Reader Views

Meaning and Relatedness

"Meaning and Relatedness" combines Eastern Philosophy, Mysticism, Spirituality and poetic fiction in a thought-producing exploration into discovery. Khepri Rising draws from the masters, classic and contemporary philosophers, theologians, and respected friends in his personal quest for truth and meaning.

Rising writes to encourage the reader to more distinctly and qualitatively question the status quo to endeavor to make change, to make people better people, smarter, more aware, and more sensitive. By means of involving the reader in a philosophical introspection he exposes the shallow expectations of acceptance and challenges the reader to experience reality in the discovery of the person we really are.

Reminiscent of the counterculture of the beatnik, it is unlikely that "Meaning and Relatedness" will bring a resurgence of its influence; however, these existential poetic ruminations will have a significant resonance with generation X.

In a lengthy treatise on "words" Rising gives the reader cause to ponder the conundrum of language and the symbolic representations of words. Articulate and expressive in his use of words Rising teases the reader with a panache of lighthearted rhetoric and riddles as to their meanings.

Rising discloses his underlying thirst for idealism in ethics that always asks: What should I do? What is right? His honesty and vulnerability in humbly sharing his thoughts on holocaust victims is deeply moving and unearths the evil and a dark foreboding side of man which demands personal reflection and a sober self examination.

Meaning and Relatedness
Khepri Rising
Lulu (2008)
ISBN 9780615255477
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (6/09)

Shame

Author Greg Garrett has written a very compelling book on living in the past and not the present. His story captures the reader from page one. His description of the characters makes the reader cheer them on and shake them when they are about to make mistakes.

The story revolves around John Tilden who had great plans for his life and for those he loved. However, as many readers know life doesn’t always turn out like you want it. John was destined to be a doctor, lawyer or even a great writer. He was a hero in his town where many remembered him as part of a basketball team that won the state championship. What he eventually became was a farmer in Oklahoma, just like his father and grandfather. Married to a woman he got pregnant, he is the father of three children and is out of sync with his life.

We all have been in the position he is at one time or another- we keep thinking about the "what ifs." John is no different. He can’t forget about his one true love and what might have been. Being stuck in this "what if" life, he finds himself mulling over his mundane existence that has effected his parenting skills, motivation level and even his old-time friends.

The story carries readers through his high school years to his current family situation. As his class reunion is coming up, he discovers that one of the sponsors wants him to organize an exhibition game from members of his old high school team and the current high school team he coaches. He also learns that his one true love has separated from her husband and hopes to rekindle the flame within John.

Garrett’s story is captivating and his characters are ones we all have known. This is a story of letting go of the past and living in the present. It is a story of courage and wisdom and making a decision to make the most of ones life. Readers will be able to readily relate to the story. "Shame" by Greg Garrett is a book that once you start reading, you can’t put it down.

Shame
Greg Garrett
David C. Cook (2009)
ISBN 9781434767523
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (1/09)

Messiah Interviews: Belonging to God

In the "Messiah Interviews" the author takes us on a spiritual journey through his life as Yoseph. He exposes his imperfections, and shows us how he learned from his lessons. We also learn about the trials that he has been faced with in this life. As Yoseph continues on his journey, he discovers that he has been selected, by heavenly beings, to be interviewed to become the Messiah. He is interviewed by the angels Gabriel and Michael, Methuselah, Chanoch, Seth, Kind David, Moses, Jacob, Abraham and Isaiah. These interviewers question him on his faith and beliefs.

The Heavenly Beings that were questioning Yoseph were also interviewing other more perfect beings for the role of Messiah. Personally, I felt that Yoseph would be more qualified to lead us into the Messianic Age because of his imperfections and lessons that he experienced through his life. The Messianic period is to take us into an age of peace. Yoseph discovers that he is ready for this role. By writing this book, he starts us on this journey as we learn and yearn to develop a closer relationship with our Creator.

As I read "Messiah Interviews" I learned so much about biblical events and about my own spiritual beliefs. Previously, I had no knowledge about the Shechinah Third Temple, and limited knowledge of the Old Testament. It was also interesting for me to learn more about Jewish beliefs. I feel that my knowledge has greatly increased since reading this book, and I find myself interested in learning more. The author, Jerry J. Pollock is a man of science. It was fascinating to see how he combined his scientific knowledge with his spiritual beliefs. This made him even more credible in my eyes.

As Yospeh was interviewed, he teaches us through his answers. As I was contemplating his responses to some very in-depth questions, I found myself questioning what my own personal responses would be. I found this to be especially true when I read his answers regarding the Ten Commandments. I found the "Messiah Interviews" by Jerry J. Pollock, Ph.D., to be profoundly thought-provoking and feel that readers who are on their spiritual journey will truly benefit from having read this book.

