A review of Irenaeus, a Christian biography for young readers, by Simonetta Carr:
Publisher's description:
Irenaeus is remembered for his work in helping the church to preserve the faith handed on by the apostles and to defend it when it was attacked. In this simply written and beautifully illustrated book, Simonetta Carr shows young readers the difficulties the early church faced and how Irenaeus taught Christians to discern truth from error by listening to the Bible. To Christians, the lessons Irenaeus taught are as important today as they were in his time.
This is the fifth book in this series that I have reviewed and I have to say that each time I receive on of Simonetta's books from this series in the mail, I get very excited because I get to share these books with my children. What I do to prepare my review is to read a portion of the book at night to my kids so I can get their input into what they think of the book. The text and accompanying pictures hold their attention, they love it when I show the artwork as I read.
In this latest volume we learn about Irenaeus, the early church father, who was a disciple of Polyarp, who himself was a disciple of the apostle John. As always, the text is chock full of history and doctrine, while the graphics bring the story to life and hold the attention of the reader. These are handsome volumes that will look good in your bookshelf.
Simonetta brings Irenaeus to life as a staunch defender of the Church and her Scriptures. You can see the teachings John taught Polycarp, which he then taught to young Irenaeus, taking root, teachings that have been passed from one teacher to the next. The kingdom advances from one generation to the next as faithful men pass on the apostolic teachings to those coming after them. I was reminded of an incredible truth which I shared with my children, a message that rings out clearly from this book, "Surely we stand on the shoulders of giants." God is advancing His kingdom and neither evil rulers or the gates of hell itself will prevail against it.
This volume also reminds us that even early on in the history of the Church, error was present and led many astray. How amazing to read of a man raised up by God who staunchly defended the faith even in the midst of great persecution. I told my children that in each generation God always raises up faithful men and women to proclaim the truth in the midst of the darkness.
I feel that this book wonderfully brings to life a man who serves as an inspiration and example for not only our children, but for us all. I give this book five stars and heartily recommend it and all the others in this series to you and your family!
I'll close with some comments from my son:
What did my son Samuel (age 11) have to say about this book?
"I like the history in this book and loved how Irenaeus stayed faithful. I really liked the book!"
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
Publisher's description:
Irenaeus is remembered for his work in helping the church to preserve the faith handed on by the apostles and to defend it when it was attacked. In this simply written and beautifully illustrated book, Simonetta Carr shows young readers the difficulties the early church faced and how Irenaeus taught Christians to discern truth from error by listening to the Bible. To Christians, the lessons Irenaeus taught are as important today as they were in his time.
This is the fifth book in this series that I have reviewed and I have to say that each time I receive on of Simonetta's books from this series in the mail, I get very excited because I get to share these books with my children. What I do to prepare my review is to read a portion of the book at night to my kids so I can get their input into what they think of the book. The text and accompanying pictures hold their attention, they love it when I show the artwork as I read.
In this latest volume we learn about Irenaeus, the early church father, who was a disciple of Polyarp, who himself was a disciple of the apostle John. As always, the text is chock full of history and doctrine, while the graphics bring the story to life and hold the attention of the reader. These are handsome volumes that will look good in your bookshelf.
Simonetta brings Irenaeus to life as a staunch defender of the Church and her Scriptures. You can see the teachings John taught Polycarp, which he then taught to young Irenaeus, taking root, teachings that have been passed from one teacher to the next. The kingdom advances from one generation to the next as faithful men pass on the apostolic teachings to those coming after them. I was reminded of an incredible truth which I shared with my children, a message that rings out clearly from this book, "Surely we stand on the shoulders of giants." God is advancing His kingdom and neither evil rulers or the gates of hell itself will prevail against it.
This volume also reminds us that even early on in the history of the Church, error was present and led many astray. How amazing to read of a man raised up by God who staunchly defended the faith even in the midst of great persecution. I told my children that in each generation God always raises up faithful men and women to proclaim the truth in the midst of the darkness.
I feel that this book wonderfully brings to life a man who serves as an inspiration and example for not only our children, but for us all. I give this book five stars and heartily recommend it and all the others in this series to you and your family!
I'll close with some comments from my son:
What did my son Samuel (age 11) have to say about this book?
"I like the history in this book and loved how Irenaeus stayed faithful. I really liked the book!"
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
