Editorial Review

The old Quaker adage, "Let your life speak," spoke to author Parker J. Palmer when he was in his early 30s. It summoned him to a higher purpose, so he decided that henceforth he would live a nobler life. "I lined up the most elevated ideals I could find and set out to achieve them," he writes. "The results were rarely admirable, often laughable, and sometimes grotesque.... I had simply found a 'noble' way of living a life that was not my own, a life spent imitating heroes instead of listening to my heart."Read more

Reviews (36)

LetYour Life Speak review
This book shows that it is never too late to do a little soul searching to discover your life's purpose.The author recounts his own personal struggle for self discovery and fulfillment. This book is a good read with some food for thought.

The Answers are Within
Although "Let Your Life Speak" would be considered a small book, it's definitely big on insights, ideas, and thoughts to ponder.
the book let my life speak
I am a person who is looking for my vocation.I am confused and lost in my life.With the help of the book, I know more about the inner self.The path that the author experienced helps persons like us to face our inner self in different demension.There is one thing that alarmed me much: the author told us that depression is not our enemy but actually is our friend who leads us to God. The book explains very good about this point and let me have a new prospective on depression.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. Church And Society    5. Inspirational - General    6. Religion    7. Religion - Christian Life    8. Sociology Of Religion    9. Spirituality - General    10. Vocation    11. Christian life & practice    12. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    13. Religion / Christian Education   

Editorial Review

By melding love, science, and religion into a primer on personalgrowth, M. Scott Peck launched his highly successful writing and lecturing career withthis book. Even to this day, Peck remains at the forefront of spiritualpsychology as a result of Read more

Reviews (141)

Good example of selfishness
It is apparent that the first premise in Peck's book is that in order for humans to be a whole being, one must grow through spirituality (or enlightenment) attained through "grace" with the main purposes of gaining "capacity and understanding of serendipity" (309) and through "spiritual evolution, whereby people grow towards godhood" (270) and "become God" (283).
Life Changing
Peck's definition of love is unparalleled in any of the literature I have read concerning the matter. I have always been particularly fond of Kahlil Gibran's depiction of marriage and love. However, I feel that Peck redefines it in modern English and provides a contrast to the "mainstream" view of love and "falling in love."
Life is difficult...
I read this book and the sequel, People of the Lie around the time that they came out.I was stunned by Peck's honesty. The stories of how he and his patients struggle with the problems and obstacles that confront them are amazing.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. General    3. Personal Growth - General    4. Psychology    5. Social Psychology    6. Spiritual    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    8. Social, group or collective psychology   

Editorial Review

As a spiritually inspirational book for teachers, Read more

Reviews (42)

Using Parker Palmer's The Courage to Teach
I was introduced to Palmer's book by a participant in a series of workshps I give on Teaching, Learning, and Technology. This participant said that my coverage of pedagogic and technologic issues would be augmented by dealing with the personal factors a teacher brings to a course. Having read Palmer sveral times as I offer these workshops, I can say that it is probably the single most important text I have found in my extensive review of literature on teaching and learning. This opinion is supported by the comments of people in my workshops, who universally agree that reading it has changed their approach to teaching in a positive way. I cannot recomment it more highly.

Gets better as it goes....?
I'll preface this by saying that I'm a university teacher who cares deeply about teaching, which I guess must be why this book was recommended to me in the first place. The early chapters I found simply intolerable, heavily reliant on unexamined truistic claptrap about self-knowledge, the soul, etc, etc. The whole book is overwritten and florid, like the inside of a greetings card. It is hard to be genuinely profound in that sort of prose, and I wished that Parker, who is clearly a wonderful and thoughtful teacher, had had the courage to write in something approximating the language of normal speech.
Takes Courage to Read It!
A moving, poetic, and inspiring work on the art, profession, and calling of teaching. "I am a teacher at heart, and there are moments in the classroom when I can hardly hold the joy" (p. 1). Palmer builds a theoretical framework of teaching based on integrity, authenticity, humility, community, hope, and love. Offers great hope to those temporarily mired in the minutia of teaching, as well as a frighteningly stark contrast for those not truly called to teach. Leaves little room for lukewarmness or doubt. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Learning    4. Spirituality - General    5. Teachers    6. Teaching    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    8. Religion / Christian Education    9. Teaching skills & techniques   