Messiah Interviews: Belonging to God
Jerry J. Pollock, Ph.D.
Shechinah Third Temple, Inc. (2009)
ISBN 9780981721200
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/08)

The 12th Demon (Vampyre Majick)

“The 12th Demon (Vampyre Majick)” is Volume II in the Jonathan Steel Chronicles.  This epic opens with both Jonathan and new Christian teenager, Josh Knight, settling back into their lives in Dallas after killing off the 13th Demon.  This doesn’t last long however.  While meeting with the attorney representing Josh over his mother’s will (she died in the previous book), Jonathan encounters someone from his past, Raven, when she tries to assassinate the attorney.  She was sent by the 13th Demon’s wife, Vivian Ketrick who is trying to take over her husband’s company as well as his demonic status.  This does not last long as the 12th Demon, Rudolph Wulf, comes knocking.  Mr. Wulf’s pharmaceutical company is located in Romania (a/k/a Transylvania).  He has come to the United States with “vampyre majick” which is blood that puts demons inside of vampires if they drink it.  He hopes to prepare an army of vampires according to old legends.  During this encounter, Raven is hiding in another office.  She witnesses as both Rudolph and Vivian fight and turn into demons (Rudolph was half-dragon and half-wolf, while Vivian sprouted tentacles and orbs for eyes).  With Wulf winning the fight, Vivian agrees to help him by leading him to all the local vampire clans. Meanwhile, Jonathan finds out that the 12th Demon has arrived when Josh is drawn back into his old vampire cult in hopes of saving his girlfriend, Ila.  Unfortunately, he was tricked. Instead, he was kidnapped and taken over to Romania so that the 12th Demon can fulfill the ancient prophecy of unleashing the “vampyre majick.” Up until the end, Steel had his work cut out for him trying to save Josh and the world.

“The 12th Demon (Vampyre Majick)” was a heart-stopping thrill ride from beginning to end.  I couldn’t finish it fast enough.  Even though this was the second volume in the series, there was enough background information that you didn’t feel lost.  The dialogue and characters were well developed.  I particularly enjoyed “Theo Nosmo King” who was a six-foot-seven homeless man that Steel helped “save.”  He said that his mother named him for the first thing she saw when he was born which was the “No Smoking” sign.  Also, the history of vampirism was well researched and interesting. Anyone who enjoys the Laurell Hamilton, Anita Blake series needs to jump onto the Jonathan Steel bandwagon.  Who knew you could be a Christian and still fight demons and vampires?

The 12th Demon (Vampyre Majick)
Bruce Hennigan
Synergy Books (2008)
ISBN 9781934454091
Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (6/08)

Winter Turns to Spring

“Winter Turns to Spring” is the fourth installment of the “Four Seasons of Marriage” series that started with “It Happens Every Spring.”  The “Four Seasons of Marriage” principle was developed by the co-author Gary Chapman who believes that marriage is a continuous journey back and forth through different seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.  “Winter means difficulty.  Marriage is harder in this season of cold silence and bitter winds.”  This installment revolves around newlyweds Brad and Ashley Hanes who find themselves living separate lives.  Brad works construction during the day.  Ashley works at night at a country club while trying to run an on-line beaded jewelry business during the day.  Instead of waiting for Ashley at home, Brad frequents the local pub, Larry’s Lake Lounge with his friend, Mack Lang. This is where Brad finds an abandoned puppy outside in the cold which he brings home thinking that it may bring him and Ashley closer.  During the course of the story, however, more things happen between them that make it more difficult to keep their marriage together.  The residents of Deepwater Cove grow concerned and try to help the couple through the Tea Lover’s Club held at the local ‘Just As I Am’ beauty salon as well as the ‘Men’s Bible Study’ at the ‘Rods-N-Ends.’  Only Brad and Ashley’s faith in God and the power to forgive can help them through this winter season.

Because I am married, I understood some of the “ups and downs” that Brad, Ashley and the other characters in the story go through.  Marriage is not easy.  It takes effort, understanding, forgiveness and love.  Like the seasons, it is forever evolving and changing.

Even though I have not read the other three books in this series (“It Happens Every Spring,” “Summer Breeze,” and “Falling for You Again”) this read like a stand-alone novel.  The characters in “Winter Turns to Spring” were well-developed so you felt like you personally knew each and every one.  I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Cody Goss (who is autistic, and an inspiring artist) and Jennifer Moore.  I am definitely a fan.  I intend to read the other books in this series to learn more about the people of Deepwater Cove.

Winter Turns to Spring
Catherine Palmer & Gary Chapman
Tyndale House Publishers (2008)
ISBN 9781414311685
Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (5/08)

The Call of the Tree

“Call of the Tree” is the first book in the “Faith Walker” series. It begins 100 years after a huge civil war caused by the old religions. Once again the north and south are separated. The south is believed to have fallen prey to those who rely on religion. The north is totally controlled by the government. The government is involved in every aspect of a person’s life. They even dictate what you are allowed to believe. Government officials are no longer voted into office, they are selectively placed to uphold the bureaucracy.

