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   

Reviews (44)

Good inspirational book
I purchased this for my grandson' birthday and read it before i gave it to him.I am not very sports minded but it was a well written biography of a spectacular human being who is doing a good job of showing young men what makes a great man in God's eyes.

Molding Americas Youth
A must read for all public and private school athletic coaches. This excellent book epitomizes the characteristics deemed necessary to assist and mold America's young people.

Amazing
I played college football and pro baseball.I have very vivid memories of my coaches since childhood.I had a coach in high school, Larry Book, who made a big impression on me.He was great and I remember him fondly, though I liked him more after I left than I did when I played for him.As good as he was, we never talked about life things, real important things.Joe Ehrman's coaching style I've never really heard of or come across.He explains what it means to be a man, to love, to give, in words that I never really heard before, certainly not from a football coach.Even if you've never played football, this true story is one you'll want to read and share with others.I have multiple copies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1962-    2. Baltimore    3. Biography    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Men's Issues    5. Ehrmann, Joe    6. Football - General    7. Football coaches    8. Inspirational    9. Inspirational - General    10. Marx, Jeffrey,    11. Maryland    12. Men's Studies - General    13. Religion    14. Sports    15. Sports & Recreation    16. Sports & Recreation / General   

Editorial Review

When Helen Schucman, a professor of medical psychology at Columbia University, began hearing an inner voice of rapid dictation (which she eventually identified as the voice of Jesus), she decided to start taking shorthand notes. Then, with the support and encouragement of a colleague, Schucman continued to assemble the teachings that came to her. The result is Read more

Reviews (229)

I LOVED THIS BOOK
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE I AM ABLE TO SEE CLEAR AND KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE PEOPLE HAVE TO JUST BE OPEN MINDED AND LET THE LIGHT IN
a work in progress
I first became familiar with a Course in Miracles in the early 90's by attending classes for it at a Unity Church. Of course, without reading it had no real idea what it was about. Purchased the book soon after, read the text and started the workbook; but, I stopped at about lesson 100 because of a major life change. It was probably just as well because I really don't think I understood it clearly. A year ago I read Gary Renard's book "The Disappearance Of The Universe" which really brought it down to a human level. I started the workbook again (currently on lesson 268) and it has changed my life. My mind is much quieter, much more free of mindless chatter. Don't get me wrong, I still have those crazy days. I highly recommend everyone buying this book and keep it on hand for when you are ready for it.

I hope you all find help
because if you think this is the way to go, you are truly in need of it.First, a careful reading of the Bible mentions false prophets and such (after end point of the Bible) but otherwise says nothing occurs till time for "rapture" and 2nd coming.Unless you want to claim we're in second coming, people who hear from Jesus are either deluded or false prophets.You are free to decide which.On that basis, however, the ideas espoused in the book are either pointless,useless (if delusional), or meant to pull people to the Anti-C if false prophecy.Again, your decision. (Free-will - remember and apply it !!!) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Course in miracles    3. Education    4. New Age movement    5. Religion    6. Spiritual life    7. Spiritualism - Course in Miracles    8. Spirituality - Course in Miracles   

Reviews (19)

Well-written book on an understudied yet important subject
In "The Shia Revival" Vali writes about this minority sect of Islam, which only predominates in 3 or 4 countries in the Middle East, yet has adherents in many other countries.This book is not a history, yet he writes about the history, traditions, culture, and unique aspects of the Shia throughout the book. The book is very well-written, being not too academic yet not dumbed down either.This sect of Islam is very poorly known and even less-well understood in even the Islamic world itself.Yet, as Nasr writes, the coming of age of core Shia countries like Iran and Iraq, and countries with large Shia minorities like Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and Syria mean that this is a substantial sect of Islam that can no longer be ignored.After the reading this book you will have a much more informed view of the Islamic world and its internal conflicts, as well as a better understanding of Islam itself.

Excellent Book on Shia / Sunni Strife
This well written book is an excellent treatise on the historical conflict between the Shia and Sunni Muslims and how it applies to the current situation in Iraq and to some extent Lebanon.The book has probably one of the best explanations of the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims.It also describes how the Shia have been suppressed by the Sunni for centuries and how the Author believes there is a Shia revival occuring in the Middle East that has intensified since the toppling of Saddam Hussein from power.
Essential reading
Years ago in a world religions course I took at a conservative, inter-denominational seminary I learned all about the conflicts in Islam that are explained here by author Vali Nasr. If we understood this when we were rushing toward the invasion of Iraq, then we would have realized that the sectarian conflict that we now have in Iraq was quite predictable.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. History    3. International Relations - General    4. Islam    5. Islam - General    6. Islam and politics    7. Middle East    8. Political Freedom & Security - General    9. Political aspects    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Relations    12. Religion    13. ShÃ¥i°ah    14. Sunnites    15. Miscellaneous Items    16. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    17. Political Science / International Relations   

Reviews (2)

Another Great Book From Ms. Garrett!
I have read several of Ms. Garrett's books.They always make you feel as if you are walking in her footsteps.I, being an X-member of an Old Order Amish sect, was curious to see if there were any differences within her sect and mine.I learned alot from, "Born Amish."For my sect was a little different-which isn't shocking when there are so many Amish sects.I can't wait until she publishes another book.For she is a remarkable writer.I always recommend her books.I also recommend, "My Amish Heritage", by Ruth Irene Garrett; and, "True Stories of X-Amish: Banned-Shunned-Excommunicated", by Ottie Garrett and Ben Garrett.

