Reviews (27)

Engrossing, Frustrating
I have been nourished in my faith by Barbara Brown Taylor's writings and presentations over the years.This book is no different.Once I began reading it, I was engrossed in her images and descriptions and connections, as she described her spiritual and professional journey.In many passages, she writes moving descriptions of the grace that happens in congregational life.I highly recommend this as an example of intellectually honest and deeply rooted faith.I have been thinking about it a great deal in the months since I read it.
Cathartic, Even for Me
Barbara Brown Taylor never claims that her approach to the ministry was typical, nor does she advocate that other people follow her footsteps in leaving the church (although she does have some interesting suggestions for empowering churchgoers and the faithful in general).Her story of "finding, losing, and keeping," is merely one personal narrative that successfully avoids the pretense that everyone shares the same dramas and should therefore listen to her wisdom.She is not selling anything.Her book is rather an intimate, articulate self-revelation about her path in the world.
Missing a Sense of Call
I have enjoyed Barbara Brown Taylor's essays in The Christian Century and there is no question that she is a talented and descriptive writer. This book is a pleasant (and quick) read largely because her prose flows so beautifully.
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Subjects:  1. Anglican Communion    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Christianity - Episcopalianism    7. Clergy    8. Episcopal Church    9. Episcopal Churches    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Religious    12. Taylor, Barbara Brown    13. United States    14. Women    15. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Editorial Review

In 1988, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin undertook amission to heal "Jewish ignorance," an affliction whose symptoms include the ability to name the three components of the Trinity, coupled with an inability to explain Read more

Reviews (62)

converting to judaism
Having purchased this remarkable book and thinking that I knew quite alot about Judaism was quite an eye-opener for me. I was astonished at the wealth of information this work has to offer anyone who is interested in learning the basics of the jewish faith. The articles which are divided between the Bible, the holidays, the history of the jewish people, the holocaust and other subjects provide the reader with an excellent source of material and a basic knowledge of all things jewish. I recommend it highly.

No Jewish home library is complete without it.
I find myself returning to this book again and again to answer questions that come to mind and many discussions I have been part of have been started by a single sentence in this book, as Telushkin is wonderful at examining various perspectives on any given subject. And, Telushkin also has a knack for reporting a lot of information in a very concise, clear manner-- no long, drawn out rambles at all.

5* Brilliant Read - All Jewish households should own a copy
I bought a copy today, and although I have not (quite) finished reading it, it is already clear to me that R' Telushkin has written an excellent book, ranging from history to topical issues and much more. The quality of this book is very high, and although it does occasionally not go into quite enough detail, at least this means that, unlike other similar books I have seen, it flows very well, and is well suited to its target audience.
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Subjects:  1. Customs and practices    2. History    3. Jews    4. Judaism    5. Judaism - General    6. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    7. Reference    8. Religion    9. Religion - Judaism    10. Jewish studies    11. Religion / General    12. Yiddish   

Reviews (47)

An Undescribable Encounter!
Before reading the book, it is recommended that one puts all of one's stereotypes about God aside and carefully read through what Tozer has written.
Awesome book
This book is prolific look into the true holiness of God and it is live changing.

Holy Now!
The pursuit of God has fallen from its rightful place in our priorities today. A. W. Tozer was passionate about pursuing God and about knowing Him personally, intimately, and practically! This book challenges readers to live lives that are deeply impacted by the knowledge of God! Tozer reminds us that we are expected to reflect God's holiness in our character and in our conduct!
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Subjects:  1. Attributes    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. God    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. Religion - Theology    6. Spirituality - General    7. Christian theology    8. Christianity    9. Religion / General   

Subjects:  1. Bible.    2. Biographical fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. History of Biblical events    6. Jesus Christ    7. N.T.    8. Religious - General   

Editorial Review

In order to call themselves good Christians, many people have drawn overly flexible boundaries (unwilling to say no, always accommodating others' needs) or overly rigid boundaries (to the point of being righteous and judgmental). Psychologists and inspirational speakers Cloud and Townsend show readers how to set reasonable boundaries in order to follow the true path of Christianity. This book has become immensely popular, most likely because it makes personal boundaries easier to define and is filled with spiritual purpose. Some cautions: the format can be overly self-helpish for such a complex discussion and the authors at one point imply that judicious spankings may be an acceptable form of setting boundaries with children. However, many Christians will probably find themselves grateful for this biblical context of boundaries. Read more

Reviews (134)

Boundaries
Miniature edition.Not until you get to the book size at the bottom of the page is there any indication that this IS NOT the complete Boundaries book.Yes, I'm angry--I didn't get what I ordered!!

