The author does a great job in sharing her own story to help the reader understand and relate to how our 'futile' thinking can control our life. The reader is given helpful working definition of what 'futile thinking' is and how to break free from it. Although one may not directly identify with the personal experience of the author, every reader can benefit from the help given to identify our own futile thinking and how to overcome it.

I found this book extremely helpful in learning just how futile thinking can control our lives and how we can overcome it. Mrs. Gorris shares her very personal story of fear of "the other woman" but this is not a book that only women can benefit from. She also illustrates how frustrations in her professional life contributed to her futile thinking which both men and women can relate to. The questions at the end of each chapter help the reader think about how futile thinking plays a role in their life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone.

Martha Pope Gorris did an outstanding job of using her personal story to reveal the unnecesary heartache we cause ourselves and those we love when we hold ouselves captive with futile thinking. We all do it in some way regardless of the particular subject. Her crisp, clear revelations helped me see futile thinking in my own life. I particularly liked her book because of the rich texture of her own story and her honesty in revealing how her futile thinking embroiled her in needless misery. Her step by step revelation of how she eventually was able let go of her futile thinking regarding the fear of the "other woman" by appling God's scripture to her life was most encouraging. This is the hope for all of us. Her thoughts and perspectives have made me aware of how easy it is to get snared into this kind of thinking. I particularly appreciated all the references to scriptures and the bibliography provided for further research. It is a personal subject very well researched and well written to help the reader bypass the web of futile thinking to which Martha had become a slave. The book is written with humor and humility. I believe the reader's life will be forever changed for the better as they learn to apply the tools outlined by the author to break free from their own futile thinking. It is an easy read for the person interested in personal growth and victorious living.

I am generally for contraception, however I was struck by the clarity of argument in the Encyledial that the contraception issue has a lot more to it. It is also seen as a line of defence against sexual irresponsibility which is unscriptual. I wonder whether that justifies the argument against contraception but it is worth reading in order to see a well thought and considered argument and that one needs to be prepared against those who wish to use the argument for contraceptives to justify fronication and practising homosexuality.

As a non Roman Catholic clergyman, I heartily recommend this short work. Penned by Pope Paul VI in 1968, this is the definitive document on the Church's position on artificial birth control -- a position which, until the 20th century -- was held universally by all Christians. (Translation: It's not a Catholic issue -- it's a Christian issue).

It seems that most people who attack this encyclical, do so from the perspective of not actually having read and studied WHAT the Church actually teaches and WHY!

This book provides a clear and compelling case for why what has ALWAYS been the position of Christianity as a whole, should remain unaltered (and be re-inforced).

"Humanae Vitae" cuts through all of the jargon, hearsay, and soundbites to provide the reader with a clear understanding of the Roman Catholic church's teaching on artificial birth control. Paul VI masterfuly explains the beauty of married love and its reflection of Divine love. In addition he clarifies many other related issues, such as natural family planning and the role of children in a couples' life. I also find interesting the prophetic nature of this encyclical. It is amazing to see that Pope Paul VI realized that artifical birth control would actually diminish society's respect for sex, rather than increase it. This book is a true eye opener and I strongly recomend Humanae Vitae to all.

There is a decent overview provided by this book, but some of the information (at least in the edition I read) that is definitely outdated. Green Iguanas are NOT insectivorous at any stage of their life. This has been proven by several reputable universities in the last few years. Buy this book in addition to other manuals.

Living in Japan it's not always so easy to get the exact information I need but I was exceptionally lucky with this book. It covers all the aspects of iguana care and I like the way it especially reinforces the following points: 1. The size of enclosure your iguana will need (Dispencing with the usual glass tank I went out and bought a large glass fronted kitched cabinet straight away!). 2. The importance of the calcium/ phosphorous ratio in the diet. 3. The fact that, just like a cat or dog, to tame an iguana you need to pay attention to it everyday. The book doesn't mention, however, that too much cabbage or broccoli may cause thyroid problems and it doesn't contain tables showing the exact calcium/ phosporous tables of vegetables or fruit eg. eggplant 1.15/1, chinese cabbage 2.85/1, but, I can assure you that, once you have that information, in addition to this book, your iguana care library is complete. I've had my iguana for 8 months and he's doing just great!

