Customer Reviews

The Martyrs' Torch

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

As a journalist, I was in Littleton, Colorado immediately after the shootings and interviewed dozens of people from then until now. Make no mistake. The shooters were most definitely targeting other students who held their Christian faith dear. Rachel Scott, in particular, is known by many to have expressed her faith in Jesus Christ to these boys on numerous occasions. I heard some of the unpublished details of her death and it was an execution.

Unfortunately, Christians are among the politically incorrect and therefore few in the media are going to objectively speak about the discrimination and prejudice against them. If Rachel Scott had been a lesbian, this would have been called a hate crime. But because she was simply a Christian, few in an official media, school or law enforcement capacity would be willing to describe it as such.

True, Christian students were not the only targets. But a number were specifically targeted. This is obvious from interviewing students at Columbine who knew the killers and knew the students killed. That's precisely why the perspective of pastors and others who have witnessed this tragedy firsthand is so critical when it comes to getting a real understanding of what happened at Columbine. You really had to be there. This event was so horrifying, so unspeakable grotesque that someone sitting across the country watching news coverage in the comfort of their living room really wouldn't get the sense of this that those of us who spent some time on the scene and staying in touch with the victims' families throughout this last year have glimpsed.

I commend Bruce Porter for telling this story from the heart. He's not a professional writer, but he is a witness to the truth, and one intimately acquainted with those most deeply effected.

I would disregard the armchair cynics who critique this book out of their own prejudice instead of looking at the possibility that something beyond teenage violence occurred on that day. To those folks, I recommend you pick up a copy of C.S. Lewis' "Screwtape Letters" and "Mere Christianity."

As I read some of the one-star reviews of this book, I am not the least bit surprised by them. It's only proof that God's Word (the Bible) is very real and very true. The scriptures proclaim that in the last days, the name of Jesus Christ will be despised by many. Those dismissing this book as nothing more than propaganda are very lost souls spiritually and are playing right into Satan's hands. They refuse to see the spritual world and its battles as a real element. I have a thought question for those who say Christians were not the targets of these attacks: Why would the question of one's belief in God EVER be posed to ANY of the victims (whether or not it was Cassie or Valeen) if they didn't have it in for Christians? Valeen might have lived through the attacks but she still was shot. They didn't just "let her live" as one reviewer claims. She was shot! They meant to kill or at least injure her. Letting her live would be just not bothering at all with her. And whether or not Cassie was posed that question or not really isn't the issue. There was a lot of confusion -- no one really knows for sure. She did make a drastic change in her life and said yes to God long before her death - that was the point of her testimony - finding freedom through Jesus Christ. Now I must really mention, some may not have heard about the video tapes found by the one Time Magazine reporter. Well I saw clips of them on a newscast. The tapes were ones Eric and Dylan made before the shootings. They were very much making ANTI-CHRISTIAN slurs against people like Rachel Scott. They talked about how they hated Christians and all their "Jesus talk." Most of the remarks were against anyone or anything to do with Christ. If that doesn't tell you this wasn't an attack against Christians, then nothing will convince you.

What happened at Columbine High School last April was devastating to our country and to our belief that our schools are a place of safety for our children. All of the hurt, pain, frustration, confusion and tears have been well documented in The Martyr's Torch. If you are a mother or a father and really want to feel what those days felt like in our community I can highly recommend reading this book. Bruce Porter has written a very powerful message for the army of God and the youth organization that has sprung from the Columbine nightmare called "Torchgrab". It is a wonderful feeling that our young people are being saved and their lives are being changed for the better as a result of the Columbine murders. We cannot forget these innocent victims. In the end, it's really all about Jesus and where you want to spend eternity and hopefully Mr. Porter's book will help many young and old people alike make a decision for Jesus. I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book on a very difficult subject.

We highly recommend Bruce Porter's Book, "The Martyrs' Torch". As Pastor to the Scott family, Porter shares with us Rachel Joy Scott's Journal in her final days.

