Jerusalem and the Holy Land: The First Ecumenical Pilgrim’s Guide Middle East Israel Jerusalem James McCormick iUniverse

Aug 11

McCormick, a Michigan trial judge and ecumenical activist, targets a specialized audience in this work: evangelical Christians planning to visit Jerusalem and the Holy Land as religious pilgrims. He informs readers that they should look elsewhere for tourist advice, such as restaurant and hotel recommendations. He encourages readers to make a special effort to visit the churches and membership of Palestinian Christian congregations and of smaller Eastern Orthodox sects and insists that Christian visitors show proper respect to West Bank Muslims and Islamic shrines. Illustrations consist of small, modest black-and-white photos and maps. Suitable for popular browsing collections.?Richard S. Watts, San Bernardino Cty. Lib., Cal.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Having made a number of trips to Israel, James McCormick’s goal is to motivate Christians of all denominations to make a pilgrimage to the “Holy Land.” He offers sincere spiritual guidance to be done in advance of a journey to Israel, including scriptural preparation, pointers to videotapes, and hymnal selection. Photos enliven the work. An ecumenical leader and trial court judge in Michigan, McCormick asserts correctly that travel to Israel is enhanced by a basic understanding of the contours of religious and political history that have shaped this land of especial and long-standing importance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians of all branches and denominations. Embedded deeply within one Christian perspective, Jerusalem and the Holy Land traces with extremely broad brush strokes a subset of the salient elements of the collective history of the peoples of Israel. Readers might also consult John Bright’s seminal work, A History of Israel 3rd ed. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1981). Unfortunately, in a presentation purported to be ecumenical, McCormick uses terminology such as “Old Testament” and “BC” – both of which are not sensitive to the Rabbinic Jewish tradition. Although he briefly discusses Jewish and Islamic pilgrimage traditions, the author does not mention that for 600 years during the period of the Second Temple (583 BCE – 70 CE), Jerusalem flourished as a center of pilgrimages of the Jewish people. A famous psalm that begins, “If I forget thee O Jerusalem,” references the enduring and extraordinarily poignant feelings that Jews have always held toward that special place. The giblah, or direction of prayer for Muslim worshipers, was initially toward Jerusalem also, not Mecca as it came to be. — From Independent Publisher

Jerusalem And The Holy Land introduces the readers to the land of the Bible, its history and its people, while providing invaluable information on traditional pilgrimage sites. Knowing what to expect in the Holy Land will help all the visitor get the most out of his or her journey. Jerusalem And The Holy Land is written from a broadly Christian perspective covering everything a pilgrim should know before undertaking the journey including Holy Land history, chronologies and maps, pilgrimage traditions, Calvary and the Sepulcher, meeting native Christians, Jewish and Muslim life, promoting peace in the Holy Land, and even how to go about choosing a tour group that is right for them. Jerusalem And The Holy Land is not only an indispensable trip planner, it is engaging and informative reading for all “armchair” travelers as well. — Midwest Book Review –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Make your journey to the Holy Land a richer experience. This book introduces the reader to the area, its history and its people, while providing invaluable information on traditional pilgrimage sites. Knowing what to expect in the Holy Land will help you get the most out of your journey. Jerusalem and the Holy Land, written from a broadly Christian perspective, is a must for anyone planning a trip to the Holy Land. It covers everything a pilgrim should know before undertaking the journey.

Having made a number of trips to Israel, James McCormick’s goal is to motivate Christians of all denominations to make a pilgrimage to the “Holy Land.” He offers sincere spiritual guidance to be done in advance of a journey to Israel, including scriptural preparation, pointers to videotapes, and hymnal selection. Photos enliven the work. An ecumenical leader and trial court judge in Michigan, McCormick asserts correctly that travel to Israel is enhanced by a basic understanding of the contours of religious and political history that have shaped this land of especial and long-standing importance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians of all branches and denominations. Embedded deeply within one Christian perspective, Jerusalem and the Holy Land traces with extremely broad brush strokes a subset of the salient elements of the collective history of the peoples of Israel. Readers might also consult John Bright’s seminal work, A History of Israel 3rd ed. . Unfortunately, in a presentation purported to be ecumenical, McCormick uses terminology such as “Old Testament” and “BC” – both of which are not sensitive to the Rabbinic Jewish tradition. Although he briefly discusses Jewish and Islamic pilgrimage traditions, the author does not mention that for 600 years during the period of the Second Temple , Jerusalem flourished as a center of pilgrimages of the Jewish people. A famous psalm that begins, “If I forget thee O Jerusalem,” references the enduring and extraordinarily poignant feelings that Jews have always held toward that special place. The giblah, or direction of prayer for Muslim worshipers, was initially toward Jerusalem also, not Mecca as it came to be. — From Independent Publisher