The author provided in-depth information on nearly all potential aspects of care for a green iguana. Breeding, desease, housing, diet and many others were thouroughly covered in a clear and concise manor that was easy to understand and apply.

The vast majority of info in the book was 100% accurate. However, I disagree with several cage sizes he reccomends. His savvana cgae size is somewhat larger than most people use, and his statment that you could put 4 leopard geckos in a 10 gallon seemed a bit unreal. Most leo breeders say no more than 2 in a ten gallon. Otherwise, a prefect book

lizard care from a to z is the most comprehensive and informative book on reptile care that i have read in a long time. a variety of species are covered in considerable depth. it also includes information on cage construction, and general rules of thumb for the care of most common (and many uncommon) species found in the pet industry. an absolute must-buy

I enjoyed this book due to its wide variety of infomation and all of the great illustrations and diagrams on how to acutally set up the terrarium for the lizards. I currently use several of the books ideas for my lizard collection. I give this book two thumbs up.

The other on-line reviewer seems unaware of scholarly rebuttals to Tierney's book. Tierney's book is indeed a scholarly work and has many merits. However, his central thesis about Pope John XXII
has been refuted in James Heft's "John XXII and Papal Teaching
Authority" (1986). I strongly recommend that all readers of Tierney's book also read the critical reviews of it by A.M. Stickler (and the exchange between Stickler and Tierney) in the Catholic Historical Review (Oct.,1974 and April, 1975) along with J.A. Watt's insightful comments in the Journal of Ecclesiastical History (Jan., 1974). Both Stickler and Watt are
renowned scholars. As you will see Tierney is hardly the last
work on this issue.

Tierney is quite the scholar. I have to say, however, that the reviewer who sees a few flaws in the book is correct, although I wouldn't say that the thesis is totally undermined at all.

For those of us who are seeking to overcome the east-west division in Christianity (note that I did not say "Church") and who find the role of the papacy as a crucial element to that union, I recommend: Brian Tierney's "Origins of Papal Infallibility" and "Foundations of the Conciliar Theory"; Heft's "John xxii and Papal Teaching Authority"; "THeir Lord and OUrs" ed by Santer; "The Unity of the Churches of God" ed by Sherwood; "Byzantium and the Roman Primacy" by Francis Dvornik; "WHat Will Doctor Newman Do?" by John Page; "Towards Christian REunion" by Bermejo; "Ecumenism" ed by Cunningham; "Catholicity and the Church" by John Meyendorff (everything he writes is insightful and scholarly); COngar's "Diversity and Communion" (read everything he writes!); "Peter and Paul in teh CHurch of Rome" by Farmer and Kereszty; and "Rome and the Eastern Churches" by that great scholar Aidan Nichols. There are, of course, so many others, so if you know of any that I need to read, email me via the "about me" page! Thanks!

Brian Tierney has produced an outstanding piece of historical scholarship in "Origins of Papal Infallibility." The work is an exhaustive and meticulous examination of the origins of the modern Roman Catholic doctrine of papal infallibility.

Tierney leaves no stone unturned in his research. He demonstrates conclusively that this doctrine originated in the 12th-14th century controversies between the Popes and the Franciscans. Ironically, it was opponents of the Pope who first suggested the idea and it was immediately condemned by the Pope. Later when it was realized that the doctrine could serve the purposes of the pope the papal opinion of the doctrine changed.

This book is not an easy read, but it is a fascinating study for those willing to invest the time and effort.

(...)The second edition of his book (the one available here) includes an appendix discussing the handful of published critiques and demonstrating why they all fail. As the Jesuit scholar Luis Bermejo said in his 1992 book, INFALLIBILITY ON TRIAL, no Roman Catholic scholar (...) has really adequately responded to Tierney yet.

One of these days I plan on reading some of the numerous books that have come out pro and con concerning Pius XII and the Jewish holocaust. Since I don't have the time now, I was pleasantly surprised to come across this book by Prof. Jose Sanchez. Prof. Sanchez provides a readable background to the controversy, discussing the sources available, the books that have been written, and the arguments that have been made. This book is somewhat favorable to Pius XII, but not uncritically so.

