Covering more than two centuries; The Beaver Men recounts the beginning of the beaver trade along the St. Lawrence to the last great rendezvous of traders and trappers on Ham’s Fork; in what is now Wyoming; in 1834. The Beaver Men is the third in Mari Sandoz’s trilogy of books narrating the history of the American West in relation to an animal species.
#1281711 in Books Wm B Eerdmans Publishing Co. 2010-11-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .62 x 6.00l; .75 #File Name: 080286595X254 pages
Review
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful. Unknown ChristendomBy FrKurt MessickThe Baileys; Betty Jane and Martin; have put together an important text on a little known and less understood population at the centre of a very volatile portion of the world. I recall several years ago seeing a spokeswoman from the Palestinian people on the Larry King Show; and was intrigued about half-way through when she challenged my assumptions - this woman; who looked Arab and spoke Arabic (among other languages); and was an official spokesperson for the Palestinian cause; was in fact a Christian (and not only that; but was my 'kind' of Christian; an Anglican). This cast a new light on the entire conversation; and from that moment forward; my perceptions of the events and people in the Middle East changed - I would not go so far as to say it changed my opinions or beliefs in the matters; but it did make me question my long-term ideas; and made me always mindful that the situation there was broader and more complex than most assume.The Baileys write with a personal affection for the people and the region of the Middle East. For the context of this relatively slim volume; the Middle East includes not only the traditional nations surrounding Israel and Saudi Arabia (the context in which most Westerners think of the region); but goes as far north as Turkey; as far west as Morocco along the African coast; and includes the peripheral states of Iran and Sudan.In the first section of the text; a general overview of the situation; the Baileys are joined by David Kerr and Riad Jarjour; who each contributed a chapter. Kerr writes about the Western view of Eastern Christianity (often an overlooked subject; even in seminary and graduate education); Jarjour discusses the future of Christianity in Arab-dominated cultures. The authors give an historical timeline for Christianity in the region; as well as an overview of ecumenical cooperation in the area; particularly through the MECC - Middle Eastern Council of Churches.The second section looks at particular churches in the diverse realm of Christianity in the Middle East. This includes several varieties of Orthodox - Eastern Orthodox; Oriental Orthodox; and various minor groupings; it also includes Catholic and Protestant/Evangelical churches; mostly implants from various missionary periods from the West. However; there are various Latin Catholic Churches that have existed since prior to the East/West split; who have remained in association (if not full communion) with the See of Rome. Each section also has contact information (often physical address; internet information; and telephone contact information as appropriate and available).The third section looks at the region nation by nation; examining the situation of church/state issues; as well as general cultural issues involved in the Christian churches' functioning; often in minority status with little or no official protections or authorisations. Each national chapter looks at composition of the Christian population; interfaith relations; historical circumstances and contemporary situations.There are literally millions of Christians in the Middle Eastern region; many of whose histories go back far longer than any Western Protestant Church; and have pedigrees as long as an institution in Christendom. They provide an interesting set of case-studies in historical and cultural development; as well as serving as witnesses to a broader definition of what 'to be Christian' can mean.This is an important book for anyone who wishes to be well-versed in current affairs.
