Uncommon Faith: The Early Years of Opus Dei, 1928-1943 [Paperback]

John F. Coverdale (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2002

This book explores the early years of Opus Dei and shows why St. Josemaría Escrivá so quickly became renowned for his sanctity. Bringing to light details found only in hard-to-find Spanish sources, author John Coverdale highlights St. Josemaría’s tireless, courageous efforts to spread the message of lay holiness even amid the terror and uncertainty of the Spanish Civil War. Coverdale explains how St. Josemaría helped others find Jesus Christ through a lay spirituality that anticipated Vatican II by thirty years. Uncommon Faith is an absorbing, highly readable introduction to the life of a towering modern saint — and essential reading for anyone searching for the key to the Church’s renewal in our age. It will be of interest to anyone who keeps up with developments in the contemporary Church, as well as to scholars of Spanish history and Church history.

Product Details

• Paperback: 396 pages
• Publisher: Scepter Publishers; Revised edition (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188933474X
• ISBN-13: 978-1889334745
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,181,744 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! An Objective Account of Opus Dei and it Founder!, November 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Uncommon Faith: The Early Years of Opus Dei, 1928-1943 (Paperback)

If you've read other biographies of Josemaria Escriva and Opus Dei, this one will strike you as refreshingly objective. It offers the reader many of the historical and cultural details of Spain that have been omitted in other books of the same subject. In particular, it offers a clear and objective explanation of the Spanish Civil War, which was the occasion for many of Escriva's and his followers' acts of heroism. In general, this broader historical perspective gives the reader a more realistic view of Opus Dei and its founder. This approach, in effect, allows the figure of Escriva to emerge even more convincingly as a truly saintly man.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Regardless of your religion this book is an inspiration, October 31, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Uncommon Faith: The Early Years of Opus Dei, 1928-1943 (Paperback)

An engaging and very easy book to read. Quite hard to put down.

The many vignettes and anecdotes gives one a true appreciation for the life and calling of this man and great Saint. His heroic life and spirituality shine through these pages. This Saint's supernatural outlook and love seems to have permeated his every moment of life. His dedication to the poor and the love for mankind is an inspiration to all.

I would highly encourage every person, irrespective of their religious background, who is interested in deepening their spirtuality, to read this book.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars exceptional account with energetic pace, August 25, 2004

By 

S. Broderick (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Uncommon Faith: The Early Years of Opus Dei, 1928-1943 (Paperback)

I found this book to be exceptional in understanding not only Opus Dei in Spain early on, but also Spainish society before, during, and after their civil war.
The author does present many of the controversial topics that were present at the time. The author also presents it to allow a reader to see both sides of the story. As a first step to any investigation or study of this group or as suplement to an exsisting study, I would highly recommend.
The pace of the book was exceptional. The author maintains a steady flow and rarely slows down with inconsequential details yet retains the important facts to give a complete picture.
I urge anyone to read it, but do not stop there. Find additonal books that strive for objective views. Perhaps the best way to research is to talk to the people involved. Personal interviews seems to be the best way to understand what Opus Dei is, where it is from, and where it is going.