Even though I'm reasonably well-read in history, I learned a lot. For example, the Vatican's intelligence ability is not necessarily the best in the world, contrary to what you would imagine given the large number of Catholic priests. Also, I've read dozens of times that Pius XII (while Secretary of State) wrote Pius XI's anti-Nazi Mit Breneder Sorge, when in fact he only made some edits.

The best part of the book is that it puts Pius XII's actions in historical context. It's important to realize that contrary to what some people believe, the Roman Catholic Church is not an all-powerful institution whose members walk lock-step in agreement with the Pope. As Prof. Sanchez notes, the Vatican had tried for years to stop the enactment of anti-clerical legislation, with limited success. Indeed, this only made the church look weaker in the eyes of politicians.

One thing that is interesting is how much times have changed, probably because of television. Pius XII was admired for being aloof with an almost regal air to him. On the other hand, John Paul II has inaugurated a "show biz" papacy, much to the consternation of many traditionalist catholics.

Jose Snachez has accomplished what no other modern author has been able to on the topic of Pope Pius XII and the Holocaust. Sanchez has provided his readers with an overall presentation of bth side of the argument. He has done a great deal of research al the while diplaying no particular preference or sense of favoritism.

He is to be commended for this, for I believe that he has done the very best in describing the events that surround this slender and frail individual.

Istrongly reccommend this work to anyone who would like to discover more of what actually took place in the years before, during and after the Holocaust. Sanchez writes in such a way as to avoid much technical language making his work accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Jose Sanchez's Pius XII and the Holocaust is an excellent, scholarly presentation and summaryof the arguments surrounding the papacy of Eugenio Pacelli. Sanchez has meticulously reviewed and revisited much of the source material used by defenders and critics of Pius. His narrative is dispassionate and calm, always allowing the sources to speak for themselves. He cites the major historians from all camps and clearly sets out their arguments with some comments as to the helpfulness of their claims. At no point does he do other than that which he set out to do - namely allow the arguments space to be presented as clearly as possible. Sanchez leaves it to the reader to make up their own mind. For those who seek a "final word" or are waiting for the discovery of a "smoking gun", Sanchez will disappoint. I believe the greatest strength of this work is providing the historian along with the general reader with a very useful handbook with which to navigate the continual stream of material about Pope Pius. On subjects such as papal rhetoric and interpreting Vatican-speak, Sanchez does a great service. Discussing the relationship of Pacelli and the Nazi regime is another example of skillful historical analysis. It is not the last word or treatise on the subject, but it is a timely call to order on a subject that has more often than not been marred by polemic and name-calling among those who should know better.

An interesting and well-researched book that explains the struggle over the Catholic Church's papal infallibility controversy. It is a very readable account but seems to me biased in favour of a more 'collegial' view of infallibility.

McClory raises crucial questions regarding the role of the papacy in both the Catholic Communion and christendom at large. While he is sympathetic to the Catholic Church's authority structure, his reading of the history of the dogma of Papal Infallibility has lead him to understand that the doctrine has been influenced greatly by less than Christian motivations and less than Scriptural perspectives.

While many Catholics would reject his conclusions as based upon an inability to see the Holy Spirit's hand in history, or that he misreads the historical record (because we all know that God uses even wrong motivations to accomplish His will), I still think that they could find much value in this book since it will help them to understand the perspective of critics of the Church's dogmatic formation on the principle of authority.

As an Eastern Orthodox, I found it useful for the same reasons, disagreeing with the author at various times, but overall appreciative of his analysis. It is not a fluffy book that skims the surface and it is very well-written.

Going to Catholic schools for 17 years (kindergarten through grad school) we were always taught that the Pope could be infallible. I didn't understand it then, and as an adult couldn't get my mind around the concept until I read Professor McClory's book. It's a fascinating account of last minute politics, desperate pleas, and the passions of those on both sides of the issue when it was to be decided. It's not really normal for me to sit down with a book on the history of infallability in the Catholic Church and read more than a few pages at the bookstore. This one I bought, took home, and read twice. That should say something about the way Mr. McClory writes, and how what should be dry subject matter is suddenly as relevant as the changes the next Pope will bring. An excellent book.

