Though Easter (like Christmas) is often trivialized by the culture at large, it is still the high point of the religious calendar for millions of people around the world. And for most of them, there can be no Easter without Lent, the season that leads up to it. A time for self-denial, soul-searching, and spiritual preparation, Lent is traditionally observed by daily reading and reflection. Hence this new collection, which promises to satisfy the growing hunger for meaningful and accessible devotions. Culled from the wealth of 20 centuries, the selections in "Bread and Wine" are ecumenical in scope, and represent the best classic and contemporary Christian writers. The book includes approximately 50 readings on Easter and related themes by Thomas a Kempis, Frederic Buechner, Oswald Chambers, G.K. Chesterton, Alfred Kazin, Jane Kenyon, Soren Kierkegaard, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Oscar Romero, Blaise Pascal, Christina Rossetti, Dorothy Sayers, Edith Stein, John Updike, Walter Wangerin, William Willimon, Philip Yancey, and others.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Has there ever been a more hard-hitting, beautifully written, theologically inclusive anthology of writings for Lent and Easter? It's doubtful. Many readers may well find that this collection-a sequel to Plough's highly successful Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas-is the one book they return to year after year, forgoing their usual custom of buying a new Lenten devotional each spring. Six separate sections (Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and New Life) guide readers through the essential elements of spiritual preparation and feature writings from some of Christendom's most celebrated masters. Classic thinkers such as Martin Luther and John Donne share space with 20th-century theologians like C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton and Dorothy Day. There is also a generous sampling from contemporary writers, including Philip Yancey, John Updike, Frederick Buechner, Madeleine L'Engle, Henri Nouwen and Brennan Manning. Caveat lector: no one should have this much pleasure during Lent!
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Hardhitting and beautifully written [featuring] Christendom's most celebrated masters." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonderful Collection,
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This review is from: Bread & Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter (Hardcover)
"For Breadth of scope and depth of insight nothing rivals this collection", says on the dust jacket. I heartily agree! This collection of readings is the best supplement to Lenten and Easter devotional reading that I have ever used. I've never seen such a selection of great authors' writings between the covers of one book. Each of the 72 selections are about 4 or 5 pages long. They are grouped into 6 sections that form a progression from the Invitation prepare for Easter by seriously examining oneself and following through on the themes of Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and New Life. There are quite a variety of perspectives represented in these writings. Every one of them will reward the thoughtful reader in different ways. There isn't a dull one in the bunch. These aren't shallow "inspirational" writings. They will challenge and encourage, and sustain serious reflection. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'd say that Malcolm Muggeridge's "Impending Resurrection" was the high point. I highly recommend this book.
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
small, beautiful, inspirational,
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This review is from: Bread & Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter (Hardcover)
This is a small, easily-carried book organized into the topics of Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and New Life. The 72 essays are from an eclectic mix of authors: Oscar Wilde, Thomas Merton, John Donne, Kahlil Gibran, Blaise Pascal, Martin Luther, G.K.Chesterton, Mother Teresa, Dylan Thomas, John Updike, Dorothy Sayers, Madeleine L'Engle, Leo Tolstoy and many others. Selections are typically five to six pages long, and printed in a large clean font on heavy paper. There are a few poems, but primarily prose is used to inspire and to comfort.A wonderful little book.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A unique spiritual experience.,
This review is from: Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter (Paperback)
These 72 brief essays are loaded with inspiring and challenging spiritual insight. The authors are incredibly diverse--Leo Tolstoy, Thomas a Kempis, Meister Eckhart, Martin Luther, Mother Teresa, and John Updike, to name a few. Not every contributor is a household name, but every reflection is moving and powerful...
"Christianity is the only religion on earth that has felt that omnipotence made God incomplete." G.K. Chesterton "If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love." Amy Carmichael "The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man." John Scott "A follower is or strives to be what he admires. An admirer, however, keeps himself personally detached." Soren Kierkegaard Those thoughts alone might supply forty days-worth of spiritual reflection! For preparation and renewal, this book is can be opened again and again.
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