W W W . B I B L I O N . P T
D i g i t a l English Version
a christian book magazine | #11
barton engstrom halĂk lewis pruitt
e d i t i o n
Enchiridion: a prologue to our upcoming inspirational book
2019 new year, new beginnings
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ISSUE #11
W E L COME
EDITORIAL A Quiet Corner
COV ER :
2019 D ESIGN : DA N I E L G O MES
Revista de Livros, Livros em Revista
iSSUE XI January / February / March 2019 COLlaborating in this issue: Daniel Gomes (Assistant Editor), Vitor Marini (Author Portraits), Samuel Ascenção (Production Support)
EDITORIAL OFFICE
email: mag@biblion.pt web: www.biblion.pt
PROPERTY OF: Unique Creations, Lda. HEADQUARTERS: Tv. Francisco dos Santos, 2-6ºD 2745-271 Queluz REGISTRY: Dep. Legal Nº 405423/16 NIPC nº 510951910 ISSN: 2183-7899
EDITING: BIBLION MEDIA by Unique Creations EDITOR AND DIRECTOR: Paulo Sérgio Gomes DESIGN AND GRAPHIC PROJECT: UC Design Studio
MISSION/PURPOSE: To promote and encourage reading habits of Christian themes, fostering the necessary conditions to allow everyone to access these works. Learn more about our drive and our principles at www.biblion.pt. CONTENTS: The content of the articles hereby presented is subject to their authors’ opinions. CONTENT USAGE: Given that the main goal is the promotion of works and authors, content sharing is allowed for non-commercial ends only, and requires the source of this content to be mentioned. PRICING & AVAILABILITY: Prices mentioned include IVA. Products are subject to stock availability at the time of the order.
Finding the ideal space for reading a book, for meditation, for introspection, whether inside or outside the home, deserves to be given due attention. The effect of whether or not we understand the true meaning of the message changes radically when space, environment, or momentum are least adequate. There are those who take every opportunity to read. In public transportation, cafes, or even while watching television. Generally, it's a quality cultivated in youth by virtue of much study. They absorb everything they read easily. But although it is a faculty for some, most people do not work like that and need some quiet, or even absolute quiet, to concentrate. This theme comes from the presentation we make in this issue of Ruth H. Barton's "Invitation to Retreat," addressed to those who need it, and is predisposed to devote time to a period of contemplation, a reordering of priorities in her life, or of listening to the voice of God, which is specifically addressed to him. Finding your place of refuge, fully free and available for that inner encounter, can make a difference, and requires insight in the assessment of the resources and surrounding conditions. A Year of 2019 with Good Readings!
PAU L O S É R G I O G O M E S
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index
16 indispensable
the screwtape letters C. S. Lewis
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biblion special
enchiridion A presentation of Biblion's upcoming book in the light of New Year's resolutions.
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in loco
TomአHalík in portugal Czech priest, professor and theologian Tomáš Halík comes to our country for the presentation of his new biography.
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contemplation
invitation to retreat A stirring work on the benefits of quietude and introspection.
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christian faith
9 common lies christians believe A book to dispel the erring notions that have taken root among Christian believers.
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inspiration
the pursuit of excellence Engstorm's compelling call to a transformation towards excellence and true fulfillment.
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the team
Paulo SĂŠrgio Gomes editor - in - chief
Paulo SÊrgio has developed his career within tourism business, where he achieved personal fullfilment and recognition. Along the way, he has devoted his skills and resources to a few philantropic projects, ranging from financial education, grassroots soccer and overseeing an in-church bookshop. Currently, he manages the project of a lifetime – a little magazine called Biblion, striving to keep reading habits and book publishing alive in his home country.
Daniel T. Gomes assistant editor
/
copywriter
The younger half of Biblion's "father & son" duo, Daniel T. Gomes is a graphic designer and content creator from Lisbon, Portugal. He is responsible for much of the magazine's design, although his role also extends into proofreading and translating written content.
previous
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issues
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compendium
F4
flash #4
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our identity
GET TO K
Who We Are - Biblion is a free, quarterly digital magazine that promotes healthy literature and reading habits. - Created in 2016, Biblion was first undertaken by Portuguese publisher Unique Creations, and now enjoys the support of both resident and guest collaborators. - Currently, the magazine is on its eleventh issue, with Digital (Issuu) and Interactive (Joomag) versions available in Portuguese (EU) and English (US)
What We Do - Reviews concerning books deemed beneficial for the reader’s intellectual and/or spiritual edification; - Interviews of authors, pastors and personalities involved with the development and spreading of Christian literature; - Articles relative to ethical and religious subjects; - In-house content production; - Dissemination of both Christian and general literature; - Endorsement of reading habits for all ages.