This book is very good and very complete in discussing various monitor lizards and basics about monitor for the beginner and intermediate keeper. Husbandry is mentioned in some detail. A good book to start with.

Dick Bartlett is not only a top-notch photographer, but an excellent reporter. His friendly, succinct style covers the essential nuts and bolts of monitor and tegu care. If you are looking for a good beginner's book on this subject, start here.

If you are going to get this book, please check out the section on Argentine Black & White Tegus. I have a few, and the information given in this book is fantastic. I am going to get me some more of these Argentine Black & White Tegus from Agama!

I think that the book was sorta boring and definetly not great. I mean the theme is pretty good, but I've read books that were a lot better.

great book. it is really interesting. i've had this book since 5th grade and i haven't read it till now (10th grade) i'm sorry i didn't. it was great- duh george.

I read the book The Perilous Road by William O. Steele. If you like exciting books you should read this one. I really don't like to read but this book I really enjoyed reading. The story takes place during the Civil War. Chris Brabson hates the union troops for many reasons. He tries ro get them back for stealing their food through a variety of ways.

The Pope's Elephant by Silvio A. Bedini is a fun book although it does not quite deliver the promise of the subtitle on the cover. It is not really about the journey of an elephant from deep in India to the heart of Rome. It is really about the strange workings of Rome and the Papacy in the early 1500's and their dealings with other nations, such as Portugal from which the ill-fated elephant, Hanno, arrives. The author uses a great variety of sources for this journey, particulary interesting being the use made of contemporary artists to provide proof of events. This book could have used the Pope's elephant for a much wider glimpse of the world at this point in time, but the more narrow version presented here is fascinating and illuminating in its own right. An interesting footnote into history (and, truly, how many interesting footnotes does one run across).

"Rome produces its monkeys and wild goats And every type of wild beast, more even than India and Africa. And now that Leo has become their king, All the animals, even the very elephant, Must hold him in honour."

A verse of Pasquino heralds the arrival of the great elephant Hanno to Rome, where it is presented to Pope Leo X. And so begins Silvio Bedini's delightful story of the pope's elephant. Bedini, whose work has covered a range of topics in the past, began exploring the rumors of a Vatican rhinoceros and elephant, only to find them not only true, but part of a fantastic story of imperial representations of power, patronage, gift-giving, and ceremony.

Brought to Leo X 1514, Hanno the elephant was a symbol of Portuguese power and dominance in the far east, and particularly from India, where the elephant's journey began. Bedini details the long voyage from Lisbon to Porto Ecole, during which the elephant was anchored between the two masts of the boat. From there, the travel to Rome via dirt roads is complicated both by wear on the elephant's tender feet and the throngs of people who crowd the entourage, trying to get a look at the most spectacular gift. In Rome, the elephant is finally, and formally, handed over to the pope, and Bedini shows his remarkable descriptive skill in sketching out every aspect of the ceremony. Those interested in the rituals of such religious, nationalistic and political events (all bundled into one) will be satisfied with Bedini's work here. Once in Rome and rested, Hanno becomes a living symbol of the period, captured by poets, playwrights, and artists. Oddly, the elephant shared a small amount of fame with a rhinoceros, another gift from the Portuguese. The fate of this beast, however, is less well known, and while it appears in several commissioned paintings from the period, its fate remains unclear.

The book closes with the death of Leo X, and the changes which ensued, both religiously and culturally, after his passing. Bedini thoughtfully examines the influence of this pope and his large beast on the belles lettres of the period. Beautiful plates show the extent to which the elephant--as a symbol of the Church's strength, of the Pope's magnificence, and of the animal's own divine purpose--captivated people, and the reader is given a new perspective on the 16th century, simply by focusing on an elephant.

If you've even a passing interest in historiography - supplementing the historical record with artifacts and peripherally supporting documentary evidence to glean a substantial picture of the world represented by written history - you will find this book a treasure.

At times shocking, at others moving, often repellant and even more frequently laugh-out-loud audacious, it is always illuminating.

This is high scholarship, but only very rarely is it dry. Good for the gothic audience: never again will you dream of living in romantic 16th C Europe, not after the smells and sounds and horrific displays of human behavior brought to life by Bedini and the story of the elephant/s.