The Way of Melchizedek

Rating:
Summary: Muddle through
Review: First and foremost, lest there be any doubt, this is a religious book. Anyone expecting anything else will be thoroughly disappointed.
Having said that, it's true that many of the author's observations of relationships between ancient astronomy and Biblical scripture and prophecy are nonetheless interesting and thought-provoking. Some historical assertions are shaky, some almost certainly dead wrong; but there is much here of interest to students of ancient civilizations, and to those intrigued by the notion of an ancient "lost wisdom" obscured by more recent history.
What plagues the entire book, however, are often-impenetrable errors in simple language. The author's syntax is especially peculiar, or perhaps eccentric: sentences begin, end, or change subject apparently at random, often with no actual subject, or object, or verb. Punctuation appears completely random, or is missing entirely, making it difficult to sort out relations between concepts and ideas which are presented strung together. Capitalization is bizarre and inconsistent. Even Biblical quotations suffer from errors either of spelling or misinterpretation ("mourning" for "morning," to cite but one example).
None of this is meant as simple high-toned criticism for its own sake. The errors simply make the author's already-complex ideas more difficult, and in places virtually impossible, to ferret out.
There is much of value here, but both the reader and the author would have benefited immeasurably from competent editing.

Rating:
Summary: Muddle through
Review: There are few activities as pleasurable as curling up in a comfy
chair and reading a good book. The Way of Melchzedek, however,
should be read while in the dark sitting on a bayonet and drinking vinegar.

Rating:
Summary: Read in the dark
Review: There are few activities as pleasurable as curling up in a comfy
chair and reading a good book. The Way of Melchzedek, however,
should be read while in the dark sitting on a bayonet and drinking vinegar.

Rating:
Summary: Quack Science At Its Worst
Review: This book is an unfortunate combination of quack science, astrology, reckless speculation, and subjective religious visions. Some parts of the book are totally bizarre such as the story of the author's trip to Hong Kong. After the first few chapters, traditional rules of English spelling and grammar are forgotten and occasionally the author slips off into total incoherence.

The author understands "The Way of Melchizedek" to be the conclusion that all churches are apostate, and that each Christian should have a private walk with God. But the Old and New Testament passages about Melchizedek--Genesis chapter 14, Psalm 110, and Hebrews chapter 7--make exactly the opposite point. In the normal course of business, salvation comes through membership in God's Church.

Amazon has a great many books available which are well worth buying. Unfortunately this book is not on that list.

Rating:
Summary: Significant contribution in debates with fundamentalism
Review: Tom Cossette has written a remarkable book. Outside the religious establishment and conversant with fundamentalism he reminds us that unless we are born of the Spirit we have missed the mark. Throughout Bibical History he documents the resistance to the conventional wisdom of religious establishments and reminds us real wisdom is "born from above." His biographical chapters in the last half of the book demonstrate the authentic voice of lived experience as it encounters the revealed word of scripture. Tom demonstrates one doesn't have to be a PHD or member of the religious establishment to make significant contributions to religious and spiritual conversation. We need more Tom Cossettes to bring us a more down to earth theology and practical insight.

Submitted by Rev. DR. William Briggs

Rating:
Summary: Compelling and thought provoking
Review: While one will find numerous grammatical errors associated with this book, it is the CONTENT that should be judged. The writer's honesty in his life story is refreshing indeed! It's nice to see that the messanger doesn't try to get in the way of the message. Perhaps it is as our King has said, "By this, will all men know that you are my followers, by the love(mercy, forgiveness, kindness, etc.,)that you have on for another". One dosen't have to agree with all points of this book. I, for one, DO beleive that He still speaks to His people! The book issues a challenge to its reader, "Do you beleive in man's teachings, or do you beleive in His Spirit to teach you?" That question can only be answered by each individual.