A curious volume about the cult known as the Children of God, from Van Zandt, a sociologist (Law/Northeastern) who infiltrated a British branch. The Children of God was one of the cults that sprang up in the 1960's and 70's, part of an evangelistic movement known collectively as the Jesus People (or, more irritably, as ``Jesus freaks''). It drew attention initially, says the author, because it required members to drop out of the system and join ``Family'' communes and later because its leader, David Berg (``Moses David''), espoused sexual activity for its members that went far beyond even the new freedom of the flower children. Introducing children to sex (usually, although not always, with other children) at an early age, using sex to lure new members in a proselytizing gambit called ``Flirty Fishing,'' Berg directed the sexual activity of his followers through pastoral letters known as ``Mo letters.'' The author joined one group covertly for a month, spent another two months with another colony with the permission of the leaders, and kept in touch with members and leaders (not Berg) for another several years, ending in 1978. His aim was to find out what it was like living within a so-called ``programmed'' community—boring, for the most part, it turns out, even to some believers. Days were spent reading the ``Word'' (of Bible or Berg), ``litnessing'' (distributing literature to unwary pedestrians), and doing chores. All that sex sounds more uninhibited than it was, since many of the members weren't enthusiastic about the policies and didn't participate. And although massive verbal efforts were made to restrain them, there was no physical force used to keep members from leaving the group. Overall, despite some interesting anecdotes, Van Zandt's presentation is flat, his observations thin, his conclusions amorphous. The ``Mo letter'' reproduced in an appendix has a lot more punch. (Nine halftones—not seen.)
Pub Date: Nov. 30, 1991
ISBN: 0-691-09463-2
Page Count: 236
Publisher: Princeton Univ.
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1991
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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