Reviews (75)

Great analysis, Dated polemic, Big irony
Ironically, Dennett (and Dawkins and Darwin) provide sophisticated believers with the best tools ever for understanding how a God might have purposefully injected the human memosphere with permanent belief in himself and endowed his believers with the sense of purpose, intentionality, goal-seeking, and teleology that keeps religion alive and growing. A God can accomplish all that *simply* by imbuing the Universe with Darwinian selection, since all Darwinian systems exhibit an epiphenomenal teleology so realistic that we might as well just define real intentionality as "the behavior of individuals (memes or genes) struggling for survival in darwinian system."
Remember the Audience
It is not difficult to dismiss Daniel Dennett's latest work, Breaking the Spell, as an under-researched and unscholarly polemic containing many assertions that are dubious and unproven at best.Dennett, of course, would agree.The book says from page one that it is not intended to be a scholarly work, nor is it intended to offer definitive proof as to the evolutionary origin of religion.If this were what the book were trying to offer, then perhaps the ranting and raving about Dennett's lack of scholarship and his unverified claims would be more to the point.As it stands, though, Breaking the Spell succeeds in getting its intended message across, and it does so in a manner that would not frighten off its intended audience--the average lay theist.
Quite possibly Dennett's worst - and most illogical - book ever, including his getting off on the wrong foot in first 10 pages
But I'll throw him a bone with a second star. (See end of review for why.)
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Subjects:  1. Controversial literature    2. Philosophy    3. Religion    4. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    5. Religion / Philosophy   

Reviews (7)

Provocative, controversial, parts may resonate with you
It is only in the last year that I've dug deep into my spiritual journey in this life.
Think before you buy
I have read almost all of Sylvia Browne's book and out of curiousity decided to flip through the pages of this one.After reading a little bit of what she has written, I felt like I was reading one of her earlier books.Yes, she does get a very repetitive, but some of the topics recently have really made me question her validity.Either she has run out of interesting and new information to share with the public and is forced to make things up, or her ego has gotten the best of her and she actually believes that she knows EVERYTHING!
Same old, same old . . . .
I love this lady dearly and have seen her in person three times at lectures/book signings.However, nothing in this book is fresh - rather it rehashes material that she's had in print for a long while.Every day when I leave my home I ask Lillith to protect my pet and keep her healthy...it wasn't until I read this book that I remembered it was Sylvia's initial publication of the Lillith information that got me started doing it (that's how long it's been...that I'd even forgotten the origins of my request).Sylvia has been teaching us for so long, I have to wonder if there's anything left that she has not addressed. Anymore I just get her books from the library - then if there's something of interest that I want to keep for future reference, I'll purchase it.If this is Sylvia's way to keep her face and her ideas in the public domain, then more power to her.I'd rather hear her lovely renditions of Home than the fire and brimstone others choose to hawk. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Creation    3. Creationism (Biology)    4. General    5. Miscellanea    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Occult Sciences    9. Spiritualism - General    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / New Age   

Reviews (4)

great tool for team and conference
I thought this book was extremely helpful with ideas on how to improve service and thereby improve business
The Fred Factor
We purchased "The Fred Factor" to use as part of an all day retreat in our department.During the earlier part of the day, we discussed the previous fiscal year results, our plans for the current year and then used questions on the book for discussion of what it would be like to be a "Fred" and work and live with people like him.All were requested to read the book before the day, and so it proved a helpful backdrop to the focus of our day.Our groups had some interesting perspectives...great tool for team building!

Nice review of the value of going the extra mail

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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Life - Inspirational    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Business    5. Inspirational - General    6. Motivational    7. Religion    8. Religious aspects    9. Success    10. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (2)

Great Self-Help/Success Book for Christian Women
The Confident Woman is a great book for Christian women who feel a calling to do more in their lives (regardless of their age). Joyce leads you through claiming your confidence, becoming bold without being overbearing, and overcoming fear in order to succeed in life.In the beginning of the book she covers Adam vs. Eve issues and weaves the message that men and women are and should be partners not enemies.Keep your bible with you for this book as you may want to cross reference, although most biblical passages are included in The Confident Woman, some are only mentioned to be referenced.

