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Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3: Soul Eater (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)

Average customer rating:

In the great forests of ancient times, Torak and his friend, Renn, once again hunt.
A considerable improvement.
Great series.
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1 - #3
Great Companion Book for the Series

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3: Soul Eater (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)
Michelle Paver
Manufacturer: Katherine Tegen Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #2: Spirit Walker (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #2: Spirit Walker (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)
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Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)
The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3)

ASIN: 0060728310
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Book Description

It's winter, and Wolf, Torak's beloved pack-brother, has been captured by an unknown foe. In a desperate bid to rescue him, Torak and Renn must brave the frozen wilderness of the Far North.

As they battle for survival amid howling blizzards and the ever-present menace of the great white bear, their friendship is tested to the breaking point, and Torak is forced to get closer to his enemies than ever before. . . .

Soul Eater is a haunting story of loyalty and loss, a chilling portrayal of the nature of evil, and the next step in the perilous journey that began with Wolf Brother and Spirit Walker.

Customer Reviews:

In the great forests of ancient times, Torak and his friend, Renn, once again hunt........2007-06-05

In the great forests of ancient times, Torak and his friend, Renn, once again hunt. With them is the giant wolf dog who is never far from Torak's side. Everything seems normal to them until Torak comes across the feather of the fierce eagle owl, which is a bad omen. Though Torak throws it away, the hunt is spoiled when a giant eagle owl swoops from the tree tops and scares their prey away. Then, unexpectedly, Wolf darts away as if in pursuit of new prey. Though they try to follow, he easily out-distances them.

After some debate they decide to continue their hunt for Wolf and not go back to their Raven tribe. Little do they know what this decision will mean as they struggle deeper and deeper into uncharted, frozen lands. This is the beginning of the end for Torak and Renn.

In the meantime, Wolf has fallen into a trap set by the dreaded Soul Eaters; he has been beaten, drugged and caged. The Soul Eaters are in the process of gathering the fiercest animal hunters to sacrifice. It is the strength of these hunters that will help make the Soul Eaters the strongest tribe. They are power hungry, evil and reek of rotting flesh as they move forward with their evil plan.

Without the help of the White Fox Clan, Torak and Renn might have perished. When attacked by the winter bear, it is Fox Clan member Inuktiluk who helps them and takes them to the frozen river so they can attempt to cross into the dangerous unknown. But even in their worst dreams, they have no idea how horrible it will be when at last they find the beloved animal.

...The tip of Wolf's bushy silver tail was matted with dried blood: but it wasn't that which turned [Torak] ill with fear. It was the slimy greenish-black flesh which showed through in patches. Flesh which stank of rottenness.

"It's the blackening sickness," said Renn. "It's poisoning him. The worms of sickness are eating him up from inside."

Once again, Michelle Paver has created a magical world in which good and evil are constantly at war. Torak and Renn are more fully realized as their characters mature and endure harrowing experiences. Paver's writing is fluid and strong, capturing the language, landscape and personalities of this ancient time. Readers of the first two installments of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series will be thrilled with this story --- probably the most powerful book yet.

--- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts

A considerable improvement........2007-04-20

I enjoyed Wolf Brother but hated Spirit Walker and I was weary that this entry in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series was going to be just as meandering and slow. Fortunately it's not and it's just as good as the first book.

Wolf is kidnapped by the evil Soul Eaters so Torak and Renn must chase after them into The Far North to rescue him. Their chase brings them to the Eye of the Viper, a cave deep, deep in a mountain where the Soul Eaters have made their lair and intend to sacrifice 9 hunters to unleash demon hoardes under their control upon the world.

The mythology is getting a tad out of hand though. I don't know whether these forest people simply don't understand science and physics and mistake everything for fate, miracles and magic or if it's just their ancient point of view trying to make sense of it. That complaint aside, it's a good book that you'll not want to put down until you've finished it. It's way more fast moving than Spirit Walker and brings the COAD series back on track.

Great series........2007-04-07

It was a cool book. I like how it took place on a icy snowy mountain. Can't wait for the fourth book to come out!! This from the mouth of an adventurous 10 year old boy.

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1 - #3.......2007-04-03

My son can not put the 3 books down ... this is the first time I saw him this excited to keep reading.

Great Companion Book for the Series.......2007-03-20

While this book has many surprising twists and turns, it is enjoyable and fun to read. Once again we follow Torak, Wolf, and Renn viewing them all, from there point of view.
Very mild changes do happen though, such as, Wolf now calls Renn 'The Pack Sister' instead of 'Female Tailess'. And Renn also has a much major role in the book then say in WOLF BROTHER, and also the book switches to her view more.
This is a very enjoyable book and I recomend it to any one from 10-100.

The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth

Average customer rating:

The Dark Night of the Soul
Gentle growth
Needed during my Dark night....
They Say the Darkest Hour is Right Before the Dawn
The Dark Night of the Soul

The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth
Gerald G. May
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060750553
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Book Description

Now in paperback: a distinguished psychiatrist, spiritual counsellor and bestselling author shows how the dark sides of the spiritual life are a vital ingredient in deep, authentic, healthy spirituality.

