There are too many unknown facts, as Bill Bennett rightly asserts. Much of the historical data is purely speculative with the exception of a few referThere are too many unknown facts, as Bill Bennett rightly asserts. Much of the historical data is purely speculative with the exception of a few references, poems and prayers in honor of Saint Nicholas. The Roman Catholic tradition has largely exorcised ol' St. Nicholas from the Church, while the Eastern Orthodox tradition continues to celebrate his life every December 6th.
Bennett provides a pleasant read filled with fantastical stories and a delightful context to the Bishop of Myra.
The records at the very least seem to concur with the general perception that the Saint Nicholas that existed in the days of Constantine (yes, he most likely slapped Arius!) was indeed filled with generosity and abounding in love for all sorts of people.
Bennett illustrates that Saint Nicholas, the Bishop, had become commercialized only a few centuries after his death. The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well in those days. The life of Saint Nicholas was being used by manipulative men to sell and to attract business. This commercialization is no different than the Americanized Santa Claus (invented much later in the 20th century).
At the same time it is important to note that abuses are always prone to happen, and that simply doing away with the figure in order to avoid the tough questions is no way to handle the matter. Rather, there is a legitimate way to use the history of Saint Nicholas, and its subsequent re-adaptation-- with all its colors and jolly-ness in the North Pole Santa Claus-- to draw us and our children's attention to those rare gifts and virtues of the Christian faith.
Bill Bennett connects the modern Santa Claus with the faithful Bishop who suffered and lived for the sake of His Lord. The connection, though foggy at times, is still sufficiently clear to remind us of that ancient giver of gifts and rejoice in his life....more
Great work. North's Intro was worth the book. Brings out the harsh reality of Keynesian economics, and also adds that Keynes was an open homosexual. TGreat work. North's Intro was worth the book. Brings out the harsh reality of Keynesian economics, and also adds that Keynes was an open homosexual. The book is a response to a Christian disciple of Keynes, Douglas Vickers. I interviewed Dr. Hodge yesterday and hope to post it on in the next couple of days....more
lots of documents contra Shepherd. As a Shepherdite, I found none of them persuasive, though Raymond's article was helpful. lots of documents contra Shepherd. As a Shepherdite, I found none of them persuasive, though Raymond's article was helpful. ...more
![啶ぞ啶� 啶啷囙げ 啶曕 啶呧啶� 啶︵ぞ啶膏啶むぞ啶� [Pi Patel Ki Ajab Daastan]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1444103356l/3513013._SY75_.jpg)
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