Today on "Kresta in the Afternoon" - August 20, 2012

Talking about the "things that matter most" on August 20

4:00 – Odd Apocalypse: An Odd Thomas Novel
Once presided over by a flamboyant Hollywood mogul during the Roaring ’20s, the magnificent West Coast property known as Roseland is now home to a reclusive billionaire financier and his faithful servants. And, at least for the moment, it’s also a port in the storm for Odd Thomas and his traveling companion, the inscrutably charming Annamaria, the Lady of the Bell. In the wake of Odd’s most recent clash with lethal adversaries, the opulent manor’s comforts should be welcome. But there’s far more to Roseland than meets even the extraordinary eye of Odd, who soon suspects it may be more hell than haven. It’s the latest from novelist Dean Koontz and he joins Al to talk about the book, faith and writing novels.

4:40 – Jesus and the Jewish Festivals
Most readers of the New Testament study the great stories of Jesus through the lens of western culture. But how well can we really understand this Jewish teacher if we don't understand his context? Gary Burge uses his extensive knowledge of the first century world and the Middle East to offer insights not available to the average person. He develops important cultural themes and wrap them around well-known New Testament passages. Dr. Burge explores six different Jewish festivals as they were celebrated in the first century and examines how Jesus used the imagery of the festivals to unveil his own mission. Discover the Jewish Sabbath, Passover, Tabernacles, and Hanukkah as Jesus knew them.

5:00 – The Shaping of a President’s Mindset
In his memoir, Barack Obama omits the full name of his mentor, simply calling him “Frank.” Now, the truth is out: Never has a figure as deeply troubling and controversial as Frank Marshall Davis had such an impact on the development of an American president. Although other radical influences on Obama, from Jeremiah Wright to Bill Ayers, have been scrutinized, the public knows little about Davis, a card-carrying member of the Communist Party USA, cited by the Associated Press as an “important influence” on Obama, one whom he “looked to” not merely for “advice on living” but as a “father” figure. Not unsympathetic to aspects of Davis’ life, with Paul Kengor’s latest book, Americans can finally weigh the evidence and decide for themselves. Paul joins us.