A great book encouraging its target audience to have a positive, "can-do" attitude
In "The Confident Woman: Start Today Living Boldly and Without Fear," the writer Joyce Meyer encourages women to start thinking positively and more confidently about their abilities. She provides a set of seven guidelines that are designed to help them accomplish just that. There are also passages in the book showing that any woman can be an independent, fearless leader and she wastes no time in proving to them that even God has their support, as indicated by the inclusion of several Biblical passages, in which they learn how God feels about them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christian women    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    6. Religion    7. Religion - Christian Life    8. Religious aspects    9. Religious life    10. Self-confidence    11. Women    12. Women And Religion (General)    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (8)

What every church should know!!!
If your church has too many programs, ministries and events that is causing a sense of disconnect, then you must read this book and implement the ideas in it.This book will truly make your life and the life of the church much simpler, focused and effective in being the church rather than doing church.

Mixed feelings for the "simple church" movement
I have read the book, and can say that the idea given is a wonderful idea from which all churches can gain insight.I agree that a cluttered church cannot be as effective as a focused church, but not all focused churches fall into this model.I have not done the statistical work, but I believe there are many churches in this world who are focused to bring its membership through a process of spiritual maturity that does not look like the processes given in the book.
Much needed in the church today
This is a clarion call for the church to return to its original purpose--making disciples. Based on a research project, the authors insist that the church will make disciples when it reduces programming complexity and develops and focuses on a simple disciplemaking process that creates spiritual growth and movement in its members. A must read for today's church that keeps its members busy, but fails to develop their spiritual maturity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Church Administration - General    3. Christianity - Discipleship    4. Christianity - Evangelism    5. Church And Society    6. Church growth    7. Evangelicalism    8. Evangelism    9. Religion    10. Religion - Christian Life   

Editorial Review

In a distant, timeless place, a mysterious prophet walks the sands. At the moment of his departure, he wishes to offer the people gifts but possesses nothing. The people gather round, each asks a question of the heart, and the man's wisdom is his gift. It is Gibran's gift to us, as well, for Gibran's prophet is rivaled in his wisdom only by the founders of the world's great religions. On the most basic topics--marriage, children, friendship, work, pleasure--his words have a power and lucidity that in another era would surely have provoked the description "divinely inspired." Free of dogma, free of power structures and metaphysics, consider these poetic, moving aphorisms a 20th-century supplement to all sacred traditions--as millions of other readers already have.Read more

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (212)

A Masterpiece to Mankind...
Inspirational and true teachings about various aspects of life are what you will find when you read this beautiful book. The book is short, 96 pages, and includes artwork by the author. The short chapters begin with various people (a ploughman, a judge, a woman, a rich man, an old priest, a mason, a hermit, etc.)asking the mystic to speak about different subjects of life, such as:On Beauty, On Good and Evil, On Marriage, On Joy and sorrow, on friendship, and many more)
Incredible Read
This book helped me through some really rough times when I was in a very dark place in my mind and spirit.
Lessons taught well!
It doesn't matter what faith you follow.The lessons taught in The Prophet reinforces most beliefs and is a must read for the spiritual. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Inspirational & Religious    3. Mysticism    4. Poetry    5. Prose poems, American    6. Poetry texts & anthologies    7. Religion / Bible / Commentaries / New Testament   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (62)

Very Good Audio Bile
I recommend this audio Bible set. Each book of the Bible has its own introduction (just like the book form of the NIV Bible) and it is very enjoyable to listen to.
The best audio Bible yet
I have had other dramatized Bibles, but this one is the best yet. I like the introductions to each of the books. It also came with a very durable case that should last being tossed around in my car. I would highly recommend this version of the NIV Dramatized Audio Bible!

outstanding
Great way to zoom through the entire bible in a matter of few weeks to months, depending on your commute time.I load about 5 CD's each week with my 20-30 minute commute each way.It is just awesome to be able to saturate with God's Words without any "down time" in Christian radio stations.Highly recommend this...good quality sounds and effects that are not distracting the original Words... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Bible - General    3. Bibles - New International    4. Religion    5. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    6. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION AUDIO BIBLES    7. Religion / Bibles / New International    8. The Bible   

Reviews (77)

anonymous
This book is amazing! I honestly can't speak highly enough about it. I heard Brother Yun preach last night, and he is completely authentic, real and in love with Jesus. Mostly what strikes me is that hearing the life story of this man makes me realize that God is all-powerful and trustworthy, and a victorious Christian life is possible!

The Heavenly Man
Read it in one day. I couldn't put it down. I had to stop half way through and pray about my spiritual life! I'm buying 10 copies for all the men I know who are serious about their relationship with Jesus Christ. It is like reading the book of Acts but it took place in the last quarter century. I checked to see if anyone could verify some of the incredible miracles mentioned in the book and found statements from people who are closest to Brother Yun and vouch for his integrity. The author checked with witnesses of the events to confirm their accuracy. God help us get as serious as Brother Yun about our relationship with Christ Jesus!