On top of all of this, there are some beings that feed on the negative energy put out by the human race. Within themselves, these beings compete for dominance and the Alpha role. They use their power to reach out to manipulate humans to create more negativity. Stephanie is a teenager that on an energetic level can see what these beings are doing. She doesn’t understand it, but she knows it is bad. Her boyfriend Vaughn can see blackness that takes over certain people. Both of them have the gift of being “Faith Walkers.” This makes them dangerous to the system. They cannot let people know too much about what they are experiencing because the government will step in to regain control.

When the story begins Stephanie is leading a sinful, promiscuous life. She has an abusive, controlling boyfriend whom she also has to fear because of his family’s government connections. She has just decided to give up using drugs. Vaughn rescues her from a situation that would have totally allowed her soul to be destroyed. Vaughn also finds a way into her soul to help heal her from her negative beliefs about herself. They teach each other about love. In addition to dealing with the negative forces, they have to deal with fear of government reprisals and animosity from their peers. They have some really rough issues to overcome. They do not have support from anybody else, not even their parents. The romance that develops between Vaughn and Stephanie is really beautiful. He teaches her to respect herself. They plan a future together, but have much to overcome.

“The Call of the Tree” is a great thought-provoking novel. It is a story about teenagers, yet their lifestyles have them living like adults. I suspect many teens are experiencing this today. The story encourages abstinence and not using drugs. Because of the adult nature of the teen’s behaviors, I would recommend it for older teens and adults. There were some errors in the writing that could be improved with the editing being fine-tuned. I would recommend this for future editions. I really look forward to reading future books in this series.

Darryl S. Markowitz
BookSurge (2007)
ISBN 9781419669989
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/07)

Heartwork: How to Get What You Really, Really Want

First of all, before even opening “Heartwork” the reader experiences an inner pull toward the book. The cover is beautiful, inspiring, and sensational. In this case, yes, you can judge the book by its cover because the words and pictures inside are also beautiful, inspiring, and sensational.

Combining various approaches from Western and Eastern philosophies, Goldstein gives a simple and effective process to work through personal issues and concerns one has. Delving into the inner self takes desire and commitment, as well as a course of action. Throughout the book Goldstein outlines this course by providing exercises and guided meditations on the accompanied CD. As well, Goldstein provides life stories from people that experienced transformation through using Heartwork principles. These stories are touching and readers could find themselves in any of the scenarios and relate to their own life experiences, knowing that with a little effort, healing can occur.

Personally I worked the exercises and used the meditations on the CD. I experienced levels of consciousness that I hadn’t before. Being a seeker and a student of similar work, it takes specific efforts for me to accomplish what I did through Goldstein’s exercises. I’m impressed these exercises were so effective.

That said, I believe because of the simplicity of the exercises in “Heartwork,” one doesn’t have to have any background in awareness work, but a desire is essential. Goldstein’s skills in providing a path for inner work and his knowledge of systems that work makes inner work a simple task. Combining psychology and spirituality does work, when you work it through Heartwork.

Heartwork: How to Get What You Really, Really Want
Dale L. Goldstein
Heartwork Institute (2007)
ISBN 9780978960612
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (9/07)

Absolution

Paul Martin Midden’s “Absolution” depicts a struggle common among those who serve the Church as ordained celibate clergy. Radko Slopovich, a Roman Catholic priest is a man overwhelmed by powerful desires. When he meets and falls in love with Ursula, Radko is torn between his call as a priest and an urgent passion to give expression to his natural affections. Unable to choose between his call to the priesthood and the woman he loves, Radko marries Ursula. They begin a life of duplicity while Radko is assigned to a large diocese in Chicago, working as a legal consultant. For several years Radko is able to maintain anonymity, begin a family, and remain a priest.

Without his knowledge Radko has become a part of a behind-the-scenes conspiracy plotting to make changes in the Church position on celibacy, marriage, and the priesthood. When Radko learns he is about to be named bishop of a rural diocese, conflicting loyalties are stirred up. Radko grapples with the question, “Can I still have both?”

Ursula forces the issue by taking the children, relocating, and assuming life as a single working mother. Although devastated Radko assumes the duties of his new appointment as Bishop of Bismarck, North Dakota, serving his as a celibate priest in the eyes of his constituency.

Although a fictional account, the story describes the dramatic personal conflicts common to all. It is a story of compromised integrity and the damaging consequences of well-meaning efforts gone wrong. It is about life, specifically about life as it is lived by those who endeavor to serve the Church, while being true to their inner drives and convictions.