Reviews (90)

Living a Joyless Christian Life?
This book revolutionized the way I approach God and seek to serve Him. The author clearly and thoroughly related how we can find true joy in every aspect of our walk with the Lord. I especially enjoyed the chapter on worship, because it helped me become more passionate in my expressions of worship to God.
Solid, enduring Christian writing of the highest order
You can trust the writing of John Piper to convey the truths of scripture through solid Biblical interpretation, experience living the Christian life, references to historical, proven Christian writers and a comprehensive approach to discipleship.
Required Reading for All Christians
Has it really been twenty years since John Piper first released Desiring God?I had been thinking recently about abiding in Christ and the nature of desire, as well as the upcoming Together for the Gospel conference which Piper will speak at, so I thought it would be a good time to re-read this modern-day classic.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Desire for God    4. God    5. God (Christianity)    6. Happiness    7. Inspirational    8. Inspirational - General    9. Religion    10. Religious aspects    11. Spirituality - General    12. Worship and love    13. CHRISTIAN LIVING / PRACTICAL LIFE / PERSONAL GROWTH    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (6)

Community-Building - Timely and practical
Palmer offers hope for a 21st century expression of community - intentional, connected and open.Offering a way to break through barriers internally (indidually) and within the community (collectively), Palmer's method provides help and hope from a spiritual perspective - free of advice, full of hope and honoring diversity.

Compassionate Intelligence
In A HIDDEN WHOLENESS, the highly respected writer, lecturer, teacher and activist, Parker J. Palmer describes the creation of a "circle of trust," a specific kind of community that welcomes the soul and helps those involved to hear its voice. Over the last several years, Palmer and his colleagues at the Center for Courage and Renewal [www.couragerenewal.org] have forged, tested, and re-worked the practices and principles of creating such circles. This book reflects both Palmer's own transformation from living a divided life to finding the courage to live divided no more. He reflects on his own and others experience as they have moved into circles of trust to live lives of deep integrity.
Another great book by Parker J. Palmer
I ordered it for the purpose of a daily devotional. I am a seminary student and have read other things from Palmer. He does a great job of introducing us to an undivided life with integrity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. New Age    5. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    6. Spiritual life    7. Spirituality - General    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / General    9. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (189)

another review
The book strated out very well, and could have been something great. Instead it turned out to be another spiritual ( if you call it that) Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
I Wish there was 0 Stars
Like others, I had high hopes for this book.Sadly, I was disappointed.As a voracious reader who keeps 5-6 books going at the same time, I usually force myself to finish even the worst of books in the hopes that perhaps they just had a bad start and will improve further on.This was one of the most poorly written books it has been my misfortune to purchase; it was a complete waste of money.The action was confusing and puerile...written at junior-high level, at best.I have tried to force myself to finish, but I'm halfway through and reading it has become a chore.This is one book about which I will not know the ending, because I honestly don't care what happens!If you feel you must read it because of the good reputation of these 2 writers, then do yourself a favor and check it out from the library; don't waste your own money on it.I wish I could get a refund.

Doctrinally off.
I've read Dekker's Circle Trilogy and loved it (except for the ending.)Also, Peretti's "Oath" and "Visitation" were both outstanding books with great analogies. But I was taken aback at the doctrinal error in this book. #1. Christ Jesus is very God and very man...He is not an angel and He is not female. #2. Our sin debt was owed to God not to satan.God is the one who was wronged. Christ's sacrifice was to absorb God's wrath...not satan's. We owe satan nothing.Christ certainly owed satan nothing.This book's core is anti-Christ and I was very saddened that such an interesting tale ended as it did...with the characters bowing before a female calling her The Son of Man and The Light Who came into the darkness and then affirming that she was an angel. I have read C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" and am fine with alegory and fantasy writing that depict Christ's sacrifice...as long as it is left doctrinally sound. Sure, Aslan was a Lion... to parallel Christ as Lion of Judah but Lewis didn't cross the boundary of using actual titles that belong soley to Christ Himself and he certainly didn't say Aslan was an angel. John 1, 1 John 1 and Hebrews 1 is a great place to start to see that that line just shouldn't have been crossed.What if people who don't know any better read this book and believe that Christ Jesus, The Son of God, very God, very Man, Creator, Lord, God is an angel? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Christian fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. Mystery/Suspense    6. Religious - General    7. Religious - Mystery    8. Suspense    9. Thrillers    10. Fiction / Suspense   

