Reader Views

Promises to Keep: The Untold Story of a Family Trapped in War-Torn Italy

Rarely do you read a book with so much intrigue, spirit and insightfulness of a family history. The intimate family pictures, while not plentiful, was a huge factor in bringing the human aspect to this amazing story of an Italian family in war-torn times.

To see the characters, their depth, their will to survive and their determination to “become someone” or “something” in this world was simply breathtaking. There aren’t words deep enough to describe the family portrayed in “Promises to Keep” and the character of the man himself whom the story follows, Domenico Forte.  To see what he gives up as a man, as a father and as a husband, all in order to give his family the best he can and better than he ever had, simply portrays this man that is, for lack of better words, “filled with pride and strength.”  

The storyline itself is one that is amazing, but add to that the depth of the main characters and you have simply one of the most amazing stories of family history ever written. It’s not a book about someone “famous” – it’s a book about someone “real.”  This could have been your own ancestors’ story, traveling to the great land of freedom known as America, trying to make for a better world for themselves and those they love.

You will cry at the sorrow, you will laugh at the joy and you will most of all gain a new-found respect for those days gone by when being an immigrant was something that would later make your ancestors proud - knowing you were a man or woman of character and strength above and beyond what ANY of us today could imagine.

An amazing author with an amazing story to tell in “Promises to Keep”- Thomas F. Dwyer did it well!

Promises to Keep: The Untold Story of a Family Trapped in War-Torn Italy
Thomas F. Dwyer
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9780595529001
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (11/09)

Explore the Book of Revelation

Julius M. Scott’s “Explore the Book of Revelation” is a chapter-by-chapter exposition of the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ as revealed to John the Apostle on the Isle of Patmos.  Scott shows how the book of Revelation reveals Christ’s identity and God’s plan for the end of the world as we know it today. His book is an excellent resource for the exegesis of the apostle John’s Apocalypse. It is a good introductory study and guide for all Bible scholars and researchers, a well-rounded handbook for the study of the book of Revelation.

Scott discusses in some detail the main themes of Revelation, for example: The message to the seven churches, God’s throne room, the opening of the seven seals, the seven part judgment, the temple of God and the altar, the great conflict between God and Satan, the birth and life of Jesus, his death and resurrection, the new heaven and the new earth, and the New Jerusalem. He talks about the poetic approach, the symbolic language which the apostle John used, and the imagery through which he revealed a victorious Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Scott does not attempt to fix the date for the time of the Last Judgment and the establishment of God’s Kingdom. He does point out many of the events that we can watch for which are revealed through the study of the book of Revelation.

Scott’s writing will be helpful to scholars. He uses an easy to understand layman’s language which provides a wealth of insight and information, easily adaptable for individual or small group Bible study, for incorporating in church Bible classes, or as curriculum or recommended reading for Bible School and Seminary study.

Because the book of Revelation is often misunderstood with conflicting opinions and a divergence of interpretations there will be those who will disagree with some of Scott’s conclusions; however, all will acknowledge that it brings “the message of infinite love, power, and justice of the Lord Jesus Christ.” It is written to bring encouragement, inspiration, and practical teaching on Christian living to all who read and study its’ contents.

It is Scott’s prayer that his readers will get to know God better and learn to trust him more completely through the reading of “Explore the Book of Revelation.”

Explore the Book of Revelation
Julius M. Scott
Infinity Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780741456465
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/09)

How Much Does GOD Co$t?

Like the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Kay Quinn warns of wolves in sheep’s clothing in the pulpit. These false prophets are wearing masks of deception. Kay maintains that these men and women are hidden behind a spirit of greed and that they prey on the hurting and fallen. She describes how they cast a curse of an addictive dependent mindset on these unsuspecting followers, putting them into bondage.

Kay’s writing is straightforward, often using jarring statements to create a shock effect to get the readers attention as she attacks traditions of the church, the need to study the Bible chronologically and the compromised stand of most church goers today.

Going directly to the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel accounts, Quinn raises thought-provoking questions that need to be addressed in light of today’s religious climate. She describes church members as being Pharisaical, hypnotized by pastors and bishops who build mega church edifices which reflect the prosperity message and convey a country club atmosphere while draining their congregants of their funds, based on sowing seeds of faith through tithing and sacrificial giving.

