The Light Of Innocence

Christian Living

Christian - Living
144 Pages
Reviewed on 05/22/2010
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Author Biography

It has always been my desire to be in fellowship with Christians. The intention was to focus on God Word. My persona was to quietly sit in the row at the back of the houses of prayer I attended and listen to preachers, as they preached the Word of God during my time in worship. Several years of being quiet came to an end after my mom had past away. Before she had past away I began a self-study into the meaning of replenishing the earth. I studied independently and during such time, I remembered my childhood days; it was then that I visited a church regularly.

I grew up in the West Indies in Jamaica where I thought that churches only carry a different name; my thought was that they were basically the same. I had the same thought when I migrated to Canada in the early eighties until I tried volunteering my time to help in churches. The experience was not pleasant, but my life was already faithful. Writing the Word of God became my hobby. That experience has led to challenge the tradition of Christian living. In fact, my intention was to understand Christian living, baptize and live a righteous life. However, due to the overwhelming information that I received from my study, I decided that I would enlighten pastors and members in the church about my increased wisdom. The rejection was mind boggling, I then published my work with the hope of finding an audience. It was never in my intention to publish a book, however, it is done.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Like many of us, Carl Marshall had questions. He turned to the Bible for answers. Marshall is a self taught Biblical Scholar. Most Biblical Scholars attend school for many years and have several degrees, Marshall's authority comes from the Holy Spirit.

Many Christians believe their duty is fulfilled by showing up at church on Sunday mornings. Those same people wait for someone to guide them, to interpret scriptures for them and in general to tell them how to live. Like Marshall they could make their own discoveries by delving into scripture.

I was raised in a Christian home. However, a time came when I began to question the rituals of the denomination and interpretation of my pastor. I also began to study and discovered that most of the rituals were man made. I discovered that I was in love with the denomination, the church building (stained glass windows) and the people. I loved the Lord but perhaps I was beginning to love other things more. I had to ask myself if I had lost my first love. Much like Marshall so began my journey

Light of Innocence is Marshall's story. This book is well organized and well written. I found this text to be inspiring. He covers many topics including baptism, Christian living, the virgin birth and church rituals. I highly recommend this book.

Joy H

Carl Marshall has always wondered what happens after baptism. Being at a baptism one time started his roll in finding out just what happens with people after they follow the Lord in baptism in their lives. At this one baptism, Carl saw some people that he didn’t know had changed their lives, other he saw that day, their lives didn’t seem to change after they were baptized.

The author writes this book to show Christians how important it is to live their lives for the Lord, growing spiritually in their daily lives. He shows that salvation is through faith alone in Jesus Christ, and that Jesus is the only way we can have salvation. He answers many questions of new Christians that ask why we need to be baptized after we are saved. He explains baptism in detail and what baptism means to a Christian.

This book is chunked full of scriptures on salvation, being baptized, why we need to be baptized after salvation, what God expects of us as Christians after we are saved, how to follow God and grow spiritually in our daily lives. The author doesn’t just explain to us what the Bible says, he shows us how he was able to overcome many difficult situations and tragedies in his life through faith in God. He uses these personal lessons in this book to teach the reader about God’s love and mercy.

This would make a good Bible study, it is very in-depth and taking your time to go through this book would benefit you. If you have questions about baptism, this would be a good book to have in your library.

Lisa McCombs

The Light of Innocence explores man's journey to and quest for eternal life in heaven. Carl Marshall presents a thorough Biblical study of what we as earth stead individuals must consider in the path to a righteous life. His commentary on what it takes to live an acceptable existence in the realm of God. The author details his views with extensive scripture reference that reads more like a Bible companion/theological reference tool than a volume of daily devotionals. His comments are documented with exact scripture that would be difficult to take out of context. He references the reality of using religious values for monetary gain and the Heavenly consequences of that act. Marshall discusses the reality of man attempting to alter the scripture to suit his own purposes rather than living by the written word and abiding by an age old doctrine.