Total Farce
When I ordered this book I was led to believe it was based on the science of mental health. What I found was that it was a book on Christian values, Bible verses, and virtual preaching. Instead of sound psychological protocol I was given Bible classes. I am not anti-Christian, or anti-religion, but I don't expect to buy a book on psychology only to find it is about two men's religious values. I returned this book.

Fantastic!
My husband and I read this book and it really cleared up a lot of issues for us! We still refer back to it sometimes!
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Subjects:  1. Affirmations    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    6. Self-Help    7. Christian life & practice   

Subjects:  1. 1918-    2. Africa - History    3. Africa - South - South Africa    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Discrimination & Racism    7. General    8. Historical - General    9. History    10. History: World    11. Leadership    12. Mandela, Nelson,    13. Pictorial works    14. Political    15. Presidents    16. South Africa    17. Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Reviews (17)

Emphasizing Fictional Aspects
As adventure stories go, this series is superb.After reading the first volume I couldn't wait to get started on the second, and after completing the Chronicles series, I promptly began the search for the Covenant series.I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the city of Jerusalem and participated in the travails and sufferings of the people.However, it should be kept in mind that these are books of historical fiction, with emphasis on the fiction. They are written from a Christian pro-Zionist perspective with obvious bias against Muslim Arabs. The only sympathetic Arab characters that I recall, in fact,were Christian Arabs. What I found unrealistic, bordering on the preposterous, were some of the dialogues and soliliquies of pious Jews on the possibility that Jesus was, after all, possibly the long-awaited Messiah. It was difficult enough to find a fit between the swashbuckling gentile heroes and their Christian musings.However, I love a good rousing adventure story and look forward to reading the other of Bodie Thoene's Zion series.

brilliant!
i thought these books were amazing. I mean, i'm only 15 and we don't learn about these things in school. I would recommend these books to anyone, along with the Zion Covenant, which is also brilliant...

Anything the Thoenes write is 5 stars
I have read through most of the Thoenes' books several times...and I still weep in certain sections. I'm still mortified by man's inhumanity to man, our apathy... and I hope I have become a better servant of God because of their dedication to bringing those aspects of the human character to light... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - Historical   

Reviews (19)

Inspiring
I bought this book about 6 years ago. It's one of those books that you pick up and cannot put down. I was totally enthralled with it from the first few pages and every chapter became more and more inspiring. I was not a Christian when I read this book, so it's not just for believers. Rather it is a book for those who long for something more in their lfe, to walk in a deeper yet more 'simple' way. All of the chapters such as the ones on prayer, love, faith etc touched me deeply and even though it's been several years since I read it, I would read it again most definately. I lent it to someone and have never been given it back. I may just have to buy it again! --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

A good reminder
This book is a good reminder of how to love. Many of us discuss, debate and guess at what real love looks like. This book reminds us that love can range from serving to just holding someone who is living their last days. This book often wisely suggests that we could preach less and serve more. Inspiring.

To understand, rather than be understood.
The book is perfectly titled. Mother Teresa's biographical information is minimal and the book does not canonize her. Apart from introducing the thoughts of volunteers who work with the Missionaries of Charity, her own words are few. What we find are simple views of a simple path, and beauty in simplicity. This is not the story of a famous nun, it is the story of a way of seeing ones world and of living without self-focus. Mother Teresa, and those who work in the missions that she and others have established and conducted, convey an attractive invitation to service to others. The path has been set before us in the Gospels of Matthew (25:34-40) and Luke (10:30-37). This small volume contains no rancorous sectarian, philosophical, or theological arguments. The themes are peace, love, joy, and fearless devotion to the welfare of others. The simple path is well summarized in the words of St Francis of Assisi:
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Subjects:  1. 1910-    2. 1910-1997    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Calcutta    7. Christian Life    8. Christianity - Christian Life - General    9. Humanitarians    10. India    11. Missionaries of Charity    12. Mother,    13. Nuns    14. Religion    15. Religious    16. Teresa,    17. Women    18. Religion / Philosophy    19. Teresa   

Reviews (2)

Comprehensive tour of Tibetan thangka art
This is a big, heavy book, beautifully illustrated and authoritativelywritten.I am finding it a boon in my research on Tibetan art, for itcovers most every subject, style, and region of Tibet.My copy came fromthe library--wish I could afford to buy it!