Quinn relates her own experience as a member of a well-known mega church, with a well-known and highly-respected church leader. She tells of how her prophetic message was acknowledged verbally to her privately and within minutes had been completely reversed during the public worship service.  This experience sent her to the scriptures, to study independently and get to the uncompromised truth of the Word of God.

The experience cited above is duplicated in other inconsistencies among those in church leadership, seminars, and other roles of ministry. Quinn points out specific incidents of Marriage Seminar leaders on the brink of divorce, and of physical abuse within Pastoral marriage relationships, as well as scandalous behavior, and sexual and physical abuse.  She goes on to alert the reader of the blind acceptance of their followers.

In her effort to be honest, Quinn becomes overtly frank and offensively blunt. She has chosen this approach in her effort to bring home the message of the condition of the organized church today. This will have an impact on the extent of her readership. In my opinion this is self-defeating; however, the element of truth within her exposure makes the book worthy of attention and consideration.

“How Much Does GOD Co$t?” by Kay Quinn is an effort to alert Christians everywhere of the need to re-establish standards appropriate to the obedience of God. This truth is one that should meet no argument.

How Much Does GOD Co$t?
Kay Quinn
AuthorHouse (2009)
ISBN 9781449039974
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/09)

The Silent Sentinel: San Pablo Apostol de Cabagan Church Reveals 300 Years of Secrets of the Philippines

When Pope Alexander VI signed his papal bull May 4, 1493 the fate of what we know as the Philippines fell to the Crown of Spain and the spreading of the Catholic faith. James Edward Cleland defines and develops the history of the Spanish colonial church and the uniquely Filipino architecture thought as well as an early interpretation of Spanish thought embodied in the plans and construction of St. Paul the Apostle Church, one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the Philippines built of adobe and stone.

St. Paul’s Church of the Cagayan Valley has been protecting its people throughout 300 years of the history of the Philippines. Today it lies in near ruins. In “The Silent Sentinel” Cleland sets forth justification for a complete renovation of St. Paul the Apostle as a landmark church. He reveals how the church has impacted the formation of the Philippine nation. He pays tribute to the architectural design and originality of the Spanish friars and Filipino craftsman. He points out the impact and influence of the clergy on government and the people of the Philippines during the colonial period.

This is the remarkable story of how St. Paul’s Church has survived droughts, earthquakes, vicious typhoons, a war for independence, and the occupation of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. Myths, legends, and religious traditions still abound among the congregants of St. Paul’s.

In the midst of poverty the people of the Cagayan Valley have begun the process of rebuilding their church, one of the largest, oldest and most significant churches influential in establishing Catholicism in the Philippines and other countries of Asia.

This restoration project is being directed by a handful of devoted priests, parishioners, and interested friends from neighboring provinces, and concerned contributor throughout the world.

Helpful appendixes, end notes, bibliography, various lists which include the help of nearly forty resource assistants, dozens of interviews, several unpublished manuscripts, numerous books, websites and articles give evidence of the extensive research that has gone into the preparation of the monumental task of writing this important book.

The site photography for St Paul’s and examples of parallels of American restoration projects provide the reader with an appreciation of the proposed magnitude of the reconstruction project.

Cleland’s writing is highly readable, interesting, informative, and inspirational. “The Silent Sentinel” will be of keen interest to historians, to students of architecture, to seminarians, and to concerned lay Christians who want to be a part of preserving their heritage.

The Silent Sentinel
James Edward Cleland
AuthorHouse (2008)
ISBN 9781434359681
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/09)

Behind Good & Evil: How to overcome the death-dealing character of morality

What is the difference between morality and ethics? To most of us, they may seem similar, but Scott Gustafson explains they are vastly different and that morality has negative, judgmental, and even deadly effects on human life while ethics affirms the value of life.

Gustafson begins by explaining that our view of morality is linked to the idea of Good and Evil. Something immoral is something evil. It’s an “us vs. them” mindset. More specifically, it’s a civilized view of the world, and civilization is, but should not be, synonymous with good. Gustafson draws on examples of the “civilized” world such as Christianity and various governments to show how morality has been used to build hierarchical systems that ultimately allow the moral destruction of uncivilized peoples who may not engage in moral structures but who are nevertheless ethical. For example, Christianity was used by civilized nations as a way to make Native Americans become civilized, while at the same time, civilized nations used the excuse of morality to deride the Native Americans as savages resulting in genocide. Similarly, Nazi Germany used the idea of morality to bring about the holocaust. Gustafson argues that Nazi Germany was not a crazy or immoral country, but rather the holocaust was the direct and logical, if not ultimate, result of a nation that believed in morality.

