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Panosian: A Story of God's Gracious Providence
Dr. Ed Panosian has dedicated his life to the study and teaching of world history. Yet, his own astounding story is relatively unknown. Panosian’s grandparents, aunts, and uncles were among the 1.5 million people killed by Islamic Turks during the Armenian genocide (1915-1918). His own parents narrowly—and providentially—escaped martyrdom, immigrating to the United States, living out the American Dream, and raising a son who became an iconic professor to over 50,000 students. This biography is a narrative of suffering and survival, of cruelty and courage, of heartache and hope, of faith and faithfulness. Above all, it is a record of God’s gracious providence.
222 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2018
8 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Chris Anderson
16 books10 followersLibrarian note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Chris Anderson is the founding pastor of Tri-County Bible Church in Madison, Ohio. He is the founder of churchworksmedia.com, where he has published hymns (including “His Robes for Mine” and “For the Sake of His Name”) and the Gospel Meditations series of devotional
Chris Anderson is the founding pastor of Tri-County Bible Church in Madison, Ohio. He is the founder of churchworksmedia.com, where he has published hymns (including “His Robes for Mine” and “For the Sake of His Name”) and the Gospel Meditations series of devotional
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 5, 2022
Very interesting life and story! I never met this man, but I loved watching him in the Unusual Films by BJU, especially The Printing. I enjoyed listening to him tell some of his story in this audiobook. His voice is very nostalgic for me!
The biggest story I learned more about was the Armenian genocide which happened in 1915. The fact that Hitler copied this setup was shocking and when asked about it Hitler said, “No one will remember the Armenians.”
His heritage of escaping to America must have made him a fascinating history teacher. Also thinking about the amount of history that took place while he taught for 52 years is unreal. One student shared how they will never forget what he told them the day after Kennedy was shot. Wow.
The beginning is a little dry with a research paper feel. But overall I enjoyed learning about his life, family history and legacy.
*Listen free on Hoopla!
The biggest story I learned more about was the Armenian genocide which happened in 1915. The fact that Hitler copied this setup was shocking and when asked about it Hitler said, “No one will remember the Armenians.”
His heritage of escaping to America must have made him a fascinating history teacher. Also thinking about the amount of history that took place while he taught for 52 years is unreal. One student shared how they will never forget what he told them the day after Kennedy was shot. Wow.
The beginning is a little dry with a research paper feel. But overall I enjoyed learning about his life, family history and legacy.
*Listen free on Hoopla!
January 5, 2019
Though I didn’t get the privilege to take History of Civ at BJU from Dr. Panosian, I did grow up knowing him and his family through BJU and Faith Free Presbyterian Church and enjoying his voice in Vespers, Shakespeare productions and in prayer meetings.
This book is a well-written biography of an amazing man with many talents that is constantly pointing away from his accomplishments and to the work of Christ in his life. Chris Anderson tells his personal and family history in a moving way that seems to capture the man’s greatness while highlighting God and His providence on every page.
I was especially intrigued in the first half of the book with the well researched and written history of the late 1890s to 1915 Armenian genocide in Turkey. The second half of the book covers Panosian’s ministry at BJU and left me smiling both with the fun anecdotes and stories shared but also in the descriptions of his teaching philosophy—specifically why teaching and learning history are important. These sections are vastly different in topic but woven together by highlighting God’s leading and faithfulness.
Some of my favorites:
P. 139 Panosian’s approach to History of Civ, “I was concerned, in teaching history to young people, to help them see the Hand of God in the affairs of men all through the past, that they might grow to see that the same Hand does—and will—guide and govern the one who is yielded to do His will. I wanted students to know that, while man thinks he is ‘running things’ in this world, God is working out His purposes, for His glory and for man’s ultimate good. While dates, events, and personnel are all important components of man’s history over the centuries, this underlying principle is what has motivated my labor.”
P. 141-142 contain famous Panosian “one-liners”
“History is HIS story.”
“Participate constructively. Get involved. Have an influence.”
“Among other things, church history teaches us human weakness. All of us are able to commit the worst sin under the right provocation. Conversely, all of us are able to be as faithful as the most faithful given our circumstances.”
“I sleep well at night knowing that no one in the world can draw a breath without the permission of an almighty God.”
“The difference between Christianity and every other religion is this: every other religion says, ‘Do this and you shall live.’ Christianity says, ‘Live, and as a result, do this.’”
