DPGATTEN.COM

News: Book Wealth Loss! ~ ~ ~ ~ Phyllis A. Whitney Died

Book News!

As you can tell by now, I am into books! Earlier I Wrote about the ‘Value Of Books’ in BookWealth. As I will continue there, later there is another form of wealth found in Books and that being Authors them selves.

Never being a ‘Mystery Buff’ I was never acquainted with Novelist Phyllis A. Whitney. Those who enjoyed her works are saddened to know that she passed on February 8, 2008 in a hospital in Charlottesville VA at the ripe young age of 104. Reported by her son-in-law, Ed Pearson on Thursday February 14th. Cranking out books to 94, she was to have said, “Writing Keeps Me Young!”

Her daughter Georgia Pearson, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survived her.

Recognized and honored by the Mystery Writers of America and held in high esteem, she sold millions of copies of her suspense filled romantic narratives, Children’s ‘Who Done Its’ and young adult stories. Knowing that this is a little late to be front page news, yet because of the arena, that writing has brought me to, this sad report is apropos for our venue today.

It is interesting to me how this becomes important, as I become aware of the value of books! If you would like to read more about Ms. Whitney’s (She always kept her maiden name.) life Check out the New York Times Article February 9, 2008

Person Phyllis A. Whitney

Right click for SmartMenu shortcuts

Posted in News | 1 Comment »

Pagan Christianity! II - Important News.

I just received a ‘Heads Up’ on Frank Viola’s “Pagan Christianity” from my underground source. … … … NO … It is my ‘Down Under Contact’. i.e. a link to ‘Brother Maynard’, and his Blog ‘Subversive Influence’ a post titled “A Conversation with Frank Viola, Part I”

Brother Maynard was somewhat critical of PC in his review of it Monday week ago, Feb. 4^th yet as a responsible journalist he contacted Frank (via E-Mail) that resulted in this Part I of a multi-part interview. Not having read FV’s writing for a season, I was really impressed with Bro. M’s style of digging in that brought out a fuller understanding of where FV is coming from & going.

BTW! Just to show you how I was influenced by the interview, I have ordered four copies of PC myself from, Amazon.Com, not waiting to get it in our store.

Here is a short quote from: A Conversation with Frank Viola, Part I:

Frank: I’m not sure. I’ll simply say that we didn’t write the book in the style of an arm-chair scholar. It’s not a book disseminating sterile historical information. I’m someone who lives and breathes for the church of Jesus Christ. This incredible Christ has overwhelmed my life. And she, the ekklesia, is my passion. Therefore, the writing style and message is not just aimed at the frontal lobe, but at the heart, the spirit, and the conscience. There’s passion and energy behind the book. For better or for worse, that passion is rooted in a jealousy for the centrality, supremacy, and headship of Jesus Christ and the freedom of His beloved Bride. That doesn’t make me infallible in my conclusions; it just means that these issues have moved from my head to my heart. (I agree with N.T. Wright when he said that about 1/3 of what I’m telling you is probably not correct. But I don’t know which 1/3 it is.)

As I reported last Saturday that there was some, near if not outright, vehement criticism, ‘Like Book Burning’ threats towards Frank and George Barna’s rework of “Pagan Christianity”.

Here is part of Frank’s response to some of that criticism:

Frank: From what I’ve seen, some critics of the book are incredibly articulate. They are highly gifted writers — the kind of people you’d love to have in your corner if you were under attack. It’s been reported that at least half the reviews are by people who didn’t read the book or surface-skimmed it. (Interestingly, a friend of mine recently made the observation that “Pagan Christianity is the most reviewed book by those who haven’t read it.”)

Bro.M Ouch!

What I think is so stupendous is, as I write, I am coming across so many more resources, revisiting Frank viola and his works and now Brother Maynard, which I have bookmarked for ‘A Keep A Eye On’ Link.

In addition, of course, ‘This Is News’ for me, as I love Books and Everything else about them. e.g. Reports, Reviews, Business, and of course … Value!

Thanks to my Down Under Contact again for the Heads Up!

Be Blessed, DP

Posted in News | No Comments »

Book Burnings for Pagan Christianity! Important News.

Interesting development in the making. I just received a post that Book Burning is not just a thing of the past. It may be written off as promotional hype, yet it caught my eye as I have been writing a series on “The Value Of Books” on our sister web page Book Wealth. I read the original Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola 3 or 4 years ago, and it opened my eyes to a lot of things that are a part of TheTraditional Church today. In fact I started a Spiritual Blog, called Won Preacher’s Thoughts with a remark about ‘The Traditional Church ‘ and somewhat in line with Frank’s … … … ‘Position’, (For lack of a better word.) This will be a subject there later. Here is a portion of Frank’s Post:

Letter from Frank Viola - BOOK BURNINGS FOR PAGAN CHRISTIANITY!

Book Burnings and Other Such Things …

A heart-felt “thank you” to all of you who have written me such encouraging emails and letters regarding the new book, “Pagan Christianity.” I’m so glad it’s having such an impact on so many people.

If you’re following the Blogosphere, you are aware that many are writing great reviews on Pagan Christianity while others are doing their dead-level best to prevent people from reading it. (Some of which are by people who haven’t even read the book.)

Right now, some people are saying ( rather loudly) that they want this book to “go away” and “disappear.” And they are working hard at persuading people NOT to buy the book. There are even rumors about book-burnings afoot. George and I have been called a few names, including “anti-Christs” by some who hate the book. …

I can understand how people think differently about different things. Yet to even use the term, ‘Book Burning’ sends chills down my back, now that I have become aware, not just of the Intrinsic Value, but also of the different kinds of Wealth that are a part of every book.

For those who are interested in books in general, may profit from taking “The Tour” at BookWise Pays and have your eyes opened to even more.

Until next time, Be Blessed, DP

Posted in News | 1 Comment »