GREAT LION OF GOD

Paul of Tarsus was not a likable man, becoming only marginally more so after his conversion on the road to Damascus. Despite his irascible personality, Paul was passionately devoted to his faith, both as a Jew and later as a committed Christian. John McDonough brings stunning clarity and realism to Caldwell's epic saga of early Christianity. His gruff voice becomes alternately enraged and engaging, convicting and compassionate, tortured and transfigured. Deep strength and volume in one passage give way to soft near-whispers in the next. Even through the long-winded portions of the text, McDonough carries the listener to a new and deeper understanding of both the history of faith, and the personalities of the people who have embraced it then and now. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]