“God uses human agency to accomplish divine purpose. He Who could command angles to do His bidding, invites men.”
“Two guiding principles: God is sovereign; I am His servant.”
P. 157 I love this chapter about Panosian as a father and the various trials his family endured. “God is the ultimate Multi-Tasker. He uses our trials to increase our faith and improve our character. But He also uses them to prepare us for future ministry to others, allowing us to pass on the comfort we ourselves have received.”
P. 188 A quote by Mark Ward, “ Dr. Panosian came from an era in which verbal eloquence did not mark you off as elitist, but nearly as respectful and educated. I always appreciated the self-conscious diction that accompanied his amazingly sonorous voice. I felt in his speech respect for the Lord, for me, and for the subject matter at hand.”
P. 191 From Lisa Panosian’s tribute, words from her father, “We won’t be perfect, but we can strive for perfect obedience to what we believe is right.
This book is a well-written biography of an amazing man with many talents that is constantly pointing away from his accomplishments and to the work of Christ in his life. Chris Anderson tells his personal and family history in a moving way that seems to capture the man’s greatness while highlighting God and His providence on every page.
I was especially intrigued in the first half of the book with the well researched and written history of the late 1890s to 1915 Armenian genocide in Turkey. The second half of the book covers Panosian’s ministry at BJU and left me smiling both with the fun anecdotes and stories shared but also in the descriptions of his teaching philosophy—specifically why teaching and learning history are important. These sections are vastly different in topic but woven together by highlighting God’s leading and faithfulness.
Some of my favorites:
P. 139 Panosian’s approach to History of Civ, “I was concerned, in teaching history to young people, to help them see the Hand of God in the affairs of men all through the past, that they might grow to see that the same Hand does—and will—guide and govern the one who is yielded to do His will. I wanted students to know that, while man thinks he is ‘running things’ in this world, God is working out His purposes, for His glory and for man’s ultimate good. While dates, events, and personnel are all important components of man’s history over the centuries, this underlying principle is what has motivated my labor.”
P. 141-142 contain famous Panosian “one-liners”
“History is HIS story.”
“Participate constructively. Get involved. Have an influence.”
“Among other things, church history teaches us human weakness. All of us are able to commit the worst sin under the right provocation. Conversely, all of us are able to be as faithful as the most faithful given our circumstances.”
“I sleep well at night knowing that no one in the world can draw a breath without the permission of an almighty God.”
“The difference between Christianity and every other religion is this: every other religion says, ‘Do this and you shall live.’ Christianity says, ‘Live, and as a result, do this.’”
“God uses human agency to accomplish divine purpose. He Who could command angles to do His bidding, invites men.”
“Two guiding principles: God is sovereign; I am His servant.”
P. 157 I love this chapter about Panosian as a father and the various trials his family endured. “God is the ultimate Multi-Tasker. He uses our trials to increase our faith and improve our character. But He also uses them to prepare us for future ministry to others, allowing us to pass on the comfort we ourselves have received.”
P. 188 A quote by Mark Ward, “ Dr. Panosian came from an era in which verbal eloquence did not mark you off as elitist, but nearly as respectful and educated. I always appreciated the self-conscious diction that accompanied his amazingly sonorous voice. I felt in his speech respect for the Lord, for me, and for the subject matter at hand.”
P. 191 From Lisa Panosian’s tribute, words from her father, “We won’t be perfect, but we can strive for perfect obedience to what we believe is right.
May 24, 2024
If you are familiar with Bob Jones University you will love this book!
Very interesting read of how God sovereignly worked in the Panosian family to save them from genocide and Ed’s tenure at BJU.
Very interesting read of how God sovereignly worked in the Panosian family to save them from genocide and Ed’s tenure at BJU.
May 29, 2019
I am not a stranger to Dr. Edward Panosian. I grew up watching him perform in various BJU Unusual Films productions, hearing him narrate various videos, and seeing him perform as Duncan in Macbeth when I was just 10. Both of my parents attended Bob Jones and were history majors and I heard numerous stories about Dr. Panosian's teaching. He undoubtedly had a huge influence on their life, and by proxy, mine. I studied history at Bob Jones, and memories of him were present in the history department, especially from some of the teachers. I have nothing but respect for Dr. Panosian.
Some aspects of this book were well-done, specifically the sections covering the Armenian genocide. Another strength of this book, I believe, is that many of the audience members will be able to see how their life connects to someone else's story and will be excited to see friends and former teachers cited in a published work.
