Reader Views

Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse: A Biblical Textbook on Abusive Narcissistic Families, How They Operate, and How to Deal With Them

In her book “Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse” Sister Renee Pittelli explains narcissism, narcissistic behavior, sociopaths, and abuse as a personality disorder. She helps the reader recognize and understand the nature of these abusive relationships and offers practical principles and approaches for dealing with narcissistic family members.

Sister Pittelli uses many illustrations for her own experiences of being verbally abused by her birth parents, of how they used exploitation, criticism, and manipulation to intimidate and control her both as a child and as an “adult child.”

She also describes dozens of case studies, personal stories, and testimonies of survivors who have moved on from being victimized by abuse, humiliation, betrayal, and abandonment to build normal intimate relationships, fulfilling happy lives as they apply the practical principles, examples, and scriptural admonitions and promises set forth in the book.

I found the chapters on abandonment, limits, and boundaries, especially informative, describing reasons for abandonment, the abusers motivation, and in providing important counsel for gaining respect, setting and maintaining limits, and learning to say “no.”

Sister Renee Pittelli’s credentials as a victim’s advocate, an Adult Child Recovery Mentor, an established author, and founder/director of a ministry dedicated to counseling the victims of Adult Child Abuse are validation of her qualifications to author this material.

The sheer volume of the book (630 pages) may be intimidating for the average reader; however, the comprehensive nature of the text including the well-chosen Biblical references with practical application makes this a fitting resource as a text for counseling ministries, lay counselor or mentor training.

The book is well organized, formatted with significant thought-provoking lists, well balance Scriptures and applications. Sister Pittelli’s writing is articulate, psychologically sound, and theologically accurate, culturally relevant.

“Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse” is an important resource, it serves as a reminder to the victimized reader that they are not alone in being victimized. This is a significant book to be read, processed, assimilated, applied, and re-read.


Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse: A Biblical Textbook on Abusive Narcissistic Families, How They Operate, and How to Deal With Them
Sister Renee Pittelli
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432766566
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/11)

Finding Jesus: To Learn Abba’s Worldview

David Christian (nom de plume) asks the reader to look at who Jesus was, who Jesus is, and who Jesus will be in his book “Finding Jesus: To Learn Abba’s Worldview.”

The author’s choice to remain anonymous, his set of ground rules, and his stated “secret purpose” of the book may “raise the shackles” for many potential readers (this reviewer included).  However, within a few pages I discovered that David Christian has a writing style that draws in the reader; I suddenly found myself compelled to turn and read the next page…and the next…and the next right on through to the last page of the epilogue.

Christian’s writing is academic and scholarly, steeped in Biblical literature and history. He is well read, as evidenced by the number of referenced quotations from noted influential theologians, philosophers, scholars, and educators. These include: Marcus Borg, Henri Nouwen, Elaine Morgan, John Dominic Crossan, Robert Eisenman, and many, many others.

Using stories, parallels, and parables, Christian exposes the prevalent biases, ingrained patterns, and divergent opinions found in our culture as well as in the church. I found the concepts of formation, framing, and “gressing” especially interesting.
 
 “Finding Jesus: To Learn Abba’s Worldview” has helped me:

    * Recognize my personal biases, blind spots, and worldview
    * Seek a balanced understanding in discerning the will of God
    * Continue to pursue my life long spiritual journey
    * Crystallize and strengthen my personal beliefs

As to the author’s conclusions; they are his, opinions drawn from his experiences, his interpretation, his background, and from the relationships within his personal community. He challenges the reader to think independently, to look to the Bible in their search for truth, and to continue in their faith journey. Christian’s ground rules of reading the book include: Think about it, talk about it, and maybe even meditate on it, and to enjoy the resultant “re-creation.”

David Christian is a strong advocate of Saint Augustine’s admonition: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, and in all things charity.”  Although primarily a motivational message to the Church, “Finding Jesus: To Learn Abba’s Worldview” is a book for everyone. Christian and non-Christian alike will be challenged by the idea of joining in following the Augustine’s principle for following Abba’s worldview.

