Customer Reviews

The New Commandments

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I couldn't put this book down! It is frightening how real the events in this book are...or at least how it could very possibly be in the future. It makes you realize that without understanding each other we create fear and fear creates violence. I think everyone should read this book. The writing is as beautiful as its message of understanding. No one wants another 911.

The New Commandments is a thriller. A page turner. It stands on its drama, its depiction of the world on the brink of nuclear destruction. My wife and I both finished it in just two sittings.

Just as compelling as the drama, the author uses his skill as a psychologist to explain how individuals and societies react when terrorists sacrifice innocent cities, why victims feel helpless and why politicians and generals can't see past retaliation.

Dr. Brody ensnares his readers with a third theme, a revelation about faith as an agent to deter zealotry and terrorism. He writes no saccharine prescription about bringing the world together. He writes a workable blueprint, if only we read!

This book sends a real message at a time when our country and world are in crisis. It reinforces and readdresses a very old message to all human beings. Although it is in fictional format, I think all of us should consider its content as something we need to apply in our lives through our actions. And hopefully our actions will speak louder than words, resulting in more peace throughout our lands.

After the events of 9/11, I found myself wondering what people in the United States had done that could so enrage middle class well-educated people to attack our country in suicide attacks against ordinary people. Steve Brody, the author of The New Commandments, must have asked himself the same question. I am most impressed with his response to that horrible event.

The New Commandments is a spiritual story about how another horrible event causes one man, Dr. Peter Hart, a psychiatrist who is also a television journalist, to respond.

As the book opens, the main area for government buildings in Washington, D.C. is leveled by an atomic blast initiated by Arab terrorists. As the nation recoils in horror, Dr. Hart finds himself beginning to hear voices and see visions that tell him to announce a world day of understanding for people of all religions and faiths to come together one month from the terrible event. Having followed through on his guidance, Dr. Hart finds a coalition rapidly forming behind the idea, and religious leaders ask him to be the spearhead of the effort. Dropping his network responsibilities, he now makes the news rather than reports it.

As the month passes, he receives other inspired messages that tell him to announce ten new commandments for living in peace with others.

As the story builds, Dr. Hart also finds himself at the center of an effort to track down the terrorists.

If you are looking merely for a great thriller, this book will probably not suit your fancy. It's probably a three or four star effort as a pure thriller.

I graded the book higher for its spiritual content and message. It's clearly a five-star book from that perspective.

The opening story about the destruction of Washington, D.C. thoroughly chilled me. I felt like I was in the grip of 9/11 all over again. That strong beginning lent an air of authenticity to my connection to the story that made me most eager to learn how we can use love and kindness to overcome hate and murder.

I liked the way that the spiritual message was developed. The book is written in a way that respects all religions and faiths. Think of these new commandments as an additional set to help us live the first ten commandments.

I hope many people will read this story and be moved to follow these new commandments . . . due to urgings of conscience and spirit.

May God bless you all!

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THE BOOK WAS A FAST, EASY AND INTERESTING READ. I LIKE HOW THE BOOK POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE RADICALS HERE AS WELL AS IN OTHER COUNTRIES. THE MESSAGE OF UNITY THROUGHOUT WAS UPLIFTING. THE EXPRESSED FAITH IN OUR GOVERNMENT TO TRACK AND PREEMPT TERRORIST ACTIVITY WAS REASSSURING. THE HUMAN SPIRITS ABILITY TO RISE TO THE CALL, RISE ABOVE IS INSPIRING. THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING. SALAAM, SHALOM, NAMASTE.
VIRGINIA ANDERSON