Intellectuals "have been both rallying points and railed against in American politics, vessels of hope and targets of scorn," writes Michael J. Brown as he invigorates a recurrent debate in American life: Are intellectual public figures essential voices of knowledge and wisdom, or out-of-touch elites? Hope and Scorn investigates the role of high-profile experts and thinkers in American life and their ever-fluctuating relationship with the political and public spheres.From ...

Ireland 1649Nora, a young Irish heiress and her friend, Anne, lose family and friends through plague and Oliver Cromwell's cruel invading forces. Escaping with a valuable family document, Nora and Anne leave Ireland amidst a firefight that disfigures an English Captain—a man who swears eternal vengeance! Upon arrival in the American colonies, Nora and Anne experience humanity at its worst. Nora calls upon her inner strength to fight for her virtue and freedom—only to have her effort...

"The Torah doesn't speak of Jesus at all!" "You're completely misinterpreting Isaiah!" "This verse has absolutely nothing to do with your Jesus! It's not even a messianic prophecy!" "As for the real messianic prophecies, Jesus fulfilled none of them."These are some objections raised by Jews regarding Jesus as the Messiah. Using the Hebrew Bible, rabbinic texts, and the New Testament, Dr. Michael Brown provides thorough answers to nearly forty such objections. This third installment ...

"Readers who enjoy plants and offbeat tales will find Brown's book a happy mix" ( Publishers Weekly).Mankind has always had a morbid fascination with poisonous plants. Over the centuries, poisonous plants have been used to remove garden pests—as well as unwanted rivals and deceitful partners. They have also been used for their medicinal qualities, as rather dangerous cosmetics, and even to help seduce a lover when perceived as an aphrodisiac. Some of these...

Plants were an essential part of medieval life. Most people lived in houses made of wood and thatch, which often accidentally burned down when they cooked their food or huddled over wood fires to keep warm. People wore linen clothing dyed with plants. They drank ale, cider and wine as they danced to music played on wooden instruments. Beauty, love and seduction could all be made easier with a few herbal preparations. If you became ill, plants provided many of the cures. The unwary may have...

During the century and a half of their power the Black Douglases earned fame as Scotland’s champions in the front line of war against England. On their shields they bore the bloody heart of Robert Bruce, the symbol of their claim to be the physical protectors of the hero-king’s legacy. But others saw the power of these lords and earls of Douglas in a different light. To their critics the Douglases were a force for disorder in the kingdom, lawless, arrogant and violent, whose power rested o...

Together for the first time in a single volume, two of Dr. Michael L. Brown's groundbreaking works are ready to challenge a new generation of Christians to combat the status quo of a compromised church and a godless society.-----Have you ever wondered why you rarely-if ever-see the kinds of miracles today that were so common in the Bible? Whatever Happened to the Power of God? explores why so few of the seriously ill are healed, why apparent encounters with God's s...

"A fascinating account of formal gardens during the middle ages," including plants and their uses, features, tools, cultivation techniques, and more ( Books Monthly ).Medieval gardens usually rate very few pages in the garden history books. The general perception is still of small gardens in the corner of a castle. Recent research has shown that the gardens were larger than we previously believed. This book contains information and...

Ireland 1649Nora, a young Irish heiress and her friend, Anne, lose family and friends through plague and Oliver Cromwell’s cruel invading forces. Escaping with a valuable family document, Nora and Anne leave Ireland amidst a firefight that disfigures an English Captain—a man who swears eternal vengeance! Upon arrival in the American colonies, Nora and Anne experience humanity at its worst. Nora calls upon her inner strength to fight for her virtue and freedom—only to have her effort...

"An invaluable guide from a trusted expert."--Lee StrobelWritten in a compelling, accessible style, this book answers the most common questions about Jewish people and culture, drawn from the steady stream of queries Michael L. Brown's ministry receives every month.As a Messianic believer, Brown provides clear answers to questions like "Are there Jewish denominations?" and "Do the Jewish people expect a literal Messiah?" The book also addresses Christians' questions about t...

Thomas Roe, born near London in 1580 or 1581 was a notable and influential figure in the England of Elizabeth and of the early Stuarts. In his wide-ranging career, he came into contact with an array of famous seventeenth-century persons ranging from Sir Walter Raleigh to Archbishop William Laud and from Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia to the Great Mogul Emperor of Hindustan. Roe was one of the most capable diplomats of his time and his career was associated with developments of great importance...

As well-known Christians announce a newfound loss of faith, other believers face increasing pressure or doubt. We feel let down, ashamed to question God's goodness, and in need of assurance of our faith and answers to our pain.From a leading voice on issues facing Christians today comes a frank and insightful discussion about whether it's okay to doubt God and what to do about it. Michael L. Brown answers the very toughest questions, such as· Why are people leaving the chur...