Finding Jesus: To Learn Abba’s Worldview
David Christian
AuthorHouse (2011)
ISBN 9781463405229
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/11)

God’s Feet are in My Sandbox: Faith Chronicles of a Texas Death Row Chaplain

Author Rick Anderson openly chronicles his spiritual journey. His story begins as a twenty-one-year-old loser with an alcohol problem contemplating suicide. He goes on to candidly share the events that led to divorce and remarriage. He describes how he surrendered to preach the Gospel. He relates the experiences behind a decision to adopt a Chinese orphan, of losing his wife to breast cancer, and of later finding love again.

In my review I have tried to go beyond the information shown on the back cover of the book to alert the potential reader that much of the story leads up to the highlights of his ministry on Death Row. For other readers, the subtitle “Faith Chronicles of a Texas Death Row Chaplain” may lead to similar expectations.

Rick tells of his experiences as a Chaplain ministering to condemned men on Death Row at the Polunsky Unit of a Texas prison.  He details the events that led to his being made a scapegoat by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in their effort to place blame on him for an embarrassing death threat against a Texas State Senator which was posted on the internet.

I personally was drawn into Anderson’s narrative right from the beginning. The prologue beautifully explains the basis of the title “God’s Feet are in My Sandbox.” I also was very impressed with the way Anderson introduced encouraging words from the Psalms and other selected scripture passages that added spiritual insight and encouragement, promise, and inspiration to the incidents of the preceding narrative.

Many readers will appreciate the clarity with which Anderson presents the Gospel message. Other readers may be looking for more detailed insight into the role, duties, and policies applicable to prison chaplaincy. Anderson draws attention to ongoing discipline practices often prevalent behind the scenes in the prison environment, of the need for prison reform, restorative justice, and into the ongoing debate regarding the death penalty.

By reading “God’s Feet are in My Sandbox,” I have been moved again to re-examine God’s involvement in the “Sand Box” of my life.

God’s Feet are in My Sandbox: Faith Chronicles of a Texas Death Row Chaplain
Rick Anderson
Tate Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781617398100
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (7/11)

Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?: The Dead Sea Scrolls' Messiah Code

Having been raised in a strict Catholic environment that included a private education, I was taught not to question the Church or the Bible.  As I grew into adulthood, I found myself becoming more and more disillusioned because of the inappropriate behaviors of some of the priests and because I had so many unanswered questions regarding the Bible.  The hypocrisy that I felt surrounded by was destroying my faith. This brought me to a place in my life where I stepped outside of a traditional belief system and began exploring the beliefs of others.  I did not want anyone to try to coerce me into changing my views; I just wanted to learn about the various ways that other people believe so that I could come to my own conclusions.

Reading “Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?” allowed me to step outside of the box and look at an alternative view of the formation of Christianity.  In this book, the author Chris Albert Wells addresses some inconsistencies that he feels are in the traditional Bible, that also have serious implications regarding the formation of Christianity.  By supplying the reader with information of what was happening politically at that time, he provides a very convincing argument to back up his claims.

Wells presents information to support the idea that Jesus was not actually a man but literally a figure created to represent political parties during the time in which he was to have lived.  He educates us about what was happening historically within various political groups that would lead them to create such a character to represent their belief system.  These were incredibly rough times to be alive and people who were in opposition of ruling groups were brutally punished.  These conflicts played a huge role in the organization and the leadership of the Church.

The Gnostics held influence over the Church’s creed.  Christ was made divine and seen as the Son of God. When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947, scholars found a connection between many of the beliefs of the Essene Scroll community and the early Christians.  The discovery of the Scrolls stirred up a lot of issues regarding what were thought to be the original beliefs of the Church.  In the Scrolls, Jesus appeared to be a reincarnated Qumran Master. This information was believed to show a link between Christianity and the Qumran Essene Community, which greatly differs from our traditional beliefs.

Somebody with a strict background in traditional Christianity will probably find his writing to be very unnerving and feel uncomfortable with having their beliefs being questioned. However, if such a person reads this book and can answer the arguments set forth with valid answers taken from their belief system, then in the long run they will find themselves feeling even more secure about their faith. For others, such as myself, “Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?” has stimulated my interest in wanting to learn more about the information that Wells presents. I even used Google and Wikipedia several times, for more information, while I was immersed in the text! I think that readers groups that read “Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?” will find themselves engaged in some stimulating conversations and debates.

Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?: The Dead Sea Scrolls' Messiah Code
Chris Albert Wells
Eloquent Books (2010)
ISBN 9781608609468
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/11)

Through Dark Places: True Stories of Human Tragedy, Faith, Miracles, and Survival

“Through Dark Places” is a compilation of true short stories of human tragedy, faith, miracles, and survival. Each story tells of an extraordinary event that realistically describes the emotions experienced by courageous people facing some of life’s greatest trials.

The stories are drawn from Sid Baron’s own experiences, from those of close friends, and from interviews with other “everyday heroes” who have learned the preciousness of life through the uncertainties that accompany the emotion-packed drama and paralyzing intensity experienced during those uncertain hours while waiting for a prognosis, an update, or some kind of promising news.

Baron includes accounts of exciting incidents where miraculous life-saving rescues have been attributed to guardian angels. He speaks of the fear and anxiety experienced when faced with a premonition of bad news to come. He shares stories of the resultant havoc after a fatal accident due to drunk driving.

In the story of “The Longest Week” Sid tells of coping with anger during his daughter’s long recovery and painful therapy after being hit by a drunk driver. He shares the importance of a strong bond of family love, of hope, of faith, and of laughter in the recovery process.

I was especially touched by the moving account of a fighter pilot’s traumatic experiences in prisoner of war camps during World War II.

“David’s Story” relates the emotions which his parents describe as “…a deep sadness creeping over their hearts for a son who is not there.” They speak of an occasional glow on life’s path dimmed by the intensity of ever present shadows. Baron relates the lessons Lisa learned from her brush with death. Lisa now knows how truly blessed she is, how vulnerable, and what a special gift life is.

Tom Klarkson’s story describes the long-range impact that results from growing up in a dysfunctional family. He tells of the embarrassment of being on government welfare and receiving food stamps. He also speaks of the effects of drug and alcohol, abandonment, and of the horrors of physical and mental abuse.

My-Uyen’s story of discovering the meaning of life includes her escape with the boat people evacuated from Viet Nam. She was plagued by fear and a feeling of insignificance as she looked at “the immensity of space above” and the “indifference of the vast ocean below” during her flight on an unsafe ship crowded with evacuees. Today as a vibrant Christian My-Uyen shares, with gratitude, the story of her “harrowing” experiences and the mystery of her miraculous escape.

When collaborating in an effort of this nature, relating the personal stories of other individuals, the writer may unintentionally assume their own personal voice and fall into a sameness or a pattern of simply reporting facts. I sensed this from time to time in Baron’s stories. However, because his writing is fresh, relevant and clear, each episode stands on its own. Each story reflects the triumph of the central characters and is an inspiration.

I appreciated Baron’s excellent command of language and his choice of strong descriptive words. His frequent transitions flowed with very natural segues through each change. “Through Dark Places” is compelling.  Baron is an extraordinary communicator

Through Dark Places: True Stories of Human Tragedy, Faith, Miracles, and Survival
Sid Baron
Exxel Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780970346919
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (07/10)

One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church

Robert Lloyd Russell draws from the lessons and insights he has gleaned from his forty years in Christian Leadership and Bible Teaching. “One Precious Pearl” guides the reader into a deeper understanding of God’s Design for His Church. It is Russell’s prayer that the reader will personally recognize Christ’s sacrificial gift for their individual salvation as well as the importance of becoming a part of the true church.

Russell demystifies the content of the seven parables from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter thirteen.  The book is divided into two parts made up of short chapters to accommodate the pace of today’s busy reader. Each of the twenty-two chapters can be read as a devotional, as the basis for a foundation for discussion, or as an adult Bible lesson for small groups. Part One is a commentary on the thirteenth chapter of Matthew. Part Two is made up of “Lessons from the One Precious Pearl” and contains some interesting analogies. Russell combines natural science with Biblical truth to provide an in depth study.

The Key Concepts and questions for consideration, at the end of each chapter, are ideal for further meditation, application, and assimilation. I found the evaluations, summaries, and commentary used throughout the format of the book to be stimulating, practical, and well thought out.

I found the epilogue with thoughts for contemplation on the symbolism of the gifts of the Wise Men interesting and informative. The Gospel message included as an appendix was clear and persuasive.

“One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church” is inspiration devotional reading made up of changeless truths presented from a contemporary perspective. This book is highly recommended.

