Customer Reviews

Rosary: Mysteries, Meditations, and the Telling of the Beads

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was really looking forward to this title based on the other reviews and the index which was full of saints .... What I found was very disappointing.

Although the author seems initially quite successful at building credibility with his reader - the tone is quite authoritative - not popular piety -- and the content at first glance seems well researched. But when the author mentioned that marriage is the main reason the Roman Empire fell - I started to get nervous. Marriage at best may have been one of several factors, and thats perhaps a stretch - but to assert it is the primary reason for the fall of the Roman Empire is outrageous. And worse in that it calls into question the other facts that the author presents in this work.

The meditations are also very wanting. They seem devoid of any personal touch and they are hardly suited to meditation or even a 'science of the saints' type of consideration of related virtues. The author throughout the book is long winded and seems to enjoy relaying facts irregardless of if they have any relevance to the content. For example, I'm not sure how or why a reflection on the 'agony of the garden' somehow launches into a discussion of how all competitive sports are evil.

Finally, although the list of resources seems extensive, I was disappointed overall with the selections of saints quotations used throughout the book.

Overall, I know that rosary books of any meaningful size are hard to come by (hopefully this 'year of the rosary' will change that), I'd start with 'The Rosary, The Little Summa' or 'Mystery Stories: A Journey Through the Rosary'

This book is the best book I've ever read, and I've read a lot of books! If you are looking for one book to help you understand the Rosary better, then this is it. It covers every aspect of the Rosary in depth, and adds much detail, making it a treasure chest of knowledge about the Catholic faith. It is written in a compelling way, never dry; and although it is an expensive book, it is worth every penny. I know that I will reread it over and over again; in addition, I hope to teach a class at my church this year on it. I have several other books on the Rosary, but this is worth all of them put together.

This is an excellent book. It tells of the early history leading to the development of the rosary. A history of a people seeking a closer communion with God. The author tells a story that needs telling -- a story of heresies and misunderstandings, of the power of the rosary to draw us to the saving power of Christ. This is a story about how the rosary should be said and has been said over the course of centuries. This story is easy to read, well organized, and answers the call of the many who search for an answer to the problems besetting the Church today. It is excellent reading.

I found this book to be simply wonderful. I borrowed it from the library and wanted my own copy. It can appeal to a person of any denomination since it includes early Church history, cultural history, philosophy. It gives an excellent discussion of the reasons why the Catholic Church things the way it does and the reason behind many Catholic beliefs that may seem difficult for non-Catholics.

This is a very detailed but clearly written work on all aspects of the Rosary. As a non-Catholic who is becoming more and more interested in the Catholic Church, I found this book very enlightening. It wiped away many of the prejudices I (as a long-time Baptist) had held toward the Church. I would recommend it to everyone, especially to those seeking a better prayer life.

From its origin to its greatest achievements, who it's helped and how! The frequent references to biblical passages have shown me the Bible in a new and wonderous light! I sincerely loved this book and plan to read more by this writer. To him, my thanks!

As a recently converted Catholic, I was looking for a book about the rosary to better learn why we pray it and what the words are and the order of the prayers. I already know this author and usually his works are perfect for people learning about the Catholic faith but this book is just too intelectual for me. There are so many references to the Bible that each chapter becomes very long and tedious. However, I did enjoy the prayers being written and I did learn more about the Rosary but would have prefered a more simple and direct book.

Offering new contributions explore Christian prayer and issues, Kevin Johnson's "Rosary" will appeal to any public or college-level library with strong Christian collections. "Rosary" provides a narrow focus on rosary beads and Christian prayer, contrasting Christian prayer processes with other traditions, exploring why Christians pray to Mary, and how prayer keeps families together. Chapters go into quite a bit of depth and detail.

Everyone else is right, this book is truly a blessing. It is informative and intellectual while being deeply spiritual and inspirational. Truly absorbing the contents of this book will no doubt strengthen your faith. If you are Catholic it is a must, it explains a great deal and inspires. This is coming from a 24 year woman living in the 'real' world. Give it a try!

Rosary is both scholarly and inspiring-a rare combination. I am a very fast reader, but it took me several weeks to complete this tome. I read only one chapter a day, as there is so much to absorb and digest. As a purely historical book, it is magnificent. As a spiritual book, it is equally magnificent. The author, Kevin Orlin Johnson, Phd. did extensive and profound research in writing this book and it certainly shows. This book I recommend to all Catholics, but I also highly recommend it to people of all faiths or no faith at all! I guarantee all readers will be inspired by Rosary.