Gustafson also makes the point that Christianity as a moral system is not the same as Christ’s teachings. He illustrates, using numerous biblical passages, how Christ was ethical and affirmed life. He also makes a powerful argument for the history of ancient Israel being an ethical nation surrounded by moral nations, as evidenced by it having God as its leader for much of its history, while it only succumbed to being moral when it changed to being governed by a monarchy.

In addition, Gustafson clarifies that in the Bible the use of “good” does not always mean right or orthodox but suitable. If something is not suitable for a situation, it does not mean it is by default evil. While this part of the argument may seem like a fine line, Gustafson also provides a simple appendix to distinguish between morality and ethics to make the argument easy to follow.
Food is at the center of Gustafson’s argument. Gustafson argues that ethical societies became moral societies when people no longer had to exist as hunters and gatherers, but people became able to store food; this agricultural revolution resulted in food becoming a “commodity,” which allowed for decisions to be made regarding who did and did not deserve food by using a moral code that established hierarchies to determine the value of people and all life forms. This thinking ultimately

resulted in “dominator” societies that felt justified in conquering other peoples, taking their belongings—not property per se since ethical societies such as Native Americans did not understand or believe in property—and ultimately in genocide.

Life is not hierarchical. Gustafson argues that one group of people is not superior to another, and even one life form is not superior to another. Life is symbiotic, and what we regard as lower life forms are necessary for the survival of higher life forms as we know from studying bacteria.

“Behind Good & Evil” by Scott W. Gustafson is one of the most thoughtful and interesting books I have read. It may well be the most important book I read this year. I hope it leads to people thinking twice before they use the word “moral” and understanding what “moral” actually means. I know it has made me think twice and reevaluate several situations and issues already and catch myself when I hear other people use the word “moral” to understand they are coming from a “dominator” and hierarchical way of thinking. This book will open up understanding among and between people and hopefully change and save lives by making us rethink why we label things as good or evil from a moral standpoint.

Behind Good & Evil: How to overcome the death-dealing character of morality
Scott Gustafson
Infinity Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780741454041
Reviewed by Tyler R. Tichelaar for Reader Views (10/09)

Global Warming: A Christian Approach

Dr. Ebenezer A. Nwankwo challenges the reader to become aware of the moral implications on the environmental aspects of global warming, urging them to join in the fight against its impact on the earth in his book “Global Warming: A Christian Approach.” Dr. Nwankwo looks at man’s contribution to global warming and the connection between global warming and natural disasters.

Academics, the media, environmental groups, governments, and the United Nations have all championed views on global warming and have added to the massive amount of data and theories on man-made global warming and climate change already available for consideration. Dr. Nwankwo’s focus in this discourse is that man’s motivation is the basic problem of global warming. He maintains that it is this motivation that determines the heavy use and burning of fossil fuels and deforestation that needs to be addressed. This necessitates viewing global warming from two fronts: environment and moral.

Two representative accounts of the origin of things are explored by Dr. Nwankwo as the basis for his conclusions: the big bang theory and creationism as described in the Bible.

An overview of the big bang theory introduces the reader to the implications of this theory on global warming. Objections to the theory are also noted. Dr. Nwankwo points out how “the universality of moral degeneration exposes the fallacy of the basic tenet of evolutionary progression.”

In a similar approach, Dr. Nwankwo presents an overview of the earth’s origin from the perspective of Biblical history and God’s personal involvement in creation. He describes the root cause of global warming or climate change as an abnormal phenomenon and as symptomatic of a “moral halo of godlessness” or a sin problem affecting the physical universe through the pervasive nature of sin. He cites Biblical examples to illustrate his position, concluding that global warming is a by-product of the moral state of man.

I respect the approach Dr. Nwankwo has used to present his view. The book is not intended as an expose of some sinister plot to deceive the layman but rather a straightforward introduction, written in layman’s terms, to show why Christians should be informed on the subject so that they can critically examine the facts, become involved in making others aware and to take measures personally to curtail further aggravating global warming and climate control.

