Amazon.com
Howard Bahr compresses this moving Civil War novel into 48 hours--two short days filled with grim deaths and the prelude, at least, to a love story. First issued by a small Baltimore press in 1997,The Black Flower was nominated for four major awards, including one from the Academy of Arts and Letters, but failed to garner the attention paid to Cold Mountain. Civil War buffs will rejoice in Bahr's vivid retelling of the November 1864 Battle of Franklin, Tennessee. More to the point, The Black Flower transcends its historical fiction niche and deserves a wider audience. Confederate rifleman Bushrod Carter, the novel's protagonist, is wounded during the battle and taken to a nearby house. In this makeshift hospital, he and two childhood friends huddle together, "shivering with cold and exhaustion, ignoring the ghostly shapes still shuffling through the coiling smoke around them, calling the names of men who would never answer." Bahr has poured 20 years of research into his novel, but this haunting portrayal of suffering and death is the product not merely of historical diligence but also an impressive literary imagination. --Eugenia Trinkle
Book Description
The Black Flower is the gripping story of a young Confederate rifleman from Mississippi named Bushrod Carter, who serves in General John Bell Hood's Army of Tennessee during the Civil War battle that takes place in Franklin, Tennessee, in November 1864. Written with reverent attention to historical accuracy, the book vividly documents the fear, suffering, and intense friendships that are all present on the eve of the battle and during its aftermath. When Bushrod is wounded in the Confederate charge, he is taken to a makeshift hospital where he comes under the care of Anna, who has already lost two potential romances to battle. Bushrod and Anna's poignant attempt to forge a bond of common humanity in the midst of the pathos and horror of battle serves as a powerful reminder that the war that divided America will not vanish quietly into the page of history.
Customer Reviews:
Lyrical prose & gritty realism - a masterpiece.......2007-07-30
Though not without its flaws, "The Black Flower" is probably the best Civil War novel I have read to date. Set during the Battle of Franklin, it tells the story of Bushrod Carter, a Mississippi lad fighting with the Confederate Army of Tennessee. Wounded during the fighting, he is carried to a makeshift field hospital where he catches the eye of Anna, a young woman visiting her relatives who own the house. Be forewarned, this isn't a happy story, but the melancholy tone didn't seem depressing; perhaps the best way to describe the tone is "pensive" or "sweetly sad".
Howard Bahr spins his tale with poignancy and insight, and he wields the English language like a master swordsman. He conveys the ironies of war beautifully, and has an uncanny knack for getting inside the mind of the common Southern soldiers and civilians and revealing what makes them tick. Bahr gets the little details of soldier life right, and as a Civil War reenactor myself, I thought the book really rang true.
There are some problems. The language is foul at times, which is the only reason I decided not to keep the book in my library. There are a couple of sexual situations portrayed, too, and though I found them to be tastefully done, some may find them objectionable. Some may also dislike the supernatural element in the story (a mysterious horseman who is more or less the Angel of Death appears throughout), but I thought it was an interesting approach. Bahr also includes a few too many weird characters, a quirk that he shares with Charles Frazier (unfortunately, he takes it to an extreme in "The Year of Jubilo").
All things considered, "The Black Flower" is superb historical fiction, and (with the cautions mentioned above) I highly recommend it as a moving portrayal of the tragedy that was the Civil War.
Black Flower.......2007-07-12
I wish there were something higher to give this book than simply five stars. Bahr is, in my opinion, the best writer of Civil War fiction that I have ever read. He captures memory, the pain of memory, the destructiveness and the salvation of memory better than any author currently writing in English. Anyone with an interest in the Civil War or the South generally will probably do what I did with this book, meaning that I was so caught up in it that I read it in two sittings, and have reread portions of it a BUNCH of times (look at the first few pages of Chapter 7 if you want the best take on human memory currently out there). But it's not just the Civil War. It's about humans having faced hellish situations and somehow made it through, though even they don't know how. It's about surviving, and dealing with your own demons over years and years. Bahr is just terrific. I call any reader's attention to The Year of Jubilo and to the latest one, The Judas Field, as well. Terrific! Just terrific.
Beautifully written.......2007-05-18
A very poignant and compassionate look at the civil war. Extremely well written with detail to historical accuracy. Well worth your time to read if you are interested in the civil war period.
