Reviews (25)

Notes on the translation
I have a little insight on the translation picked. the NIV really wasn't the first choice, but was rather a compromise between the editors and the major donors for the project. NIV was a happy medium for those involved, and is generally more accessible to the mainstream biblical reader, but I know the editors wanted a "better" translation.

Stuby Bible with a diiferent twist
This is a study Bible that takes a different approach than most other study Bibles.It focuses on the archaeological evidence and proofs for Biblical events.It is very good and presents material in an easy to read format!

Makes me want to read it on and on.
I have always looked for a different kind of Bible. I love Bibles with lots of commentaries or study notes. My favourite bible was The Quest Bible for the Question and Answer portions in each page. When I saw the sampler for the Archaeological bible, I just had to have it. The pages are indeed beautiful and although shallow a reason, makes me want to read it through and through. I like the parchment design even if other people think it's distracting. The only thing I don't like about the Archaeological Bible is the study notes are mainly about history, culture, and tradition. People looking for study notes to help you interpret the verses should look somewhere else. In fact, it would probably be good to have a bible with stuyd notes along side the Archaeological Bible which has historical notes. It would definitely let one understand the Bible better. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bibles    2. Bibles - New International    3. Religion    4. Religion / Bibles / New International   

Editorial Review

In the Read more

Reviews (118)

A modern-day Apostle?
With the precision of a surgeon and the eloquence of Jesus, John Spong's insight removes the cancerous tumor threatening to consume Scripture to reveal the Good News of Love. Praise is to God, Allah, or whatever you deem to call Him. If you are a freethinking, people-loving, faith-filled person, then this book is a must.
An Absolute Must-Read for Anyone that thinks they know the Bible
This book was a real eye-opener for me - and I have always questioned "authority".I have had my teenagers read it & recommend it to all my friends & family.
Dishonest and waste of time
"Bishop" Spong has turned out another "masterpiece." However, why not be honest and title the book, "Why I hate the Bible and Christians in general." I'm not entirely sure why Spong insists on calling himself a Christian but I do have a theory. Books by so-called Christians sell more then books by atheists. So why not write a book condemning all of Christianity all the while still calling yourself a Christian. Face it books sell that are believed to be by a "Christian author." Not to mention he gets a fat salary from the Anglican "Church."Spong denies every single traditional doctrine of Christianity. He not only believes that homosexuality is not a sin but he actually believes that it is a virtue. If you are really interested in learning how to hate Christianity then this is the book for you. If morality to you is only that which suits your purposes and what you find convenient then Spong is your man. If you really want to know about what the bible actually says and who Jesus Christ really was then read the bible and consider something worthwhile to help guide you through a decent understanding of the Christian faith, like C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity" or Peter Kreeft's "Catholic Christianity." For those who want even a more basic understanding of the Christian Faith try Lee Strobel's "A case for Christ." It is evident that Spong has a deep seated hatred toward Christianity and Christians in general and his book does not even do the cause of liberal theology any good. 1 star because there is no minus 1000. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - General    3. Bible Commentary    4. Christianity - General    5. Christianity - Theology - General    6. Criticism    7. Criticism, interpretation, etc    8. Episcopal Church    9. Episcopal Churches    10. Liberalism (Religion)    11. Religion    12. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    13. Religion / Christianity   

Reviews (45)

It really does Works IF You Work It
This is not a book you will read and be changed by its profound ideas.It is not an idea.It is a practice.If you are an intellectual snob who is not willing to get out of your head and into your heart, this practice will not work for you.Only if you are willing to go within and and FEEL the feelings that are keeping you stuck will you gain from this experiential technique.If you are willing to do the exercises, it will be a profound experience in raising your awareness and your peace of mind.It can help you experience the freedom you seek.

Get the Audio Program
This is not a plug from anyone who makes money off the Sedona Method.
One of the Better PRACTICAL Self-Help Tools Available
Over the past couple of decades, I have read a LOT of books that address the issue of creating a better life and ending "personal suffering." The "problem" with most of these teachings-- although certainly worthy-- is that they either require extensive learning, or following the ways of a Teacher (to the exclusion of ALL others) for *years*, before some level of self-awareness is reached.
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Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Happiness    3. Personal Growth - Happiness    4. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    5. Personal Growth - Success    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Self-actualization (Psychology    10. Self-actualization (Psychology)    11. Success    12. Personal Growth - General    13. Body, Mind & Spirit    14. Inspiration & Personal Growth    15. Spirituality    16. Spiritual   