But ultimately, that's a huge downside of this book. The audience is clearly exceedingly narrow. It is not just aimed at Christians, or even more narrowly evangelical Christians. I doubt that anyone who does not have a connection to Panosian or BJU would find this work engaging, particularly as it relies so much on insider knowledge and "Christian-y" language. Now don't get me wrong, I think Anderson wrote this book for a specific audience, but I think that it is a shame that he doesn't even attempt to pull in the casual reader.
At the heart of it though, the problem with this work is that it lacks a compelling narrative. The story of Panosian's parents in the first 100 pages is compelling, but the last hundred pages about Panosian himself falls flat. Although Anderson fills the pages with anecdotes by friends and colleagues, the book lacks the depth of a real biography. Moreover, this work is not a serious historical effort, as every page is heaped with glowing praise for Panosian, with no analysis or evaluation of his struggles, pitfalls, etc. It reads in some cases more like a hagiography than a biography.
In sum, this book isn't great history, it isn't written expertly, and it lacks scope. But as a tribute to a man well-loved by many, it serves its purpose.
Some aspects of this book were well-done, specifically the sections covering the Armenian genocide. Another strength of this book, I believe, is that many of the audience members will be able to see how their life connects to someone else's story and will be excited to see friends and former teachers cited in a published work.
But ultimately, that's a huge downside of this book. The audience is clearly exceedingly narrow. It is not just aimed at Christians, or even more narrowly evangelical Christians. I doubt that anyone who does not have a connection to Panosian or BJU would find this work engaging, particularly as it relies so much on insider knowledge and "Christian-y" language. Now don't get me wrong, I think Anderson wrote this book for a specific audience, but I think that it is a shame that he doesn't even attempt to pull in the casual reader.
At the heart of it though, the problem with this work is that it lacks a compelling narrative. The story of Panosian's parents in the first 100 pages is compelling, but the last hundred pages about Panosian himself falls flat. Although Anderson fills the pages with anecdotes by friends and colleagues, the book lacks the depth of a real biography. Moreover, this work is not a serious historical effort, as every page is heaped with glowing praise for Panosian, with no analysis or evaluation of his struggles, pitfalls, etc. It reads in some cases more like a hagiography than a biography.
In sum, this book isn't great history, it isn't written expertly, and it lacks scope. But as a tribute to a man well-loved by many, it serves its purpose.
March 3, 2020
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👉🏽"After you read this book, you will be more informed about the past and more inspired for future" Gov Asa Hutchinson.
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This was my last book read in 2019. An amazing memoir of my former History of Civilization teacher back in college. My freshman class of 1998 was one of his last freshmen classes before retiring after 52 years of teaching.
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More amazing yet was his family's story written out in very precise sobering detail. I could just hear his booming voice as he gives account. It’s the story of the Armenians. Armenians during the Armenian Genocide before WW1. In many ways a forgotten people, a forgotten genocide because of everything that happened during the Holocaust not long after. His parents barely made it out alive of Turkey to settle in the USA. I had no idea how big this genocide was. Back in November, my Alma Mater honored him and his native countrymen in a beautiful program.
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“The Panosian story needed to be told while its principal character was still able to share it. It is one of suffering and survival, cruelty and courage. Above all, it is a story of God’s gracious providence. As Dr. Panosian has reminded us again and again, ‘History is His story.’ May He be glorified through it’s telling! SOLI DEO GLORIA!”
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👉🏽"Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it." -George Santayana
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👉🏽 I recommend: for readers wanting to get started on learning about the Armenian Genocide and/ or the life of Dr. Edward Panosian.
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👉🏽 Because of this book: I want to read more about the Armenian Genocide. I know nothing. TBR: The Sandcastle Girls
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January 5, 2020An enjoyable read for any BJU student of the Boomer, Gen-X, or early Millennial generation.
December 26, 2018
I have two books I’ve been trying to finish before the end of the year, a riveting biography of the Marquis de Lafayette and Nathaniel Philbrick’s latest work on George Washington and the end of the Revolutionary War. I’m also working my way through William Manchester’s 3-volume tome on Winston Churchill. But I spent my day today reading through the Christmas present I bought for myself, a concise but wonderful biography of my History of Civ professor, Dr. Edward Panosian, authored by Chris Anderson.