Gerald G. May, MD, one of the great spiritual teachers and writers of our time, argues that the dark 'shadow' side of the true spiritual life has been trivialised and neglected to our serious detriment. Superficial and naively upbeat spirituality does not heal and enrich the soul. Nor does the other tendency to relegate deep spiritual growth to only mystics and saints. Only the honest, sometimes difficult encounters with what Christian spirituality has called and described in helpful detail as 'the dark night of the soul' can lead to true spiritual wholeness.

May emphasises that the dark night is not necessarily a time of suffering and near despair, but a time of deep transition, a search for new orientation when things are clouded and full of mystery. The dark gives depth, dimension and fullness to the spiritual life.

Customer Reviews:

The Dark Night of the Soul.......2007-05-14

For years I have tried to understand St. John of the Cross's meaning of this phrase. Dr. May has taken the thoughts and writtings of St. John and brought it to an understandable level.What does it mean to suffer pain in this life? Is it something that only I suffer or is it a common experience among all of us? Dr. May answers the question and explains the beauty of St. John's words and the debth of spirit in the story of St. John's own life.

Gentle growth.......2007-03-14

In his last book published before his death, Jerry May unfolds his vast knowledge and understanding of the spirtual state known as the Dark Night. Contrary to what one might think, the Dark Night is not the same as clinical depression, nor is it dark and depressing. Rather, it is, in the words of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, "obscure," because we don't understand what God is accomplishing in us. It is a very comforting and illuminating book. No one can make these Sixteenth Century saints clearer in the light of modern psychiatry like Gerald May, MD. An excellent book.

Needed during my Dark night...........2006-08-10

While I didn't feel this book was incredible, probably due to my lack of knowledge about works of John and Theresa ....
...however I read this book while I was going through my own dark night of the soul..it was the whole reason I bought it..I had broken a leg and was on some type of soul journey..It helped me calm some fears, and helped me further my spirituality quest...it aligned with some other things I was reading at the time, and led me on a search into buddhism.. If you are looking for a book that' self help..this probably isn't it.. but if you want someone to make sense of all the things you feel about your spirutuality, espicially in the "dark night" ...this may be the book for you.
I do recommend this book, however I only gave it three stars because I wasn't blown away by it, and once I felt better...I kinda didn't care to read it :/..but it made it's impact on me nonetheless.

They Say the Darkest Hour is Right Before the Dawn.......2006-04-16

In this book, profound but obscure like the material with which it deals, psychiatrist Gerald May describes a process of spiritual growth that is operational in the difficult seasons of life.

Drawing from the experiences of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, he explores a journey of consciousness that leads us into the recognition of "our deep and irrevocable communion with the Divine".

It is a path through darkness, a path of letting go, a path of abandoning oneself, losing oneself, and in so doing ultimately finding what is real. The following quotes reveal something of this journey:

* The darkness of the night implies nothing sinister, only that the liberation takes place in hidden ways, beneath our knowledge and understanding.

* Although not knowing may itself seem like a bad thing, I am convinced it is one of the great gifts of the dark night of the soul.

* The spiritual life for Theresa and John has nothing to do with actually getting closer to God. Union with God is neither acquired nor received; it is realized, and in that sense it is something that can be yearned for, sought after, and - with God's grace - found.

* The dark night helps us to become what we are created to be: lovers of God and one another.

* ...we are not only born with God at our center, but we are born with a heart full of desire for God. This yearning is our fundamental motive force; it is the human spirit. It is the energy behind everything we seek and aspire to.

* Liberation, whether experienced pleasurably or painfully, always involves relinquishment, some kind of loss.

* Sometimes the only way we can enter the deeper dimensions of the journey is by being unable to see where we are going.

* ...in worldly matters it is good to have light so we know where to go without stumbling. But in spiritual matters it is precisely when we do think we know where to go that we are most likely to stumble.

* When we cannot chart our own course, we become vulnerable to God's protection, and the darkness becomes a "guiding night," a "night more kindly than the dawn."

* We cannot achieve our own liberation or fulfillment; we would not even know where to begin. But neither does God reach down from the sky and manipulate us like puppets. ...the process of the dark night is neither accomplished on our own nor worked within us by God alone.

* Though we don't realize it at the time, when habitual senses of God do disappear in the process of the dark night, it is surely because it is time for us to relinquish our attachment to them. We have made an idol of our images and feelings of God, giving them more importance than the true God that they represent.

* The darkness, the holy unknowing that characterizes this freedom, is the opposite of confusion and ignorance. Confusion happens when mystery is an enemy and we feel we must solve it to master our destinies. And ignorance is not knowing that we do not know. In the liberation of the night we are freed from having to figure things out, and we find delight in knowing that we do not know.

It is comforting to come to understand that what we may experience as painful, dry, and difficult periods of life are often seasons of deep becoming. It is another way by which we learn that, as the Lord said it to St. Paul, "My grace is sufficient; my power is made perfect in weakness".

The Dark Night of the Soul.......2006-03-03

simple easy reading.Presents spiritual development as a natural process and times of darkness as opportunities for deepening and growth which changes the panic of the dark to stillness and inner process with a hope filled light worth continuing toward.

