Balthasar puts his finger on the precise origin of all those elements in modern Christianity which see the real Jesus Christ as unknowable, the Gospels as merely the confused reflections of later Christians, and Christian tradition as a perpetuation of the mythology.

This book, which was first published in 1960, tells of Brother Solomon Leclercq, Secretary of the Institute during the French Revolution. Brother Solomon is one of the martyrs of the French revolution and the Secretary-General of the Institute at that time. His story is compelling. Once the monarchy had been overthrown early in the French Revolution, the next target was the Church. In 1790 the Civil Constitution of the Clergy gave the state complete control over the Church in France. In order to continue to function, priests and religious were forced to take an oath to support the constitution. Most of the Brothers refused and so were forced gradually to abandon their schools and communities. Eventually the Institute was deprived altogether of legal status in France. Brother Solomon was secretary to Brother Agathon, the Superior General, after having been a teacher, director and bursar. He always showed a great love for people and a great attachment to his work. Having refused to take an oath, he lived alone in Paris in secrecy. We still have many of his letters to his family. The last one is dated August 15, 1792. That very day he was arrested and imprisoned in the Carmelite monastery, which had become a prison, together with several bishops and priests. On September 2, almost all the prisoners were killed by sword in the monastery garden. He was beatified on October 17, 1926, together with 188 of his fellow martyrs. He was the first one of our martyrs and also the first Brother to be beatified.

"Jeff, I'm going to hell!"So begins the incredible, true story, told by the brother of an unlikely hero, Mike Riddering. A divine series of interruptions, his unexpected conversion and simple obedience carried Mike, his wife, and two daughters, from the fast-paced, Florida, yacht broker lifestyle to the dry, desert heat of Sub-Saharan Africa. My Brother's Keeper is the triumphant story of a man so profoundly transformed by love and faith that the rest of his life would be given to the poorest of the poor in Burkina Faso. It is the story of a modern-day martyr whose life was cut short in a brutal terrorist attack that shocked the nation. An enduring legacy of love-driven global missions speaks directly to the headlines of our day: racism, terrorism, hatred, riots, political divisions, war. Mike's life and death whisper in the midst of rage and retribution the power of love to cover a multitude of sins. In the end, what Mike gave--even to the point of his final sacrifice--can never be taken away. What remains is not the death of a saint, but the life of a servant. My Brother's Keeper will inspire and challenge you to take your place in the great story of God in these final days of history.

Personal narratives are powerful instruments for teaching, both for conveying information and for forming character. The martyrdom accounts preserved in the literature of early Christianity are especially intense and dramatic. However, these narratives are not readily available and are often written in intimidating prose, making them largely inaccessible for the average reader. This introductory text brings together key early Christian martyrdom stories in a single volume, offering new, easy-to-read translations and expert commentary. An introduction and explanatory notes accompany each translation. The book not only provides a vivid window into the world of early Christianity but also offers spiritual encouragement and inspiration for Christian life today.