Editorial Review

Prince Arjuna faced a dilemma that many face sooner or later--whether to take action that is necessary yet morally ambiguous. The difference is that Arjuna's action was to wage war against his own family. With the armies arrayed, Arjuna loses his nerve. Krishna, his charioteer and incarnation of divine consciousness, begins to teach him the nature of God and of himself, that Arjuna can attain liberation through union with God, and that there are several available paths. And so the most famous and revered of all Hindu Scriptures goes on to teach the paths of knowledge, devotion, action, and meditation, becoming the seed for all the Hindu systems of philosophy and religion that followed. For all of its profundity, Eknath Easwaran manages to translate the Read more

Reviews (29)

Words of Khrisna
I am going to buy this book and read it. I am going to compare it to the New Testament writings. I will compare the words of Khrisna with the words ofChrist. Which words have the path of salvation in them and which words are a lie? This question is of all others the most important.
A scholarly yet readable translation makes BG relevant today
No wonder this is the best-selling translation of this Indian classic work! Easwaran gives a full introduction, putting the Gita into the context of the literature and traditions of the time, and showing how it relates to modern philosophy. Sanskrit concepts that are quite difficult to translate into English are explained carefully, as is the relationship with Yoga. The translation itself is vivid and convincing, and the book is cleverly divided, with each chapter preceded by a clear explanation of the difficult concepts to come in that chapter.

Required For Any Library of Eastern Theology!
This slim volume in my opinion, should be, along with Easwaran's translation of the Upanishads and Dhammapada, on the shelf of every student of Eastern Wisdom. The translation is beautiful, somewhere between prose and poetry, and the introduction, and chapter openings are especially helpful to Westerners unfamiliar with Hinduism, and the non-physical schools of Yoga. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hinduism    2. Religion    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Editorial Review

Karen Armstrong speaks to the troubling years following her decision to leave the life of a Roman Catholic nun and join the secular world in 1969. What makes this memoir especially fascinating is that Armstrong already wrote about this era once---only it was a disastrous book. It was too soon for her to understand how these dark, struggling years influenced her spiritual development, and she was too immature to protect herself from being be bullied by the publishing world. As a result, she agreed to portray herself only in as "positive and lively a light as possible"---a mandate that gave her permission to deny the truth of her pain and falsify her inner experience. The inspiration for this new approach comes from T. S. Eliot's Read more

Reviews (80)

Wonderfully Touching and Powerful
Thank you Karen for recording your experience in such a truthful and therefore powerful way. Your courage and determination in the face of inhumanity is a familiar drumbeat that we would all do well to march to. Your stories of survival with compassion and mercy are a shining-light to those of all faiths and of all languages. Your language of love and hope is universal and you are a true friend. Thank you.

excellent
Karen Armstrong is a great writer, with quite the story to tell.The Spiral Staircase recounts the most powerful and change-filled years of her life--it concentrates mostly on the few years following her departure from life as a Catholic nun.She tells her story so honestly and openly that you really get a feel for Karent Armstrong the person, not just the successful writer.I read The Spiral Staircase before I read any of her other works, but since then I've enjoyed both her biography of Buddha, and "Islam: A Short History."Her memoir is candid and her prose is neither too emotional nor too academic.

Describes temporal lobe epilepsy with Grace
Another reviewer, a nurse who has interest in temporal lobe epilepsy and thought that Armstrong did not adequately explain temporal lobe epilepsy, has obviously never experienced a temporal lobe seizure. Karen Armstrong's descriptions of her temporal lobe seizures were spine-tingling, and nearly brought me to tears with the feeling that "Finally! Someone has put it into words! Someone understands!" Her plight out of the darkness of religious life is inspiring and her experiences with epilepsy make a remarkable backdrop. I recommend this read for people who have never questioned their faith as well as those who have. I also recommend it for families and friends of people with epilepsy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1944-    2. Armstrong, Karen,    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Ex-nuns    8. General    9. History    10. Literary    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Religion (General)    13. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    14. Religious    15. Spirituality - Women's    16. Women    17. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs    18. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (5)

A must read!
John Maxwell is an excellent author. All of his books are a must read.