Ransomed from Darkness: The New Age, Christian Faith, and the Battle for Souls

Average customer rating:

Something all Christians (and non-Christians) should read!
Gripping
Excellent!
Congratulations
The Light of the Truth and the Lies of the Dark

Ransomed from Darkness: The New Age, Christian Faith, and the Battle for Souls
Moira Noonan
Manufacturer: North Bay Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0972520074

Book Description

Moira Noonan left the Christian faith in the mid-1970s after suffering a severe accident to which the Church seemed to offer no answers. She went on to explore nearly every path of New Age spiritual practice, mastering such disciplines as psychic healing, clairvoyance, hypnotherapy, reiki, and past-life regression. Her tumultuous life in the occult, and her dramatic return to her original faith, culminating in her deliverance from demonic possession at Medjugorje, are the subjects of this absorbing contemporary classic in the literature of spiritual warfare. Noonan's story has been an inspiration to thousands of people who have felt the inadequacy of New Age-inspired road maps to enlightenment.

Customer Reviews:

Something all Christians (and non-Christians) should read!.......2007-06-19

This book is an amazing, primary source account of a woman's travel from being a New Age priestess and clairvoyant, to a Roman Catholic, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Medjugorje.

If you want a concise book written by a former priestess in the New Though movement (which encompasses everything from "Course in Miracles", Alchemy, Angel guides, Aura work, Angelic channeling, Astral projection, Astrology, Automatic handwriting, Chakra Balancing, Channeling, Clairvoyance, Crystal healing, Crystal divination, Dousing, Eckankar, Energy work, EST, Ethric Light Body Work, Firewalking, Geomancy, Hands of Light, The "I AM" movement, I Ching, Laying of Stones, Medicine Wheel, Necromancy, Out-of-Body work, Past-life regression Therapy, Psychic development, Psychic healing, Rebirthing, Reitki, Shamanism, Silva Mind Control, Soul Travel, Spirit Guides, Spiritual Psychotherapy, Spiritualism, Table-Tipping, Tantra, Tarot Cards, Trance Mediums, Trance Work, Visualization, Wicca)

It describes after she spent over 20 years of her life as a priestess, clairvoyant, channeler, etc. how she realized it was all a lie and every part of her improvement was lead by Satan. She is now a Christian and speaks about her experiences.

Great Christian resource and great non-Christian wake up to the New Age practices. Guard your senses!

Gripping.......2007-05-30

This book grabs you and will not let you go until you are finished. If one is unconvinced regarding the dangers of New Thought and the New Age, this book is a MUST read.

The chapters are incredibly taught and well edited. This makes the book lean and "quick reading." But these same chapters, while lean, are chock full of one of the most compelling and emotional conversion stories I have ever read.

The author was deeply involved in the New Age. She was a practicing psychic and clairvoyant. I grew up in California and was literally surrounded by the same culture this author talks about. The dangers she shares are real.

The author of this book, perhaps unsurprisingly, has become a charismatic Catholic. Some of the charismatic elements of the book I initially found off-putting (I am not attracted to the Charismatic Renewal and prefer a good old fashioned high liturgy with lots of incense and Chant and Latin). That being said, our Church is a big Church, and the rediscovery of the Gifts of the Spirit within certain sectors of the Church have been a blessing to say the least, despite the inevitable abuses. This is obviously the case with this author. Moira Noonan is a VERY SOLID CATHOLIC and Catholics of all stripes should read this book and get to know how the enemy of our souls is duping many of us.

This is a great book.

Excellent!.......2007-05-22

An excellent book, I literally could not put it down, and finished it in a matter of hours over two days. Ms. Noonan gives a fascinating account of her experiences deep in New Age and 'relgious science'-type thoughts and practices that reads like a really great personal memoir and testimony. I was touched by her account of how her young daughter seemed to know better all the while, and was practically untouched by all of it thanks to Our Lady's protection despite her mother's deep immersion in this world. A must read for anyone who has ever even slightly dabbled into any new age or occult practices or knows someone who has (that would be just about everyone) An important book.

Congratulations.......2007-03-16

Congratulations are in order for the lady who wrote this book. She's been brave enough to step out and tell her story.
The practices and philosophies of the New Age are leading people to dispair. Hopefully, this lady's real life experience might save others from the depression and missery that the New Age ultimately brings with it.

The Light of the Truth and the Lies of the Dark.......2007-01-31

It all comes down to faith not fear in navigating the morally ambigious world promoted by modern secular society. In a world where spiritual hunger is often not satisfied in church people often find understanding in New Age circles. Whether they find the light or the dark is up to their best judgment but many times a wolf in sheep's clothing is not too easy to spot. In the New Testament the apostle Paul met a slave woman who made money as a clairvoyant until he struck the demon out of her. Whether you believe this account or not one thing is clear - in the spirit world all is not light and merry. If you meet good and bad people ... you meet good and bad spirits, there is a reason why most Churches are very strict on New Age practices such as channelling, divination, etc.... cause walking with God is all the more important when you are playing oracle. Like all things one should practice discernment and really follow their gut instinct. Spirit is real, but make sure you are in good company. It is often best to approach the delving into New Age after you have a solid religious foundation that can help you decipher the good and bad. People don't like rules or to be held accountable for their actions ... and some New Age theories play into that. It is knowing when to walk away that counts most in the life of a spiritual path.

