A thought-provoking theological work that will provide even skeptics with a compelling intellectual argument.
A search for permanent meaning in a world where modernity can potentially obscure reality.
This religious treatise begins by describing—quite elegantly—our perception of the world as being forever altered by two events: the creation of manufactured drugs (namely LSD) and the invention of nuclear weapons. Almost simultaneously, humanity entered both the Atomic Age and the psychedelic era, inviting deep skepticism, reliance upon and trust in technology, and, in the author’s opinion, disinterest in the search for a universal truth. Geib writes of his own experiences growing up in this environment, stating that he didn’t hear a convincing argument for a supreme being until he was 20. What he seeks to do in this slim, intelligent and persuasive work is counter what he sees as the solely empirical foundation of our thoughts so that readers might “experience what is beyond our current imaginations to experience, unity with God and with one another.” Denominational significance is treated with secondary importance, if at all; dogma is considered an impediment to a direct relationship with God—a relationship that Geib considers universal for all. Yet this isn’t a mere confirmation of faith or declaration concerning the ills of modern life. Instead, the book laments a thought process that, due to the exclusion of God, is crucially incomplete. Geib states that the Word of God enables us to transcend the natural, human understanding of the world by allowing us to break free from our innate limitations, thus reaching something greater than ourselves. Irreligious readers may get bogged down by continual references to biblical passages, but Geib also uses pop culture and modern history to make his points—in most cases, a refreshing change. Even casual readers will embrace the precision of Geib’s language, his salient points and the apparent soundness of his logic, which concludes that man is unable to achieve total understanding and social unity without the aid of something more. Whether readers will be convinced that Jesus Christ provides that something will, of course, vary from reader to reader, but appreciation for Geib’s taut arguments will be easier to accept.
A thought-provoking theological work that will provide even skeptics with a compelling intellectual argument.Pub Date: Oct. 30, 2013
ISBN: 978-0986025006
Page Count: 152
Publisher: Oliver House Publishing
Review Posted Online: July 10, 2013
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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