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Manigo has created this impressive guidebook for those seeking to understand the biblical phrase “poor in spirit.” In preparing readers for the three hundred and seventy-six pertinent proofs he offers, he introduces himself and his wife and co-evangelist Patricia, noting that she did the majority of typing to create this far-reaching faith manual. Manigo is deaf and, with his wife, works diligently on behalf of deaf and other handicapped persons to offer the encouragement and sustenance inherent in studying the Holy Bible. Manigo asserts that faith is more to be valued than good works and is found in the precious word of God as purveyed in holy scripture. He, therefore, stresses the importance of reading that scripture in its entirety and considering it a “daily newspaper.”
In this encyclopedic work, he has prepared the aforementioned proofs, each beginning with descriptions of the book’s theme, “poor in spirit,” as meaning happy, meek, humble, lowly, and quiet. Each segment draws on varied yet pertinent biblical texts, beginning with the well-known eponymous declaration found in Matthew 5:3. Segments include numbered statements treating with Manigo’s thesis and biblical references that effectively uphold each statement, citing such factors as the birth and baptism of Jesus, and God’s mission to the world.
Manigo has been a devout Christian since childhood, his hearing disability determining his early education. He would become the first African American deaf student to graduate from Tennessee Temple University. Admirably, he has devoted his ministry to those with physical limitations. He hopes that this well-constructed collocation, one of two such volumes, will inspire both deaf and hearing readers to take biblical study as a necessary, ongoing aspect of their faith life. Manigo’s efforts will doubtless draw the attention of his chosen audience and provide rich material for spiritual study.