This book-the definitive version of Michael Davies's study of the Medjugorje phenomenon, a revision of which he was preparing right up to his death in 2004-is a valuable contribution to the growing literature on the subject. Although it covers only the period from 1981 to 2002, Medjugorje: The First Twenty-One Years brings together and offers incisive observations on material that other treatments summarize rapidly or even omit altogether. It must be remembered that Michael's Croatian wife, Maria, was in a unique position to assist Michael with access to an abundance of information in her native language that would have been, and often still is, a closed book to researchers from other countries. In its provision of original sources and with its judicious observations, Medjugorje: The First Twenty-One Years adds richness to the existing literature concerning the purported apparitions. Davies sees the connection of Medjugorje with a variety of controversial issues in the Church today: the relationship of authority and obedience, the nature of the charismatic movement, the dangers of chasing after private revelations, the scandal of clerical immorality, and the lure of false ecumenism.
This book-the definitive version of Michael Davies's study of the Medjugorje phenomenon, a revision of which he was preparing right up to his death in 2004-is a valuable contribution to the growing literature on the subject. Although it covers only the period from 1981 to 2002, Medjugorje: The First Twenty-One Years brings together and offers incisive observations on material that other treatments summarize rapidly or even omit altogether. It must be remembered that Michael's Croatian wife, Maria, was in a unique position to assist Michael with access to an abundance of information in her native language that would have been, and often still is, a closed book to researchers from other countries. In its provision of original sources and with its judicious observations, Medjugorje: The First Twenty-One Years adds richness to the existing literature concerning the purported apparitions. Davies sees the connection of Medjugorje with a variety of controversial issues in the Church today: the relationship of authority and obedience, the nature of the charismatic movement, the dangers of chasing after private revelations, the scandal of clerical immorality, and the lure of false ecumenism.
