Most Christians don't quite know what to do with the first half of the Bible. Some are fascinated by the historical sweep of the Old Testament. Others are blessed by its poetry. Still others focus on its prophecies. But what are the heart and soul of the Old Testament? In From Creation to the Cross; Al Baylis is a guide who shares with us his love for; and profound understanding of; the Old Testament. He walks us through the Old Testament; pointing out along the way perspectives and insights that leave us with a new; personal understanding of these thirty-nine books -- and more importantly; of the God of the Old Testament; who lovingly prepared the way before sending his Son. As Bruce Wilkinson puts it in the Foreword; 'I could almost picture (Baylis) as a seasoned rabbi surrounded by a huddle of eager listeners. He doesn't simply teach the Old Testament; it's as if he personally reminisces through it.' From Creation to the Cross is one of those rare books that speaks to a wide range of readers; from high school students to homemakers to college professors. This revised and expanded edition of On the Way to Jesus makes this unique and highly readable approach to the first half of the Bible available once again. It is ideally suited for use in Bible study groups.
#859353 in Books 2015-02-10 2015-02-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.51 x 1.34 x 6.21l; 1.25 #File Name: 0307953963480 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Will a real writer please save Neuhaus from Boyagoda?By Clara RoseSnide. The author continuously wishes to demonstrate that he has Neuhaus' number. If you knew nothing of Neuhaus before reading this book; you would be justifiably repulsed by this portrait of raw ego. Boyagoda seizes every chance to raise the arched brow and suggest less than appealing motives. One example. Neuhaus did not preside over his father's funeral. Boyagoda lists all manner of possible angry motives. We have a Benedictine monk in our family and I remember him talking about how difficult it is to preside over a family member's funeral. He said his own mother's Mass only because she had wrung a promise from him before she died. Could Neuhaus have had a similar reason for assuming the role of pall-bearer? Perish the thought. Raising the prospect would not contribute bolster Boyagoda's position of moral superiority. This is one instance; but the practice is habitual in this book.But worst of alll; Boyagoda manages to make Neuhaus' incredibly interesting life boring; boring; boring.I must admit a made it only halfway through this piece of wretched writing. My hat's off to those who could stomach more.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Very good; but without a lot of new insightBy Adam BakerThis book is well written and fairly engaging. (There is some disjointed narration; which got a bit old; but was not overly distracting.) The only reason I give the book three stars is that it doesn't really grapple with the two questions with which most people would come to a Neuhaus biography: 1) Why did he switch from liberal to conservative? 2) Why did he switch from Lutheran to Catholic? There is almost nothing in the book about these important changes.I don't blame the author. He clearly talked to the right people. The interview material seems only to provide amusing anecdotes; though. They don't have anything to do with the substantial development of Neuhaus's thought. I would guess that since Neuhaus was such a master at self-presentation; it might not be possible to write a satisfying bibliography. But in that case; reading through old copies of First Things might be the easier way to go.10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. This is an excellent biography. I wonderedBy LlThis is an excellent biography. I wondered; before reading it; how such a controversial figure would be treated; especially by an author who is previously known as a novelist. But I was not disappointed. Boyagoda uses his novelistic skills to great effect; drawing wonderful scenes of all the phases of the life of Neuhaus. Although quoting generously from his many writings; the biography never has the sense of a dull scholarly project; rather; Richard John Neuhaus appears on the page with all his gifts and flaws; his penchant for self-promotion as well as his deeply lived religious vocation.The book is engaging on many levels and to readers of different political and religious loyalties. Neuhaus's shift from left to right politically; his conversion from Lutheranism to Rome; his engagement with key figures in politics; journalism; and religion; provide a unique vantage point for understanding the dynamics of American political and religious culture. The author has made excellent use of the archives of Neuhaus's papers; as well as extensive interviews with family; friends; co-workers; and critics. Even though I have been reading Neuhaus for almost thirty years; I gained many fresh insights on the man and his work from this biography.