The Heavenly Man
If you feel that you are complaining too much about your life you need to read this book because you will find nothing in your life to complain about. This book is really life changing, it made me examine my own life. AWESOME BOOK, couldnt put it down. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Missions & Missionary Work    4. Religion    5. Religious    6. Biography & Autobiography / Religious   

Reviews (13)

A Wonderful Word Study/Devotional
This book is probably the best devotional I've ever owned! It is written by a man who has a deep knowledge of Greek and who knows God intimately, and his book reveals this. The book is divided into 365 daily readings, each one being just the right length, not too short (which most are) and not too long. Each day's reading begins with a topic and appropriate scripture from the New Testament, which was originally written in Greek. The author goes into great detail as he expands the meaning of the Greek words used in the scriptures, and also includes personal anecdotes (which are so interesting) and lots of encouragement for the reader (which we all need). At the conclusion of the word study are two additional sections: the first is a prayer the reader can pray that relates to the word study for the day, and the second is a declaration of faith relating to the study. At the very end of the day's reading are three questions to the reader to help him go deeper into the day's subject. The reader definitely comes away from the reading with a much deeper understanding of God's Word and how to apply it to his life. It's a wonderful book for not only personal use, but also would be a great gift. I've read several books by Rick Renner, and this is one of my favorites. I highly recommend it!!!

Truly a gem
All concerns about being able to wrap my mind around a Greek word study were put to rest with the first reading of this true gem. In modern day terms this word study is truly best I have ever encounter.Get one for yourself and a friend.What a treasure.

I highly recommend this book!
I like this book very much. I look forward to read this book every day. i learn new things I didn't know and there is a wealth of knowledge in Sparkling Gems. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Religion    3. Religion - Church History   

Reviews (28)

Excellent With One Caveat
Wright has written a wonderful book that, while in no way coming close to replacing C.S. Lewis' classic Mere Christianity, does give us the fruit of his scholarly work, in a pastoral way that is open to many more readers. Wright here is the pastor giving us suggestions even on how to pray (I like especially his suggestion about praying with the actual words of Scripture). Wright's two main themes are really two sides of the same coin: how heaven and earth overlap in prayer, worship, and the Eucharist, and how life in the Holy Spirit means that God's future for us--which involves bodily resurrection and a new heaven and new earth-- is anticipated now on earth when we live in the Holy Spirit and experience heaven on earth in prayer and liturgy. Wright as a traditional Anglican values the Eucharist--that approach is refreshing for Catholic readers like myself, although I think he goes too far in trying to minimize the differences between Catholics and others on the Eucharist, a stance that Lewis was wise enough to avoid altogether. Catholics engage in Eucharistic Adoration. There in one singular, concrete practice is the Catholic difference that cannot be made to disappear with a wave of the hands. With that caveat in mind, I still highly recommend the book to all readers, including Catholics. For a more detailed review, see my blog above for October 11, 2006.

Home Run for N.T.!
It seems many times I'm only reading material that reinforces what I already know. This book went beyond that educational rut. It gave fresh language to what I really believe and then took me places where I could see my faith from totally new perspectives. I grew deeper in knowledge and more passionate in love with God through it. Thanks.
Simply Very Good Writing
N.T. Wright gets it right.He writes with a style that is both lucid and lyrical -- clearly explained and well-written.In fact the thing I liked most about this particular work is that the author delivers exactly what the title promises -- a short exploration of the major themes of the Christian faith that simply makes sense.
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Subjects:  1. Apologetics    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - General    4. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    5. Religion    6. Religion - Theology    7. Christian Interest    8. Religion / Christian Life    9. Religion / General   

Reviews (17)

Great Words, Poor Performance
I know that this review will counter what many others have said about Max McLean's performance, but I want to warn people before they rush out and buy this product.
Why I Bought Three Audio Bibles
I first discovered Max McLean reading the Bible online at another website.I found reading the Bible myself with the audio reinforcement of Max McLean reading to be an excellent way to read God's Word.After reading at my computer I found the best value for this product at Amazon.I bought one for myself.I took it into my Wednesday night Bible study and the group really liked it.When I was away on vacation they pleaded with me to bring the Audio Bible back.That was enough encouragement for me to buy a copy for the class.I also sent one to my Aunt who is awaiting delivery.
Great Product!
I was very pleased with the Listener's Bible on CD. I love his voice. It was all I'd hoped it would be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Other    2. Bible - General    3. Bibles - New International    4. Bibles - Other    5. Inspirational - General    6. Religion    7. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy   