Paul has done an outstanding job of creating strong, genuine characters. I particularly appreciated the element of personal growth seen in Radko, Ursula, and Silas as they considered their choices in handling difficult conflicts. Radko grows from a naïve, self-centered seminary student and diocese worker into a caring, effective leader, as a Bishop in the Catholic Church.

Midden orchestrates an extremely poignant and complex plot. Just when I thought I could relax with an ending in sight, Radko was faced with a new conflict to resolve. A remarkable buildup to an unexpected conclusion keeps the reader captivated until the final amazing paragraph.

As a psychologist with Catholic priests over two decades, Paul Martin Midden understands the issues of Catholicism and the humanity of its people. Thought-provoking and timely, this is a book that will stir up questions in the minds of the Catholic reader, both lay and clerical. “Absolution” also gives strength as the reader grapples with pursuing personal resolution in matters of conflict, faith, and the healing power of redemption.

Absolution
Paul Martin Midden
Millennial Mind Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781589824188
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/07)

A Secret of the Universe

“A Secret of the Universe” begins in 1985, when buddies Ian and Bill are in high school. As they experience all of what life has to offer, both good and bad, they set off on different paths in regards to their personal spiritual beliefs. At one point, this does have a negative impact on their relationship, but at other points, the difference in their views makes each research deeper into their belief systems. In this way, it makes them stronger with what they believe.

As time progresses into the 1990’s both men are now married, and have their own lives to lead. Ian helps start a group, “The Desoterica,” which investigates the epistemology of religious beliefs, especially Christian beliefs. These highly educated people share their knowledge with each other and begin writing their own book about what they believe to be the true fundamental basis for Christianity.

In 2010, the group shares their work with the rest of the world. This is seen by many as an attack on Christianity. For others, their eyes are finally opened. The reaction of society impacts the group, and they are forced to be more discrete about where they live. Unfortunately, a tragedy still results from this.

I really enjoyed reading “A Secret of the Universe.” The story was excellent. It was interesting to see the infallibility of Bill, the man who considered his self to be a true Christian. Ian’s research actually made him go into further exploration of his own beliefs. I found myself being educated about different beliefs through the discussions in the stories. I learned how people explain their beliefs that the earth is only 6,000 years old. I had heard this idea before, but this was the first time that I saw how the belief was justified. There was also a great deal of comparisons between pagan and Christian rituals. It appears that Christianity was not very creative in coming up with new ideas for rituals. I found these comparisons to be fascinating.

My book came with a chapter-by-chapter discussion guide for this novel. The questions contained in the study guide are very thought-provoking and could lead to some very stimulating conversations within study groups. I highly recommend that this book be read by readers on a quest for the truth. “A Secret of the Universe” will help direct them on their path.

A Secret of the Universe
Stephen L. Gibson
Truth-Driven Strategies (2007)
ISBN 9780979388002
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/07)

Journal of the Angelic

Mark A. Raborn
Infinity Publishing (2006)
ISBN 0741434903
Reviewed by Richard R Blake for Reader Views (12/06)

Questions and “puzzlements” of his childhood motivated Mark Raborn to use his “sanctified imagination” to explore questions like: What was God doing in eternity before the creation of the earth, and man as we know him today? Why aren’t the angels in heaven required to die? Why were we born with a “seed of sin” and not them? How could so many angels fall away from God? Why did Lucifer really fall away after having been exalted by God Himself?

Mark’s descriptions of heavenly beings and unique creatures inhabiting a myriad of planets could well have been taken from the Old Testament prophecies of Ezekiel, Isaiah, or from the New Testament book of Revelation. They might have come from the apocryphal writings, or from modern day science fiction.

I enjoyed the way Raborn vividly painted word pictures of the celestial environment, “The enchanting spectrum of colors was optically stimulating and seemed to reduce the peaks of one’s concerns to a more manageable plateau. Violets, carcerindans, oceoles, blues, and deep, dark reds dominated the terrain.”

Written in a first person journal format, Karmus recounts details from the past, from the time of his awakening and maturing as an angel. He tells of the fall of Lucifer, and the war in heaven. I was drawn into the intensity of the battle as I read, “The guttural groans of wounded brethren were only momentary distractions from the piercing lights of zerthex swords and the realization that history of epic consequence was being accomplished with each passing moment.”

Through the narration of Karmus, Raborn presents a detailed account of the Adamic dispensation, a story of brokenness and love as God’s plan for man, and His eternal kingdom are unveiled. Karmus recounts the words of God, “At the appointed time, I will send my Son to earth to be born of purity and appearing as a man…He will not succumb to Satan’s efforts to taint his spirit.”

Although this is acknowledged as a book of fiction Mark Raborn has conscientiously researched the scriptures to insure that anything in the book would not conflict with Biblical truth.

The glossary of unique names and terms provided is extremely helpful as most of the places, names, and other significant terminology are original creations of the author

“Journal of the Angelic” is a great book for lovers of the C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien fans.

Visit Reader Views