Not all of it was “wonderful” in the sense that Anderson deals with the historical atrocity of the Armenian holocaust. I’m ashamed to say that before this day I had never heard of the Armenian holocaust that claimed the lives of over a million of these dear people in the late 1800’s and again in deplorable earnest during World War 1. This atrocity sets the stage for God’s remarkable providence in bringing Dr. Panosian’s parents to America and gives color to his upbringing.
I laughed and cried and laughed again, thoroughly enjoying this book. Former students will love to read the history behind their favorite historian. Chris shares several humorous antidotes and memories from Dr. Panosian’s life, but let me share one of my own. I forget the occasion when I heard this, but Dr. Panosian tells the story of when they were filming for “Flame in the Wind” and the character he played was one of the heretics burned at the stake during the Spanish Inquisition. He recalled many of the extras used for that scene were current History of Civ students of his who seemed a little too enthusiastic in their cries of, “Burn the Heretic!”
Unfortunately, Dr. Panonian is not widely known outside the hallowed halls of my alma mater, Bob Jones University, but he ought to be. I’m grateful for the Reformation Conference held at Killian Hill Baptist Church in 2017 that Chris mentions in his introduction, as it gave me the opportunity to introduce my teenage girls to one of my heroes from my college days. Like Chris, I didn’t really know him personally, but he was so gracious with me when I introduced myself as a former student. My girls thoroughly enjoyed his dramatic portrayal that evening of Martin Luther. It was a great night and I am so thankful for this book that captures in a small way the essence of this great man.
Not all of it was “wonderful” in the sense that Anderson deals with the historical atrocity of the Armenian holocaust. I’m ashamed to say that before this day I had never heard of the Armenian holocaust that claimed the lives of over a million of these dear people in the late 1800’s and again in deplorable earnest during World War 1. This atrocity sets the stage for God’s remarkable providence in bringing Dr. Panosian’s parents to America and gives color to his upbringing.
I laughed and cried and laughed again, thoroughly enjoying this book. Former students will love to read the history behind their favorite historian. Chris shares several humorous antidotes and memories from Dr. Panosian’s life, but let me share one of my own. I forget the occasion when I heard this, but Dr. Panosian tells the story of when they were filming for “Flame in the Wind” and the character he played was one of the heretics burned at the stake during the Spanish Inquisition. He recalled many of the extras used for that scene were current History of Civ students of his who seemed a little too enthusiastic in their cries of, “Burn the Heretic!”
Unfortunately, Dr. Panonian is not widely known outside the hallowed halls of my alma mater, Bob Jones University, but he ought to be. I’m grateful for the Reformation Conference held at Killian Hill Baptist Church in 2017 that Chris mentions in his introduction, as it gave me the opportunity to introduce my teenage girls to one of my heroes from my college days. Like Chris, I didn’t really know him personally, but he was so gracious with me when I introduced myself as a former student. My girls thoroughly enjoyed his dramatic portrayal that evening of Martin Luther. It was a great night and I am so thankful for this book that captures in a small way the essence of this great man.
January 22, 2019
After rewriting this review several times, directly after putting the book down so it would all be fresh in my mind, I'm giving this book a higher rating than I believe it deserves because I highly respect Dr. Panosian and his family. This book details not just the life of Dr. Panosian, but also the lives of his parents and it gives a brief overview of the brutal holocaust of the Armenians. Dr. Panosian was an awe-inspiring figure at my alma mater and his methods and stories mentioned in so many of my history classes. I firmly believe I wouldn't have gotten the education I received, had he not attended and taught at the university for years. His influence has trickled down well beyond his tenure as professor and I am so grateful for that.
That being said, this book was in need of editing. It was not cohesive, bouncing around through the years, which weakened the overall impact of the book. It was repetitive, using nearly the exact same wording in several instances, "...we had no prompters, and in those days we had to make ourselves heard without any amplification." (p.131) "There was no amplification system during performances, so the actors had to fill the theatre with nothing but their own voices." (p.148). Lastly, I think because Dr. Panosian is so highly respected, there was no critiquing whatsoever, which detracts from making this a serious biography.
Overall, if you're from Bob Jones circles or have an understanding of Dr. Panosian, this book is a good read about a man of God and how his family survived a genocide. To people outside conservative circles, this book offers very little, and I do think that is a shame. If Christians want to educate others about their history, books need to be appealing to Christians and non-Christians alike.
4/5 stars.