Another View.......2007-05-13
This is an excellent feature story on the ravages on the human soul during the civil war. Worthwhile reading to say the least.
doctorgraz.......2007-05-13
Not bad, but not the greatest novel I've read. Maybe I could exchange it for another book.............right.
Book Description
What can a respectable Regency miss do when kidnapped by a nobleman intent on marriage? Why, marry him, of course.
Julia Frant has secretly loved Alec MacLean, the wild Viscount Hunterston from afar. So when he accidentally snatches her instead of her lovely, scheming cousin for an elopement to Gretna Green, Julia leaps at the chance to make her passionate dreams come true.
Alec's in no position to quibble: if he doesn't marry by midnight and live scandal-free for a year, he loses his inheritance. At least marriage with do-gooder Julia will guarantee his fortune. But as his plain brown wren transforms herself into an elegant swan, Alec suddenly can't stay away from his last-minute wife--and when he kisses her, the inheritance is the last thing on his mind. Unfortunately, scandal can occur from the best of intentions...and Julia is never short of good intentions!What can a respectable Regency miss do when kidnapped by a nobleman intent on marriage? Why, marry him, of course.
What can a respectable Regency miss do when kidnapped by a nobleman intent on marriage? Why, marry him, of course.
Julia Frant has secretly loved Alec MacLean, the wild Viscount Hunterston from afar. So when he accidentally snatches her instead of her lovely, scheming cousin for an elopement to Gretna Green, Julia leaps at the chance to make her passionate dreams come true.
Alec's in no position to quibble: if he doesn't marry by midnight and live scandal-free for a year, he loses his inheritance. At least marriage with do-gooder Julia will guarantee his fortune. But as his plain brown wren transforms herself into an elegant swan, Alec suddenly can't stay away from his last-minute wife---and when he kisses her, the inheritance is the last thing on his mind. Unfortunately, scandal can occur from the best of intentions...and Julia is never short of good intentions!
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful read!.......2007-09-07
I thought this book was wonderful. It captured my interest right from the beginning and held it to the end. I was able to connect with the characters right away so I felt like I had a vested interest in the outcome. Karen Hawkins is a very talented writer. When I got to the end of the book I found myself wishing she would do a book on Alec's friend Lucien. I picked up the second book of hers I had ordered that day and it was about Lucien! I am reading that now and am just as enthralled with it.
Forgettable.......2007-09-03
I didn't like this book. I found it really boring. I had to force myself to finish it. The heroine was too perfect, and I didn't feel that she and the hero had a lot of chemistry. I prefer passionate love stories. They were so dull together. I don't think I'll be buying another book by this author.
Cute, but not really compelling.......2007-06-06
Alec, Vicount Hunterston, must marry before midnight in order to secure his inheritance. His chosen bride double crosses him, but by coincidence her cousin Julia arrives on the scene and has the necessary qualifications. They marry, "for convenience", and agree to terms. She shall have half his money, and he will not touch her physically.
Then they proceed to lust after each other for half a book, each believing themselves to be the dishonorable one, unlike their lawfully wedded spouse whom they agreed not to boink. A sort of silly plot device, and not very believable. If you had a hunky husband sleeping just down the hall, would it take you weeks to slip on your slippers and tap on his bedroom door? Me neither.
The rather thin plot is salvaged by the supporting cast with amusing roles and funny dialog. Gotta love that Aunt "Mad" Maddie and her talkative nephew Edmund, along with the irreverent servants, and a lovable chimney sweep.
Karen Hawkins is a very good author, and she has written better books than this. While not her best effort, if you are a fan, this one is worth adding to your collection. It is sweet and appealing, in a light vanilla sort of way.
A Waste of Time.......2007-05-29
The Abduction of Julia is Karen Hawkins' first novel. It was also my first Hawkins read. Based on this story I doubt I will seek out another. This was your typical flimsy plot and a big disappointment. I love this genre, yet lately I find it very difficult to find exciting, realistic and well-written historical romance. Satire can be entertaining and fun to read, but author's should take care--there's is fine line between witty humor and ridiculous absurdity--unfortunately this story is the latter. I don't understand how so much of this dribble is published. I found it difficult to finish this book.