I believe that The Light of Innocence is not appropriate for the causal reader with little to no knowledge of the Bible or Biblical reference. This is an in-depth "read" that is deceptive in its short length. I found myself re-reading portions of the text as well as referring to my own King James version of the Bible for clarification. This is a suitable volume for theological use and preparation for conducting spiritual study sessions or public speaking. The honesty of Marshall's faith in the written word shines through and provides good fodder for a serious self-evaluation of personal faith.

Joana J

The Light of Innocence answers a very important question for all Christians, 'What happens after baptism?". It provides much needed insight into the process of spiritual growth and maintaining spirituality. The first part of this book is dedicated to this. In the second part of the book, the writer focuses on life after baptism. Zeroing in on topics such as "Why Christianity?”, “Growing Spiritually”, "Beyond Baptism" and “God’s will for His people” the writer makes a valuable contribution to Christian literature.

The light of Innocence is an excellent Bible study tool as each topic/chapter is bolstered by scripture references. The reader is able to choose to confirm what is said in the book through their own scriptural investigations. This book can be used to help Christians who are having a hard time understanding the bible and getting started in their biblical studies. The vast array of topics discussed makes this book a treasure trove. It seeks to answer questions that many overlook or simply shy away from. It is organized and clear, using language that any Christian young or old can understand. Many doctrinal points are examined and explained and even a few seemingly controversial topics such as “Why is Jesus Christ hated by many?” is dissected. I would recommend this book to new Christians who are wondering what they should do next and in which direction they should go. I would also recommend that the reader grab their Bible right alongside this book and use it as a Bible study tool.

Betsy B

Carl Marshall, author of The Light of Innocence: Christian Living grew up contemplating the same questions many Christians have pondered. Marshall presents the answers he found in his self-study journey through the New Testament Bible. He used the King James Version in his quest for answers. He uses scripture to validate his beliefs, he never attempts to theologize, interpret or proclaim a unique perspective. Marshall writes in a strong and crisp style that will please readers.

Marshall admits he is a self-taught Bible scholar. He grew up in Jamaica and was a regular church attender. For too many Christians attending church is a “mere hobby,” tradition or habit. I love the way he expresses his love for Christ, “My boss is Jesus Christ…” His mother had a strong spiritual influence on his life. She encouraged him to pray first thing in the morning and before going to bed at night, he has continued this practice throughout his life. His writings are from the heart and offer both inspiration and encouragement. Among the topics covered in Marshall’s book is the Christian’s connection with the tribe of Israel, through the covenant of Abraham and the necessity for more than physical baptism, there must be a spiritual baptism and a change in our lives also.

I appreciate the fact that Marshall has allowed the Lord to guide him through this discovery rather than to turn to theology to interpret the scriptures for him. This is an incredible book with great depth. Readers will come away with a stronger faith.

Alice D.

Author Carl Marshall grew up in Manchester, Jamaica but moved at age nineteen to Winnipeg, Canada where he has lived for the last twenty six years. Devoutedly Christian and deeply learned in all things Bibical, Mr. Marshall has written "The Light of Innocence" for the reader with religious concerns and questions who wishes to pursue their knowledge.

Mr. Marshall found himself unhappy with various churches and believes that the job of the true Christian here on earth is glorify God in all things, to represent the body of Jesus Christ, to love God and his neighbor, and to pray to avoid temptations and evil. The world is not a perfect place as it has been developed in accordance with man's desires and not God's will. Mr. Marshall does affirm that true Christians are not here to succeed in the world but to overcome it, for the things received in the world are removed when we face death. Only the things of the spirit continue with us after death.

Carl Marshall has not written "The Light of Innocence" for the casual reader who is content with their current religious understandings. This well-written, well-edited book is meant to be read, studied and reread, then put into daily practice. Mr. Marshall knows his Old and New Testament of the Bible and quotes from both accurately. He has studied the Book of Revelation and covers its words of warning in depth. "The Light of Innocence" belongs on bedside tables of readers on religious quests so that it can be read and studied and adapted into life practices.