by Michael Kurtz ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 25, 2016
A set of philosophical but accessible ruminations on Christian life.
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A series of meditative essays on the joys and challenges of a spiritual life.
Even as a young boy, debut author Kurtz was drawn to pursue a “spiritual journey,” which eventually led him to Roman Catholicism, then back to Lutheranism, the religion of his parents. He was then given the opportunity to preach monthly before a Lutheran congregation in Maryland, and these brief reflections are the outgrowth of that experience. Kurtz’s ruminations are wide-ranging, covering moral topics such as forgiveness and loyalty and more doctrinal subjects, such as the character of Jesus’ kingship, the true nature of discipleship, and the deep meaning of Jesus’ prayer. Jesus is the focus of the author’s attention, and through impressively sensitive analysis, he depicts a man who’s paradoxically fully human and fully divine. Kurtz dwells at length on Jesus’ temptations, training his investigative eye on the famous dramatization in the Gospel of Luke, which he uses as a model for others to grapple with their imperfect natures. There’s also an edifying vignette on Mary as the “first Christian,” whose real God-given mission was not merely to birth Jesus, Kurtz says, but to raise him in preparation for his ministry. It also memorably parses the conversion of Saul to Paul, asserting that his transformation into a disciple kept his sinful nature intact. The thematic core of the essays seems to be the human encounter with imperfect sinfulness, and a short introduction to Martin Luther’s significance functions as the book’s climax: “Luther battled against despair and depression because he was caught in the vise we are all in—the need to justify ourselves versus the need for total reliance on God.” Kurtz writes with admirable clarity about complex subjects without a hint of doctrinal stridence. Although the book is spangled with autobiographical references, it’s more a philosophical discourse than it is a memoir. The author’s essays are too brief to achieve full scholarly rigor, but this is a minor failing, as they seem designed to be read by a lay audience. As such, this book could serve as a solid, quick introduction to both Christianity and Lutheran thought.
A set of philosophical but accessible ruminations on Christian life.Pub Date: Jan. 25, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4627-4473-2
Page Count: 142
Publisher: Westbow Press
Review Posted Online: April 11, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2016
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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