I knew I was in for a let down from the very beginning of this story. Alec the supposed hero, abducts the wrong woman. This part of the plot is so weak--Julia mistakes his carriage for a hackney and climbs in herself, or something like that--very weak and vague premise for the whole storyline. Alec was supposed to abduct Therese-even though in the beginning of this story she (Therese) wanted to marry Alec. Then why would it have been an abduction at all?
What was supposed to be clever and witty dialogue and plot, came across as quite ridiculous. In one scene the evil cousin Nick, drugs and kidnaps Julia. After Julia awakes from a drug-enduced sleep Nick tries to have his way with her. In order to keep Nick's advances at bay, Julia stuffs her mouth with buttered bread. She nearly chokes to death because she stuffs her mouth too full, but alas Nick, her evil captor hits her on the back. She coughs up the bread! "You saved my Life!" she cries. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!
I can't believe anyone would give this book 4 stars, even 3 for that matter. Don't bother with this one.
Very good, but not among my favorite Hawkins books.......2006-01-15
This was a wonderful book, and introduced characters for her next
2 books, very nicely.
Unlike the other reviewers, I didn't have a huge problem with the heroine's charty work, other than she could have been a little less adamant about it and a little more willing to spend time with the hero. But, all in all, a very good read.
1-10 scale: 9.8 Stars: 4 3/4
Book Description
Within every federation and every empire, behind every hero and every villain, there are the worlds that define them. In the aftermath of Unity and in the daring tradition of Spock's World, The Final Reflection, and A Stitch in Time, the civilizations most closely tied to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine can now be experienced as never before...in tales both sweeping and intimate, reflective and prophetic, eerily familiar and utterly alien.
FERENGINAR: Quark's profit-driven homeworld is rocked with scandal as shocking allegations involving his brother's first wife, the mother of Nog, threaten to overthrow Rom as Grand Nagus of the Ferengi Alliance. Making matters worse, Quark has been recruited by Rom's political adversaries to join their coup d'état, with guarantees of all Quark ever dreamed if they succeed in taking his brother down. While Ferenginar's future teeters on the edge, the pregnancy of Rom's current wife, Leeta, takes a difficult turn for both mother and child.
THE DOMINION: Since its defeat in the war for the Alpha Quadrant, the Great Link -- the living totality of the shape-shifting Founders -- has struggled with questions. At its moment of greatest doubt, its fate, and that of the Dominion itself, is tied to Odo's investigation of his kind's true motives for sending a hundred infant changelings out into the galaxy.
As Odo searches for answers and takes a hard look at his past choices, Taran'atar reaches a turning point in his own quest for clarity...one from which there may be no going back.
Customer Reviews:
a pivotal point.......2007-08-07
Apparently, a main character in the Deep Space Nine saga is killed in this installment. It has so many interesting ramifications. Not only was a main character killed, another critical revelation was made which was just as shocking as the killing of a main character. For a while, I was getting a little bored with how this entire series was going, but after reading this I have renewed interest and am eager to start the next book in the series.
Surprisingly Good.......2006-04-23
For some reason, I didn't expect these two stories to be as entertaining and engaging as the pervious stories. Yet, both did manage to bring a new light to the characters and worlds that have been touched on in DS9.
For the Ferenginar story, I actually enjoyed this a great deal. Perhaps what made it so good is that some outsiders involved provided a rather interesting look into the Ferengi culture. Having Ro Laren be a major character in this story was a great idea. Yeah, we got a look into her relationship with Quark, but it just seemed to flesh out the story more. Leeta also provided a rather unique perspective on things. The story in general, centering around Grand Nagus Rom having troubles and having to face down some enemies was interesting. Zek's role in the story also made for an amusing read.
Now, the Odo "Dominion" story. Yeah, it was okay. I felt as if it dragged on in parts and found myself rather uninterested in the story until the end when the action picked up. There were some ideas and questions posed that did manage to pique my interest and the conclusion of the story does leave the reader with the impression that there are big changes in store for the Dominion and Odo. Still, I don't think it was the best story and it seemed to lack something, but it was still decent.
