A Table In The Presence : The Dramatic Account of How a U.S. Marine Battalion Experienced God's Presence Amidst the Chaos of the War in Iraq

Rating:
Summary: Promising story, flawed message
Review: As a personal narrative of a Marine Chaplain with front line troops in the 2003 Iraq war, I thought this was an OK (3 star) book. I rate it 1 star, however, because it suggests that (a) God is on our side and that (b) s/he favors Christians. The first sentiment is understandable, given Mr. Cash's job. The second is dangerous.
Whether you think God plays favorites or that the idea is ludicrous, as I do, this idea is clearly unhelpful to our (present) mission over there. Beliefs about God are highly personal, weaved into culture and resistant to change. If you believe that someone's beliefs are wrong or inferior to yours', you are more likely to provoke anger and mistrust even when trying to provide help.
Mr. Cash had some insight moments. He notes, for example, that his charges were desperate men (at the start of the invasion) and such men long for a relationship with God. He also does a nice job of describing aspects of the fog of war.
In other moments he attributes the individual good fortune of some of his troops to divine intervention and the unfortunate instances of bad luck to, just that. Unintended confusion in our troop maneuvers that seems to further confuse the enemy is compared to the biblical battle for Jericho and offered as evidence of God's Will at work. Interestingly, a passage describing how Iraqi solders fared (1 killed, 2 wounded and 2 unscathed) a murderous unleashing of U.S. machine gun fire does not give similar attribution to God.

Of the reviews posted, I am most impressed by the one by Rev Nairn Mack. Its the very first one (July 11, 2004) in this tread.


Rating:
Summary: Christian's who prayed for the troops in Iraq, read it!
Review: A truly moving book. The book starts its descriptions as the Marines are in Kuwait, soon to get the word to move into Iraq. It paints a portrait of the life of a soldier as they go into combat--the worries, what was faced in battle, etc. All throughout the author tells how prayers were answered in astounding ways. The last two chapters had me in tears--first, because surviving that last push seemed impossible, second, because God gave them His protection in such amazing ways.

Rating:
Summary: This book is both comforting and inspiring.
Review: As a mother of a son who will enter the Marines next fall, I thought this book might help me to prepare myself for his possible deployment into a dangerous situation. It has truly brought me a sense of peace through Lt. Cash's accounts of this battalion as they venture into Iraq in the opening days of Enduring Freedom. In this chaotic world I am deeply touched that our government provides spiritual guidance for any soldier who seeks it. Lt. Cash tells his story in a way that makes it difficult to put this book down. This is not just another war story. It is an account by a man who has personally witnessed the strength and protection our Lord can give when any of us ask for these things in our prayers.

Rating:
Summary: Just Like its Author, A Godsend!!!
Review: As a wife of a former marine of First Battallion Fifth Marines who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, I can speak from my heart and with complete assurance when I say that Chaplain Carey Cash is a true Godsend. He and his wonderful wife Charity are true blessings from God himself. Carey was not only able to minister to the marines and sailors of 1/5 during his tour with 1/5, but he is now able to further his ministry by reaching out even now through his book to touch even more lives.... as you read the book you may question or think the things he describes couldn't be possible, but all you'd have to do is ask any one of the approximate 1200 marines and sailors of First Battallion Fifth Marines who served in 2003 OIF and they'd be able to tell you of the many,many truly miraculous events that occurred where the hand of God himself was there protecting the men of 1/5. If you've ever questioned "is there a God?"... this book answers that question..thank you Carey

Rating:
Summary: Powerful, Moving, Inspirational and True!
Review: Carey Cash has done as materful job of telling the story of how he saw God working in the early days of Iraqi Freedom. The stories are true and compelling. The writing is clear and powerful. The photos are moving. And the evidence that God was, indeed, both present and in control of the operations in Iraq is overwhelming and convincing. The end result is a book that deserves to be a best-seller. I dare you to read it and not have your heart touched by the grace and omnipotence of God. Semper fi!

Rating:
Summary: Humbling in God's presence
Review: Chaplain Cash does an excellent job of describing the awe of being in God's presence even in the harshest environment imaginable. He also shows what a good Navy Chaplain can do to help a unit come to grips with its own spiritual needs. May our Lord Jesus be glorified by the witness this book provides.

Rating:
Summary: Humbling in God's presence
Review: Chaplain Cash does an excellent job of describing the awe of being in God's presence even in the harshest environment imaginable. He also shows what a good Navy Chaplain can do to help a unit come to grips with its own spiritual needs. May our Lord Jesus be glorified by the witness this book provides.

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful account of how God's love is ever present.
Review: I could not put this inspirational and comforting book down. As a wife of a Marine in First Battalion, Fifth Marines, I can honestly say that I'm impressed by the accurate accounts of both the people involved and events that occured during OIFI. Lt. Carey Cash's book comforted me with heartwarming stories and descriptions of the undeniable,loving presence of God in their lives during trying times. This book has it all- letters from home; prayers and scripture; love stories; tales of God's presence; accounts of 1/5's experiences during the war; friendships strengthened;and hope when faced with adversity. This story shows how in the midst of eye-witnessing the suffering of the Iraqi people, grieving over fallen fellow Marines, and fearing what the days may bring, God's love and grace gave them all strength and courage to face each day.

Rating:
Summary: Transcends Politics
Review: I couldn't put the book down; it doesn't really delve a lot into politics or the controversy behind the U.S. in Iraq, as much as this is a story of God's grace, redemption & protection in the midst of the fears & horrors of war. War is not painted as a glorious thing to lightly enter into, but God is shown as a glorious Father with a heart of compassion for all peoples...whether U.S. Marines in the desert or Iraqis. Carey shows God's love by the dignity & respect that he uses to tell about others in this book...it is a "people" book & his heart as a father & chaplain clearly reflects the heart of the One Who called him to this work.

Rating:
Summary: Transcends Politics
Review: I couldn't put the book down; it doesn't really delve a lot into politics or the controversy behind the U.S. in Iraq, as much as this is a story of God's grace, redemption & protection in the midst of the fears & horrors of war. War is not painted as a glorious thing to lightly enter into, but God is shown as a glorious Father with a heart of compassion for all peoples...whether U.S. Marines in the desert or Iraqis. Carey shows God's love by the dignity & respect that he uses to tell about others in this book...it is a "people" book & his heart as a father & chaplain clearly reflects the heart of the One Who called him to this work.