Beautifully written
The book "Born Amish"is truly a beautiful book about women's roles in an Amish family in an Amish community.I read this lovely book in one setting.I hope there are more books on the way as detailed and honest as this one.I wish women everywhere could read this outstanding book.I enjoyed Ruth's first book "Crossing Over",but this is the one that details the facts of being "Born Amish"and growing up Amish.May God bless you Ruth Garrett. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1974-    2. Amish    3. Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Childhood and youth    5. Garrett, Ruth Irene,    6. General    7. Inspiration & Personal Growth    8. Iowa    9. Kalona    10. Kalona (Iowa)    11. New Age    12. Religion - Socialissues    13. Religious    14. Social life and customs   

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 (149)

Everything Wrong with the Radical Right
This is an excellent book that deeply explores the history and politics of America's oil addiction, and how it is enslaving the U.S. to foreign countries. If you care about American democracy and America's independence, you will read this book.
Pretty good, but....
I agreed with much of this book.thought by the Title it would primarily be about the dangers of religion in politics. However, it seems the author thinks "radical secularism" is almost as bad as fundamentalism. It does paint a bleak picture of the future of America. Another problem was it was a bit boring at some points. Finally, a critique I have of quite a few books I have read recently. Authors, PLEASE stop using endnotes! They are very difficult to look up! Either (perferably) use footnotes (at the bottom of the page) or put notes at the end of each chapter.

A Missed Opportunity
Kevin Phillips picked a worthy set of topics but unfortunately, his diagnosis misses the boat.He tries to suggest that oil dependence, (Christian) religious fundamentalism and what he calls the "financialization" of the American economy hold great peril for the United States.He is right that the nation faces peril, but his preference to engage in feel good populism rather than truly identify policies and attitudes that put the nation at risk weakens his message.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. Conservatism    3. Government - National    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. International Relations - General    6. Petroleum    7. Petroleum industry and trade    8. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    9. Political Science    10. Political aspects    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics/International Relations    13. Religion And Politics    14. United States    15. Political Science / Government / National   

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

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   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (126)

Smoking stuff
This guy must have been smoking plenty in order to create his lofty and interesting theories. He has developed his ideas from his first book "The power of now". It's very entertaining for a student of zen buddhism to learn about Tolle's ideas and thoughts. For a thoroughly understanding of this text you will benefit learning about zen. Steven Hagen's "Buddhism Plain and Simple" is an excellent source that strips out Buddha's teaching into it's core, without BS.

real clarity

A review by my Ego
As I was flying back to Vancouver tonight, I finished this book on the plane. I watched in amazement as my mind was waiting in excitement to just get home, sit down in front of my computer and write a review of this book. My mind almost raced at the thought of writing this review, collecting with amazing speed all the merits and shortcomings of this amazing book. But something was different. My excitement was tainted! My Ego, in his hasty planning for a grandiose review didn't even realize that it was being "watched". It happened before, but this time the "watching" went on for much longer and much deeper than before. Boy, my Ego is in trouble now! :) LOL
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Inspiration & Personal Growth    3. New Age    4. New Age (Self Help)    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. New Age Movement    7. Personal Guidance    8. Spiritual life    9. Spirituality - General    10. Self-Help / Spiritual   

Reviews (1)

Inspiration by Date or by Topic
This calendar-style book has much to offer in short, easily adaptable entries for each day of the year. The obvious approach would be to set aside a few minutes to read and reflect on each day's entry. However, the author has generously offered an option via the topic index. Either choice is suitable for individuals or small groups. The format is a selection from Augustine's writings, containing an appropriate heading and the citation, followed by a brief reflection.
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Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Catholicism    3. Devotional    4. Devotional calendars    5. Inspirational - Catholic    6. Meditations    7. Religion    8. Religion - Classic Works    9. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    10. Spiritual life    11. Spirituality - General    12. Christian prayerbooks   

Reviews (3)

Status Report on the Wilber Project
Ken Wilber started out 30 years ago in "Spectrum of Consciousness" trying to butt-weld Buddhism onto western developmental psychology.Now in "Integral Spirituality" he is trying to imagine what religion would look like if it accepted that the modernist critique of pre-modern religion and the postmodernist critique of modernism (including science) are true.
Spirituality with intelligent thought: not a bad idea
The previous reviewer has done a great job summarizing the content in this book, so I'll just make a few simple comments. This book will probably be most enjoyed by people who have some familiarity with Ken Wilber's work (thought this is not necessary). Not a lot of time is spent defining and suiting his theory (thank goodness, since he's already done that in a hand-full of previous books). It was refreshing to see Wilber present some significant new ideas, some revisions of previous ideas, and he also began to relate different parts of his model to each other in a more dynamic fashion (thought there is still a long way to go).
Integral Theory, with some application to spirituality
The book mostly presents a theory of how to theorize about spirituality, rather than simply delivering a direct theory of spirituality.By this late stage, we must set high standards for Wilber to meet, for the content of his theory and his presentation of it.This presentation is not as condensed, polished, and finished as one would expect from the expert on integral spirituality; it's a hashing-out of a rebuttal to one aspect of postmodernism, and a repeated urging to take that one aspect into consideration.It has an unbalanced emphasis on "the myth of the given", as though the only aspect of postmodernism to think about is how mystic experiencing is shaped largely by cultural factors.The presentation gives the sense Wilber is still in the midst of working-out these ideas; we'll have to wait for someone else to boil down his top-heavy use of jargon into plain-spoken English in a balanced, polished presentation with straightforward subheadings.