Insightful
These are the first books by John Maxwell that I have read. After I bought the collection of 3 books, I examined the inside of the cover page (I have this habit of reading the copyright page) and was surprised to find that there is reference of scriptures found in the Bible. I was not aware that John Maxwell is a church leader and devout Christian. Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised that the books are as relevant to a church leader and to a leader in any realm.
Three fantastic books in one!What a steal!
John C. Maxwell is genius! His no-nonsense style, guidance, and quick wit make these easy reads and keep you turning the page.Highly recommend this book if you are looking to becoming that person of influence and need direction to pump up those around you.Attitude is everything! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Business    4. Leadership    5. Personal Growth - Success    6. Psychology    7. Business & Economics / Leadership   

Editorial Review

Piloting his 747, Rayford Steele is musing about his wife Irene's irritating religiosity and contemplating the charms of his "drop-dead gorgeous" flight attendant, Hattie. First Irene was into Amway, then Tupperware, and now it's the Rapture of the Saints--the scary last story in the Bible in which Christians are swept to heaven and unbelievers are left behind to endure the Antichrist's Tribulation. Steele believes he'll put the plane on autopilot and go visit Hattie. But Hattie's in a panic: some of the passengers have disappeared! The Rapture has happened, abruptly driverless cars are crashing all over, and the slick, sinister Romanian Nicolae Carpathia plans to use the UN to establish one world government and religion. Resembling "a young Robert Redford" and silver-tongued in nine languages, Carpathia is named Read more

Reviews (2152)

Just REALLY BAD writing!
Ok, I don't mean to be rude, but if you think this is great writing you are woefully uneducated. It is almost a sad confirmation of the common stereotype of fundamentalist Christians being uneducated yokels that so many of them think this is great writing. Here's my take: I'd enjoy a good "end of times" story - this just isn't it. The Left Behind series is amateurish and poorly written and just plain astonishing to me that it has had such huge success. P.T. Barnum once said that no one ever went broke understimating the intelligence of the American public and this series proves it. Christians should demand better writing from their revered authors. Go read some C.S. Lewis or something - please.
Christian fundamentalism dramatized
Even the avid "trekie" reader of the Star Trek science fiction novels, movies and television series must suspend disbelief, when he finds Captain Kirk saying "Beam me up, Scotty."But the biblical literalist reading this book need make no such effort, when he reads in this book that Jesus will effectively beam millions of true Christians up to heaven in the world-wide "Rapture."Though the characters and their roles are fictitious, the book specifically references the relevant biblical passages for the believer.
The greatest out of all books...
Left Behind book one is by-far the best book out of the first five adult books that I have read. This book is science-fiction and is a fast reader. The Left Behind collection is about the Earths last days when Jesus comes from heaven and chooses the chosens one. If you believe in the bible and know Jesus is real you will not be Left Behind. It starts out with Rayford steele in countrol of a 747 passanger Jet flying over the Alantic. As he is doing that he is thinking about the Senior Flight attendent, Hattie Durham. She is young and atractive. But he is loyle to his wife, Irene, so he wont ruin there relationship. Rayford has two kids. Ray JR. age 12 and Chloe, coming home from college. When Rayford isnt working he never really goes to church. Only ray Jr. and Irene every sunday and Chloe is always at college. But to know the rest you must read the book. Left Behind is Kinda hard to understand and has some hard words in it. (Recommened age group 8th grade-13 years of age.) Craig- Monticello,Illinois ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - Apocalyptic    4. Religious - General    5. Modern fiction    6. Science fiction   

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   

Editorial Review

Gandhi's nonviolent struggles in South Africa and India had already brought him to such a level of notoriety, adulation, and controversy that when asked to write an autobiography midway through his career, he took it as an opportunity to explain himself. Although accepting of his status as a great innovator in the struggle against racism, violence, and, just then, colonialism, Gandhi feared that enthusiasm for his ideas tended to exceed a deeper understanding. He says that he was after truth rooted in devotion to God and attributed the turning points, successes, and challenges in his life to the will of God. His attempts to get closer to this divine power led him to seek purity through simple living, dietary practices (he called himself a fruitarian), celibacy, and Read more

Reviews (61)