As with all words given post-humously, this journal speaks more loudly from Rachel's martyrdom, due to the brave honesty of her feelings. Just as Anne Frank's Diary revealed the human perspective of WW 2, Rachel's journal reveals the spiritual perspective of one totally committed to Christianity in an anti-Christian world.

Pastor Bruce orchestrates very carefully the thoughts and words of Rachel, including quotes and photos pertinent to the Columbine Tragedy. The narration is well woven together. In all of Porter's perceptions, he is forthright and realistic. His transparency of thought affords all of us the opportunity to be a part of the unfolding scenario.

His thoughts are weighty all the through the book, but especially near the end. The moral and ethical questions mentally debated for us here would readily make for required reading in any school, home, assembly or any segment of society. The insights given are sterling, as Porter answers the inquisitive heart of every adolescent---and let's face it---of all of us: Why? ...What for? ....What next ?

A particularly thought-provoking line is this : "I am completely convinced that if we do not pray for our leaders, then we are doomed to see the tragedy at Columbine repeated over and over again across our nation." [ page 74 ]

You will have rewarded yourself well for reading this book, and for contemplating the challenge Porter gives to each one of us--- to those of us who will never be the same after April 20, 1999.

Jim and Angela Goodrick

This book is a must read for every parent and teen. It is the kind of book that will challange you to the core of your soul and make you look at the World in a new way. Its also a book that is gripping from front to back, you wont put it down untell you have read it in full. You will need a box of klynex and a day to recover, so I highly recommend this book. It changed my life and I thank Bruce for writing it.

This book is a MUST READ if you are ANY of the following: Pastors; will receive a message from the heart of one of their own. If you have ever had to deal with tragedy from any of the people in your church, then read this book. Bruce Porter writes from the heart of a Pastor who is going through one of the worst tragedies in the history of America. He deals with it in the tenderest way a man can. If you're a Parent; you will gain a greater understanding of the awesome responsibility you have, in the proper raising and training of your child. You will also share in the relationship shown between a mother and daughter, evidenced in the touching words of Rachel Joy Scott, written just a short time before she was martyred. If you're a Young Adult or Teen, this book will give you a greater understanding of the word commitment, especially as you read the poetic as well as prophetic words penned by Rachel. I sincerely believe this is an extremely important book for all to read. It gives incredible insight to the Columbine tragedy from a man who lived the tragedy, not only as a Pastor to Rachel's parents, but as a father himself and a true man of God. If you've ever dealt with tragedy, no matter how great or small... read The Martyrs' Torch.

I am Rachel Scott's father. Bruce Porter did an excellent job of protraying my daughter's passion for her faith. This book will challenge you in a way that few books can. Once you begin reading it, you won't be able to put it down until you finish.

The Martyrs' Torch is the only report from a truly Christian perspective that I've read or heard in the year following the Columbine tragedy. Bruce Porter's story is not only a can't-put-it-down book, but also a timely challenge for all the youth - and adults - of today. I was so impressed with his emphasis on hope from the hysteria surrounding this event, that I am purchasing and giving a copy of this book to each of the high school and college graduates at our church this spring. I'm sure there will be many among them who will accept the challenge to "take up the torch" and help bring the Light into this darkened world!

I would like to thank Pastor Bruce Porter for the wonderful and inspiring book he so bravely wrote! It is a beautiful story with a definite message to the youth of America. The moment I began reading it I couldn't put it down, and read until 6:00 in the morning until I was finished. The story of the martyr's is a powerful one, and I have recommended it to all of my other high school friends so that they will make the choice to pick up the torch! Thank you so much for your awesome work, they definitely have not died in vain!

I would like to thank Pastor Bruce Porter for the wonderful and inspiring book he so bravely wrote! It is a beautiful story with a definite message to the youth of America. The moment I began reading it I couldn't put it down, and read until 6:00 in the morning until I was finished. The story of the martyr's is a powerful one, and I have recommended it to all of my other high school friends so that they will make the choice to pick up the torch! Thank you so much for your awesome work, they definitely have not died in vain!