An intriguing exploration of Christianity that aims to bring diverse perspectives to traditional ideas.
A debut book thoroughly examines the Bible for believers seeking a deeper connection to God.
Aiello strives to show that a connection to Jesus “does not have multiple steps or complicated formulas,” but is instead based in a consistent practice of trust, surrender, and self-abandonment. He begins with a philosophical study of original sin, translating the first story of the fall of Adam and Eve into more modern contexts, and arguing that since that moment, man’s nature became a sinful one: “Addictions and compulsions are linked to this process, because whatever you desire eventually controls you….Ultimately, the cause of human dissatisfaction is our basic sin nature.” For him, the key to conquering this unsatisfying disposition lies in complete surrender to God and the ultimate goal of Christian freedom, “which is not freedom to sin, but freedom from sin.” Aiello writes about this capitulation in a way that blends the psychological and the spiritual. In an attempt to make more abstract Christian concepts like faith and grace feel more tangible, he describes them as concrete exercises that will slowly lift a veil—one that “prevents us from perceiving the spirit world.” The topics Aiello chooses will likely be familiar to many Christians, ranging from the Eucharist to the existence of angels, but the tension between his more modern, progressive explanations and the classic tenets of Christianity produces some fresh and stimulating arguments. The author brings in concepts from other faiths, carefully explaining why he found the meditation practices of Eastern religions ultimately inferior to being “subordinate” to God. He is also quick to point out what he calls “misplaced faith,” writing that an overreliance on strict biblical interpretations or individual church practices can get in the way of a godly connection: “Christianity is operating way below par because it does not encourage unconditional trust in God.” But no matter which criticisms or new ideas Aiello starts from, he always works his way back to the Bible, using these various viewpoints to ultimately reinforce traditional Christian notions rather than truly challenging or changing them.
An intriguing exploration of Christianity that aims to bring diverse perspectives to traditional ideas.Pub Date: July 5, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61638-592-7
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Creation House
Review Posted Online: Feb. 26, 2017
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
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
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