One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church
Robert Lloyd Russell
Infinity Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780741462329
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/10)

The Cosmic Order of Reincarnation: Fearless Bible

Buddhist philosopher Khun Shwe Thike has written “The Cosmic Order of Reincarnation: Fearless Bible” to explain reincarnation and how the process really works.    There is an extensive discussion of the different philosophies of what the major religions believe happens when we die.  These religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Muslim and Hinduism.  Much of our society lives in fear about what will happen after we die. Religious fanaticism has helped to propagate these fears.  By gaining an understanding of how reincarnation is directed by the Cosmic Order and not religious deities many of our fears about what happens after we die can be laid to rest.  There are four natural laws that create Cosmic Order, and it is not created by a being.  Cosmic Order has no beginning or ending, it just is.

A main point that is presented is that when death occurs, the human ceases to exist, but certain aspects of their being, such as matter and force, create a new life.  Humans are reincarnated as humans, not as other animals or higher level beings.  The Cosmic Order of Reincarnation explains reincarnation as being “…born again as a man after death.  There is no other place for man to go.”  Accepting this belief will help free us from our doubts and fears about death.  The author believes that our past deeds, whether they were good or bad, do not help determine how we will return in the next life.

An extensive discussion about the origin of man using physiological, biological, and geological evidence is used to illustrate his ideas.  The information presented supports his belief that mankind evolved from one step to another as humans and not apes.

It is best for society that we should work for the good of all, release our fears and learn to live in the moment.  We should show compassion and empathy to all.  It is also best that we not have more than we reasonably need, nor should we allow money to possess us.  Punishment in society should be geared towards prevention and reformation of the criminals.  Accepting the beliefs of others, instead of finding fault in them will also help us to live more peaceful lives.  By living with ideas such as these, we will be able to make the planet a better place.

These ideas resonate with me, because I believe that if I live my life with integrity and respect towards others, I will be able to enjoy a good life now, instead of worrying about what will happen when I die.  If the rest of mankind would accept these ideas and let go of living in judgment of others we would all be able to share a wonderful world.  “The Cosmic Order of Reincarnation: Fearless Bible” is a well written, intelligently thought out “Fearless Bible.”  I highly recommend it to those who are looking to live more peaceful, fearless lives.

The Cosmic Order of Reincarnation: Fearless Bible
Khun Shwe Thike
Outskirts Press (2010)
ISBN 9781432748180
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/10)

Christ Walks Where Evil Reigned: Responding to the Rwandan Genocide

There are many pieces to the puzzling and impious genocide that happened in Rwanda in 1994. The scars, guilt and anger run deep, flowing into a new generation. In an attempt to establish an important remedy, Emmanuel Kolini, Anglican Archbishop of Rwanda, and Peter Holmes have teamed up to write “Christ Walks Where Evil Reigned: Responding to the Rwandan Genocide.” This short, 196-page manual describes several of the reasons for the genocide, the ongoing consequences of it, and a multifaceted approach to bring about substantive healing to the nation.

The first half of “Christ walks Where Evil Reigned” takes up the hard, disquieting task of sketching the social history of Rwanda, and the background to the genocide. The authors show how the initial distinctions between Hutu and Tutsi are historically economic rather than primarily ethnic. They then depict the way in which the colonial powers capitalized on these distinctions to divide and conquer the nation, through the Church, the Schools and politics. Once the colonial powers succeeded in this divide-to-conquer program an earlier smaller scale genocide erupted there in 1959. But time didn’t heal the wounds. Instead the division continued to fester and swell, until the horrible 100-day massacre exploded in April 1994.

The next quarter of the book explains the long-term traumatized repercussions of the genocide. Thousands upon thousands of women intentionally infected with HIV from multiple rapes; children with no parents and no communal identity, who don’t even know their date of birth and age because no one is left alive who remembers when they were born; long-term economic ramifications; nation-wide grief, guilt, post-traumatic stress, seething hatred boiling under the surface, lostness, and the list continues to expand.

But “Christ Walks Where Evil Reigned” doesn’t end on a note of despair. The last quarter of the book is an attempt to map out the various ways to initiate healing, politically, educationally, and ecclesiastically. The solutions which Archbishop Kolini and Dr. Holmes offer endeavor to be broadly encompassing, though their proffered programs for recovery are only the first step in a long process.