Jerusalem and the Holy Land: The First Ecumenical Pilgrim’s Guide

In the Steps of Jesus: An Illustrated Guide to the Places of the Holy Land

The Revd. Peter Walker is a tutor in biblical studies at Wycliffe Hall within the University of Oxford. In addition to leading many tours to the Holy Land he has studied classics and early church history at Cambridge University and has done extensive research at the post-doctorate level on Christian attitudes toward Jerusalem.

In the Steps of Jesus presents a visually stimulating tour of the places Jesus visited and ministered in during his time on earth as recorded in the Gospels. Each location is addressed separately and includes such cities as Capernaum, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. Full color photos bring to life the ancient world of the Bible few will ever be able to visit in person. With every page, the reader will gain greater insight into the history, geography, and unique features of these historic places. A must-have reference book for those interested in the study of the New Testament and the life of Christ.

In the Steps of Jesus: An Illustrated Guide to the Places of the Holy Land

Israel, iUniverseJames McCormick, Jerusale, Middle East

Comments

GordonGordon

August 11th, 2012 at 9:12 AM


I read this book in preparation for a 2007 trip to the Holy Land and have recommended it to others in our small group who are making preparation for this journey. Reading James McCormick’s book helps me understand that this is not just another vacation and I can be more than just a tourist. This is a pilgrimage to a special place and preparation begins in the mind and heart to truly understand what the Holy Land offers. I particularly enjoyed the way he is able to capture the point of view and expectations of people from other faith traditions. He describes why Orthodox believers and Protestant believers will go to Israel with different anticipations.
This book is a great tool and inner journey before the actual journey begins. I now am even more excited about our trip than I was before the reading the book and see this as pilgrimage and not just a vacation.
neuralburn

August 11th, 2012 at 9:42 AM


Jim McCormick writes a book that explains in detail the actualities of what to expect in a visit to the Holy Land. Jim is able to explain what to look for, what one will see and the significance of each site that he visited. Jim takes an armchair visitor so clearly to the sights that we who cannot make the trip in person, don’t really need to. We can ‘see’ the sights and feel the emotional bond through his keen, hazel eyes and marvelous heart and mind. It is a book that, I feel, everyone who has an interest in the site of Jesus’s birth and life, should read, and read again. It is a literary success in the finest tradition.
Bill’s…

August 11th, 2012 at 1:04 PM


I read this book prior to a trip to Israel in Feb/March of 2010. It had good detail on many of the major sites I visited. The book is comprehensive enough and the pictures were good to help preview the area we would visit. I had other fellow travelers looking at this book and wishing they had it for that trip.
scrubly

August 11th, 2012 at 5:00 PM


This resource is outstanding because it brings together information from various areas to make the Holy Land understandable, across a range of information, both current and historical. You always have the feeling that you are there! If you study a region, or even a city, there are the important historical dates before, during and after Jesus life time. If you view a region, it is through the integrated perspective of historical and modern maps, current photos and art, and significant biblical quotations and stories to go with the event under consideration. What makes the book so terrific is that while refecting many academic disciplines in the presentation, the text is very readable and understandable. This is one of those books that you think of as a classic. I wish I had access to this resource prior to my first trip to the Holy Land many years ago, however, I think it will be relevant any time to prepare for a trip, or to renew old memories.
oh please

August 12th, 2012 at 3:12 AM


This book wants to be a guide for Christian pilgrims. Since I visited
the places which are depicted in the book, I come to the judgment that
the author did this very well, spirited and originally. Besides Peter
Walker surprises with extraordinairy interpretations of the scriptural
testimonies of the New Testament which cannot be found in usual guide
books. His style of writing conveys pleasant containment. Here the
author not just reported about historic events and local specialities,
rather he reasoned beyond the conventionel and traditional. This makes
the book to a lucky pull for every Irsael traveller, who knew Israel
only from the Bible. The pictorial material completes this felicitous
work properly. Travelling widens the horizon. This book does it also!
Highly recommended!
picted in the book, I come to the judgment that
the author did this very well, spirited and originally. Besides Peter
Walker surprises with extraordinairy interpretations of the scriptural
testimonies of the New Testament which cannot be found in usual guide
books. His style of writing conveys pleasant containment. Here the
author not just reported about historic events and local specialities,
rather he reasoned beyond the conventionel and traditional. This makes
the book to a lucky pull for every Irsael traveller, who knew Israel
only from the Bible. The pictorial material completes this felicitous
work properly. Travelling widens the horizon. This book does it also!
Highly recommended!
RIPaol