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our identity
KNOW US
Our Mission - Promoting Christian literature and its production in European Portuguese; - Stimulate the publication of works from Portuguese authors; - Encourage the practice of “fair pricing” and make literature available to everyone’s financial conditions; - Promote wholesome reading habits; - Host the healthy dialogue among different perspectives.
How You Can Help - Subscribe to Biblion on Issuu so you don’t miss our latest releases! - Support our work through Patreon or PayPal! - Follow us on Facebook and share our posts! - Subscribe to our Youtube channel! - Rate our articles on www.biblion.pt and leave us your feedback!
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ENCHIRI D ION
a special presentation of biblion's upcoming work
enchiridion Daniel T. Gomes
A new year unfolds yet again, and with it, a fire to improve certain areas of our lives rekindles in our hearts. We often see the beginning of the new year as a second chance to accomplish that which was left undone in the previous years. We establish resolutions and start taking action, in hopes of reaching our goals - or, at least, of doing better than the year before. Yet somehow, we always end up quitting. Whether it’s going to the gym, learning a second language,
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restoring your relationship with someone and so on, we seem to inevitably hit a roadblock that makes us stop on our tracks. Hampered by our daily routine and by life’s circumstances, we lose the fire that burned within us. Our motivation to grow and develop fades away; we go right back to square one, and we will not seek to change again until the next new year’s day. Round and round we go, in a vicious cycle bound to leave us disappointed with ourselves time and again.
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ENCHIRI D ION
What is the solution, then? Are we just condemned to fail every time we set our eyes on a given prize? No, no, there is one “solution,” so to speak something called “perseverance.” It is the fundamental attribute to your fulfillment and success; it is also the road less travelled by, a painstaking and time-consuming commitment made even more insufferable once that fire blazing inside you begins to cool down. Starting is important, naturally. Carrying on, however, is the determining factor between those who fulfill their resolutions and those who fail to grow. To that end, Biblion is creating an inspirational daily reading project, designed to support all those who work towards a positive transformation in their lives. Whether said transformation is physical, emotional,
spiritual or professional, Enchiridion (“The Handbook”) aims to accompany and bolster your progress. Comprising three repeatable 30-day plans, Enchiridion will provide you with unique reflections and features especially made for you, according to the area of your life you are currently seeking to develop. Moreover, each day includes a thoughtful quote from an historical figure, thus complementing the daily theme and reflection; in all, our little “handbook” features more than sixty different authors, thinkers, and leaders who shaped Western culture and history. More than a mere showcase of quotes, however, Enchiridion is a work of reflection and self-evaluation. Its ambitious purpose is to become your “handbook,” a companion in your very own journey, a tool keeping
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you focused and accountable at all times. Through several unique features, our work will prompt you to take notes, to examine your current situation and consider opportunities and means by which you may fulfill your personal aspirations. By being uplifting rather than patronizing, Enchiridion seeks to help you be your best self, each and every day. A new release date has yet to be announced, yet you may very well expect Enchiridion to be published in the first quarter of 2019, sometime in between Biblion issues #11 and #12. Further information concerning its release and upcoming features will be released through our social media platforms, so you can stay up to date on our latest developments!
