good selection with these six paperbacks.
Customer Reviews:
Not what it's cracked up to be.......2005-10-18
I normally enjoy Kreeft, and there are some merits to this book. His essay about whether the moral code can be abolished at all is very interesting.
That said, I got a book full of "Brave New World is upon us!" I don't disagree with that point, but I was hoping for more on "The Abolition of Man". If you're really looking for someone to tell you that the Brave New World is here, read this book, otherwise, get something else.
Tonic for our times.......2005-06-05
This book is a treat. One of the great Christian apologists, writers and thinkers of the last century is discussed by one of the best of this century. Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, here gives us an introduction to the thought and influence of the great Oxford don.
Both authors are known for their clarity of mind, their prolific literary output, and their commitment to the truths of historic Christianity. And both authors have been known as fearless warriors against the prevailing secularism and relativism of our culture.
Indeed, a major target of Lewis's pen was modernism and all that it entails. The rejection of the sacred and the elevation of the secular was a defining feature of modernism. It meant the exaltation of human reason and the rejection of non-human revelation. Autonomous man, guided only by intellect, could usher in a perfect world, accompanied by science and technology. Such a utopian quest was doomed to failure of course, and many of Lewis's works were directed at this theme.
The Abolition of Man was a classic volume in this regard. So too was the third volume of his space trilogy, That Hideous Strength. The naïve and baseless belief of modernism that fallen reason, aided and abetted by science (really scientism), could create a new man and an earthly paradise has been the cause of more human misery and death than any other worldview.
The Judeo-Christian worldview, which gave rise to Western civilisation, has been repudiated, resulting in a host of heresies that beguile modern man. Kreeft lists twenty "isms" that Lewis waged war against, all the products of the modernist rejection of it transcendent roots. These include subjectivism, cultural relativism, utilitarianism, pragmatism, cynicism, hedonism, and secularism.
These destructive isms plaguing the West today are part of a much bigger sweep of history. Lewis argued that the history of Western civilisation has been characterised by two monumental spiritual revolutions, the first from pre-Christian to Christian, the second from Christian to post-Christian.
He argued that the second revolution was more radical than the first, just "as divorce is more traumatic than marriage". The second change is happening quicker and is more destabilising. As a result, the soul of Western civilisation is dying. The real question is how long and how deep this second revolution will run.
The first revolution however is the permanent one. It may appear to have been eclipsed for now, but our vantage point is limited. True, the new dark ages may continue for quite sometime. Writing six years before the new millennium, Kreeft could argue that we have two options: "Either we will build Gothic cathedrals again, from a restored faith, or we will build the Tower of Babel again, from a restored apostasy".
As a prophetic figure, Lewis could clearly see the stark choice facing the West. He knew that if we rejected the right choice, many more horrors would await us. But if we choose wisely, the new dawn will soon arise.
The six meaty essays in this book offer the way out of the spiritual, cultural and intellectual morass we find ourselves in. The prophetic vision and insight of Lewis needs to be captured again by a new generation. And this book is an ideal means by which that can happen.
Boring.......2004-06-06
I have read most of C. S. Lewis's works. I have read some Kreeft before and I enjoyed his writings. However, these essays are boring. I could not get through them. The essays have very little to do with what Lewis thought and a lot to do with what Kreeft thinks about. What's more after the first essay, I could care less what Kreeft thinks about. I would suggest that you reread "Abolition of Man" again and save your money.
Eclipse of the First Things.......2003-07-18
"Can the natural law ever be abolished from the heart of man?" Prof. Kreeft presents both sides of the argument, pitting Aquinas ("no") against C.S. Lewis ("yes").
I think it is a "loose" argument. Lewis in The Abolition of Man says there will be no men left. Natural law ceases to be because man ceases to be. Does that mean that Lewis' position is correct - that the natural law can be abolished? Well, one might argue that if man himself ceases to be a moral agent, he is no longer truly human.
Kreeft holds out the hope that Aquinas is correct, that man will awaken to his danger.
But, in this polity, a society where people decide how to order their lives together, we are facing a powerful tyranny of thought that has granted unto itself the obligation of making those decisions. That power asserts that the belief of "an ethic or morality that transcends human invention" is a "religious" notion - and that religion can play no part - indeed, must not be permitted to play a part - in the life of the polity.
This tyranny of thought is found in the judicial chambers of our government, in the US Supreme Court and its circuit courts. Surely, the reasoning behind many Court decisions over the past 50 years can be found in the list of 20 "heresies" Prof. Kreeft supplies.
This book is a very "uncomfortable" work - reading it, one should be concerned about the erosion of the polity, should be unhappy about it, should be ready to do something about it. That list of 20 failed philosophies is the most important and valuable part of this work, and possibly the most uncomfortable aspect of it: I am sure the reader would recognize many of his or her own personal beliefs (and those that have been presented to him or her in school or church) described somewhere in that list.
We don't stone prophets anymore - the Court just rules them inadmissible.
A BOOK TO AVOID IF YOU ARE INTELLIGENT.......2002-10-17
The occasional good or interesting idea manages to escape from a confused sea of mannered verbiage. This is the written essence of talk radio. The writer seems more intent on giving paternalistic viewpoints in annoyingly cute expressions than explaining. A poor choice for an intelligent person. Rather than look at ideas, set them down, weigh them, and discuss methodically, this book rants. Would make good bird-cage flooring, however, and may be commended for that. The subject matter of the book is of great concern; the treatment, however, is for the mass consumption of the fear prone. I want my money back. The book should be called Kreeft for the Third Millenium, but then, who would buy it.
Average customer rating:
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The Abolition of Man & the Great Divorce
C. S. Lewis
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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Lewis, C.S.
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Lewis, C.S.
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Books on CD
| Audiobooks
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Similar Items:
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The Problem of Pain
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The Great Divorce
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Mere Christianity
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The Four Loves
ASIN: 0786198192 |
Average customer rating:
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The Abolition of Man
Manufacturer: Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H6W906 |
Average customer rating:
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The Abolition of Man
Manufacturer: MacMillan Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IBKZBU |
Average customer rating:
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The Abolition of Man
C. S. Lewis
Manufacturer: Macmillan Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000OQY71I |
Books:
- The Artist's Problem Solver: Practical Solutions from 10 Professional Artists for Painting in Watercolors, Oils, Pastels and Acrylics
- The Brush-Off: A Hair-raising Mystery
- The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal (Cat Who...)
- The Civil War Trilogy: Gods and Generals / The Killer Angels / The Last Full Measure
- The Comics Journal Library Vol. 7: Harvey Kurtzman (Comics Journal Library)
- The Complete Western Stories of Elmore Leonard CD
- The Cotton Queen
- The Enigma of Arrival: A Novel
- The Ethics Of Ambiguity
- The Five Bells and Bladebone
Books Index
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