Vivid and generous
This book is a companion volume to the same authors'"Wisdom and Compassion", which came out a few years ago.Both are sponsored bythe Tibet House in New York and both have the same layout, typography, andapproach.As far as I can see there are no duplications between them,though both books are quite large.People who loved that book, as I did,will definitely want this one too, since it is basically more of thewonderful same.Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Asian    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    5. Criticism    6. Permanent Collection Catalogs    7. Techniques - Painting    8. Art / History / Asian    9. Buddhism    10. Oriental art    11. Painting & paintings    12. Religious subjects depicted in art   

Reviews (10)

Great for new Christians
This is probably the best book for new Christians there is (besides the Bible).It an easy read and makes so much sense. Everybody need a copy of this book.

Literally, my most favorite book...
In a very easy read, each chapter reviews a different crazy Christian teaching such as "I just need to give it to the Lord...". It explains how each of our our crazy Christian thinking ways keep us stuck in our problems. The most awesome parts are the very clear explanations of how to address the issues in life that we try to apply these crazy ways to.
Some Good Information
This book gave me some good information, I would recommend it to others for sure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Inspirational - General    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Psychology / Lay Counseling    6. Religion    7. Spiritual life    8. Christian Interest    9. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (28)

When Spirituality Meets Logic
I'm not the type to buy into 'new age mysticism' or even organized religion in general.I tend to question any organization that bases their beliefs on faith over fact, all while looking for donations.However, like anyone I still have spiritual needs.
Most Valuable Book
This was the most inspritional book I have ever read. I give as a gift to everybody I haven't already givin it too. BUY this book and if you don't like i will buy it from you!

Wise words greatly needed now
I read this book for the first time in the early eighties on a flight to Dallas via San Antonio, San Marcos and Austin (cheapest ticket).It was not my first contact with Eastern Philosophy.I attended several TM classes as a senior in high school and had always been very interested in Tibet and Buddhism.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Conduct of life    3. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    4. New Age    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spiritual life    7. Non-Western philosophy    8. Religion / Buddhism   

Editorial Review

Though Mother Teresa's words may be spare, her good deeds are abundant. The messages in this lovely collection--directed at coworkers, sisters, and others eager to hear the words of someone who lived the challenge she presented to others--are sure to provide inspiration for anyone who reads them. The quotes, stories, and prayers are a testament to the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize winner's generosity and strength of spirit: "Good works are links that form a chain of love"; "I never will understand all the good that a simple smile can accomplish"; "Before judging the poor, we have to examine with sincerity our own conscience." Mother Teresa's words and deeds fortified and inspired the poor, the dying, and the suffering. These powerful messages, combined with black-and-white photos of this highly regarded woman doing the work she loved, make for a truly unforgettable book. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

hard to put into words the excellence in Mother Teresa's thoughts
She remains one of my favorite "Christ in person" figures of the 20th century.Classic.

Truly a Saint
This is book was so beautifully written.I gained a greater respect for Blessed Mother Teresa.
Mother Teresa's light still shines.
Thiscontains Mother Teresa'sspirituality for a reasonable price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Catholic Church    4. Catholic authors    5. Christian life    6. Inspirational - Catholic    7. Religious    8. Sale Adult - Inspirational    9. Spiritual life    10. Biography & Autobiography / Religious    11. Sale Books   

Reviews (10)

This Book Will Change Your Life!
For so long I've mostly heard about how important a father is in a child's development.I've never heard anyone else speak about how profound the mother's role is in the child's devlopment like this book does.I feel like I've gone to the eye doctor and have been given new glasses to see more clearly with.I think this book is core reading for anybody who wants to understand why they are the way they are.Like the back cover of the book says, "She shaped you in ways that would surprise you both."

Life Changing
This book has been so very helpful in figuring out both my past and present relationship with my mother.In addition, it has helped in dealing with her and other mothers in my life.It also helps me to be the best mother I can be to my young children.It is a must read for anyone that struggles with the "mothers" in their life.