Reviews (1)

Finding a Life of Incredible Joy
"What Jesus Demands From the World" is not the right title for this book.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - New Testament    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Theology - Christology    5. Christianity - Theology - Ethics    6. Christianity - Theology - General    7. New Testament Commentary    8. Religion    9. Religion - Theology   

Reviews (117)

Fair coverage of a very difficult cluster of topics.
Since this book deals with evil, some parts are difficult reading. This is a fair, balanced scientific exploration of evil from minor to maximum, i.e. demonic possession. Not based on sensationalism.

The Truth Shall Set You Free
In The People of the Lie, Dr. Peck taps into human evil. He presents case studies of his own and shares with us in depth of their evil, depression, madness, and narcissism. In the case of Bobby, a depressed fifteen-year-old boy, he had a brother who committed suicide with a rifle. His parents gave him his brother's suicide weapon as a Christmas present: this was an act of evil. Bobby was a victim of his parent's evil.
explains why evil often causes confusion
If you have ever experienced or been frustrated by people who seem to have a hidden agenda then you will enjoy and benefit from this book.The author states (some are paraphrased) and explains the following:
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Good and evil    3. Medical    4. Psychiatry - General    5. Psychological aspects    6. Psychology    7. Psychology and religion    8. Popular psychology    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Editorial Review

Gnosticism's Christian form grew to prominence in the 2nd century A.D. Ultimately denounced as heretical by the early church, Gnosticism proposed a revealed knowledge of God ("gnosis" meaning "knowledge" in Greek), held as a secret tradition of the apostles. In Read more

Reviews (161)

'The Gnostic Gospels,' a groundbreaking popularization of the Coptic Gnostic Library
Resurrection and the New Testament
The Gnostic Gospels is mainly a summary of what the gnostics believed about various subjects, such as the resurrection of Jesus, salvation, martyrdom, and spiritual maturity. Throughout the book Pagels compares the gnostics with "the orthodox," whom she interprets as the catholic church in the late first and early second century. Pagels is well informed on the topic and an engaging writer. However, while Pagels claims to be interested in Christianity and not promoting one view over the other (p.150-151), the focus of her book and her conclusions indicate otherwise. Though her analysis of the gnostics is thorough, there are some problems with her interpretations of the New Testament writers.
Good
Elaine Pagels is a wonderful writer.Her explanation into early Christianity is wonderful.It is definitely worth the time to read this.She delves into the politics of the early church, the Passion, the resurrection, as well as the clashes between Gnostic and Orthodox thinking.Too often, we forget that what we call the canon is not the only writings available.She just reminds us that there is this whole other world of writings that did not make it into the bible for one reason or another.If you want to get an idea of who the Gnostics were, read this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chenoboskion manuscripts    2. Christianity - History - General    3. Christianity - Literature    4. Gnosticism    5. Religion    6. Religion - Church History    7. Religion / Christian Literature    8. Theology   

Reviews (34)

A Clarion call to a slumbering church to be faithful ambassadors of Christ
John Piper opens this book with these words, "The Bible says, 'You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).' I have written this book to help you taste those words as sweet instead of bitter or boring." Piper's book is a call to impassioned discipleship for Christ and His Gospel. It is a summons to a slumbering church and to half-hearted disciples to wake up, and savor the joy of our salvation, and live life with an eternal perspective. As faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, we must recognize that we must eschew the worldly desires, and exemplify Romans 12:2.
Great read, challenging and encouraging at the same time!
If Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi were alive today writing a book as a follower of Christ, this would be it.Lombardi was a demanding coach who not only trained his athletes for success on the gridiron, but in life as well.Piper expects nothing less than greatness from his readers - and greatness defined not by the world's standards, but by the transcendent principles that truly give this life meaning and purpose.Piper is equally challenging and encouraging - a great mix that makes the book enjoyable to read while at the same time hitting you over the head with a 2 x 4 (in love, of course)!
WARNING - This book will change your life!
We selected this book for our college and career small group study based on having heard good things about John Piper.I've read dozens of "Christian Living" books from numerous authors, but this one is one of the best.It's both easy to read yet deep and intellectual.It will show you the fallacies in our thinking that we have swallowed and point you back to Biblical thought process.Highly recommended for any age - new Believer or ancient Saint. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Inspirational    3. Inspirational - General    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. Religion   

