I am on the Conservative Book Club email list and the ad about this book piqued my interest. The book sounded pretty inflammatory and distorted and also a narrow minded claim to how Christianity is great and the other religions suck, but I found out that was likely more to do with the ad writer rather than the book itself. Olasky seemed to try to be fair minded, though he distorted matters a number of times, whether intentionally or unintentionally. He was knowledgeable about the subject matter and he was often pretty accurate. On page 15-16, Olasky makes an interesting point, though I’m not sure he’s exactly correct in his assumptions. On these pages, Olasky argues that Christianity unlike these other religions paints the prophets and servants of God as fallible humans, while the other religious traditions act as if the religious leaders and prophets are infallible. David Lieberman, a lying expert, whose work is reviewed in this volume, does say that if a tale has no derogatory bits, the tale is more likely to be less than accurate. To contradict this, I should tell you about the Buddhist tale of Siddhartha, the Buddha, being a deadbeat dad. Furthermore, The Everything Zen Book tells stories about Zen masters who were far from perfect or in some cases, even admirable. Olasky does argue against some of the excesses and abuses of these other faiths. I am afraid if these religions were more open about the flaws (if they truly are not), then it would be just more ammunition for Olasky to use to argue against these faiths. Later on Olasky suggests that one way coverage of religion could improve is being more critical in evaluating the human flaws of religious leaders. Somehow Christian leaders are excluded from this mix. One of my old friends mentioned how people like Billy Graham and Mother Teresa are treated as if they are nearly flawless. Indeed, I do not believe I have ever seen a negative press account on Mother Teresa except maybe a small atheist press article. Even Mother Teresa is human. Olasky appeared to be more charitable and less dissatisfied with Judaism than the other three religions. On page 72, Olasky argues that reincarnation causes people to not value existence enough since existence goes on for such as long time. This is a valid and thoughtful criticism of reincarnation. I’m afraid Olasky just doesn’t realize where the logic of that criticism will lead: it will lead to the idea that secularism is best. In my debates I have argued that what is scarce is valued more than what is plentiful, therefore, if life is finite, it tends to be valued more than if it is infinite. One Christian rebutted this by saying if finite life does this, then wouldn’t one want life to be as short as possible. This Christian dude’s point seemed to be: the more life, the better. If such is the case, then reincarnation is the way to go. In this matter, whichever way you cut it, Christianity appears to have the worst of two worlds. Olasky goes on and on about Buddhism’s attachment. I too recognize problems with avoiding attachment, and am not entirely comfortable with avoiding attachment as a dogma, but in some ways, detachment appears to be virtuous. On page 106, Olasky says “That animosity toward the body is frequent in Buddhism.” I too have heard Buddhists say our body is just flesh. Olasky is suggesting that by making such statements, Buddhists hate the body. Buddhists do not hate the body; they just believe the spirit is more important. Some have argued that Christianity is anti-body, but Olasky is not seeing that, I guess. On page 130, Olasky discusses “Zen’s ascetic tendency”. If only it were so! I consider myself ascetic and am turned off by Buddhism’s aversion to asceticism. In fact one of the most well know parables of Buddhism is that after Buddha left his palace, he became an ascetic and eventually discovered that asceticism was destroying his body, thus instead he choose what he called “the middle way”, which allowed a so called moderate view toward the body’s needs: fulfilling them, but not depriving the body nor overindulging the body. On page 128, Olasky discusses Buddhists who fast, even to their death. I have not found many Buddhists who accept fasting. Buddhists seem to oppose it, since they seem to consider fasting ascetic. For example, when Federation Without Television had a speaker from the Zen Meditation Center, I asked her about fasting. She said the Buddha taught against it and supported the middle way instead. Fasting is one of the best practices I have ever engaged in, yet sadly the Buddhists don’t value it enough, yet here Olasky claims such practices define Buddhism. How can what a religion does not advocate define it? Oddly, on pages 139-140, Olasky cites tabloids to prove his point that Buddhism is harming Japanese society. He only qualifies the citation of tabloids by a mention of “hype”. Most of us do not believe the fault of tabloids is mere hype, but a treacherous manner which brings into question the veracity of anything reported inside them. I don’t know how a professor of Journalism can seriously cite tabloids to prove his point. Tabloids have little credibility. Since abortion is becoming one of my key issues of concern, I enjoyed his discussion of this religion’s views on abortion. It was ever too brief; perhaps a whole book on other religions and abortion could be published. On page 157, Olasky condemns Islam’s teetotalism, he, like others, seems to suggest that moderate consumption is acceptable, but it is not. If Islam has any virtues, teetotalism is one. On page 179, Olasky suggests that Christianity unlike Islam does not believe in tough punishment. What about “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”? Is blinding someone okay, but Islam’s hand chopping for theft is wrong? To me both are wrong. Olasky misleads us by suggesting that Christianity’s history is one of peace (180) yet the history of these other faiths is chock full of violence (197). I was surprised by the last two chapters “Missing the Story” and “How to Do Better”. I figured that these would be calls to convert to Christianity, but instead they were commentaries and suggestions about religious journalism. On page 212, Olasky criticized one reporter and her story on the grounds that the story does not do a follow up a year from then. Since when did news reporting incur the obligation of having to do that? Since when did news reporting become a longitudinal study? In one criticism of Buddhism, Olasky states “behind that democratic notion , which suggests the happy idea that human beings should be kind to dogs and deer, lies an equation of human beings with cockroaches”. I don’t think Buddhism is arguing this at all. Buddhists, in fact, emphasize that being reincarnated as a human is a blessing, since it is not all that common, and also it’s the only plane of existence in which one can achieve Nirvana. I do not believe an accurate understanding of Buddhism can lead one to believe that Buddhists consider insects are exactly the same as humans.