August 13th, 2012 at 6:35 AM


Peter Walker takes the reader on both a historical and modern day tour of the Holy Land. This work is full of helpful maps and pictures of the land in which Jesus traveled, beginning in Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus and from there to Nazareth. There is a key days chart for each location discussed and the important all of the important events that have happened there throughout history. The focus is obviously on the time of Jesus, but each section has a section about today (e.g. Bethlehem Today). The author also give instructions and tips to anyone who is going to be taking a trip to Israel. Other locations that are included at the Jordan River, The Judean Desert, Galilee and its villages, Samaria, Caesarea Philippi, Jericho, Bethany, the Mount of Olives, the Temple, Jerusalem, Golgotha, and Emmaus. If you have read N. T. Wright’s book “The Way of the Lord” and enjoyed it, then you will like this book as well. Walker seems to have been inspired, at least somewhat by Wright’s work.
Arthur B.

August 13th, 2012 at 12:56 PM


If you read one other Christian Book outside of the bible it needs to be this book. This book is excellent!!!!!It is a mix of standard bible commentary, some bible archeology, and a travel book all mixed up in one. The author also uses some references about the bible stories from ancient texts like Josephus and others. The book has a liberal amount of photo graphs of the bible sites as they are today. Reading this book will give you a feeling of actually visiting the Holy Land. (Actually visiting the site is also a must do thing for anyone) Looking at the faith stories from a modern perspective with a little commentary and history mixed gives you a new look. The truth of the gospel will stand out from reading this book like a sore thumb after you hit it with a hammer. Actually looking at the site as it is today makes you see the event as a real thing and not just literature. This book won’t convert anyone but if you are a believer you will love the book.
Robert Speyer

August 13th, 2012 at 4:40 PM


Remembering the sites visited during a trip to the Holy Land were made easy for my friend with this book. My friend shared many experiences from the trip during the Christmas season.
Android Gripes

August 13th, 2012 at 5:11 PM


If you are going on a guided tour to the Holy land, this book will give you a good overview of what you need to know and will help you get the most out of your trip.

If what you need are details that will equipt you to make a visit on your own, the book is just about useless. Stick with the Eyewitness and Jerome Murphy-O’Connor Oxford Guide.
jimmbob dugger

August 13th, 2012 at 5:45 PM


Judge McCormick does an outstanding job of providing a most helpful tool in preparing one to travel to the Holy Land. He does this in several ways: 1) By delineating clearing the difference between a “Pilgrimage” and just taking a vacation trip. This is a spiritual journey. 2) He notes the wonderful variety of religious traditions that converge in Israel and ways to get in touch with the wealth of these traditions; 3) Has THE most helpful listing of ways to be brought “up to speed” prior to traveling to the Holy Land to maximize the experience; and 4) I agree wholeheartedly with his comments about the value of booking with a tour company which provides Christian guides for Christian groups. As a pastor who has led two tour groups to the Holy Land in the last 14 years, I find this book an excellent choice in preparing spiritually for this trip of a lifetime. Thanks!
Wowed

August 13th, 2012 at 10:30 PM


Having been to Israel twice and going back in a few months, I would recommend this book. It provides good background to the events that took place in the Bible as well as what a traveler could expect today. The pictures alone, including the aerial views, are incredible. If you are a believer and you’ve never been to the Holy Land, this book is the next best thing. But I am betting someone who has never been and is reading this book will begin to look for ways to go. The best part for me is the sections in each chapter called “(Name of chapter) today,” for here the author gives practical advice about seeing the most important places. There are also several places where he gives advice on seeing the most you can in that arena with limited time (i.e. a weekend). I certainly wouldn’t follow his advice place by place, but he certainly gives some good ideas. This is definitely a book you will want along with some of the guidebooks if you plan to go to Israel; it is vital to learn as much as you can before you go.

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