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God of Mercy: AElfric's Sermons and Theology

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Have you ever wondered what the first sermons in English were like? Now you can know! "God of Mercy" is a remarkable book that presents the first sermons ever written in English. for Dr. Butcher has translated seventeen of these from Old English into lively Modern English for the first time ever! The tenth-century Benedictine monk named AElfric lived in England near Oxford and wrote wonderful sermons that teach that God is merciful. They are encouraging. This is a very readable, fascinating book written for an intelligent general audience as well as for scholars! Dr. Butcher actually looked at the original tenth-century manuscripts in order to make her translations the best they could be. A must-have for anyone interested in English history, in religion, in spirituality, and in Benedict and Benedictines.

"God of Mercy" is a fascinating collection of Old English sermons delightfully translated and presented in Butcher's own studious convention. Although it is scholarly in its rendition, it is equally moving emotionally as a continuous doxology that not only blesses the heart, but moves the soul. This book is most meaningful due to the historical reference Butcher carefully affords each translation--and yet the focus is always intent, as indeed AElfric repeatedly expounds on his God of Mercy. From Old English to Modern English this is a captivating and inspiring book!