Ozaniec, Naomi
2003:101 Essential Tips: Everyday Meditation. New York, NY: DK Publishing, Inc.
Little I haven’t heard before, but I found the bit on color, element (particularly fire) to be new.
Pelzer, Richard
2005:A Brother’s Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse. New York, NY: Warner Books.
Having read his brother’s book, A Child Called It several years ago, I was afraid this was going to rehash the same old ground, but, instead of repeating the same information, it just took over where that book left off. It was as gripping as his brother’s book. In this book, the role of alcohol in the abuse, became more clear. Such is proof positive of the evils of alcohol. I noticed this, then I saw a mention in the book cover about alcohol’s influence. Richard was very introspective and made profound reflections along with a superb relay of events. Richard expressed a fundamental notion: karma, which seems to make ever so much sense especially since I have been reading a lot of books about it lately.
Piven, Joshua, David Borgenicht, and Sarah Jordan
2004:The Worst Case Scenario Handbook: Weddings. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.
This book appears to be a serious book, but some of the suggestions are so off the wall, one is prone to wonder if the book is a satirical book. I think perhaps it is some of both, since the suggestions seem sound and also some parts are surely on the lighter side. Either way will do for me.
Quindlen, Anna
2000:A Short Guide to a Happy Life. New York, NY: Random House.
Short is
right! If you seek to read this book while drinking a cup of coffee, don’t plan on finishing the coffee. But it’s all good. This book could serve as an ideal secular humanistic affirmation of existence, though she does not appear to be a secular humanist.
Schechter, Harriet
2001:Let Go Of Clutter. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
This book was read in just a single day. I am getting to the point where I want to eliminate more and more of my belongings, even though I once clung onto them. I am getting better and this book inspired to get rid of more. Her classification of “Happy and Sad” as items to keep, and “Good and Bad” as items to throw away, was fabulous.
Simon, Charnan
1998:Community Builders: Brigham Young: Mormon and Pioneer. Danbury, CT: Children’s Press.
One motivational audio tape profiled the Mormons as a group which overcame adversity, thus I was inclined to admire this aspect of Mormonism. After reading this, my admiration of Mormons is reaffirmed.
St. James, Elaine
1995:Inner Simplicity: 100 Ways to Regain Peace and Nourish Your Soul. New York, NY: Hyperion.
This was one of those books that wasn’t too short, but it went by fast. I think she may have a point about her suggestion of not reading troubling material before sleeping. When I listened to a story about the spy Bob Hanssen, bad dreams followed. Mostly this is similar to much inspirational fare, but it does me good to hear it again, possibly in a different way.
Weisberg, Jacob
2002:More George W. Bushisms: Accidental Wit and Wisdom of Our 43rd President. New York, NY: Fireside Books.
While on a bus, I was reading this work. One dude made a remark that he “couldn’t believe you are reading that”. It seemed that he thought because Bush was on the cover, the work was praising Bush. Such is surely not the case, as I told the dude this book makes fun of Bush’s stupid remarks. I liked the work.
Weisberg, Jacob
2003:Neither in French Nor in English Nor in Mexican. New York, NY: Fireside Books.
This book did not radically depart from the other one’s style, so the last sentence of the last book review applies to this one as well.
Catfish
Volume 42
Andrew Bushard
Reviews
Audio
Allan, Gary
2001:Alright Guy. Nashville, TN: MCA Nashville.
Slow and so so songs to start, then it got better with the songs “Alright Guy”, “I’m Doin’ My Best” and “What Would Willie Do?” “Alright Guy” and “I’m Doin My Best” have a very similar theme: I’m a decent person with the guaranteed flaws.” “What Would Willie Do?” paints Willie Nelson as a very compassionate, magnanimous, good natured person. I didn’t know that much about Nelson’s character, but the song described him in a beautiful way; it was the type of song you would want written about you.
Allan, Gary
1999:Smoke Rings in the Dark. Nashville, TN: MCA Nashville.
Not as good as the above one. In fact, no songs are memorable.
Allan, Gary
2003:See If I Care. Nashville, TN: MCA Nashville.
Besides the touching and extremely insightful “Tough Little Boys”, I do not care for this album. I believe country music is at its best with ballads (though often not love songs). I wish Allan’s music had a little more kick to it.
Beattie, Melody
1990:Codependent’s Guide to the Twelve Steps. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.