Non-Christians BEWARE
This book is SO full of Christian reference and biblical mumbo-jumbo that it is worthless to anyone who is not Christian. The preview pages available to view are EXTREMELY misleading as to the content of the majority of the book. If you are not a Christian, save your money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family Relationships    6. Family/Marriage    7. Mother and child    8. Parent and adult child    9. Parenting - Motherhood    10. Parenting - Parent & Adult Child    11. Religious aspects    12. Christian Interest    13. Parenthood    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (18)

Assumes too much...
While Dennis Prager makes some good points, he doesn't so much explain his ideas as state them as fact. From the very first chapter: Morality is impossible without a God. In the next few pages, he states that, to paraphrase, "every leading moral philosopher agrees" with that statement. I bought the book hoping for an objective view on Judaism and God. I don't feel that's what I'm getting.

The Advanced(but concise)Guide to the religion of Moses,Benny Leonard,Barney Ross and Herman Wouk and...
For anybody thinking of converting to Judaism-or for anybody who considers himself a maven on the subject of Judaism-this is the first book I recommend.And that includes Herman Wouk's 'This Is My God';Wouk,who wrote the forward to this book-and the blurb on the cover,'The Intelligent Skeptic's Guide To Judaism'-seems to agree.For anyone interested in slugging it out in the religious tradition of Benny Leonard and Barney Ross,this book is indispensible and co-authored by a talk-show host who really is a "maven"(Prager)-and probably today's most indispensible,accesible Orthodox rabbi(Telushkin).

Great Introduction
This little number is great for an individual who has little knowledge of Judaism.Displays in a readable way the differences between Christianity and it's parent faith; Judaism.Great read for anyone wishing an introduction into a very misunderstood faith, especially looking on from an outsider.
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Subjects:  1. Addresses, essays, lectures    2. Jewish - General    3. Jewish way of life    4. Judaism    5. Judaism - General    6. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    7. Orthodox Judaism    8. Religion    9. Religion - Judaism    10. Religion / Judaism / General   

Editorial Review

The Thomas à Kempis fan club includes St. Ignatius,Thomas Merton, Thomas More, and evenAgatha Christie's Miss Marple. (She reads a chapter of Read more

Reviews (51)

Recurring Classic of Western Christian Mysticism
I have seen several editions of this ancient classic (ca. AD 1440).The exact one I read (New Kensington, Pennsylvania:Whitaker House, 1981) does not seem to be currently available on Amazon.This Image Classic is a very similar translation to the one I read.This form is somewhat old, in the early 20th Century, but it is much more like our language now, so can be understood and assimilated without effort.
My all time favorite and most inspiring Christian Book
I recommend this book for any Christian looking for a deeper understanding of their faith.This book has an exorbitant amount of spiritual depth.I reread sections of this book over and over and meditate on sections routinely.Excellent, excellent excellent!!!!!One of the greatest and most classic books of the Christian faith!I can't say enough about this book.

A Classic - Incredibly Relevant for Today
"The Imitation of Christ" is one of those spiritual classics that should be on everyone's bookshelf. Written over five hundred years ago and aimed primarily at those in monastic life, it has a message extremely relevant for today for those in all walks of life. The aim of "The Imitation of Christ" is to instruct those who wish to follow Christ how to "fashion his whole life on Christ's model."
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Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Theology - General    5. Devotional    6. Doctrines    7. Early works to 1800    8. Meditations    9. Religion    10. Religion - Classic Works    11. Spiritual life    12. Spirituality - General    13. Christian life & practice    14. Christian theology    15. Religion / Spirituality    16. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (4)

God Almighty, Lord of Glory!
Wow!I love this book & I am not finished with it yet.I am reading it slowly and savoring every word.I will read it again & again.I do not even want to use the study guide but intend to study this book with Scriptures by my side.

Pursuit of God Study Guide
Tozer's The Pursuit of God is a deep, deep writing.Each reading reveals more of God and His purpose in our lives.The study guide, while faithfully following the format of the text, falls short of plumbing the depths of the text.It is a good starting point, but needs to be supplemented with teaching and discussion led by one who can reach into the depths the study guide leaves unexplored.

pusuit of God by AW Tozer
This little gem profoundly changes the way you view God.It forces the seemingly religious to seriously examine the practicality of living for Christ. Excellent and easy to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Discipleship    2. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    3. Religion - Classic Works   

Reviews (4)

Great Content!
The book content in itself is life changing and an amazing read. But the edition is quite unreliable and the introduction completely misconstrued the meaning of the book. I would highly recommend spending two more dollars for a better edition, I wish I did.