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IN L o c o
TomአHalík in portugal
Tomáš Halík by daniel t. gomes
It was on November 22 nd that Czech author and Catholic theologian Tomáš Halík held an autograph session for his latest book, Diante de Ti, Os Meus Caminhos, (“Before You, My Ways”) in a small, discrete bookshop in Lisbon. At the time, my knowledge of this renowned author was next to none: I knew he was a Catholic author popular among Portuguese Protestant circles, which is not all too common, and that our magazine had previously covered three of his works that had been translated to Portuguese by Paulinas;
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namely, A Noite do Confessor (Night of the Confessor), O Meu Deus é Um Deus Ferido, and Quero Que Tu Sejas (I Want You to Be). He had also done us the courtesy of signing a portrait of him made by one of our collaborators, the talented artist Vitor Marini. But besides that, I did not really know what to expect. I walked in the bookshop on that Thursday afternoon and saw him in person for the first time: he was sitting at a desk set up for him that afternoon, right at the bookshop’s entrance, casually talking with some ladies who pro-
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bably had come to see him as well. To me, he was still just “a really cool Nothing about him stood out, really author to meet.” - and yet, that was precisely what Upon reading his biography, stood out about him. He was dressed however, I have a much better normally, without any blaring signs understanding of the man I met of ecclesiastical pomp. His “entouthat day. Now I realize that on rage,” as far I could that Thursday, in that tell, consisted only of Paulinas bookshop, a very understanding and for but a couple of lady who acted as minutes, I spoke with his translator. It was a paragon of modern refreshing to see a Christianity. The story foreign author so of Tomáš Halík, as he widely regarded by so accurately puts it in our audience in this his latest book, is deeway: up close and ply intertwined with personally. the history of modernIn our brief day Bohemia, a history e x c h a n g e, H a l í k of oppression that he was always polite helped transform into a and understanding, present of freedom and despite him being to že byl život? openness. seemingly tired and In this book, Tomáš Halík weary. He signed my Halík presents us copy of the book with a smile on his life, from his early childhood his face, and the impression he left in Czechoslovakia to his current on me was better than I could have activity, including his first visit to anticipated - and yet, I walked out of Lisbon. Halík describes in stunning the bookshop still knowing nothing detail the oppression of the Soviet about him, about his past, about his Communist regime in which he was struggles and his accomplishments. raised, and how he came to know
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IN L o c o
Christ and to become a member of both in his home countr y and the “underground” Catholic Church abroad. He has emphasized the vital in his country. With a boldness akin importance of a mutual respect and to that of the first Christians, Halík acceptance among the different branbecame one of Bohemia’s foremost ches of Christianity and the necessity d i s s i d e n t s, w o r k i n g of fostering inter-religious closely with some of the dialogue. Though he regreatest names in the mains a college professor "I hit rock bottom, opposition to the regime, in Prague, he still finds and that was such as Václav Havel and time to travel the world precisely where Oto Madr. Throughout and to write. It is no God was." the years, his courage wonder, therefore, that we and intellect helped him may find him a bit weary to ž e b y l ž i v ot ? Tom á š H a l í k endure persecution by at an autograph session, the secret police and help in a Lisbon bookshop; he thousands of people recover from still continues to persevere on the life-threatening addiction. many paths God has set for him, and Since the Velvet Revolution, to forge a legacy that transforms lives Tomáš Halík has continued to work - with this book serving as a faithful hard towards the Church's growth, and inspiring testament of just that.
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Simply the best
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Indispensible
A private correspondence of "fiendish" delight
THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS C. S. Lewis
by Daniel t. Gomes
F
ew works testify the essence and the creative ability of their author as well as The Screwtape Letters, perhaps the most ingenious and underestimated of C. S. Lewis’ fiction books. With razor-sharp wit and clever satire, Lewis uses the imaginary correspondence between two demons to point out both virtues and flaws in the Christian faith, as well as to expound on theological questions from the Adversary’s point of view. When you think the creator of Narnia and author of works such as Mere Christianity and The Great Divorce could not surprise you any
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further, a most unlikely of mail correspondences resurfaces to shock you and amaze you: The Screwtape Letters. A true testament to Lewis’ versatility
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and vision, the Letters detail the private correspondence between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his nephew Wormwood, as the latter seeks to prove himself by corrupting a young British man during WWII. In these absurdly entertaining letters, Lewis describes the modern world and the Christian faith through Screwtape’s lens, skillfully using the demon’s point of view to provide both praise and criticism. From the Adversary’s perspective, the author calls out the downward spiral of morals in the secular world and the grotesque hypocrisy found in the Church. Right from the preface, Lewis is quick to explain that “there is wishful thinking in Hell as well as on Earth,” and that even the demon’s assessments may not be accurate; nevertheless, they often are, and tragically so, much to mankind’s chagrin. The language employed by Lewis is also demonstrative of his attention for detail. The simplest things, in this instance, are those that make the greatest impact: expressions used by the demonic characters such as “the Enemy” and “Our Father
Below” in reference to God and the Devil, respectively, enhance the immersive allure of these letters. The demons’ treacherous personalities and egregious views on mankind reveal themselves effortlessly, serving as poignant reminders of our own flaws. In spite of its obscurity, The Screwtape Letters has sparked the creation of several similar works and deserves to be duly recognized for its brilliance. In the post-modern age we live in, entrenched by both materialism and egocentrism, a second opinion about our world and ourselves could prove beneficial to us - even if it comes in the form of an arrogant demon’s private mail.
