Jack Patterson

It's like Marmite, but not as salty.

Revisado: 08-07-21

I think I learned some things about British politics listening to this. Maybe. I definitely have a lower opinion about the educated class in Britain. And I learned that a "school leaver" is a kind of identity, but it isn't pejorative- but it sure does come across as condescending the way the authors use it. It really means HS grad, but imagine being called by your snooty aunt a school-leaver and you get the idea. Another issue I encountered early on is the casual and repeated use of "ethnocentric" to describe post-ww2 Brits, like my grandparents. Their fault was being too white, too working class, too uneducated, and just plain dumb to be anything other than ethnocentrically British. Actually, thank goodness they are dead because they would now have to bear the brunt of being "racist" on top of all that. Just disturbing. Anyhow, the authors- a husband and wife academic duo- scientifically prove that Brexit is symptomatic of the rise of the idiocracy and will lead to unending turmoil and chaos. Or, this is a book about identity politics in the UK for people who are steeped in identity politics in the UK but like their information rather dry. Not worth it.

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Review

Revisado: 07-08-20

From all the positive reviews, and being recommended by Mark Shea from Catholic Answers, I expected to enjoy this book and learn from it. I was disappointed. If you are a Catholic who is enjoying the Springtime of Renewal of V2, this book might find a special place in your heart. My criticism is fairly simple: I believe that a firm catechesis in tradition is better than passionate, subjective enthusiasm. Author Weddell thinks Evangelicals have it right: it's necessary for Catholics to explore and articulate their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and for self-appointed laity to help them do that. I am sure there are many things in this book fellow Catholics will find helpful. There is some strategic advice that evangelicals can use to lure in new members. But as my agenda is not to form "intentional disciples" but to become the best Catholic I can be, this book is not for me.

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Engaging.

Revisado: 06-24-20

Highest praise for Kevin Wells' The Priests We Need. This is not a scolding book, not a broadside against the Church or V2, and you will not find anecdotes of bad behavior here. This isn't necessarily an instruction book for seminarians, but it is wonderful to think that a seminarian might be reading it, or even better, that a young man might be moved by it to discern a call! By presenting Fr. Tommy Wells and those lucky enough to call him a friend, you will see how there is no need for criticism- unless the very presence of a good man puts the lukewarm to shame. The priest we need is manly, truthful, and prayerful. Not a bachelor priest, not a "change agent" (if by that you mean a SJW with a collar), but a man whose mission is to save souls, who wakes, prays and works 16 hours fulfilling that vocation. Think of St. Jean Vianney. In this book, Wells will move you to tears telling you of the great depth and faith of his uncle, and of the lives (and deaths) of those who knew him. The narration is excellent.

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Certainly passionate.

Revisado: 04-02-20

I cannot deny author and narrator Jesse Romero has a palpable zeal for his faith. I read elsewhere that Mr. Romero is an "evangelical Catholic." If you are not sure what that is, give a listen. I also share Mr. Romero's line of work, so I was interested in his story. However, I just do not believe some of the anecdotes, which seem exaggerated and pat. Others seem to really enjoy Romero's writing, and perhaps you will.

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Highly, highly recommended.

Revisado: 12-20-19

A great story about how a man rediscovered his life and God's love as a member of His family. God bless you and yours, Dr. Anders, and thank you.

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Intelligent review of recent church history

Revisado: 12-07-19

I am familiar with George Weigel's writing from his excellent biography of St. JPII and articles from First Things. He does not disappoint in this book. In the 20th century, communism and fascism (real fascism) were best fought and defeated by liberal democratic regimes, but we are witnessing now the excesses of radical individualism, worship of the autonomous will, materialist atheism and fear of Truth. The antidote is, of course, the teachings of our Catholic faith. But how do we share it? We Catholics tend not to be very good evangelists- but we are getting better. Weigel writes in great detail how Vatican II was all about meeting the challenges presented by theology, politics, and increasingly present communication media that had to be addressed. Even if you disagree with Weigel's narrative or analysis, (and there's an excellent critical review of the book by Andrew Willard Jones in the November 2019 issue of First Things), this book is very well worth a careful listen. The narration is pleasant, and the writing, as one would expect, clear, even, smart, and thoroughly fascinating.

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They Don't Make them Like this Anymore

Revisado: 04-12-16

Any additional comments?

This is a good book. It's narration is appropriate and the length was just long enough to accomplish what the author set out to do: give a brief biographical sketch of the man who led the Allies to victory on D-Day and went on to become President of the United States. I did not know much about Eisenhower prior to my listening to this 4.5 hour book. The author, Paul Johnson, is an excellent historian, and I respect his work because he tends to be conservative, which I think is a good quality when reading and studying history. Listen to this if you want to know more about the man who set the tone for America in the 1950's and coined the term "Military-Industrial Complex." You'll be glad you did!

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Great little audio book

Revisado: 04-12-16

Where does Hume's Dialogues rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I used this audiobook to review Hume's important and entertaining dialogue for a class that I am teaching. I can't imagine that someone might select it for pure pleasure or to pass the time, but after giving it a listen, I can recommend it with some reservation for someone who may not have read the book before. It is a true classic, and has to rank as one of the most influential books of the 18th century and is the basis for much modern naturalist philosophy.
Theologians should also read it and be prepared to respond to the intelligent arguments against natural religion generally and intelligent design specifically.

What did you like best about this story?

The dialogue is between three main characters: Cleanthes, an orthodox theist who relies on a version of the teleological argument as a basis for faith; Demea, who expounds a fideist approach to theology, and Philo, a theological skeptic. Each part is played by a different actor, which keeps the dialogue interesting and holds the listener's attention.

Any additional comments?

So now the bad news. The dialogue, lets say roughly three parts, is recorded out of order. This is a near fatal flaw, as you will hear the end of the dialogue and then in the next session the three are back continuing the conversation. Audible should have the studio who produced the book fix the problem, and it's worth the fix, because the dialogue is so good!

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