Edith Stein: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Rating:
Summary: Strands woven into a fine book
Review: I really like how this author has woven a story out of the several strands - of Edith's own writings - of others who have written about her - of the history of the Jews in Germany - and of the life and times of Adolf Hitler as it affected Edith's life and that of millions of Jews and Christians. The author has braided together some wonderful connections that set Edith's life in the context of her times and of our times. I found special joy in these connections because I have read almost all of the sources - primary and secondary - separately - and it is good to see them woven together with spiritual meanings. This book now holds a place of prominece on my Edith Stein shelf of books.

Rating:
Summary: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Review: In her book, Maria Scaperlanda attempts to unfold the the complex figure of Edith Stein/St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. The author gives us "snapshots" of the feminist, philosopher, Carmelite and saint. Ms. Scaperlanda not only tells us Edith's story, she also interweaves it with the story of others who died in the Shoah,(including Edith's family)while locating it within its historical context. Ms. Scaperlanda also includes a section on the Jewish/Christian controversy surrounding this saint. She is to be admired for going where others fear to tread in this regard. She is also to be congratulated for making Edith Stein assessible to the average American reader. If one is looking for a book on phenomenology, this book will disappoint, however, if one is seeking to learn more about the multi-dimensional personality of Edith Stein, the reader will be rewarded. The author includes an extensive bibliography for those who wish to dig deeper into the study of this remarkable woman.

Rating:
Summary: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Review: In her book, Maria Scaperlanda attempts to unfold the the complex figure of Edith Stein/St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. The author gives us "snapshots" of the feminist, philosopher, Carmelite and saint. Ms. Scaperlanda not only tells us Edith's story, she also interweaves it with the story of others who died in the Shoah,(including Edith's family)while locating it within its historical context. Ms. Scaperlanda also includes a section on the Jewish/Christian controversy surrounding this saint. She is to be admired for going where others fear to tread in this regard. She is also to be congratulated for making Edith Stein assessible to the average American reader. If one is looking for a book on phenomenology, this book will disappoint, however, if one is seeking to learn more about the multi-dimensional personality of Edith Stein, the reader will be rewarded. The author includes an extensive bibliography for those who wish to dig deeper into the study of this remarkable woman.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Modern Saint
Review: Maria Scaperlanda's book on Edith Stein provides those unfamilar with this fascinating, modern Saint with a great introduction to her life and thought. The reader will be able to follow Edith Stein on her passionate life journey, sustained by her desire to find truth, first pursued in philosophy and finally completed in her embrace of Catholicism and life as a contemplative, Carmelite religious. Although there are various books about Edith Stein on the market, Maria Scaperlanda's work is the best work to provide the reader with an introduction to Edith Stein and guide the reader on to further works on the Saint with an excellent bibliography. Edith Stein's life and work should be studied by all those who seek meaning and truth (not only Catholics), especially in our current post-modern, relativistic culture that so vehemently denies absolute truth. This book is also an excellent choice as spiritual reading for Christians desiring to study the life of a contemporary Saint.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Modern Saint
Review: Maria Scaperlanda's book on Edith Stein provides those unfamilar with this fascinating, modern Saint with a great introduction to her life and thought. The reader will be able to follow Edith Stein on her passionate life journey, sustained by her desire to find truth, first pursued in philosophy and finally completed in her embrace of Catholicism and life as a contemplative, Carmelite religious. Although there are various books about Edith Stein on the market, Maria Scaperlanda's work is the best work to provide the reader with an introduction to Edith Stein and guide the reader on to further works on the Saint with an excellent bibliography. Edith Stein's life and work should be studied by all those who seek meaning and truth (not only Catholics), especially in our current post-modern, relativistic culture that so vehemently denies absolute truth. This book is also an excellent choice as spiritual reading for Christians desiring to study the life of a contemporary Saint.

Rating:
Summary: Saint Teresa Benedicta a Cruce
Review: This is story of a simple and devoted Carmelite nun. It is a wonderful story that not only gives biographical information it also incorporates a lot of Edith Stein's (Saint Teresa Benedicta a Cruce (Latin)personal philosophy and her feelings on femininism in society. It also shares her exceptional faith and devotion to God, even in the face of death. The book tells of her life, her entry into the Carmelite cloister and then her death in the Nazi camp, Auschwitz, Poland. It is a truly inspiraional and beautifully written book of one woman's courage and devotion.