That being said, this book was in need of editing. It was not cohesive, bouncing around through the years, which weakened the overall impact of the book. It was repetitive, using nearly the exact same wording in several instances, "...we had no prompters, and in those days we had to make ourselves heard without any amplification." (p.131) "There was no amplification system during performances, so the actors had to fill the theatre with nothing but their own voices." (p.148). Lastly, I think because Dr. Panosian is so highly respected, there was no critiquing whatsoever, which detracts from making this a serious biography.
Overall, if you're from Bob Jones circles or have an understanding of Dr. Panosian, this book is a good read about a man of God and how his family survived a genocide. To people outside conservative circles, this book offers very little, and I do think that is a shame. If Christians want to educate others about their history, books need to be appealing to Christians and non-Christians alike.
4/5 stars.
September 5, 2021
This was an unusual biography for two reasons. The first reason was that the subject was not even born until about halfway through the book. Ed Panosian was of Armenian heritage, his parents barely escaped the genocide overtaking Armenians in Turkey so the first half of the book is about his parents story set in the larger context of the persecution of Armenians. It is an amazing and horrifying story, certainly one worth spending so much time on. This part was as much history as biography.
The second reason was that at the end there was a whole chapter given to tributes written to Panosian and, indeed, the second half of the book kind of felt like one long tribute to him as well as to Bob Jones University, where his life was intertwined to an unusual degree. This part seemed as much hagiography as biography. The author said several times how he desired to honor Panosian. We should give honor where honor is due, but I don't think that is the purpose of biography. A biography is not about giving honor. A biography is about telling a life story and everyone's life story has bad as well as good and there is much to learn from both. This book was the poorer for giving us an airbrushed, larger-than-life picture of Ed Panosian.
But in the end he trusted in his Savior, Jesus Christ, and not in his works whether good or bad. This was made clear many times throughout the book and such a living faith was urged on the readers. He went to be with the Lord just a few weeks ago and so now he is perfect, now no airbrushing is required.
The second reason was that at the end there was a whole chapter given to tributes written to Panosian and, indeed, the second half of the book kind of felt like one long tribute to him as well as to Bob Jones University, where his life was intertwined to an unusual degree. This part seemed as much hagiography as biography. The author said several times how he desired to honor Panosian. We should give honor where honor is due, but I don't think that is the purpose of biography. A biography is not about giving honor. A biography is about telling a life story and everyone's life story has bad as well as good and there is much to learn from both. This book was the poorer for giving us an airbrushed, larger-than-life picture of Ed Panosian.
But in the end he trusted in his Savior, Jesus Christ, and not in his works whether good or bad. This was made clear many times throughout the book and such a living faith was urged on the readers. He went to be with the Lord just a few weeks ago and so now he is perfect, now no airbrushing is required.
July 17, 2022
This book was very sobering and also very enjoyable. The history of the Armenian genocide was gut-wrenching and enlightening to read about, because it is not nearly as well known as the WWII Jewish Holocaust. Hearing Dr. Panosian's witticisms recounted was enjoyable, as was reading about his family.
I do, however, feel like this book perhaps tried to combine several very diverse subjects - the terrible history, the personal biography, along with the glowing tributes to Dr. Panosian - and the result was a bit of a mishmash. I also felt like the author inserted himself into the story too much. Was this the story of Dr. Panosian, or the story of the author's visits with Dr. Panosian?
But it was a pleasure to read the story of Dr. Panosian's life, a testimony to the goodness and wonderful plan of God.
I do, however, feel like this book perhaps tried to combine several very diverse subjects - the terrible history, the personal biography, along with the glowing tributes to Dr. Panosian - and the result was a bit of a mishmash. I also felt like the author inserted himself into the story too much. Was this the story of Dr. Panosian, or the story of the author's visits with Dr. Panosian?
But it was a pleasure to read the story of Dr. Panosian's life, a testimony to the goodness and wonderful plan of God.
December 27, 2018
I too had History of Civ at BJU in 1976. I enjoyed many of the stories Mr Anderson shared. I was a student during some of those. I have to say I didn’t know anything about the Armenian massacre. Why were we not taught about it like we were about the Jews during Hitler’s Germany? I do appreciate Dr Panosian’s testimony. He was an excellent teacher. I minored in history until I had Mr Platte, then I changed to English. I would have liked to have had Dr Panosian for another class. Thoroughly enjoyed the latter half of the book talking about Mr P & his family & his years at BJ. I cried through the first half & felt bad that I didn’t know about the Armenians’ plight.