Reviews (140)

HEY!!! God created sex, not the innovators of Playboy and Hustler! Got that?
Ok, why the heck am I doing a review on a book concerning sexual purity? Was this really something I needed? Is it really any of YOUR business? Not really, but here I am. And after all the bumps and bruises, I say that this was indeed worth the time invested in reading this. My pastor deserves a huge thank you in letting me borrow this book. So, are you kind of uncomfortable talking about a subject such as this? Would the first few pages, let alone some of the stories get on your nerves? It did me a little, but it also cracked me up when I sat there thinking, "Hey! Come on!" Oh yeah... I'm guilty of some impure thoughts. Better yet, I'm guilty of lusting with my eyes! And now is the time to start taking captive of crap like that. So if YOU have the thought after reading this that it just might be too simplistic because of the world we live in, REALITY CHECK!!! You as a man are probably guilty somewhere along the line.
*sigh*, It's a start I suppose...
I found this to be the right book at the right time. I plan on trying out some of the techniques discussed in this book, but I know this will be a very, VERY hard thing for me to pull off. I enjoy looking at beautiful women so much that I don't even give it a second thought. Sometimes a little too much. It is, as the author states, a habit that I must get out of or it could threaten the very foundation of my marriage (for when I finally DO get married). I guess I need to try to re-train myself on not looking at them in "that way". I read this book because looking at beautiful women (to me, all women are beautiful) in "that way" is one of my worst vices that I felt like I needed to work on because it was starting to get a little out of hand. This is a very necessary thing to do if you want to become a better Christian and become more "Christ-like". Not something a secular type would understand. My only gripe about this book was that about half of it was written for the married man in mind and since I'm still single, I wasn't able to identify with the rest of the book. Maybe I'll have a look at the companion book that is aimed at younger single men.

Shamefully Simplistic
We live in a man's world. Women are raped, abused, beaten and generally regarded as objects for male gratification. This is an epidemic problem, and Christian men are just as great of offenders as the general population.
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Subjects:  1. Christian men    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Men's Issues    5. Christianity - Theology - Ethics    6. Counseling    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religious aspects    10. Religious life    11. Sex    12. Temptation    13. Religion / Counseling   

Editorial Review

In this splendid retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, bestselling author Francine Rivers pens a heartbreaking romance between a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her; the story also functions as a reminder of God's unconditional love for his people. Read more

Reviews (370)

simply the best
This book is simply one of the best books I have ever read!!Echoing the reviews of so many others for this book, I could not put it down and read it through the night.Francine Rivers has been blessed with the ability to create characters we can connect to immediately and cry with throughout the book.She includes topics that so many are embarrased by or ashamed of; she not only makes them interesting but she teaches compassion through them.I would not recommend this book to the young due to the sexual implications but those same implications are part of the hook that connects you with the characters so I would recommend it to everyone else.

audiobook
I had listened to this book on audiotape a few years ago, and it touched
Eye opening
A wonderful book, it brought me to tears numerous times. I highly recomend it to anyone in search of a good book to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Romance    3. Popular American Fiction    4. Religious - General    5. Romance - General    6. Romance: Modern    7. FICTION / GENERAL / ROMANCE    8. Fiction / Romance / General   

Reviews (57)

Good Aid to Help You in Finding Your Ideal Career
In my humble opinion, Dan Miller has written a valuable tool to help you better understand yourself and transition into a better career.Some reviewers see the book as just another "cut and paste" title.Yes, there is some of that in the book, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded of things we have previously heard but forgot.Also, there is some new interesting information included in the book, particulary the ample number of websites you can access to help you along in your transition.
Know Yourself and Seek Self Improvement
By:Jeffrey W. Bennett, Author of Under the Lontar Palm and founder of LayMentor
Sharing this book with everyone!
This book is great for two audiences:1- those currently looking for a job/career change 2- anyone who wants to live more intentionally.It's full of great questions to get you thinking and full of very specific job search hints.I bought two copies.I read one and gave one as a gift. As I was barely finishing my copy, I had a conversation with someone who needed it so I gave it to him.Now I need to order at least two more!A great catalyst for life change/re-focusing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Business/Economics    5. Career development    6. Christian Life    7. Christianity - Christian Life - General    8. Job Finding    9. Job enrichment    10. Job satisfaction    11. Motivational    12. Personal Growth - Success   