I'd definately suggest you pick this up. It completes the "Worlds of DS9" saga which was overall one of the better mini-series that gives the reader an inside look at a lot of the characters involved in the series, both past and present.
very good book.......2005-06-22
the first story talks about the world according to the ferengi. rom is now the grand nagus and has made sweeping changes, from income tax to giving women equal rights(something that was unheard of). most people seem to like the changes but some want to go back to the old ways including his brother quark. so a plot is hatched to shame him by bringing up dirt on his first marriage to nog's mother.
this story is well thought out and is quite funny. it gives the reader an inside look at the society of ferengi and you get to understand them so much more.
the second book is about the dominion. this one is not nearly as good. it has odo remembering his romance with kira and the conflict he will probaly always have with whether to live with his own people or to have a life with the one he loves.
meanwhile a nova near the founders old planet has the great link anxious. is this the return of the progeitor? some think it is and the story leaves a lot up in the air when it finishes.
the only thing i don't like about this series of novels is that kira is least talked about one. i liked her character on deep space nine the most and the writers seem to have little use for her.
Very real conflict........2005-02-26
Both of these stories are two of the best in the series. The first, Ferenginar, takes the culture seriously. The Ferengi have always been a little on the humorous side, but explores the very real family feelings between two brothers who are on the surface different but were raised with the same values.
The Dominion explore the nature of the "gods" of the gamma quadrent and the consquences of their actions and their disregard for the lives of others. Odo must deal with these consequences.
Greed, power, religion. Something's gotta give........2005-02-08
After reading "Olympus Descending," the Dominion story in Worlds of Deep Space Nine: The Dominion & Ferenginar, I felt like I had been kicked in the gut. This feeling was heightened when I realized that there is no new Deep Space Nine book out this year (the only one on the schedule, Hollow Men, takes place during the television series). What a powerful ending to a fascinating series of stories. "Satisfaction is Not Guaranteed," the Ferengi story by Keith R.A. DeCandido, was also fun as well, but "Olympus Descending," by David R. George III was the perfect capper to the whole series. While quibbles can be made about both stories, none of these little nits can overshadow the fact that these were both great stories. The future of Deep Space Nine is well in hand with these people in charge.
DeCandido's "Satisfaction is Not Guaranteed" is a fun story, a calm before the storm right in between Volume 2's Bajoran story and "Olympus Descending." It does almost the exact opposite of what the other stories have done, as Quark is (albeit reluctantly) fighting to keep the changes that have already happened on Ferenginar. Thus, this is a fight for the status quo, rather than a fight to change worlds as has happened in the other four stories of this series. It's all the better for it, too, as there is some great comedy in it. While I think Ferengi stories are able to have depth, I don't think they work if that depth is too out in the open, without a veneer of comedy. The best Ferengi episodes (not many, I admit) always worked on two levels, and "Satisfaction is Not Guaranteed" is the same way. There are some wonderful scenes between Quark and Rom, especially when the possibility of Rom's having signed a horrible marriage contract comes up and Rom admits to some things that he would rather not admit to.
I think the story works for a number of reasons. First, we don't have actors trying to act smarmy and speaking in annoying, sometimes squeaky voices. That puts it a step above most episodes anyway. However, that's not the only plus to this story. DeCandido is able to examine not only Ferengi society, but the internal workings of individual Ferengi as well. Thus, we see Quark's thoughts about what is happening on his home planet. We see the fact that, while he hates what Rom has been doing to his world, the idea of Brunt being in charge is even worse. DeCandido also avoids showing us a completely stereotypical Ferenginar, showcasing all businessmen as horrible people. I think the show sometimes went too far that way, but DeCandido shows us some of the good in Ferengi society as well. Thus, the story is very well-rounded.
Even better, we get to see an outsider's view of the whole thing. The television show went to Ferenginar once, and it was a pretty horrible episode, partially because it consisted entirely of Ferengi. This time, Ro comes along to help out, and we get some wonderful scenes of her adapting to the planet. Her reaction to the ads that can't be shut off that show Brunt grinning in extreme close-up was hilarious. Even her reaction to the near-constant rain and humidity were very amusing. She gives us that perspective that we really need so we don't get lost amidst all of the Ferengi avarice. The fact that the story also deals with the developing relationship between Quark and her is also a plus. In fact, I think Ro is the best part about the book, though the other characterization is equally well-done. This is excellent work, all the way around.