Healing Life's Deepest Hurts: Let the Light of Christ Dispel the Darkness in Your Soul

Average customer rating:

Deep Healing
True Freedom!
This book and ministry is truly from God.
This will can bring freedom to your life
Christian counselor recommends this book to colleagues

Healing Life's Deepest Hurts: Let the Light of Christ Dispel the Darkness in Your Soul
Edward M. Smith
Manufacturer: Vine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Healing | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Healing Life's Hurts Through Theophostic Prayer: Let The Light Of Christ Set You Free From Lifelong Fears, Shame, False Guilt, Anxiety And Emotional Pain
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Accessories:

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ASIN: 0830734392

Book Description

Healing Life's Deepest Hurts is an introduction to Theophostic Ministry, developed by Dr. Edward Smith to help Christians become "free indeed." Two New Testament Greek words, Theos (which means "God") and Phos (which means "light") are combined to describe how the Light of the World, Jesus, can illuminate the darkness in our minds and bring us into wholeness. All of us need to have our minds renewed, whether we have suffered severe traumas or not, and to experience the love of Christ on a deeper level. Our own best efforts cannot release us from lifelong fears, shame, false guilt, anxiety and emotional pain. Only God Himself can make it possible for us to reflect His character and life. Theophostic Ministry brings us to a place where God can do this.

Customer Reviews:

Deep Healing.......2005-02-11

You simply MUST read this book. For all pastors, counselors, and Christian workers. This book is a simple introduction to the profound emotional healing prayer ministry of Dr. Ed Smith. As a pastor of over 30 years, searching for deeper answers to life's problems, this is the most profound, yet simple process for receiving healing directly from Jesus I have ever experienced or used. Trust me, this works. The healing touch of Jesus is available for you. This is the most effective form of inner healing available.

True Freedom!.......2004-08-21

I have read this book and I have personally witnessed this process bring true and permanent freedom to the emotional pain in many people's lives. Dr. Ed Smith explains how we are bound by the lies that we believe. He also gives a resource to persue freedom for ourselves and our loved ones.

This book and ministry is truly from God........2004-08-19

Those who criticize Theophostic Ministry to discredit it have helped Theophostic Prayer Ministry to continue to develop. However, those same critics do not understand, nor do they embrace what God is doing in freeing people from emotional woundedness. This book does not fit into anyone's neat little theological box, but then, neither does God. I have used this ministry since 1997 and have seen God work in people's lives in marvelous ways. This book represents truth about what happens in Theophostic Ministry. It is accurate and well written. It celebrates one of the ways that God works to help people. The EFC church mentioned in another review has misrepresented TPM, as has the reviewer who calls it "divination." Read the book for yourself, and take the training for yourself. Don't take the critic's word for it, nor mine. Read the book and let God confirm in your heart what He will confirm.

Grateful to Ed and Sharon Smith and the training they have given,

Don Davidson, Pastor
First Baptist Church, Smithville, TN

This will can bring freedom to your life.......2004-08-04

I am a Pastor and handle a lot of counseling, I read this book several months ago and have found it enlightening, challnenging and truly a life transforming. The topic of inner healing does have its critics but this is one of the great text on the topic. I have also completed the Basic Theophostic Training and have begun using the principles it teaches. It has been truly helpful in my ministry. Healing lifes deepest hurts is one of main text I give my clients to read.

It is written well, Dr Smith is very conversational in his style and does not give a complete overview of the Theophostic Prayer Ministry process it is designed to be a introductory book any one wishing to receive ministry should seek a counselor, minister or lay counselor trained in theophostic.

If you are a Pastor curious about what Ed Smith is teaching in this form of inner healing I strongly recommend you read this text first. Then if you want to learn more order the Theophostic Basic training. Other text that I have found that are also helpful are written by Francis MacNutt, John Sandford and David Seamands.

Christian counselor recommends this book to colleagues.......2004-05-21

As a licensed clinical counselor in private practice in Rockford, Illinois, I specialize in Christian Counseling. I have been applying Theophostic Ministry prinicples in my practice since 2001. In most cases, I have seen amazing (I don't use that word very often), yes, amazing results in very brief periods of time. Theophostic is highly consistent with my current counseling approach that is based on an integration of the sound scientific principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy with the principles of heart-healing described in the Bible, especially the Davidic psalms (see scottlownsdale.com for description of my counseling approach). In this book, Dr. Ed Smith does an outstanding job in making Theophostic Ministry clear and theologically sound. I highly recommend it to my colleagues, and pastors who have questions on Theophostic Ministry. This book, however, is no substitute for receiving Theophostic ministry, or for getting the necessary training.

