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Summary: Ancient Perspectives on Modern Situations
Review: David W. Bercot has spent a lot of time studying the writings of Christians, especially from the pre-Nicene period (first through third centuries CE/AD). He has also produced what amounts to an index of their writings, A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs. The Pilgrim Road is a collection of brief quotations from early Christians, organized into broad subject categories. The quotations are generally not doctrinal in nature, but inspirational, reflecting world views and insights rather than just religious beliefs. The early Christians' view of life, death, prayer, prosperity, the world around them and more than a dozen other topics, I found, was remarkably fresh and quite different from what I expected. At times, it differs significantly from what you might hear from most contemporary Christians. Consisting entirely of rather brief quotations lifted directly from the writings of early Christians, virtually without commentary or application (there are a few explanatory comments), The Pilgrim Road offers informative insights into the way early Christians viewed themselves and others in the midst of what was often a very difficult life situation, at best. It is generally easy reading, but I found the views and perspectives tended to stick with me, and I have returned to the book more than once to reread passages and refresh my memory and my soul. I personally found The Pilgrim Road very enjoyable and inspirational.
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