enchiridion the handbook
coming soon
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c o n t e m p l at i o n
a call to rediscovering and regaining yourself
invitation to retreat Ruth Haley Barton intervarsity press by Paulo SĂŠrgio Gomes
A
ccording to author Ruth Haley Barton, a specialist in spiritual retreats, retreat attendance is a countercultural practice, corresponding to a divine invitation to rest, something unusual these days, adjusting to the rhythms, discerning the presence of God, recalibrating and repositioning our lives according to His will. In a deeper sense, it is a generous commitment to our friendship with God, allocating an extended period of time to be alone, in the purpose of being with God and giving, whole
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and unconditionally, all attention to God. Barton calls it strategic withdrawal, that is, moving away from the daily hustle and bustle, from over-occupation, from the expectations of
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others, and in the same way to persist in tackling unsavory challenges, at the bottom of what does not work in our lives. Many who participate in a personal retreat are already at the limit, faced with the "eminent disaster". That's what happened to Jason Sullivan. After a decade and a half of persistent over-information and over-stimulation, he told his story in an article entitled "I Stopped Being a Human Being," seeking the ultimate detox in one of these events. In the hangover of the old existence, he had to be persistent to deal with the disconnection of technology, the constant checking of emails, and the refreshing of Instagram and messages. "Turning away"helped him regain the taste for life, the memories of childhood, the joy of friendship. When is the appropriate time for a retreat? At one extreme, when we are dangerously tired. While we live long beyond our limits, working beyond our capabilities, without realizing the origins of our exhaustion, the
damaging levels of this accumulated stress, and in this state we are unable to do our best, to decide sensibly, we drain our energies and our body can begin to collapse under the pressure to which it is subject. Dr. Gabor MatĂŠ, in his bestseller When the Body Says No, sums up: "Excessive stress occurs when what is required of an organism exceeds its reasonable capacity to match what is required". In a retreat, it is important to discover the appropriate rhythm for each one, for the main emphasis is on the participant to find stillness, silence, rest, listening and responding to the Spirit of God, allowing the freedom to accommodate body and spirit , and avoiding overloading the activity plan. As Dallas Willard wrote, "The cure for having so much to do is solitude and silence ... This disturbing sense of having to come from above all from the void that exists in our soul ...". Determining periods of meditation and prayer will also help you adjust to a new daily rhythm, different from the one you are used to. The
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book exemplifies various types of programs, from fixed times to more flexible schedules, depending on each person's approach, and provides a final appendix with suggestions for detailed plans for times of prayer, worship, and liturgy. Deep down, a retreat is no more than an invitation to recalibrate our lives, or aspects of our existence that need adjustment. As we encounter spiritual freedom we see the need to recalibrate our lives by answering a few questions, such as: "How do I live the day-to-day life of my heart?" Or "Do I prioritize my daily activities according to God's purposes for me, and what are they? "And so we can begin again with a clear sense of how God guides us to live during troubled times.
In a second final appendix, the author offers a practical guide for the complete planning of a retreat, from the place of withdrawal to the items that should accompany the participant, according to the purpose and intention, without forgetting a notification to the family and colleagues as to its distance and the "disconnection" of technology. Easy to read, Invitation to Retreat invites us to seclusion, it guides us in this important decision to grant a contemplative period alone, with God and with ourselves. The only criterion for this is that it is in a place where one enters into silence and where one is supported by silence.
wherever, whenever
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Simply the best
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christian faith
"the truth shall set you free from bad one-liners"
9 common lies christians believe Shane Pruitt Multnomah by daniel t. Gomes
A
re you a Christian convinced that God will never give you more than you can handle? Or do you happen to believe that He just wants you to be happy? These and other pervasive clichĂŠs have taken root in the Church, becoming well-meaning platitudes at best, but crippling notions at worst. Drawing on his experience as pastor, counselor, and family man, Shane Pruitt breaks down nine of the most common unbiblical remarks Christians believe to be true, in an attempt to curb the well-meaning ignorance behind these assertions.