A good read.
A good read.
January 14, 2020
Panosian: A Story of God’s Gracious Providence by Chris Anderson is the life story of a beloved professor, but it's more: it's a testimony of God's grace and providence in a family. Some of Dr. Panosian's ancestors were persecuted and destroyed in the Armenian Genocide after WWI. His parents escaped and met as young people in America.
Dr. Panosian taught several history and church history courses at Bob Jones University, but he’s most well-known for History of Civilization. Nearly every freshman took that course. For me, that class was the first time history “clicked” for me as something other than meaningless names and dates.
Students quickly became aware of Panosian’s distinctive voice and mastery of his subject. He pointed out God’s hand throughout history and made history interesting and relevant to students.
Soon students came to know their professor’s kindness, warmth, humor. He is known for many famous sayings, which Anderson lists in the book. He was a fixture riding his bike around campus.
Some might know the Panosians through the university's films, Shakespeare plays, Betty's story narrations, Dr. Panosian's first-person presentations of historical figures like Luther, or their combined voice on the Scripture Meditations CDs.
But thousands of students had the privilege to know these dear people in the classroom. Though this book will have special meaning to those who knew the Panosians personally, I think anyone could gain much by reading it.
Dr. Panosian taught several history and church history courses at Bob Jones University, but he’s most well-known for History of Civilization. Nearly every freshman took that course. For me, that class was the first time history “clicked” for me as something other than meaningless names and dates.
Students quickly became aware of Panosian’s distinctive voice and mastery of his subject. He pointed out God’s hand throughout history and made history interesting and relevant to students.
Soon students came to know their professor’s kindness, warmth, humor. He is known for many famous sayings, which Anderson lists in the book. He was a fixture riding his bike around campus.
Some might know the Panosians through the university's films, Shakespeare plays, Betty's story narrations, Dr. Panosian's first-person presentations of historical figures like Luther, or their combined voice on the Scripture Meditations CDs.
But thousands of students had the privilege to know these dear people in the classroom. Though this book will have special meaning to those who knew the Panosians personally, I think anyone could gain much by reading it.
August 10, 2024
The first half of this book is an account of Armenian history, the genocide in Turkey in 1915, and of Dr. Ed Panosian's parents who lived through that time. Because I grew up in a farming community where Armenians settled, I was vaguely aware of the plight of the Armenians.
Dr. Ed Panosian was a teacher at BJU for over 50 years. While I did not attend BJU, my parents did, and I still recall stories my dad would tell about Dr. Panosian. As I was growing up, we would watch BJU's Unusual Films productions, and my dad would always point out Dr. Panosian if he was in the film.
This book was interesting and tells the story of a man who loved the Lord and used his life to serve the Lord. I enjoyed learning a little more about Dr. Panosian.
Because the chapters are topical, the book does not follow a timeline of events. It jumps back and forth in time, even the chapters related to the history of the Armenians. Because of that, facts and even some stories are repeated several times. It would have flowed better if it was written more as a biographical story.
Dr. Ed Panosian was a teacher at BJU for over 50 years. While I did not attend BJU, my parents did, and I still recall stories my dad would tell about Dr. Panosian. As I was growing up, we would watch BJU's Unusual Films productions, and my dad would always point out Dr. Panosian if he was in the film.
This book was interesting and tells the story of a man who loved the Lord and used his life to serve the Lord. I enjoyed learning a little more about Dr. Panosian.
Because the chapters are topical, the book does not follow a timeline of events. It jumps back and forth in time, even the chapters related to the history of the Armenians. Because of that, facts and even some stories are repeated several times. It would have flowed better if it was written more as a biographical story.
March 8, 2019
I'm thankful for the gift of Ed Panosian. He was my teacher twice (during my junior year of college) for History of Civ. We knew he was a treasure. I'm thankful for this sweet recounting of his life.
I really appreciate Chris' work on this. It is a gift to the students.
As an interested reader, I still don't think it was necessary to take up so much space detailing the Panosian family backstory (with half the book chronically the Armenian genocide. His parents lived it...I appreciate that. I'm not suggesting it's not noteworthy or interesting, but even as a sympathetic reader, I think it was much too heavily weighted on a book about Edward Panosian.
I really appreciate Chris' work on this. It is a gift to the students.