Lost Souls: Finding Hope in the Heart of Darkness

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Lost Souls: Finding Hope in the Heart of Darkness
Niles Goldstein
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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God at the Edge: Searching for the Divine in Uncomfortable and Unexpected Places
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ASIN: B000BZ6UT4

Book Description

These days it is no longer just adolescents who feel that the universe is falling apart. In Lost Souls, Niles Goldstein writes of the chaos and fear so many of us experience in our public and private lives and makes it clear that we are not—nor have we ever been—alone in our angst. To illustrate the different stages we often encounter when we feel lost—whether the trigger for our disorientation and despair is the loss of a loved one or a job, or the result of an injury or depression—Goldstein interweaves contemporary stories of men and women he has met through his work as a rabbi and a law enforcement chaplain with those of biblical figures such as Cain, David and Bathsheba, Samson, Tamar, and several of the prophets. As in his last book, God at the Edge, Goldstein explores the “shadow” side of the human condition. His accounts are often disturbing, but his insights are always inspiring. What he brings us is a message of particular relevance today, namely, that a journey through the wilderness—be it emotional, existential, or geographical—is a transformative and strengthening process, even though it may not seem so at the time. In chronicling the stories of survivors who have traveled through perilous and at times unexplored territory, Goldstein not only shows us how to face the challenges of being human, he also delivers a promise of meaning, direction, and hope in our lives.

Natural Grace: Dialogues on creation, darkness, and the soul in spirituality and science

Average customer rating:

Not easy but worth the effort
Honest attempt but shoddy in places
Understanding grace
God is all...

Natural Grace: Dialogues on creation, darkness, and the soul in spirituality and science
Matthew Fox
Manufacturer: Image
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385483597
Release Date: 1997-08-18

Book Description

The chasm between science and religion has been a source of intellectual and spiritual tension for centuries, but in these ground breaking dialogues there is a remarkable consonance between these once opposing camps. In Natural Grace, Rupert Sheldrake and Matthew Fox show that not only is the synthesis of science and spirituality possible, but it is unavoidable when one considers the extraordinary insights they have both come upon in their work. Sheldrake, who has changed the face of modern science with his revolutionary theory of morphic resonance, and Fox, whose work in creation spirituality has had a significant impact on people's sense of spirit, balance each other with their unique yet highly complementary points of view. In these inspired dialogues a variety of ancient topics--including ritual, prayer, and the soul--are freed from the past and given new power for the future in the liberated universe Fox and Sheldrake show us.

Customer Reviews:

Not easy but worth the effort.......2007-04-07

This book is a dialogue between a mystic and a scientist. From time to time one or the other get a bit esoteric, but the back and forth makes for surprising insights and provocations to further thinking by the reader. I would especially recommend this as a book to discuss in a group. The dialogue between readers of different backgrounds complements the dialogue within the book.

Honest attempt but shoddy in places.......2002-09-02

This book is a dialog between the defrocked Catholic Matthew Fox and scienctist(of morphic resonance fame) Rupert Sheldrake. In it they discuss both science, religion and spirituality(mostly Echart and Hildegard) and how they intersect at points as I understand it.

Do they do a good job? yes and no. Yes in that both are sincere in their efforts. Sheldrake stands out as the better of the two intellectually. No in that Fox falls down in several areas.

1. He commits a serious epistemological error by confusings metaphysical levels of the spirit and soul with material levels of existence. For Fox A = C this is a big no no. Angels are not atomic paritcles and the soul is not the body. Reification is plain wrong.

2. He bases the bulk of his newly created theology on selected portions of Eckhart, Hildegard and Rumi. This is dangerous, since these were mystics of a high order their writings were never meant to be read as one reads a newspaper or literally as Fox wants to do. Also none the people he mentioned were rebels like himself. These mystics worked within the religous framework of the time. To try to create an exoteric framework from esoteric writings which is what Fox has done is fraught with problems, especially when you are not their equal.

This is my biggest problem with Fox. Instead of trying to show the reader the differences between science and religion he's trying to peddle his new religion of creation spirituality. Which is gnosis without gnosis in disguise.

3. As for Fox's understanding of Catholic or Christian religion in general, he has blinders on. Especially when he comments on the great Cathedrals of Europe. He fails to understand or evem see their symbolism, instead he find's solace in their crypts of all places - this is neurotic. This man loves being in the dark and would like to see all new churchs built underground. His attitude is positively Manichean in nature.

Sheldrake also confuses the readers with his understanding of science in general. Science deal with the quantitative and measurable aspects of materialism. It cannot deal with qualities nor with metaphysics. To use science to justify religion is sloppy thinking and equivalent to building a house on shifting sands.

So my rating is:
** stars
-1 star for lack of a index and specific sources for the quotes Fox used.
-1 star for sloppy epistemology and for Fox trying peddle his new religion instead.
-1 star for using on the back cover "institutionalized science and mechanistic religion" it should mechanistic science and institutionalized religion. Religion may be dull at times but never a machine

The book fails in trying to bring together the strands of science, religion or spirituality. Which nobody has ever really done well. Read E.F. Schumachers "Guide for the Perplexed" which is a must and then Hossein Nasr "Man and Nature". Another good one is Huston Smith's "Postmodern Mind". For a real study on spirituality get Evelyn Underhill's "Mysticism" she's a beautiful writer and very well studied on this topic.