“Global Warming: A Christian Approach” is written in layman’s terms and is well documented. Dr. Nwankwo’s writing is clear, concise, and thought-provoking. It is informative, compelling, and convincing. This is an excellent overview of an alternative approach to a world-wide concern.

Global Warming: A Christian Approach
Dr. Ebenezer A. Nwankwo
Xlibris (2009)
ISBN 9781441542762
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (8/09)

Heaven I: As Clear and Beautiful as Crystal

"Heaven I" is part one of a two-part book series. It consists of ten chapters that discuss the life and the beauty of heavenly rewards based upon our measure of faith. Rev. Dr. Lee was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write this. He prayed and fasted for seven years to deepen his connection to God and to learn about heaven. It was during this time that he received his answers.

Rev. Dr. Lee feels hat God introduced him to special heavenly secrets so that he could help save the souls of others and lead them to heaven. He describes heaven as "made of pure gold and jewels that do no change because heaven is a true and eternal world." It is a place free of sorrow and full of happiness. Rev. Dr. Lee tells us that "within God’s word is the way to heaven and you can enter heaven only when you follow the Way of the Word of God."

In "Heaven I" he discusses the different levels of heaven that are available for souls to go based upon their level of faith. The ultimate goal is to be saved and go to heaven. However, by devoting your life to what is righteous and dedication of your works to God, you can celebrate eternity in New Jerusalem. This is a place for people who have achieved the fifth level. This is the highest level of Salvation.

Your actions and level of faith will determine which level of heaven you will achieve. Each one offers paradise, however, the higher your level of faith and commitment in your lifetime, the greater your rewards.

I found "Heaven I" to be a very interesting book to read. I admire Rev. Dr. Lee’s level of discipline and his desire to try to help bring people to salvation. He offers biblical quotes to back up much of his statements. Much of what I read introduced new concepts to me. I really feel that this book would make an excellent reading choice for a church group. I think that the discussions that would be generated would be fascinating to participate in. "Heaven I" is definitely a thought-provoking book.

Heaven I: As Clear and Beautiful as Crystal
Dr. Jaerock Lee
Creation House (2006)
ISBN 9781599790183
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/08)

Hell

Reverend Dr. Jaerock Lee was personally healed after seven years of severe illnesses, by the grace of God. Having read this book and another one of his many publications, I can see that his faith is strong and unshakable. In 1982 he founded the Manmin Joon-any Church in Seoul, Korea. He now has churches worldwide. Many miracles and healings have taken place at his places of worship.

Reverend Dr. Jaerock Lee wrote this book to teach us about life after death. As the title indicates, this one is mainly about hell. He felt compelled by the Word of God to teach people about hell so that we have a choice. He does not want us to wait until we die to discover the truth about life after death. We only get one shot at Judgment. By teaching us about hell, he hopes that many of us will be saved from those fires. He states, "That is why we must know the world of evil spirits. Then you can rule, control and overcome them."

"Hell’ is divided into nine parts. The majority of the information is taken from biblical quotes. The chapters are mainly broken up into areas that cover different stages of a person’s life. This can range a discussion about the salvation of an aborted fetus to the salvation of a man who has never heard about the word of God. A lot of the salvation of unborn and young children is influenced by the faith of their parents.

Rev. Dr. Lee mentions, "The saddest fact is that people who claim to believe in God still love the world and commit sins because they actually have no hope for heaven and no fear of hell." This book will definitely leave you with a fear of hell. The author discusses how both heaven and hell are divided into different levels. Heaven and Hell themselves are separated by a giant chasm. The descriptions that he gives of hell and the infinite suffering are terrifying. It was also very difficult to read that God would allow babies and young children to suffer so horribly. This is where I had a great difficulty with reading this book. Personally, I cannot accept that a kind and loving God would allow such horrible treatment of babies and children. To me, no child can be that deserving of such horrible punishment especially that would be ordained by a God that I believe to be kind and loving.

My biggest lessons in life have come from lessons learned as a child learning the difference between right and wrong. These lessons made me become a strong person who values integrity and honesty. According to "Hell," if I had died while experiencing some of these lessons I would be burning in hell for eternity. Personally, I cannot accept this.