Editorial Review

Jezebel and Delilah have plenty to teach contemporary Christian women, according to Read more

Reviews (44)

Good Humor is truly God-given
And there's plenty of it to be found in Higg's work. This book is truly unique in several ways, one being that it's practically an anthology as well as a guidebook. Also, Higgs blessedly does NOT paint unrealistically good-girl pictures of what we should be like; her brutally honest recounting of her past is part of this. I found her transformation of old stories into new absolutely brilliant and insightful and her humor and bluntness often hilarious. Inspite of her occasional gushing of Christ (can you blame her?) and her extremely affectionate terms of endearment for the reader, Higgs never came across to me as condescending or fake. In fact, she's more real than certain people I've actually met. Some female Christian authors give the impression of being either the dance-through-daisies type or the whip-in-hand type that you can't at all relate to, but Higgs is wonderfully flesh and blood as well as Godly, which not everyone can accomplish! One feminist claimed that Higgs believes in women being submissive to men, but let's give her a little more credit here! While she does make a comment about wives submitting to their husbands, she only does this once and never says that women should be submissive in general. If there's one thing Higgs is not, it's a doormat. I did take away one star because I felt like she occasionally (in both her Bad Girl books) connected personal beliefs with Christian ones a little too much(I do not agree that nudity is inherently sinful or that morning-after pills are nasty), but we all do that to a certain point and Higgs still for the most part manages to steer clear of preachiness. If you'd like a down-to-earth and entertaining Christian guide, I highly recommend both "Bad Girl" books as well as "Mad Mary" (read the latter with a bunch of tissues, though). Higgs is truly in a class by herself :) God Bless you, Liz!

The most relevant book I've ever read
I bought this book more than a year before I read it. It sat on my shelf gathering dust until I finally found the courage to actually read it. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I read it for two days straight, grabbing it every chance I could.
Witty, fun, real and relevant
We have a small group of women meeting once a week and reading this book. I love the way Liz starts each chapter by retelling the story of the woman the way it may look if it was happening today and gives us a new insight into that life. She then goes step by step through the Bible verses and does a study on them - showing insights and ways that it relates to us today. The questions at the end of the chapter are good as well and the whole diverse group of us is learning... There are different types of women in the Bible and each of us relates to at least one of them! I like the catagories: Bad to the bone, Bad for a season and Bad for a moment. Witty, fun, real and relevant to me today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Stories - General    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Topical Studies    4. Biography    5. Christian women    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. Religious life    9. Spirituality - Women's    10. Women in the Bible    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (14)

Fantastic Analysis
This book is a fantastic analysis of our culture's emasculating effect on men. The author has a fantastic solution for tapping into our nature and releasing the man inside.
Review of Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
The author makes a strong case for men to stop trying to fit into a neat mold of what men are supposed to be like, how they are supposed to act, etc...He alleges that men have been asked to be nice to the point that men lose their masculinity and become instead more feminine.He alleges that this type of behavior is self-defeating for men and eventually leads to their unhappiness and then also the unhappiness of their women and their families.
Dangerous Doctrine
Some of the most dangerous ideas that are implicitly or explicitly advanced in this book include the following:
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Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Men's Issues    4. Men's Studies - General    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Sociology Of Men    8. Spirituality - General    9. Christian life & practice    10. Religion / Spirituality   

Subjects:  1. 1937-    2. American - General    3. Fiction - General    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Humorous    6. Karon, Jan,    7. Literary    8. Literary Collections    9. Literature: Classics    10. Mitford (N.C. : Imaginary place)    11. Mitford years    12. Sagas    13. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (14)

Read About the Power of Print to Change Lives
Books change lives and the stories in this title bear repeated witness of this fact. In each chapter, a well-known author talks about the power of the printed page to transform life.Each story is different and unique to the individual. I love this book and discovered new insights into several authors who I appreciate.

YOU'VE GOT TO READ THIS BOOK!55 PEOPLE TELL THE STORY OF THE BOOK THAT CHANGED THEIR LIFE
This book is one of the best I have ever read, I too could not put it down and finished it in 3 days!I was sad when I finished it.The stories were all so exciting.I couldn't wait to read some of their recommended books!I do hope there will be more editions of this book to follow.

An Interesting Look At What People Read And Why
I've read a number of b