“A terrific biography….The dramatic story of how the American army that beat the British was forged has never been better told than in this remarkable book.â€â€”Doris Kearns Goodwin; New York Times bestselling author of Team of Rivals The true story of the Baron de Steuben and the making of the American Army; The Drillmaster of Valley Forge is the first biography in half a century of the immigrant Prussian soldier who molded George Washington’s ragged; demoralized troops into the fighting force that eventually triumphed in America’s War of Independence. Praised by renowned historian Thomas Fleming as “an important book for anyone interested in the American Revolution;†The Drillmaster of Valley Forge rights a historical wrong by finally giving a forgotten hero his well-deserved due.
#28923 in Books Marcus J Borg 2009-10-06 2009-10-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .61 x 5.31l; .46 #File Name: 0061430714272 pagesThe First Christmas What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus s Birth
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good; simple and progressive overview of the Christmas narrativesBy CustomerIf you know Borg and Crossan's other work and their general perspective; this book will provide a helpful and relatively quick overview of the Christmas narratives that unpacks the devices used by the authors of Matthew and Luke in order to make particular theological points. It's good stuff; a little repetitive at times but the advantage of this is that you can pick a chapter that interests you and it will be well explained without much reference to material previously covered. It's a handy resource to have on-hand.For those not familiar with the authors; this book may contain some challenging perspectives. They gently debunk common popular approaches to the story as factual history in favour of pointing to the biblical authors' theological intentions. The writing is clear and concise; it is scholarly but not expressed in deeply academic language.Why only four stars? While I recognise that this isn't designed to be an academic textbook; the authors are serious scholars; I'd have appreciated an appendix of references so I could explore their conclusions in a bit more depth. There are more than a few times that they make a point that could use some more backup than this book's format allowed for.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. You may not agree with all of it; but let it teach you something deeper.By T. McCoolBorg and Crossan look at the birth stories in Matthew and Luke is finely detailed; almost too much so. Because of their liberal approach to Biblical exegesis; they spend several pages explaining the historical-metaphorical approach and why they don't see the birth stories as factual. That detail alone will make even moderate Christians want to throw away the book; and conservative fundamentalist may just experience their heads exploding while reading those pages.I don't always agree with Borg; especially on his opinion on the factual nature of events described in the New Testament. But that is his opinion; and I respect his deep insight into the layers of meaning behind the stories; and he is the best at putting the stories into their historical context. I don't feel like I have to agree with a writer's every theological point in order to learn something; nor do I fear that reading "heresy" is somehow going to banish me to the flames of hell. What I do learn from Borg is insight into what the authors of Matthew and Luke were trying to communicate about Jesus; the Son of God. If you side-step the happened-or-not argument and instead dive into the deeper spiritual truths of the stories; you will come out with a better understanding of not only the New Testament; but also how first century Christians viewed Jesus through their cultural and historical lenses.At times I wished that Borg would just get to the point; but I think it's because I'm well-acquainted with his approach and reasons behind it; having read several of his books; including the excellent Two Visions of Jesus that he co-wrote with N.T. Wright. Those new to Borg's writings will need to read those passages to understand the foundation of his interpretation.As you read the vicious reviews here; keep in mind that they are probably written by the inerrant; literal; dictated-word-for-word-by-God crowd. They can't fathom a Bible that might actually contain metaphor and allegory; which was a very common form of communicating spiritual truth in ancient times.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. They definitely didn't disappoint. I found them to be quite honest about ...By Steven WilliamsThis may be a weird book for an atheist to read. But despite my beliefs; I am quite interested in religious ideas. Having read the authors' The First Paul; which I found to be quite intriguing; a very interesting take on Paul's theology; I was curious how they would approach the birth stories of Jesus. They definitely didn't disappoint. I found them to be quite honest about the historical situation. Their main point was that the stories were to be read as parables. The important thing was to investigate their meaning. The main emphasis was on the contrast of the peace of Rome (peace through victory) versus the peace of Jesus (peace through justice). Another aspect of their analysis was that Jesus was about the here and now; and not about some future in heaven. For them Christmas was to be understood about the past; present and future. As such my take away was that they would call upon us to work for peace now and use advent as a period of reflection. This is to be done in a participatory way with Jesus; not just having Jesus bring peace with out us having to do anything. A final point I would add is that taking this time of year to reflect on our past; present and future of our actions concerning peace and justice; which does not have to be such a big national or global action; but how we can improve are little part of the world. This I would judge can be done whether ot not you believe in Jesus or any kind of god; or not.