"Olympus Descending," on the other hand, ratchets up the tension and is consumed by a very foreboding atmosphere. Yet that doesn't bring the story down at all, and in fact heightened my interest in it. I loved the entire philosophical discussions between Odo and Laas, especially when Odo begins investigating Laas' question about why the 100 were sent out. I won't reveal what answer Odo finds, but it brings up a lot more discussion of the nature of religion and the difference between faith and fact. The beginning of the story can be a bit slow, and part of me wishes that George had switched to Taran'atar a little bit sooner at the beginning, but overall it's extremely interesting stuff that has far-reaching consequences for the Dominion, and perhaps the rest of the Deep Space Nine mythos as well. The story ends up tying into Ben Sisko's dire warnings in "Fragments & Omens," which is a good thing and will probably lead into the next series of books.
If the Odo story is fascinating, the Taran'atar story is gripping. We have seen this Jem'Hadar struggle with the mission Odo gave him since the relaunch began, and it's not getting any easier. In fact, he's reached a point where he has to make a decision, but he can't do it without help. He and Kira go on a journey that he hopes will help him decide, but it only makes things worse for him. I've grown to like the character throughout all these books, and watching him go through this was almost agonizing, especially because I knew that something bad was going to happen (unfortunately, I also knew *what* was going to happen, as it had been spoiled for me).
Since the Bajor story had also left one of its plots dangling, it wasn't so jarring this time as "Olympus Descending" does the same thing. I think another reason for the difference in my thinking was because while "Fragments & Omens" just coasted to halt with that plot dangling, "Olympus Descending" was a true cliff-hanger. The wait for the next book is now going to be excruciating. In the meantime, the Worlds of Deep Space Nine books will sate your thirst.
David Roy
Book Description
A provocative argument for a mystical, rather than historical, understanding of Jesus, leading to a radical rebirth of Christianity in our time.
For forty years, scholar and religious commentator Tom Harpur has challenged church orthodoxy and guided thousands of readers on subjects as controversial as the true nature of Christ and life after death. Now, in his most radical and groundbreaking work, Harpur digs deep into the origins of Christianity.
Long before the advent of Jesus Christ, the Egyptians and other peoples believed in the coming of a messiah, a virgin birth, a madonna and her child, and the incarnation of the spirit in flesh. While the early Christian church accepted these ancient truths as the very basis of Christianity, it disavowed their origins. What had begun as a universal belief system built on myth and allegory was transformed, by the third and fourth centuries A.D., into a ritualistic institution based on a literal interpretation of myths and symbols. But, as Tom Harpur argues in The Pagan Christ, "to take the Gospels literally as history or biography is to utterly miss their inner spiritual meaning."
At a time of religious extremism, Tom Harpur reveals the virtue of a cosmic faith based on ancient truths that the modern church has renounced. His message is clear: Our blind faith in literalism is killing Christianity. Only with a return to an inclusive religion where Christ lives within each of us will we gain a true understanding of who we are and who we are intended to become. The Pagan Christ is a book of rare insight and power that will reilluminate the Bible and change the way we think about religion.
Customer Reviews:
comparative mythology.......2007-06-10
I agree with C. Morrison's review in giving Harpur credit for courage and self-honesty. Few books on this subject convey the personal experience as he does. I'm always happy to read a book by someone who is capable of being critical without becoming negative. His book is inspiring. I would've only given his book 4 stars if it weren't for this aspect.
That said, as a source of information on the Pagan origins of Christianity, there are better books. But he seems to have intended this as an introduction and its very good for someone who is new to the ideas. I'd still recommend this book even to those more well-informed. How he clarifies the distinction between myth and literalism is worth the read alone. Also, his views about how Paganism and Christianity aren't in conflict is much needed in the world right now.
If you're intrigued by or uncertain of the ideas in this book, then there are many other books that go into greater detail. Freke and Gandy are great writers that also are very accessible. If you'd like more quotes from original sources, then Acharya S has two very large and thorough books. And Robert M. Price seems good, but I've only read a little of him.