Lame. I didn’t like her soft lovey voice too much. I am getting sick of twelve step material, maybe partially because I studied AA for my master’s thesis. But the pickings for audio tapes were not ideal, so I chose this.
Becnel, Barbara Cottman (abridged)
1991:The Co-Dependent Parent. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publisher.
Some of the same old same old recovery and psychology but also new material on co-dependency, though I don’t think the tape adequately explained what codependency itself was, which I am confused about.
Boldt, Laurence: read by Gabrielle de Cuir and Stefan Rudnicki
2001:Zen and the Art of Making a Living: a Practical Guide to Creative Career Design. San Bruno, CA: Audio Literature.
The book professed to be practical and I wish it would have been less so, since as it went on, it gave advice you could have gotten elsewhere, despite its claims that it was giving you a different perspective (remarks such as “This is not your usual career guide” were said). Don’t get me wrong, the perspective is a great one.
DeAngelis, Barbara (abridged)
1992:Are You the One for Me?: Knowing Who’s Right and Avoiding Who’s Wrong. Los Angeles, CA: Audio Renaissance Tapes.
DeAngelis surely used many lists which is ideal for me because I like lists. Great relationship advice which really gets you to examine and ponder the angles of relationships. Before this, I really didn’t know much about DeAngelis, besides the vague notion that she is famous, and I left with good thoughts about her work.
Dyer, Wayne
2004:The Secrets of the Power of Intention. USA: Hay House Inc.
Dyer is super inspiring. He seems like a good person to know. I would like to meet him someday.
I love his family stories and he seems like an ideal father. He said he fathered his children so that they live for themselves and not just be clay that he molds. That type of parenting becomes really beautiful when kids have noble aims.
His conception of the purpose of life is really intriguing, though I am not totally convinced it is reality. It would be cool if it was true, but I am not sure it is. He believes that before life begins we all choose what will be in our lives. Sometimes this seems like it might be true, but who knows if it really is. To me it is comforting if all my struggles lead to something greater.
He said the purpose of his life “is to teach self reliance” and he said he had to be an orphan to learn these skills. I admire how he once was an orphan and overcome obstacles to be a very positive minded success today. Experiences like his are some of the most inspiring around.
On this work, his voice sounded different to me than on his other audio tapes. It had more kick to it here and wasn’t so soft.
He expressed anti-rap, anti-prescription drugs, and anti-alcohol sentiments. I’m not so fond of the anti-rap sentiments though he may be right to a point. He was very hilarious when describing prescription drugs. He hit the bulls eye when explaining the trouble of alcohol.
He proposes what he calls a “strength test”. I am compelled to try it because it’s fascinating, but also fear I would look like a nut for trying it. This test involves holding some item against your chest while you put out a fist and if another person can move the fist, the item against your chest is “weakening you” and if the person cannot move your fist, the item against your chest is “strengthening you”
His idea about life being purely energy is very fascinating and it seems to make intuitive sense to me. I like the whole idea he suggests about energy coming from this and that and I think it is plausible. Intuitively it seems right on. At least, energy does seem to be an important spiritual force.
Sometimes he almost sounds like a social Darwinist or a Horatio Alger believer, but I know he is more kind than most of them. He believes good people succeed because they are good and this is a definition of the Horatio Alger myth.
My former friend Tim once said that
motivational speakers fill people up with vacuous nonsense”. Indeed, it does seem that often they say something that sounds good but is not really true. It occurred to me that not only is his approach wishful thinking, but such is the entire essence of “the power of intention”: he claims that if you believe something and act as if it is true, then it comes true. That’s the very definition of wishful thinking. I do believe that to a certain extent his idea “the energy you put out is what you attract” is true, but he oversimplifies the
matter by acting as if it is a universal law. Fact is some very positive loving people have no friends and no success and some horrible people are very popular with lots of success. Also, “act as if you have what you want to manifest in your life” seems to be promoting cockiness. I would prefer to take action, persevere, and humbly hope rather than strut around acting as if I have something I don’t have.
I want to expose myself to more of Wayne Dyer’s works because they are so inspiring. He is an admirable person for being such a positive and moral influence on the world.
Edelman, Gary (abridged)
1997:The New Rules of Money: Simple Strategies for Financial Success Today. New York, NY: HarperCollins, Inc.
I don’t know if I care enough about these matters to try to follow his suggestions, but I do think they are worthwhile. His reading style was on the plus side. I learned about some new issues as well.
Forward, Susan
1992:Innocence and Betrayal: Overcoming the Legacy of Sexual Abuse. `(abridged). Beverly Hills, CA: Dove Audio.
Pretty sick. How could anyone commit incest when one realizes how harmful it is to the victims?
Fry, Ron (abridged)
1996:101 Greatest Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions. St. Paul. MN: High Bridge Audio.
Since the questions weren’t numbered, at least on the audio, addition, it was hard to say for sure that there were 101 questions, but I assume that there were. I’ve read a lot about interviewing so this didn’t add much to my knowledge base. It did however reaffirm my antipathy toward the whole job interview process. Perhaps, more than others, Fry showed how pointless interviews really are (though I doubt that this was his intention).
Catfish: Volumes 41-45 Page 3