I do believe that "Hell" is well written and researched by the author. I also hope that it will help people to reevaluate their lives teach them to seek salvation. I just found certain parts of the book to be too strongly written for me. This is based upon my own personal beliefs, so I will not judge the author based on what I think. I will just say that many people will be quite unnerved by what they are about to read. On a more positive note, I do agree that by leading ourselves to salvation, we can also help save others. That is a wonderful gift for mankind.

"Hell" by Reverend Dr. Jaerock Lee is a very interesting book to read. I highly recommend it as reading material for religious groups. It would be very interesting to hear the different comments and viewpoints that would be given by others reading this text.

Hell
Reverend Dr. Jaerock Lee
Urim Books (2004)
ISBN 978897570698
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (12/08)

Understanding the Message of the Cross of Jesus Christ

The proclamation of the gospel of the cross of Jesus Christ is the most powerful and most life-changing message available to man today. In "Understanding the Message of the Cross of Jesus Christ," Dr. Jaerock Lee answers the question: Why is Jesus the only way to salvation? He helps the reader develop a firm foundation for the Christian life as he provides a deeper understanding of the unfathomable providence of God and His love.

Dr. Lee helps Christians and non-Christians alike consider the existence of God, His invisible attributes, His eternal power, and His divine nature. He clearly communicates theological terminology in understandable layman’s terms.

Beginning by establishing that God is the Creator and that the Bible is the way to know and meet God, Dr. Lee goes on to reveal God’s plan of salvation and the promise of eternal life. He starts with the Biblical story of the creation of man found in the book of Genesis to show how God both created and cultivated man before sin entered into the picture.

Dr. Lee discusses in detail the Garden of Eden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the midst of the garden. He answers the question of how Adam’s sin can be passed on to men today and why God prepared a place like hell. He talks about the way to find true happiness, eternal life and heaven. Step by step he reveals to the reader the reason why Jesus came to earth in the flesh, was afflicted, suffered, and died on the cross to provide salvation. Jesus was blameless, was crucified on our behalf, and opened the way of God’s salvation to us.

Lee incorporates vivid descriptive word pictures that graphically depict the suffering of Jesus on the cross with observations and comments that gave me, personally, a new appreciation and understanding of the seven last spoken words of Jesus.

Dr. Lee demonstrates amazing insight into human nature and man’s depravity. He cautions the Christian to beware of heresy and of the need to discern spirits of error.

"Understanding the Message of the Cross of Jesus Christ" by Dr. Jaerock Lee is a wake up call to Christians and a warning of coming judgment and its consequences for the unbeliever. Dr. Lee’s writing is biblically sound. His message is an uncompromised affirmation of the Gospel of Christ.

Understanding the Message of the Cross of Jesus Christ
Dr. Jaerock Lee
Destiny Image Europe (2008)
ISBN 9788889127650
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (2/09)

My Life, My Faith II

"My Life, My Faith" is composed of previously published memoirs that have been put together for this book. The book is organized into seven sections, each containing chapters that pertain to the theme of the section. Each chapter is one of his stories. In this part II of his autobiography, he discusses events that he has experienced as a minister. Reverend Dr. Lee has witnessed the Holy Spirit at work in his Ulsan Manmin church. Through his prayers, he has seen miraculous healings. Pictures and stories are included of several of these people.

Unfortunately, Reverend Dr. Lee has also had to experience the pain of being slandered and attacked. Praying for his accusers and suffering from the betrayal of some who were close to him, he managed to overcome the pain and negative publicity. His words and actions show that he is a man that is led by the Holy Spirit. This book gives him a chance to tell his side of the story about what really happened.

My overall impression of Reverend Dr. Lee is that he is someone who lives purely by faith. Through his strong faith, he is able to overcome all obstacles that have been presented to him and to help others who need compassion and healing. I think that people who find themselves tempted away from their spiritual path should read "My Life, My Faith" because it will help get them back on track. Also those either interested in, or already involved with ministry should read this so that they prepare themselves for what can happen when they lead a church. If they use this as a guide book, it will teach them to be more aware and in turn less likely to have to go through what Reverend Dr. Lee had to experience.

My Life, My Faith II
Reverend Dr. Jaerock Lee
The Christian Press/Urim Books (2007)
ISBN 9788988390177
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/09)