Good Introduction.......2007-06-06
This book is a good introduction to the subject at hand. Not too long or too difficult to read, and does a good job of covering the basics. Great for someone just starting to delve into this subject. If one wants to move on to some more in depth study, I suggest 'Lost Light: An Interpretation of Ancient Scriptures' by Alvin Boyd Kuhn. Difficult in comparison, but worth it. But if you are new to the subject, start with Harpur!!
"Everyone is welcome at my fathers table" .......2007-04-25
First off, please forgive my spelling mistakes in this review. Thank you.
I wanted to post my opinion here to help my fellow brothers and sisters who feel threatend by this book, which naturaly can envoke debate and spiritual argument if one has yet to see the light. I invite us all to remember that no matter what our faith is, we are all climbing The Mountain of Life (which is God) togeter, which brings us to the One and only God, and it happens all in Gods time, so we must be patient and steadfast. We are all taking slightly different or even very different paths up this mountain and it is best if we focus on our own steps up the path if we want to make progress, rather than wasting the Divine time which is gifted to us, by focusing on other peoples steps, which in the end, will prove to be a waste of time anyways.
With respect to everyones opinions on this Book and its topic, I feel inspired to offer an alternitive perspective to the philisophical/ religious argument concerning the Books ideas, which is this - Does it really matter if Jesus was a living person or a myth? I mean after all, can anything be proved to be real in this world? Ask any good scientist? To prove one, you need the other! So with out one, there is no other, therefor is anything real by it self? The answer is no, if there is no other to validate one's reality. Thus the illusion of time comes into existence, and will not stop, untill in one's own perseption, all becomes one, in it's self! But all this means nothing if you are not experiencing it, otherwise, it is all ego and a big silly mind game, that eventually gets old and boring! What really matters is action! Isn't Jesus's teachings and our willingness to follow through with them matter more than anything else? Talk is cheap, a lesson i continue to learn!
I have had few white light experiences given to me from God in my life thus far (32 years old this time around the block, I suppose), and they have taught me a few things, two of which are - 1.) That when I am close to God and in his blissful and peaceful presence, the physical world is not real, and 2.) when I am not close to God, the world is very real. When I am close to God and in his presence, I do not think with my mind, because I have no fear and no doubt and thus far no need to question the reality or existence of anything. I am, in the, I am state! In these experiences I fail to recognize my body and mind as being me, beacuse I have no attachment or desires, which means no fear, thus the physical world in which my body and mind live in thus fail to be of any real importance at all, primarily becasue I am identifying my self as being a immortal Spirit, which is miraculously and paradoxically, present to be in this world and out of this world at the same time - thus time fails to exist and looses all value and meaning. ie - When "Thy kindom come, thy will be done,On earth as it is in heaven" - which means, when we are with God, Gods will is being done and our will has aligned with his will, thus our minds become silent and the world no longer seems real because our minds are no longer interpreting the world, because they are focused on God only, with sincere faith and focus. Needless to say, after having such experiences as these, discussing an argument such as whether Jesus physically lived or not seems to me, with all respect, to be an utter waste of time, from where I am standing anyways. But if you have not had these kind of spiritual experiences and have not realized yet personally that time can be real and can be not real, according to your level of conciousness in any given moment, then I fully understand why so many people are so heated about this argument, because there whole belief system is being disturbed. Is'nt the goal to have no beliefs and to let go and let god? "the father doeth the works" - I probobly should not be speaking about this right now as I have been told by the wise not to disturb people when they are asleep, but I am taking a risk in hopes someone may find this all helpful (but probobly I am writing all of this out of ego subconciously!) Please know too that since I have had some begginer experiences that have openned me but for the grace of God, and they have come as gifts from God, I feel I am only starting to climb the path now, and have barely begun. The real work of trusting in God is ahead of me now, and it is becoming very challenging to say the least!
I hope I can help as aposed to hinder people's spiritual lives. I ask you, what did it mean when Jesus said "even the least amung you can do all that I have, and even greater things" I believe that it means we all can and will some day, reach the mountain top, in which all our lives only purpose is to climb it, and then to reach it, and then to do as God instructs us to do from there on out!
