Review: The Catholic Church in Korea: Its Origins, 1566-1784

The Catholic Church in Korea: Its Origins, 1566-1784 by Juan Ruiz de Medina
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A rather fascinating look into the origins of the Korean Catholic Church. Of course, pretty much zero percent of the book actually deals with Korea. It discusses how the first Korean converts were Koreans in exile in Japan (several thousand of them apparently), and how they brought the religion back to Korea. And then, several monks in China were trying to go to Korea to convert people, but apparently never made it. From then on, any information re: actual Catholic converts in Korea is pure conjecture. It seems like they existed, and even now several Catholic families date themselves back to the early 1600's apparently. But still, unfortunately we don't really have any concete information about the start of the Catholic church within Korea. 

Also, the fact that the author doesn't seem to speak/read Chinese or Korean seems like a weakness. I can't help wondering if he's missing anything. 

Having said all that, I did find the book to be a very interesting look, and I was rather amazed at how much documentation we have about these monks and priests around East Asia in the 1500s and 1600s. 

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Review: Q

Q by Luther Blissett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow. This had been on my wishlist for a long time, so when I saw it for sale at 2nd and Charles for a cheap price, I figured it was a sign. Of course, that means reading through all 750 pages, but I have to say, it kept me interested throughout. 

This book delves deep into the post 95 theses years (the Reformation) in and around Germany and Italy. And I mean very deep. In fact, it made me feel like I should have known more about characters such as Thomas Muntzer, Jan Matthys, Melchior Hoffman, Reginald Pole and many others. 

I am also glad I have more of a sense of what a unique time that was. I basically knew Martin Luther posted his 95 theses, and there was a peasants' revolt in Germany. But there was so much more to it. 

It definitely had echoes of Umberto Eco, but with more action. 

4.5 stars

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Review: The British Museum Is Falling Down

The British Museum Is Falling Down by David Lodge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had just finished reading "The Library at night" before this book, which also discussed the library at the British Museum, so it was pretty serendipitous that I happened to read this next.

This was a random purchase from the clearance shelf in 2nd and Charles. It turned out to be a cute book. It reminded me of P.G. Wodehouse, although I'm sure that's because it's a cute, comic, novel that takes place in London. The various sections do seem to have different styles, which was apparently on purpose. I'm sure I'm not erudite enough to pick up on them all, but suffice it to say that it was a quick, fun, read about a man's day in mid-60s London.


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Review: Anselmo d'Aosta: La vicenda umana di un grande monaco del medioevo

Anselmo d'Aosta: La vicenda umana di un grande monaco del medioevo by Enzo Marigliani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think I bought this book over 10 years ago (at Diffusione del Libro, in Lido di Camaiore), and for many of those years I had been wondering why I bought it. So I finally decided it was time to bite the bullet and read it, to find out once and for all if the purchase had been worth it.

Well, it turns out it was. Anselmo d'Aosta (known as Anselm of Canterbury in English) was a very interesting person, personally called to England by William the Conqueror to be Archbishop of Canterbury, and a precursor to many other more famous religious thinkers (Abelard, Aquinas, among others). There was also plenty of drama in his life, despite the fact that all he wished to do was to retire to a monastic lifestyle.

I found myself underlining several passages discussing his philosophy on monotheism, how to know God exists, etc.

A good quote concerning teaching younger pupils (translated) “A youth is like a piece of wax. If too hard or too soft, the impression of the seal will not be clear." (p.44)

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Review: Cross and the Floating Dragon: The Gospel in Ryukyu

Cross and the Floating Dragon: The Gospel in Ryukyu by Edward E. Bollinger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is basically the history of Christianity in Okinawa. I thought it would be the most boring book I had ever read, but it turned out to be a gem, giving me a look into the history of something that touched the lives of millions of people in the island all told. It covers all types of Christianity (Catholicism, COE, Episcopalianism, Methodism, Presbyterianism, Baptists, seventh day Adventists, and others) on the island.

The whole section on Bettelheim was extremely entertaining (and it turns out he has a Wikipedia page too), especially the tactics the locals used to discourage him, and how he kept persevering.

The "Village that lives by the Bible" story was also extremely interesting, including the truth behind it.

After the war, there was a general mentality that "America won the war, so now we must become Christians" (p. 189), which undoubtedly helped the Christian movement (although it had been going very strong before the war as well).

It was also interesting to read about the conflict between ancestral rites and Christianity, and how Catholicism was the most accommodating for this practice.

All in all an interesting and unique look into a subject I otherwise would never have read about.

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Review: What Catholics Really Believe--Setting the Record Straight: 52 Answers to Common Misconceptions About the Catholic Faith

What Catholics Really Believe--Setting the Record Straight: 52 Answers to Common Misconceptions About the Catholic Faith by Karl Keating
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've had this book for close to 10 years now, and I finally got around to reading it. All in all it is a quick read (so shame on me for not tackling it earlier). It just basically lists 52 false claims about Catholicism, and refutes them one by one. In doing so, Keating provides an explanation for the Catholic view on many different subjects.

So basically, if you are interested in learning more about Catholicism, this is probably a great place to start. It won't go much into detail, but will probably mention more than a couple points you hadn't considered (I was raised Catholic, and I confess I didn't know quite a few of these points).

Also, it goes without saying that you don't have to be Catholic to read this. In fact, you'll probably get more out of it if you're not. I'm not saying you'll necessarily agree with his points, but it'll be an enlightening read nonetheless.




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