Understanding grace.......2001-09-01

I've read this book twice and have underlined a lot of it. I've recently shared it with friends and have discussed some of the concepts the authors describe so well. The idea of the body is in the soul, the soul as field, the connectivity through grace...these are powerful, transforming thoughts. Thank you Matthew for another fine book.

God is all..........1999-07-11

Well, ran into some deep space in this one. This cosmic equation seems to have some real balence. But as you know love is all there really is> Author write me. Enoch

Average customer rating:

superb!
A Soul beyond Compare
The first real good story I've read in years.
Intriguing! Couldn't put it down!
a mystical adventure

The Soul Beyond Darkness
Scott E. Ebright
Manufacturer: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1589392701

Book Description

(Please add this description to the PAPERBACK listing for "The Soul Beyond Darkness". All that is shown currently is a Table of Contests.) SYNOPSIS:

Based on true events, this haunting story from the 1970's has never been made public until now...

Forewarned that ghosts may haunt his new residence, Doug Conroy rents the hundred year-old house, anyway. But as soon as he moves in, paranormal phenomena strike without warning and soon escalate into a battle of `good vs. evil'.

This ordeal takes place in Marin County, across the Golden Gate from San Francisco. As a newcomer to California's entertainment industry, Doug strives to balance his Midwestern values with the counter-culture pursuits of organic gurus and new-age idealists. Then...his career is interrupted by ominous events that threaten his sanity and...possibly his life!

For readers who want a thrilling, yet believable haunted house story, they will find The Soul Beyond Darkness a refreshing alternative to cliche' horror stories that capitalize on shallow "blood-and-guts" plots. On the contrary, herein lies a suspenseful chronology of terrifying encounters with the dark side of the spiritual realm.

Customer Reviews:

superb!.......2003-11-14

The first 2-3 chapters are slow but is definitely important to introduce the characters in the book. Once I started reading it, I can't put down the book anymore. I really enjoyed reading it because of the different combination of everything like a touch of romance, a little bit of comedy and especially the good part, the thrill,horror and suspense.This book will definitely keep your imagination active.I sure dont want to missed another book like this of Scott Ebright.More power and God bless!!

Theresa B. (O.A.C)

A Soul beyond Compare.......2003-03-22

Yes, I liked this book. I finished reading it in under 24 hours. That is a compliment all by itself! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend it to anybody who likes a good believable ghost story; however the first three chapters are slow but interesting. Then, the story really grips you and demands you continue reading it to find out what happens next. You can't put it down. I found the characters to be everyday people that you can empathize with and I would read more books by this author if and when they become available.

The first real good story I've read in years........2003-03-02

First real good story I've read in years.
I was very, very impressed with this story. I liked many aspects of this story. It was more than a typical horror story. Also, this is a book somebody can read and enjoy without the vulgarity found in so many other books. I recommend this to anyone like me who hasn't had time to read alot of books, but when I do, it had better be good!

Intriguing! Couldn't put it down!.......2003-01-10

I read this book during a week I was supposed to be studying for final exams (4th year broadcasting major). I just kept on and on, reading one chapter after the next because everytime I tried to stop thinking about this story, it kept coming back into my head so I couldn't concentrate on anything else. This book was a lot different than any other mystery or horror book I ever read. It was very suspenseful without being extreme or gross like most of those other books of the same genre. Maybe that's because this was a true story. Anyway, I liked everything about this story - especially the characters. The author (Ebright) seemed to know just when to change scenes or add a little levity here and there so I wouldn't get too worn out by the heavy subject matter of ghosts or demonic entities. It seemed to be a good balance...I was hooked into reading the whole book within two-a-half days! And the surprise I discovered was that unlike any other scary book I've read, this one left me feeling more positive about myself and my own spirituality. (Incidentally, I used this book as a basis for my semester project to adapt a book to a one hour screenplay.)

a mystical adventure.......2003-01-01

this is the human experience on all the levels. it was one of the best books i have ever read. bravo!

Compass of the Soul: River into Darkness #2 (River Into Darkness, 2)

Average customer rating:

An Excellent Conclusion
Thoroughly enjoyable book...
Chasing the Fox that isn*t......
Good writing, characters you care about, a page-turner
Excellent, but not up to Russell's previous level

Compass of the Soul: River into Darkness #2 (River Into Darkness, 2)
Sean Russell
Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Beneath the Vaulted Hills : The River into Darkness
Sea without a Shore (Moontide Magic Rise)
World without End (Moontide Magic Rise)
Gatherer of Clouds (Initiate Brother)
The Initiate Brother Book One

ASIN: 0886779332

Book Description

In his quest to destroy all magic in the world, the last great mage, Lord Eldrich, has sent Erasmus Flattery to find and eradicate Anna, the leader of the Tellerites, a group of finatics desperate to preserve the magic--including the key to immortality--Eldrich wants to eliminate. Torn by his resentment of Eldrich's manipulations and his strange loyalty to Anna, Erasmus willl undergo a magical and spiritual journey which will cause him to question all he believes to be true...and rock the foundations of his world!