Another timeless Christian Classic
Another Christian Classic that stands head and shoulders above most of the rest.This book is written so that you can read it for 5 minutes a day and be truly blessed.Thomas `a Kempis insight into the human condition is truly timeless.The spiritual condition of man in the 1400's was not different than today.Times may change but man remains the same.

Best book ever
This book is amazing. I have since bought several other copies for family and friends. The author seems to deal with all of your personal issues, even those ones that you wouldn't share with others. It's a must read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    2. Christianity - Theology - History    3. Inspirational - Catholic    4. Religion    5. Religion - Classic Works    6. Spirituality - General    7. Christian theology   

Reviews (3)

The Seeds of Heaven, Sermons of the Gospel of Matthew
Barbara Brown Taylor shares her sermons and insight on the typical gospel of Matthew but add so much more.This book is so impressive we have incorporated it into our Lenten program for this year. Thanks Barbara for this wonderful collection.

Taylor is an outstanding writer
I purchased the book to be used in an adult church education class. The volume is a collection of sermons based on the Gospel of Matthew. They are scholarly, yet easy to read. Taylor provides some fresh interpretation to this beloved old gospel. Her ideas make for lively in-class discussion. I recommend her work very highly.

Barbara Brown Taylor spins new stories from St Matthew
She paints mesmerizing pictures from Matthew's Gospel. Bound in the colorful cover outlining two hands around a tender green plant above brown earth, Barbara Brown Taylor is symbolized as the Gardener who brings forth fruit from The Seeds Of Heaven!
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Episcopal Church    5. Matthew    6. N.T    7. N.T.    8. Preaching    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies    11. Sermons    12. Sermons - Christian    13. Sermons, American    14. Christian ministry & pastoral activity    15. Christianity    16. Literary studies: general    17. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (4)

the Chuang tzu
One trusts this is probably the best English translation there is of the Chuang Tzu. The Chuang tzu has a unique place in the world of spiritual writings; it breathes the air of freedom like nothing else. Not knowing ancient Chinese, however, the only thing I can say is that I am very happy with this translation.

The BestAvailable Translation Of This Toaist Classic
Though Burton Watson's translation comes a close second, this version is the absolute best English translation I have found.Mair includes the "rhyming prose" the poetry and lots of the zaniness that somehow gets passed over in other translations.For those wishing to have more notes Mair generously refers them to his writings in the Sino-Platonic Papers.Mair is second to none in his understanding of archaic Chinese and takes us back to the truly revolutionary collection of writings that Chuang Tzu really is.

Superb translation but with a lack of notes
It's a fresh and scholarly translation, but also potentially controversial, since a few sections of the text have been deleted (even from the Inner Chapters). The deletions are not noted in the main text (the general reader will be unaware of them) or clearly explained. They can be found in the "Deleted Passages" appendix at the end of the book. Some translations are unconventional, like "look after your parents" (Watson) in the beginnig of chapter 3, is translated by Victor Mair as "Nourish your inmost viscera"; it would be interesting to know why. I would look forward to another edition with notes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Taoism    2. General    3. Oriental Philosophy    4. Philosophy    5. Taoism   

Reviews (2)

Dented, dog-eared, and torn
I'm obsessed with reading. I read all the time and I love it. Therefore I have read a lot of books and whenever I am asked my favorite book, this title quickly rolls of my tongue. I read this book for the first time three years ago and there is no doubt that this has been the most non-inspired, influential book I've ever read. Since then, I have read books that I might consider better, but God chose to use this book to radically shape my heart.
Simple, With an Elegance that will Kindle Your Affections
There is no doubt that the Non-Denominational, Evangelical and Fundamentalist movements have and will gain much by way of Tozer, who brings much of the simple and intense devotion of some of the great Christian mystics with their poetic vision of God and Man to these very young groups, which can grow stronger and wiser in being nourished by them.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Discipleship    2. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    3. Meditations    4. Religion - Classic Works