Shows how to use ritual and celebration throughout the church year by creatively combining rites and folk customs to celebrate sacred mysteries. "Gertrud Nelson has written a book on ritual that is one of a kind. Her exquisitely written volume covers the history; psychology and spirituality of ritual in general and Christian ritual in particular. Enlivened by pithy and insightful examples; many of them drawn from her own family life; Ms. Nelson penetrates to the heart of the meaning of ritual and ceremony in a fresh wan. She manages to escape the trap of many writers on this subject--superficial piety--and makes relevant for the modern reader the importance of ritual for connecting us to the meaning and flow of life. I would not have thought in today's rationalistic age that the ceremonies of life could be made vital again as cogently and splendidly as has been don in this book. Sometimes even single sentences speak volumes: 'It is Advent; and we; a people; are pregnant.' This is a book to be read carefully; perhaps only a few pages a day. Reading the book can become a ritual; especially for Christian people to whom it is primarily addressed. Beautiful illustrations by the author add to the expressiveness of this carefully composed work. This book may prove to be a classic treatment of the meaning of ritual for this modern era." --John Sanford
#99716 in Books Hill and Wang 2005-05-11 2005-04-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.27 x .96 x 6.35l; .65 #File Name: 0809053535336 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Levine Review #12By Scott JohnstonLittle do we see in modern scholarship a work of of lasting historical significance as Bruce Levine exemplifies in his monograph "Half Slave and Half Free." In his work; Levine nicely balances producing a deeply thought provoking work which applies toward research; as well as producing a work which has appeal to the masses of common-day historians. Though the book's title refers to the North and South equally; the monograph focuses more on Southern life and economy and comparing it with that of the North.Levine shows a side of the the South that often becomes overlooked. It is easy to see the south as primarily agrarian based with its "Southern Gentleman" plantation owners; but Levine takes his audience much farther into the southern world. Levine provides a plethora of primary sources; mostly from southern planters but also letters and journal entries from central figures such as Jefferson Davis. He also incorporates a good deal of statistics and almost each time with a comparison to the North.Levin's work is a wonderful place for research because its loaded with primary sources. However; this can also be an enjoyable weekend reader. I would not suggest this to someone who has little knowledge of the Civil War. This is not a book to tell you this battle happened here and the Confederate Army did this there. This book; on the other hand does a WONDERFUL job of showing the ever growing divide between the northern states and the southern states.In the end; i do suggest this book as one to take you deeper into the Civil War... far past the issues of slavery.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy NonaVery enlightening book on American history0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Ellen ScanlinExcellent