Editorial Review

Arguably one of the most profoundly important essays ever written on the nature and significance of "quality" and definitely a necessary anodyne to the consequences of a modern worldpathologically obsessed with quantity.Although set as a story of a cross-country trip on a motorcycle by a father and son, it is more nearly a journey through 2,000 years of Western philosophy. For some people, this has been a trulylife-changing book. ... Read more

Reviews (471)

Not a good philosophy book
If you are looking for a new and SUBSTANTIATED philosophical view, this is not the right book. An excellent work of fiction, great writing, yes, these you will find in this book -- but not a strong philosophy.
"Walden" Meets "Easy Rider"
Anyone with moderate intelligence and sufficient leisure can work out their own private philosophy.The worth of such a philosophy should not be measured by comparison to the great philosophers of the past (or present); rather we should ask how well does it assist its creator in coping with life.Some personal philosophies are crafted in such a way that they help, not just their creator, but large numbers of their creator's fellow beings.Thus it is with the personal philosophy of Robert M. Pirsig, who laments that he has not had an original thought in years.
It is worth rereadng several times
I read this book several times over the years and each time I get something new out of it. I'm a Christian and though this book derives some of its underpinnings from Eastern philosopy, the book gives a great overview of Western civilization. How the book uses geography, the personal relationships, his past history, and Greek and Eastern philosophy to prove his thesis is fascinating. The book has problems. The main character does not follow his own philosophy in some ways. Pirsig makes too broad of generalizations about the Greek philosophers. Phaedrus's experience at the University of Chicago does not ring true to me. However, the book challenges the reader to think, to ponder life in general and contemplate on how the branches of knowledge tie together.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Emotions    4. Parental Memoirs    5. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    6. Philosophy    7. Pirsig, Robert M    8. Fiction / General   

Reviews (7)

Pure Wisdom
Do it for yourself: This book at first will transform your general perspective and when you get it, believe me, your life becomes wiser and better after reading it.

Right on Target!
We're told to love other people as we love ourselves in the first part of this book. This teaching of Jesus Christ, known as the Golden Rule is the starting point of human relations building in this book's discussion on the laws of life. Another principle Jesus taught is found near the conclusion, i.e., that of giving. Templeton writes "Giving makes you a magnet for success" (p. 299). Do you need down to earth inspiration?
This is a must for anybody's personal library. No matter where you are in life, Sir John has done us all a great favour by writing this book. He uses a range of philosiphies and theologies to explain everyday events in our lives.Read more

Subjects:  1. Devotional    2. Education    3. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    4. Inspirational - General    5. Religion    6. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    7. Christian life & practice    8. Spirit communication & mediumship, spiritualism   

Reviews (113)

Terrible Book
I could not have been more disappointed in a book! This book offers no real spritual inspiration. Maybe Frank Peretti has become enchanted by the Bigfoot legend but this book is far and away his worst. The plot is weak, character development is terrible and the ending is anti-climactic. Extremely disappointing!
Big disappointment for a Peretti fan
I had thoroughly enjoyed all of Frank Peretti's novels, from This Present Darkness to The Visitation, until this one. While the story starts out well, the many scenes of Beck being dragged here and there through the forest by her Sasquatch abductors soon become repetitious and at times downright boring. As for the "science" behind the actual monster in the story, it appeared to me that Peretti was trying to go for a Michael Crichton-type story line, but Peretti doesn't have Crichton's gift for making complex science understandable (and entertaining) to layman readers. Also, if Crichton were writing this story (which of course he wouldn't, since he doesn't expound a Creationist doctrine), he would have concentrated more on the monster and it's creation and the various scientific, social and moral implications of it's creation, rather than spending endless chapters on Beck learning how to appease her captors. As a Christian, I always look forward to the underlying spiritual meaning of Peretti's stories, but with the exception of the rather perfunctory "Darwinism doesn't work" message, I could find no real spiritual values at all, unless you want to count Beck's gaining some self-esteem and losing her stutter. But then, you know that will happen before you finish Chapter One.