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In an extremely accessible manner, 9 Common Lies Christians Believe demonstrates the truth behind some of the most banal statements usually made by Christians. Things like “follow your heart” and “God has gained another angel” may be well-intended, but they hide ideas that are both inaccurate and damaging to the Christian faith. As such, pastor Shane Pruitt has taken upon himself the task of examining and exposing nine of these lies for the whole world to see. From the concept of biblical happiness to the nature of celestial beings, Pruitt addresses the several different subjects underlying these misleading notions. While quick to determine the fallacies found in these statements, the author gathers im-
mense support from both Scripture and his own life experience in order to provide a plausible explanation. His reflections also draw from the stories of people he knows and/or has ministered to, thus bolstering his claim that these banalities have no place in the Church. A simple yet eye-opening read, 9 Common Lies Christians Believe calls for a true reality check on how all members of the Church ought to hold themselves accountable about what they say. Trite, vapid remarks such as these do not strengthen the faith; on the contrary, they show a degree of levity incompatible with genuine belief and knowledge of God’s Word, and to that effect Pruitt’s new book could not be more demanded.
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i n s p i r at i o n
striving for greatness from the inside out
the pursuit of excellence Ted w. Engstrom daybreak books by Paulo SĂŠrgio Gomes
F
or many years along with his friend Ed Dayton, Ted Engstrom, a former director of Youth for Christ and World Vision, who passed away in 2006, traveled the world conducting two-day seminars on time management. At the end of the first day of the event, especially addressed to leaders and professionals, the author concluded with a lecture entitled "The Pursuit of Excellence", a theme later developed and which gave rise to this book.
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Engstrom's intention in addressing this issue concerns the "lower vision" that most people have about their life purpose, and the change of attitude required for each of us to reach their true potential, transcending and going far beyond mediocrity. He begins by telling the story of the eagle, who was raised in a hennery, learning the habits of the chickens and not knowing how to fly. When faced with a majestic eagle flying over the skies, they would have told her that she would never be like her, forgetting this possibility and eventually dying to be a hen in the field. How many people, sometimes at an early age, are prescribed such
an unjust fate? Are they cut short by the ambition to fly high, to fully use their gifts and abilities? It was to reverse these shortminded ambitions created by us or imposed on us by others that Ted Engstrom predisposed himself to devote special care to this subject, describing in this little book basic concepts for changing the paradigm of resignation. From the first to the last page the author urges us to act, to change our attitude, and to find purpose in our actions, determined to achieve excellence. The book focuses on adopting a new attitude, improving our competencies, setting goals, and ultimately staying focused on the target.
Consider Supporting us! We are so grateful that you have picked up our magazine, but we have a favor to ask from you! We are an independent magazine. Our content is sincere and heartfelt, and does not favor one author or publisher above another. But our financial resources are very limited. Thus we turn to you, our reader, to help us keep our project running! With as little as $1, you can contribute to the upkeep and expansion of our literary venture!
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i n s p i r at i o n
Psychiatrist Ari Kiev, of Cornell University, in his short book Strategy for Daily Living, recommends: "Setting personal goals, and persisting to achieve them, is the key to success. The determination to stay in your quest is what will bring the quality of excellence. (...) The greatest satisfaction comes from pursuing (the goal) to reaching the target, not just reaching it. " However, Engstrom warns against the danger of narrowing our interest in a single purpose, pursuing a single goal without diversifying interests. Prioritize the projects that we want to see materialized, and take that goal one-on-one. He illustrates this point with the case of the Olympic swimmer John Naber, who worked several years to present himself in his best condition at the Montreal Games in 1976, having won 5 gold medals. Surprisingly, despite having achieved his goal, on his return home he fell into a deep depression for lack of (new) goals. He simply set his target, but only that. The author devotes ample space to dissect the "diseases of attitude" - Indifference, Indecision, Doubt,
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Concern and Precaution in Excess; as well as suggestions for the "cure" of these diseases, and the most feared of all, which he calls the status quo, and which he translates from Latin as "the chaos in which our life is." Ted Engstrom uses a skillful communication to instruct us on the hidden potential in each one, appealing to the initiative itself to release the divine gifts and expose our qualities and talents to the service of others and the common good. It teaches us how to get out of the median where society has settled, making an impact on this generation and perpetuating a legacy for future generations. For this, we are compelled to adopt a set of qualities that will help in this process: personal discipline, vision, optimism, adventurism, courage, humility, humor, confidence, anger (in a good sense - eg against injustice and waste) patience and integrity. With these ingredients, adopting a creative attitude and believing in this process of change and growth, will transform our lives into an example of excellence.
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