As an interested reader, I still don't think it was necessary to take up so much space detailing the Panosian family backstory (with half the book chronically the Armenian genocide. His parents lived it...I appreciate that. I'm not suggesting it's not noteworthy or interesting, but even as a sympathetic reader, I think it was much too heavily weighted on a book about Edward Panosian.
January 14, 2019
An excellent read! This book is simply, yet compellingly, written! It was difficult to put down! I'm so grateful for the knowledge I've gained of the Armenian Genocide - an almost lost, but incredibly harrowing, piece of world history.
This book gave me a renewed appreciation and awareness for the Lord's gracious Providence. Sometimes we never know "the why" and sometimes it takes years to see "the why" but what a reassuring truth it is that our God is always in control and working all things for His glory and ultimately for our good.
This book gave me a renewed appreciation and awareness for the Lord's gracious Providence. Sometimes we never know "the why" and sometimes it takes years to see "the why" but what a reassuring truth it is that our God is always in control and working all things for His glory and ultimately for our good.
January 23, 2019
What a thrill to read about the life of one of my favourite professors! I loved History of Civ. with Dr. Panosian because he made history come alive. As a teacher of history now, I realize the lasting impact this dear man has made in my life.
A couple of years ago, I read a book about the genocide of the Armenian Christians. I now realize that in these latter days, much of history has been suppressed.
I found it interesting to learn that his parents ran a successful shoe store in the same town in which some of my ancestors built a shoe factory.
A couple of years ago, I read a book about the genocide of the Armenian Christians. I now realize that in these latter days, much of history has been suppressed.
I found it interesting to learn that his parents ran a successful shoe store in the same town in which some of my ancestors built a shoe factory.
January 23, 2019
I struggled to think of what to rate this book - it was enormously interesting and enlightening, but also sometimes difficult to follow. It covers a great deal of ground by starting with Dr. Panosian's parents' stories and continuing through his own story.
The providence of God shown in his parents' stories was incredible and inspiring. His own faithful legacy was highlighted repeatedly. I'm glad I read the book - it was worthwhile.
The providence of God shown in his parents' stories was incredible and inspiring. His own faithful legacy was highlighted repeatedly. I'm glad I read the book - it was worthwhile.
January 7, 2019
A fascinating tale of history and biography that details God's hand of Providence in the life of one of His servants. As a former student who only had a few chance meetings with Dr. Panosian, it was neat to see the history behind the History teacher. You cannot help but read the quotations with his voice in your head.
April 30, 2020
I never benefited from Dr Panosian's teaching but seeing him around campus always brought a smile. So kind, so genuine. It was interesting to read about his family and witness God's faithfulness through so many generations.
January 21, 2023
An incredible man who loved an incredible God! The shear recounting of the history is what drew me to this book but the real story here is the unmitigated providence of God in the lives contained within these pages. Thank you Chris Anderson for bringing this story to life!
January 1, 2019
Excellent. An engaging story of God’s providence to a family in a country torn apart by genocide and afterward in the New World.
January 28, 2019
Excellently written and very informative. Much of the book focused on Dr. Panosian's Armenian heritage, which I thoroughly enjoyed (particularly given my own Armenian descent).
May 24, 2020
This book will transport you a generation and people group that has been lost in history. The Armenian genocide is something that I really never heard of until reading this book.
February 9, 2022
Such a delightful and engaging read!
June 7, 2019
I very much enjoyed learning about this remarkable college professor. The author takes almost half of the book to tell about the little known genocide of the Armenian people living in Turkey at the turn of the twentieth century; and the reason behind that is that Dr. Panosian’s parents miraculously immigrated to the United States from Turkey. They were both Armenians! His father, with a trade taught to him by a kind Muslim, became a successful business owner in New York, the founder of Panosians Shoes.
The narrative about college life, work life, marriage and family, and the dramatic talents of Dr. Panosian are interesting. He has touched so many lives, yet remained grounded and humble.
The narrative about college life, work life, marriage and family, and the dramatic talents of Dr. Panosian are interesting. He has touched so many lives, yet remained grounded and humble.
March 4, 2019
The first half of the book discussing Dr. Panosian's background and heritage was very interesting. I especially liked the information about the immigration process. Dr. Panosian is definitely a very special person. Overall an interesting and inspiring book.
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January 17, 2019I loved reading this book.
Very insightful to the Armenian genocide, made me want to learn more.
Thankful for it!
Great book.
Very insightful to the Armenian genocide, made me want to learn more.
Thankful for it!
Great book.
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