Customer Reviews

Return To Sodom & Gomorr

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This book was first written during the height of optimism over the peace finally being achieved between Israel and the Palistinians. Pellegrino, relying on archaeology, a keen sense of human nature, and intuition, predicted that the killing would never stop, and that people in that part of the world would reserve their right to hate each other forever. The final chapter, with Arthur C. Clarke, Stephen Jay Gould, Pellegrino and Hawking, and several theologians, "gathering around the same watering hole, the archaeology of the Bible" and seeking signposts for the future in "the dustbin of history," is the most chilling echo from the past I have ever read. Look no further than the pictures - Pellegrino's painting on page 209 showing the WTC Twin Towers collapsing like a child's sand castle struck by a wave. If one looks, those towers seem to be destroyed repeatedly in all of his books. "Flying to Valhalla" (1992, page 97: "Seen from the air, the only recognizable features... near the air-scoured shambles of the World Trade Center Twin Towers: a shiny gridwork of smashed glass, two meters deep, marking places where streets once ran." Scientists are now preparing to clone an extinct Woolly Mammoth. Pellegrino saw that, too, more than twenty years ago when he invented the theory that became "Jurassic Park." Move over Nostradamus.

This book was first written during the height of optimism over the peace finally being achieved between Israel and the Palistinians. Pellegrino, relying on archaeology, a keen sense of human nature, and intuition, predicted that the killing would never stop, and that people in that part of the world would reserve their right to hate each other forever. The final chapter, with Arthur C. Clarke, Stephen Jay Gould, Pellegrino and Hawking, and several theologians, "gathering around the same watering hole, the archaeology of the Bible" and seeking signposts for the future in "the dustbin of history," is the most chilling echo from the past I have ever read. Look no further than the pictures - Pellegrino's painting on page 209 showing the WTC Twin Towers collapsing like a child's sand castle struck by a wave. If one looks, those towers seem to be destroyed repeatedly in all of his books. "Flying to Valhalla" (1992, page 97: "Seen from the air, the only recognizable features... near the air-scoured shambles of the World Trade Center Twin Towers: a shiny gridwork of smashed glass, two meters deep, marking places where streets once ran." Scientists are now preparing to clone an extinct Woolly Mammoth. Pellegrino saw that, too, more than twenty years ago when he invented the theory that became "Jurassic Park." Move over Nostradamus.

If you are interested in finding the truth and exploring your deepest passions about what drives your faith, then read this book with an open mind. Man's interpretations, through oral tradition and the written word, have always been the subject of contention and controversy. Mr. Pellegrino, at least, attempts to study natural phenomenon and faith with respect; a discipline which is not incompatible. Pellegrino searches for a deeper understanding of what actually took place. He has enriched my search for the truth. I have taken steps to further my own research with the study of myth, archeology and natural phenomenon. My faith has increased exponentially, both in man's reasoning and self-preservation, and in my perinial search for The Creator. Open your mind to the possibilities.

I have enjoyed everything I have read by Pellegrino. He is very successful at pulling together ancient mysteries with current scientific discoveries while keeping the book entertaining. I have learned many new things from this book.

Simple stated this is my favorite book of all time. Being raised as a Catholic this book provided me with information I couldn't have found on my own. Helped resolve many issues with my beliefs, on religion and my place in the world. The opinions, stories, theories, and fact have kept me going and left me wanting more. I just started my third read.

Pellegrino reconstructs the primary sources of belief for many of the historical foundations we rely on. His treatments are mind bending. The deeper we dig, the more we know.

This waffley book is a highly conjectured attempt to "de-miracleize" the Old Testament - and the questionable theology employed throughout doesn't help. If the author were to take a similar approach with the gospels, I suspect he would take the view that Christ was never resurrected from the dead. Instead, he may have been unconscious are barely alive when placed into the tomb, then recovered, and/or the writers of the gospels may have made up a large part of the narratives. The problem is that I can't provide good evidence that the resurrection occurred (apart from the gospels) anymore than someone else can provide good evidence that it didn't, and the same is true for the miracles of the Old Testament. You either believe them through faith or you don't. As Paul said, if the miracle of the resurrection was false, then "our faith is in vain". I suspect the same is true of the miracles pertaining to the Israelites, that is, if God could not rescue the nation of Israelites through miracles, then what hope does he have in saving the new nation of "Israelites", the church, through his second coming? Christ used miracles to show he was the Son of God, culminating in his raising of Lazarus and then himself from the dead - thereby proving his power over death. Believe it or not, but don't use this book to help you make your decision.

I have had difficulty accepting some of the Biblical happenings. Pellegrino has given scenerios on how these "miracles" could have happened and helped me accept them. It did not conflict with my religious beliefs. The only book I have read twice. I will read it again from time to time.

To merely say that this book is one of the best books I have ever read would be to seriously understate my opinion of this profound and important work. Pellegrino has a rare and uncanny ability to draw connections and to synthesize the disparate and widely scattered evidence of humanity's past. An admitted agnostic, he is wise enough to realize that no true scientist can be an athiest, but he also pulls no punches in his clear-minded assessment of biblical history. The fact that he is able to keep his sense of humor throughout only adds to the enjoyment of this book. One of the main reasons I believe this to be a profoundly important work is that Pellegrino presents a refreshingly honest, if not always optimistic, view of human nature. He harbors no illusions about our species' violent past, and thus provides us with the perspective and foresight we need if we wish to avoid the specter of extinction.

It is rare to find someone with such a broad range of insights on a topic. It is also rare to find someone (especially one who is an admitted agnostic)to treat biblical topics objectively, but maintaining respect. Biblical issues seem most often to be raised and presented by people promoting a specific goal or bias. Pellegrino possesses the ability and the gift of being able to offer perspectives which enrich the understanding of what was going on in times past, regardless of peoples beliefs. He just seems to be genuinely fascinated with discovering the truth about events, and seems to thoroughly enjoy the process. I read several of his other books, and I will be anxiously watching for more.