“Christ Walks Where Evil Reigned” is a disturbing book, because the horror of the 1994 genocide was a disturbing instance of the destructive collusion of colonial imperialism, ethnic tension, multi-generational hateful propaganda and weak ecclesiastical leadership. This is indispensable reading for anyone troubled by the ethnic violence and cleansings of the past several generations in the world. And this book is a significant reminder that Christ can walk where evil once reigned.

Christ Walks Where Evil Reigned
Emmanuel M. Kolini and Peter R. Holmes
Authentic Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781934068410
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for Reader Views (6/08)

The Top 100 Men of the Bible

There are hundreds of names in the Bible.  Some of them we are very familiar with such as John the Baptist because the Bible tells us his story.  Some names such as Ananias only get a brief mention and leave us wondering more about that person.  That is where this book comes in.  Each chapter, in alphabetical order, starts with a Bible verse introducing us to a great man of the Bible.  For instance in Jacob’s chapter the author takes the verse from Genesis 27:19, which tells us: “Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn.  I have done as you told me.  Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.”  The author then goes on to tell us Jacob’s story and of his betrayal of his father Isaac.  At the conclusion of the chapter he tells us that even though Jacob had seasons of disobedience, God will never give up on us or change His purpose.

Each chapter throughout the book is similar to Jacob’s chapter.  It tells us the man’s story and at the conclusion challenges us with a question or an affirmation to always follow God’s example from the Bible. The book is laid out in a way that each chapter can be read daily or reflected on weekly as a devotional.  Each chapter is just a few pages and is a mini-lesson.  The lessons are simple and easy to read for all ages.  The lessons are powerful since they contain the Bible verse to back them up.  I definitely learned a lot about men I hadn’t even heard of even though I read the Bible often.  I also liked the way the author took a character such as Judas and showed us we could learn from men like him who even betrayed Jesus. “The Top 100 Men of the Bible” could be shared in a Bible study or individually.  It may be geared toward men, but women have just as much to gain in learning wisdom from these faithful men of the Bible.

The Top 100 Men of the Bible
Drew Josephs
Barbour Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781597898577
Reviewed by Tracy Kokemuller for Reader Views (5/08)

The Koran Deception

“The Koran Deception” is a compilation of selected portions from the Bible and from the writings of Mohammed. These references from the Koran and the Biblical writings are paralleled to point out the differences and the inconsistencies of the Koran.

The author takes the position that “To be an informed believer, the believer has to have knowledge of the Old Testament.  With knowledge of the Old Testament an informed believer of the Koran will see the discrepancies and error of the Koran.”  With this in mind he further states, “Mohammed has created a false religion and by his own word has condemned himself and his followers.” He then shows from writings in the Koran that “Mohammed’s own words point you to the true religion, the religion of the Old Testament, to Moses and to the Ten Commandments and to the laws of passed down to Moses.”

The writings chosen reveal contradictions and deviations of the Koran from the Hebrew Scriptures of the Old Testament. It is interesting to note the disparity of the Biblical precepts on prayer and intercession for a non-believer, and the admonition of the Koran not to intercede for an infidel, or non-believer, but to pray for them to be cursed.

Reference in the Koran, to the Word of God, points out its perfection and yet leaves room for abrogation or an improved revelation. The author asks, “Does this imply there are errors to be found in the Scriptures?” 

Passages from the writing of Mohammed claim that he is preserving the Old Testament from corruption while in fact the writings clearly give evidence of an attempt to do the opposite and twist the Old Testament writing.

“The Koran Deception” assumes a familiarity of the Old Testament is organized with books, chapters, and verses as well as a basic understanding of the makeup of the Koran.  A brief explanation of both as an appendix would be helpful to a reader, whether, Moslem, Jew, or Christian, who is seeking insight but is unfamiliar with the writings being compared.

However, the current approach has left me with enough curiosity to research further into the writings of Mohammed, especially, in a day when “tolerance” of Eastern religions has become the norm.  The book clearly illustrates how easily a casual reader can be deceived.  The “deception” of the Koran will not be easily spotted in a cursory reading of the book but a close reading or further study will lead to understanding. I personally have been challenged to reexamine my own faith and to be more cognizant of the ease with which an individual can be deceived.

This compilation, “The Koran Deception,” is an excellent introduction to deception and inconsistency of the Koran for stimulating classroom discussions, for personal insight, and for further study.

The Koran Deception
Anonymous
Infinity Publishing Company (2007)
ISBN 9780741438263
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/08)