Praise for The Moontide and Magic Rise duology:

"This is lod-fashioned high adventure, complete with ancient ruins, a mysterious white falscon, a beautiful duchess, her homicidal brother, superstitious sailors, sea battles, miraculous rescues, and eager middshipman, and a sinister doctor."-- Locus

"A spectacular beginning of what is sure to be a successful fantasy series."-- Publishers Weekly

"Russell has wrttten a winner."-- Starlog

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Conclusion.......2001-03-15

This second 'book' in the River into Darkness series would not rightly be called a sequel. The two books are in truth one, split most likely for some reason of publication. They are both exceptional books, but in no way are they stand-alone. I recommend them enthusiastically, but buy both.

They are as one 'book' the sequel to the Moontide and Magic Rising series (World Without End/Sea Without Shore), and are completely stand-alone from that other series.

This second book grabs the mystery right where the first left off, and for those who felt the first book lacked enough 'magic' to make it fantasy, this book attempts to add more--though just a pinch. As in the Moontide and Magic Rising series, this book delves more into the idea of 'other worlds close at hand yet infinitely far away', and even gives us a glimpse of these worlds.

The characters become more ambiguous; much to the appreciation of this reviewer, who found an entirely new and realistic depth lent to them. The villain is given even more humanity, and more justification for his 'evil', one of the heroines has more suspicion cast upon her own motives, and the entire plot thickens.

I believe Russell is something of an original in the contemporary fantasy scene; I read a review somewhere comparing his world to the world of Sherlock Holmes. I think this a very apt comparison. Russell's Europe is a slightly dark and gothic Europe, with the pomp and manners of the court spread throughout society, yet also with mysteries beyond mortal ken springing up in the most unlikely of places, and strange ties binding everything together.

I would recommend this book whole-heartedly to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, with twists and turns perpetrated by believable and passionate characters. There is something of a dearth of action in these books, and the 'magic' is incredibly subtle, but to me this merely adds to the flavor of the world, in a wonderfully pleasing manner.

Thoroughly enjoyable book..........2000-02-12

I read the Compass of the Soul and its predecessor in under four days. This story was more important to me than sleep, as I stayed up late each night to find out what would happen. The characters were layered and believable; their motivations complex. I will disagree with a previous reviewer, just a difference of opinion on one point I liked her review, I appreciated the way magic was portrayed in this book. Eldrich was shown to be powerful through others' deference, through subtle aspects of light and shadow, in essence through his intense presence. If magic would have been displayed more openly, I think it would have detracted from the mood that the author was trying to set--the sense of mystery. I believe this choice was made to underscore the fact that magic was soon to pass out of the world. Or to use an illustration in the book...the tide of magic was ebbing. Ultimately, I enjoyed reading a book where the author didn't write to the lowest common denominator, and assumed his readers could think.

Chasing the Fox that isn*t.............1999-06-27

I have eagerly awaited the second half of this set, only to suffer the same frustration as before. Sean Russell paints his Georgian-Victorian world with much detail, a world where magic is slowly, inexorably dying. His fault is that he almost never shows that magic. Eldritch, the last true mage--ever distinct from mundane humans--is quite long lived, has disturbing dreams, yet this appears to be the extent of anything we the reader can tell. Much of the book is taken with Erasmus Flattery, Eldritch*s former student, in pursuing Anna, who would resurrect the magical arts, and in Eldritch*s pursuit of him. The undercurrent of *other worlds* runs thru the book; as in Sea Without a Shore, there is a brief glimpse of that realm, along with one of a Hiroshiman cataclysm. What's difficult is that up unto the very end, the magic arts are firmly kept *offstage*, it is difficult to understand what everyone is seeking for, or warning against. A map would have been useful as well.

Good writing, characters you care about, a page-turner.......1998-10-30

Russell's fictional world feels a lot like the 19th century England of Sherlock Holmes. It feels familiar rather than fantastical, yet great and deep mysteries lie just below the surface. Russell draws characters with depth and breadth, people we care about. Even his villains are real people for whom we have sympathy. Indeed, it is difficult to decide which side you are on in this centuries-old struggle. I have diffculty putting any Sean Russell book down. If you like his others, you will like this one.

Excellent, but not up to Russell's previous level.......1998-08-24

I, for one, eagerly awaited the release of this book. Russel does a workman like job drawing this preqel to a conclusion in his usual and enjoyable style. While an excellent book, I found that this was more formulaic, as if he was somehow hampered by having both the beginning and the ending predetermined by his previous works. There was less of the mystery and intrigue we have become accustomed to: the reader actually knows what is going to happen! However, Russell certainly provides some additional answers and background on the world, characters, and mages he has created.

Average customer rating:

Amazing life, compelling story
Absorbing, page turner, inspirational, life changing!

The Soul Grows in Darkness
Loren E. Pedersen
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0595332080

Book Description

The Soul Grows in Darkness recounts a profoundly challenging life. Born nearly deaf, Loren lives in a rat-infested Chicago ghetto where he contends with poverty, family conflict, prejudice, drugs, and terrifying violence. Barely surviving this murky urban landscape, his struggles initiate a lifelong search for God and truth.