Honest politician
Gandhi may have been the only honest successfull politician ever.
Gandhi, A man of Truth
Barrister Gandhi, in his book "Gandhi and Autobiography: The Story of my Experiments With Truth" is a real account of experiments with truth or what is percieved to be the truth. Gandhi, the youngest of three sons was born and brought up in Porbandar, India. His love for truth and respect for all humanity was put in him by his father who was "...a lover of his clan, truthful, brave and generous..." His mother too left him with an "...outstanding impression ... of saintliness" as "she was deeply religious", a woman devoted to prayer and fasting. It's on this background that Mr. Gandhi built his life of Experiments on.
Inspirational Convictions...
What can you say that hasn't been said about this man?A good read and a wonderful humanist perspective.I was amazed at his capacity and restraint to qualify his perspectives and avoid embellishments.It took a bit longer to read through this novel and left me to ponder.This should be on a list of books for suggested reading for everyone.I only understood the general history and concepts that he pursued in his life, which were admirable.This book allowed me to see why he was so exceptional. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1869-1948    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Gandhi,    6. Historical - General    7. India    8. India - History    9. Mahatma,    10. Political    11. Religious    12. Statesmen    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: general    15. Biography: political    16. Colonization & independence    17. Gandhi    18. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Reviews (57)

Excellent
Even though its a little long winded, this is what everyone says it is.Comprehensive!But do we really need to know all this?Or, at best, couldn't this be summed up in about 100 or so pages less?

About time to reframe the "debate"
Nancy Pearcey's easy-to-read book will tell people of faith, especially Christians, how to reframe the "debate" (as though it ever WAS a debate except in the minds of scientists) between science and faith vis a vis the origins of life. Pearcey goes into great and revealing detail about how people of faith automatically have their arguments about the origins of life disregarded as "values" instead of "facts". She does an excellent job of debunking the notion that evolution is fact-based, despite the general consensus of most scientists. (They are changing their minds in droves, by the way.)
Total Truth
For anyone wanting to find out how Christianity has been influenced by our culture, this is an awesome book.Very enlightening and well written.Also, helpful as a guide on how to live what you believe. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apologetics    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    6. General    7. Philosophy    8. Philosophy Of Christianity    9. Religion    10. Religion - Christian Life   

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

Pema Chödrön may have more good one-liners than a Groucho Marx retrospective, but this nun's stingers go straight to the heart: "The essence of bravery is being without self-deception"; "When we practice generosity, we become intimate with our grasping"; "Difficult people are the greatest teachers." These are the punctuations to specific teachings of fearlessness.In Read more

Reviews (30)

Necessary Reading for us All
Her wisdom is ageless and important to anyone who has ever had a difficult time with someone or something. That about covers us all, eh? Great gift for friends and family, too. You don't need to be going through a difficult time to appreciate the clarity and significance of her words. It's useful at anytime in your life. Check out ALL her books - you can't go wrong with Pema Chodrun. Gentle, joyous and relevant to anyone who has a soul. Regardless of your religion or spiritual practices, this book will help.

Lessons on choice and courage
Pema Chodron is an American Buddhist and a student of Trungpa, the Tibetan meditation master: her teachings on choice and courage shine in THE PLACES THAT SCARE YOU: A GUIDE TO FEARLESSNESS IN DIFFICULT TIMES. Here are tools to deal with problems, and methods for unblocking avenues for resolution, provided in chapters which cover everything from cultivating qualities which lend to insight to understanding common enemies of compassion. An excellent survey of faith and meaning based on Buddhist principles.
Best Book Ever
I've re-read it a hundred times, in whole and in part, since purchasing it at the beginning of 2003. It's tightly written, incisive, cogent, insightful and honest. It's just the best interpretation of Buddhist principles I've read without becoming precious, contrived, gratuitous, academic or overly dramatic. Buy it; it's a keeper. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religious life    7. Spiritual    8. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (4)

Henri Nouwen's Contribution To Spiritual Direction
Henri Nouwen was a great promoter of the practice of spiritual direction, but he never wrote a book on the subject. This is surprising since he wrote a wide array of books on just about any given subject in the Christian spiritual quest. He did write a number of articles on the subject, and there are a number of unpublished article and writings pertaining to the subject. Two close friends and associates of Nouwen, Michael Christensen and Rebecca Laird have compiled these writings into a book that is entirely Nouwen's writings (without commentary) and could just be the book Nouwen would have written if he had approached the subject.
An apt title
This compilation is an informative and effective presentation of the discipline of spiritual direction.If one was interested in spiritual direction and wanted to find out what it was all about and its potential,this would be a great place to start.

A Very Personal Book on Spiritual Direction
This is more than a book on Spiritual Direction, but a 'life' of Spiritual Direction.The subject is introduced with Henri Nouwen's real life experiences that are very transparent and naked, that speaks to the hunger of every human soul with great impact.
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Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Faith    5. Inspirational - Catholic    6. Religion    7. Religion - Classic Works    8. Spiritual life    9. Spirituality - General    10. Religion / General   

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.