Michael Bryant – författare

One of the deadliest phases of the Holocaust, the Nazi regime’s “Operation Reinhard” produced three major death camps–Belzec, Treblinka, and Sobibor–which claimed the lives of 1.8 million Jews. In the 1960s, a small measure of justice came for those victims when a score of defendants who had been officers and guards at the camps were convicted of war crimes in West German courts. The conviction rates varied, however. While all but one of fourteen Treblinka defendants were convicted, half of the twelve Sobibor defendants escaped punishment, and only one of eight Belzec defendants was convicted. Also, despite the enormity of the crimes, the sentences were light in many cases, amounting to only a few years in prison.In this meticulous history of the Operation Reinhard trials, Michael S. Bryant examines a disturbing question: Did compromised jurists engineer acquittals or lenient punishments for proven killers? Drawing on rarely studied archival sources, Bryant concludes that the trial judges acted in good faith within the bounds of West German law. The key to successful prosecutions was eyewitness testimony. At Belzec, the near-total efficiency of the Nazi death machine meant that only one survivor could be found to testify. At Treblinka and Sobibor, however, prisoner revolts had resulted in a number of survivors who could give firsthand accounts of specific atrocities and identify participants. The courts, Bryant finds, treated these witnesses with respect and even made allowances for conflicting testimony. And when handing down sentences, the judges acted in accordance with strict legal definitions of perpetration, complicity, and action under duress.Yet, despite these findings, Bryant also shows that West German legal culture was hardly blameless during the postwar era. Though ready to convict the mostly working class personnel of the death camps, the Federal Republic followed policies that insulated the judicial elite from accountability for its own role in the Final Solution. While trial records show that the “bias” of West German jurists was neither direct nor personal, the structure of the system ensured that lawyers and judges themselves avoided judgment.

Over the last two decades, the study of languages and writing systems and their relationship to literacy acquisition has begun to spread beyond studies based mostly on English language learners. As the worldwide demand for literacy continues to grow, researchers from different countries with different language backgrounds have begun examining the connection between their language and writing system and literacy acquisition. This volume is part of this new, emerging field of research. In addition to reviewing psychological research on reading (the author's specialty), the reader is introduced to the Hebrew language: its structure, its history, its writing system, and the issues involved in being fluently literate in Hebrew.Chapters 1-4 introduce the reader to the Hebrew language and word structure and focuses on aspects of Hebrew that have been specifically researched by experimental cognitive psychologists. The reader whose only interest is in the psychological mechanisms of reading Hebrew may be satisfied with these chapters.Chapters 5-8 briefly surveys the history of the Hebrew language and its writing system, the origin of literacy in Hebrew as one of the first alphabetic systems, and then raises questions about the viability (or possibility) of having full-scale literacy in Hebrew. Together, the two sets of chapters present the necessary background for studying the psychology of reading Hebrew and literacy in Hebrew.This volume is appropriate for anyone interested in comparative reading and writing systems or in the Hebrew language in particular. This includes linguists, researchers, and graduate students in such diverse fields as cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, literacy education, English as a second language, and communication disorders.

Adam flees from the Avenger of Blood across the harsh, unforgiving Wilderness of Sin. His heart pounds with fear as he races against time to reach Kedesh, a city of refuge nestled among the rugged hills, where he knows he will find safety and sanctuary from his pursuer.In addition to the sanctuary provided by Kedesh, Adam learns the principles of spiritual warfare. He is equipped with a complete set of magnificent armor that empowers him to stand firm against fiery trials and overcome the spiritual forces of wickedness opposing his mighty Lord.In the allegorical tradition of John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” and Hannah Hurnard’s “Hinds'' Feet on High Places,” Adam forms strong friendships with characters such as Discipler, Trueheart, and Faith. However, his journey is not without challenges. After pledging allegiance to the Lord of Kedesh, Adam faces numerous trials that test his faith and courage, leading to his growth and development as a citizen of Kedesh, the City of Refuge.The book “Kedesh, City of Refuge” unfolds like a thrilling spiritual odyssey, diving deep into the heart of faith and redemption. Adam’s journey transforms into a compelling story of growth and change, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys of faith, the challenges they face, and the sanctuaries they seek. It is an inspiring tale of courage, protection, and personal growth that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Against the backdrop of a world devastated by the Great Tribulation, two races of humans coexist - the immortal Servants endowed with extraordinary abilities and the remnant of humanity who survived the Great Tribulation. The Great King has given three crucial tasks to the Servants: to restore the land, provide for the survivors, and guide humanity’s descendants. The epic storyline unfolds over a millennium, culminating in the release of an ancient enemy determined to eradicate humanity, resulting in a world-changing rebirth.

"Kingdom" provides a provocative new way to see the Church as taught by Jesus Christ. "Kingdom" was written to show the difference between the ''religion'' of Christianity and the ''Kingdom'' of Christianity."Kingdom" is a catalyst to provoke the body of Christ to reexamine how we see the Church. Christianity, as taught by Jesus was never intended to be a religion, but it was intended to be a Kingdom."Kingdom" breaks the Church down to its most basic components. There are only two Kingdoms ruling two dominions; one of light and the other of darkness. There are only two covenants; the old covenant under the law sealed with the blood of sheep and goats and the new covenant sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ. There are only two masters; the Prince of Peace or the prince of darkness.

The story of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus is read by millions. But does the Bible give them the facts? This book, written for the non-specialist, examines the Gospel Narrative rigorously, and discovers that the Gospels contain clues to the true origin of the worlds greatest story. The Drama of Calvary has been described by reviewers as ground-breaking, persuasive and a revelation.