Answers to his insatiable curiosity about life, death, and war are rare, but mysterious dreams and inner dialogues pose probing questions that guide his journey. He wonders whether his memories and dreams are only illusory. In adulthood, he turns to psychoanalysis to redeem his dark past and find meaning in his dreams. As a result, he becomes an analyst himself.

Are memories, dreams, and the promptings of the unconscious only opiates of minds desperately coping with a hopelessly disordered world? Or, however unreliable, do they contain one's truth?

The Soul Grows in Darkness is a hopeful and poignant search for self-understanding, love, and God. Its conclusion is astonishing.

"Poignant, funny, tragic, and uplifting, Loren Pedersen's new book will be many things to many readers: compelling true-life story, inspirational and cautionary tale, psychological self-help manual, and a chronicle of the second half of the tumultuous twentieth century. Readers will be immensely entertained by the vivid story here of Dr. Pedersen's life, through which they will discover illumination of their own."

Mark Spencer

Author of the novels Love and Reruns in Adams County and The Weary Motel.

Winner of The Faulkner Society Faulkner Award for Fiction, and of the Omaha Prize for the Novel

Download Description

Are memories, dreams, and the promptings of the unconscious only opiates of minds desperately coping with a hopelessly disordered world? Or, however unreliable, do they contain one

Customer Reviews:

Amazing life, compelling story.......2005-08-28

An amazing life, a compelling story.
The author skillfully reveals a life of innocence, desperation, anger, determination, hope, and eventual transformation. Dr. Pedersen tells his story with passion, insight, and wry humor; we feel his triumphs and tragedies.
I enjoyed it very much, and found it difficult to put down. This just has to be made into a movie!

Absorbing, page turner, inspirational, life changing!.......2005-02-26

The Soul Grows in Darkness is the third of Loren Pedersen's
books I've read. His first two were important contributions to
understanding men's psychology: Dark Hearts, the Unconscious
Forces that Shape Men's Lives, and Sixteen Men: Understanding
Masculine Personality Types. I loved them both. Reading the
Soul Grows in Darkness helps me comprehend why the other two
books were so accurate, insightful, and useful...Loren "walks
his talk"...he learned this stuff from life experience, and deep self-reflection.
The Soul Grows In Darkness could easily be made into a movie. It has drama, excitement, and an engaging, believeable protagonist.
Its a definite page turner. Since I have ADD its often hard for me to stay focused while reading. Despite the hundreds of
partially read books in my house, this book held my attention
fully; I couldn't put it down. I read The Soul Grows in Darkness overnight.
The Soul Grows in Darkness works on many levels. Even on the most superficial level, the story impacts because you see how our hero, Loren, starts from Chicago's version of "Hell's Kitchen"..a rat-infested walk-up, with a drunken step-father, cold-fish mother, and hoodlum older brothers to becoming a Jungian analyst, gifted stained-glass artist, caring father,
author, and activist. Pedersen was no "goody-two-shoes" either; it was "touch and go" for quite some time.
The book takes you through the struggles he faced as he tried to find himself in an environment where "dark forces" lurk on every corner, including the recessess of his own brilliant
mind. I compare its emotional and spiritual impact to one of
my favorite books, Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl.
Frankl was also a therapist who overcame horrendous obstacles: in
Frankl's case, the holocaust. Both Pedersen and Frankl find meaning in suffering, and emerge from extreme and painful circumstances, not with bitterness, but more loving than anyone
might imagine they could ever be! Their journeys are similarly
heroic and profound.
There are many touching scenes. For example, the description
of his encounter with Johnny Mathis is pure magic. Many times
I laughed out loud, and several times I cried. Like me, you will be positively haunted, and shifted, and moved when you read this remarkable and uplifting story.
Similar to Forest Gump, Pedersen seemed to have a knack for being in a front row seat for many fascinating aspects of American life. His experience spans being a gang leader, to a demonstrator at the 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention, being asked to spy for the FBI while living in Berkeley during the
Viet Nam war, seeing the Dalai Lama, and a few autopsies, to
name a few!
This coming-of-age, (and developing-of-wholeness) book
also carries the reader through Loren's many spiritual trials
including brutal encounters with religious dogmatists, and
tragic, heartbreaking losses that would have put weaker souls
in straight-jackets. Pedersen's journey out of despair inspires
and teaches. The reader is carried along the twists and turns, easily identifying with Loren's struggle and brought to a dazzling new shore where it's finally safe to love oneself.
Perdesen's writing style is clean, clear, and humble. It rings true with every word. He has taken the best and worst
experiences of his fascinating life and connected the dots in a meaningful manner, producing a map that will give even the most desperate person hope.
This book is a natural classic. It will takes its place
beside The Catcher in the Rye and the Prophet.
Samuel Paterson said, "Books, like friends, should be few and well-chosen." The Soul Grows in Darkness doubly applies. Read this book...and you will have found a new friend. Quite
possibly you will also find a lifeline to move your own soul out of darkness!

Average customer rating:

A Darkness In My Soul
Dean R. Koontz
Manufacturer: DAW Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GW42UG

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