I pray that people could respect each others spiritual views more and to realize that Jesus, along with all the known Masters of the world, all teach the same thing - to love everything as thy self, and to choose to have sincere faith as much as humanly possible in ones own life, as aposed to choosing to believe in our intellectual reason, which by natures law, will only divide as aposed to unite, and will only lead to fear, doubt, debate and pain.
So in closing, I question all the people who remarked on this book, and the person who wrote it as well, and I ask you all one last time, why does all this talk of history matter - wouldnt it be better to focus on openning to the light, by focusing on God and also trying to help a less fortunate person who is in need as well? The world needs to stop debating (which is caused by Fear, doubt in ones beliefs, our pride which keeps us ridged and closed, and our false identification as being a mind and body) and to start loving God sincerely, and wholeheartedly. Its that simple - why do we all fail to see this and fail to come together and to support each opther? I would love to go to church or be apart of a community, if I could only find a church that is not ignorant - I find myself praying to forgive them father, they know no what they do, more than anything when I go to a church. We are all hypicrits and scared to death - thats a part of being human, so why dont we help each other to accept this and to then support each other to focus on God and doing his will, instead of bickering over whether Jesus is a myth or not? God only knows! All I know is I am working towards adopting the code of love and tollerence and eventually I plan to make the world my family one day, at which time I would not have found it neceasary to write all this like I did - but thatsokay - because I am right where I am supposed to be, and so are'nt you! There are no mistakes in god's world, ie "and everything he created is good"
God Bless and may the light change you! Keep Climbing, I hope I will, as long as God continues to grace me with the ability!
To Those Too Blinded to See.......2006-12-07
Tom Harpur's "The Pagan Christ" is well researched---something to be expected from a Rhodes Scholar and one who has spent his life in a deeper search for truth.
It is curious that here we are in the year 2006 and people still attempt to crush what they consider heresy with unsubstantiated lies. I was raised in the Methodist Church and even in that decidedly non-dogmatic protestant sect; there was pressure not to think of Christ outside of what we were told. Tom Harpur has been breaking through the cloud for much of his career. In this book he encourages us all to look at the deeper and more profound spiritual truths of the Christ mythology----that we all have the ability to tap into that deep spiritual richness of the Christian Faith.
With all the madness in the world now over religion, we should all take a fresh look at these various fundamentalist groups in the world and the damage they are now bringing us all, be they Islam, Judaism or Christianity.
Thank you Tom Harpur.
Too Lacking.......2006-11-07
While I enjoyed the idea put forth of a Mystical Christ(o), this book left too many unanswered questions. It does not address the idea of sin and salvation. Also it is not an easy read with all the references to source materials throughout the text. There has to be better books on this subject out there.
Book Description
After more than 52 weeks on the "Toronto Star's" bestseller list and 43 weeks on "The Globe and Mail's" bestseller list, Tom Harpur's groundbreaking book, "The Pagan Christ", is now available in paperback. This new edition includes the twenty-page discussion guide, with more than 100 questions, to help facilitate a deeper, chapter-by-chapter analysis and more profound understanding of the findings and arguments found in the book. Subjects for discussion include: the ancient Egyptian roots of Christianity the real meaning of the Bible the key to whether Jesus really existed the re-mythologizing of Christianity the meaning of the Christ within all of us the need to understand myth and allegory With a new introduction by Tom Harpur, this paperback edition sheds further light on what has become one of the most talked about books of the new millennium.
Books:
- The Conjurer's Bird: A Novel
- The Dangerous Hour (Sharon McCone Mysteries)
- The Day of the Triffids (20th Century Rediscoveries)
- The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red
- The Edible Woman
- The Ernesto "Che" Guevara School for Wayward Girls: A Novel of Politics
- The First Verse: A Novel
- The Gates of the Forest: A Novel
- The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
- The Hotel New Hampshire
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Storm Runners: A Novel
- History: Fiction or Science
- Across the Nightingale Floor
- Can You Guess Where We're Going
- Freaks!: How to Draw Fantastic Fantasy Creatures
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- Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste
- Edward M. Kennedy: A Biography
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- Retiring First Class
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The Year of Jubilo: A Novel of the Civil War
The Judas Field: A Novel of the Civil War
Stonewall's Gold: A Novel of the Civil War
Jacob's Ladder: A Story of Virginia During the War
A Catch of Consequence