Frank Peretti Lite
I call this one "Frank Peretti Lite."It was very entertaining but not a deep as his previous books.Instead of focusing on sin and spiritual warfare, this one had a creationist angle.I really enjoyed it, just not the same as his other books.Also, you have to remember that this is fiction.Of course the scenario is highly unlikely if not impossible.But the central point about mutations comes through.Great summer read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Horror - General    4. Monsters    5. Mystery/Suspense    6. Northwest, Pacific    7. Religious - General    8. Religious - Mystery    9. Supernatural    10. Suspense    11. Wilderness areas    12. Fiction / Suspense   

Editorial Review

A lifelong pursuit of knowing God should embody the Christian's existence. According to eminent theologian J.I. Packer, however, Christians have become enchanted by modern skepticism and have joined the "gigantic conspiracy of misdirection" by failing to put first things first. Read more

Reviews (64)

Insipid spirituality
This book was given to me by a fellow evangelical when I was a member of the student union some time ago.While reasonably well-written, I deeply disagree with the fundamentalist presuppositions of Packer (he was part of the group of theologians who put forward the fundamentalist manifesto which included inerrancy of the Bible in all matters including scientific theory) and I don't find his vision of God inspiring or well thought out.He engages well with the bible but less so with Christian philosophy and tradition, something Alister McGrath seems to do much better in my view.
Knowing God by J. I. Packer
Our small group at church is reading and discussing the book.We are older adults whose ages range from mid-fiftes to early seventys.None of us would call ourselves "intellectuals" and reading the book for some has been a challenge because of the depth of the subject matter that Dr. Packer addresses.
Not Enough On Hell
There is not enough teaching on Hell.How can you talk about knowing God with out full-blown explanation on the nature of eternal damnation and hell.It's impossible.J. I. Packer fails in a great way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Discipleship    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. God    5. God (Christianity)    6. Religion    7. Theology - Lay    8. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (7)

Poor
If I wanted a hack job commentary on Johnathan Edwards and CS Lewis, next time I will try to find someone who is a little more insightful than Mr Piper. Format: Quote, restate, weak commentary, then another quote. People pay him to do this?

Piper at his best!
Piper is one of my favorite authors. I have also heard every sermon he has on available for audio on his website. I've heard and read a lot of his work. He says he really only has one message and that is "To seek and spread a passion for the glory of Christ to the joy of all peoples." This book is a new view on that. I've owned this book for a while and prayed that God would let me read this when it would affect me most. He did just that. I pray that would be your prayer as well. When that happens, God will make His Name sweet in your heart and beautiful on your lips. If you are struggling with your desire for God, first go to Him in prayer. Than go to His Word. Then go to your pastor, your family, and friends. Then read this book. God will reach you in your time of struggle and in your time of blessing. In Job 1:21, right after hearing of all the troubles the LORD brought on him, Job proclaimed, "Naked I came into this world and naked I will return. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, may the Name of the Lord be praised!" Praise God in both blessing and suffering. He is blessing you with both, so thank Him and praise Him in return. Let Him teach you this lesson through John Piper in this book!

Practical!
One element of this book that I found to be very useful was the practical/direct instruction it offers on its various points.For example, Piper will spend a chapter showing how the Word of God is necessary in the fight for joy, and then the next chapter goes into strategies for actually reading and meditating on the Word of God.He then does the same process for prayer.Much of Piper's writing is of a deep, theological nature, chapter after chapter, and it was refreshing for there to be hands-on application sprinkled throughout the whole book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Desire for God    4. God    5. God (Christianity)    6. Happiness    7. Religion    8. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    9. Religious aspects    10. Spirituality - General    11. Worship and love   

Editorial Review

Shortly after Elaine Pagels’ two-and-half-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare lung disease, the religion professor found herself drawn to a Christian church again for the first time in many years. In