Reviews (8)

The Chef Scores Again!
I'm prejudiced for Eugene Peterson whose The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language is the most stimulating and refreshing version of Scripture out there today.
Invites a broader perspective on Biblical study than those which advocate using the Bible for self-serving purposes
The way we read the Bible as nearly as important as that it's read: that's professor Eugene Peterson's message in EAT THIS BOOK: A CONVERSATION IN THE ART OF SPIRITUAL READING. His is more than a set of reflections: it's the second in a five-volume work on spiritual theology and maintains the Scriptures should be read - and lived - as God's word. From the nature of language and the practice of scripture translations to an account of his own popular Bible translation THE MESSAGE, EAT THIS BOOK invites a broader perspective on Biblical study than those which advocate using the Bible for self-serving purposes.
A Mix of Good and Bad
Eugene Peterson believes that the way we read the Bible is as important as the very fact that we read the Bible. "Do we read the Bible for information about God and salvation, for principles and 'truths' that we can use to live better? Or do we read it in order to listen to God and respond in prayer and obedience?" To address these questions, Peterson brings us Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading. It is a rather strange and wandering book in which Peterson meanders through a wide variety of topics having to do with the theme of Scripture. At heart, though, the book is an attempt to convince the reader of the importance of reading Scripture in order to promote life change. Peterson feels this is best done through the ancient practice of lectio divina. In many respects, then, this book is a beginner's guide to that practice.
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible Study Guide    4. Biblical teaching    5. Christian Life    6. Christianity - Christian Life - General    7. Criticism, interpretation, etc    8. Religion    9. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    10. Spirituality - General   

Reviews (59)

An Insightful Look at Religion in US politics and History
Jon Meacham has written yet another fine book that gives some real meaning to the phrase "Seperation of Church and state.His look at the Institutional religion of the Founders is very insightful and full of meaning in the current religious/ political controversies.Recommended.

Great - quick overview of religous thought in American politics
Well balanced with sources well referenced. Great glimpse into the thoughts of many of the people that of have shaped our Democracy. Very brief discussions covering the pre-Revolution thinking through the Reagan era.
American Gospel:God, the Founding Fathers, and the aking of a Nation
Intelligent,informed, and intelectually honest ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. History    3. History - U.S.    4. History Of Religion (General)    5. National characteristics, American    6. Religion    7. Religion and politics    8. Religion, Politics & State    9. U.S. History - Revolution And Confederation (1775-1789)    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. United States - Revolutionary War    13. History / United States / General   

Reviews (3)

Wisdom insights
I found this book to be very helpful to me in tying together my core "yearnings" to the insights to a wisdom tradition that Irwin Kula makes alive and relevant. There is no claim to a "right" or "wrong" - rather it is how to tap into centuries-old teachings to make some sense of this crazy human experience. Almost everyone can relate to the stories that are told. There is truly something for everyone here.

Life is easier when you appreciate its complications
Irwin Kula takes us past our longing that a single truth applied everywhere will give us fulfillment.Instead he shows that in every problem is an opportunity--that what initially seems confusing and complicated doesn't need to be feared but appreciated.As I read his book, I felt optomistic without feeling naive or simplistic.

Must read!
Kula's first book is a revelation.He provides deep insights based on many wisdom traditions that will deeply affect your life and the lives of those you love. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jewish way of life    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - General    4. Life    5. Religion    6. Religious aspects    7. Self-Help    8. Spiritual    9. Spiritual Healing    10. Spiritual life    11. Spirituality - General    12. Religion / Judaism / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (65)

Well-reasoned, but lacking feeling
This book is a well-reasoned and beautifully-written explanation of the nature of God; the nature of humans and the role of pain and suffering in the relationship between God and humans. Although it lacks feeling, this is not a flaw. Its purpose is to touch the mind, not the heart. And this C.S. Lewis does brilliantly.
Great, yet strange at parts
This was a very good overview of the problem of evil and how to respond to it from a Christian viewpoint.Lewis does quite well in most of his chapters making solid Christian points.Yet he loses me in his chapter entitled "Animal Pain" wherein he SEEMS to identify that some animals have not only sentience but a sufficient amount of conciousness to almost be considered moral beings.He then describes a version of animal "heaven" wherein tame animals are incorporated into their masters as we are incorporated into God.Strange stuff indeed.
PAIN AS GOD'S MEGAPHONE
Since God is Infinite Goodness, we must conclude that the appearance of reckless divine cruelty is a delusion.When we are comfortable, we are too shallow-minded to realize that we need God.Since God knows that He is the only thing that we really need, He inflicts pain upon us to wake us up to this fact.So pain is God's megaphone.If some people, such as the Jews, try to love God without going through Christ, it is not yet God - merely the best approximation their fantasy can attain.Hence poor God is forced to keep screeching at them through His megaphone.But even people who try their hardest to love the true God, such as Job, or C. S. Lewis for that matter, cannot adore God as much as He wants to be adored, so He uses pain over and over again to "plant the flag of truth within their rebellious souls."
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Suffering & Grief    3. Christianity - General    4. Christianity - Literature    5. Christianity - Theology - General    6. Ethics    7. Good and evil    8. Pain    9. Religion    10. Religion - Classic Works    11. Religious aspects    12. Suffering    13. Christian Interest    14. Religion & Beliefs    15. Religion / Christian Life    16. Religion / General   

Editorial Review

This manual-style book instantly dives into Eckhart Tolle's principles of "living in the moment," which could be a jarring experience for readers who haven't read his preceding book, Read more

Reviews (66)

Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises from the Power of Now
Having already read the 'Power of Now', I found that "Practicing the Power of Now:..." was much more to-the-point and condensed from the original 'Power of Now'. I thought it wasconcise and much easier to follow. The truths set forth in Echart Tolle's work are not to be glossed over. They transcend every person's religion because you can read his words with 'spiritual discernment' to apply the truths to your life and understand it - no matter what your belief system is. I think every man, woman and child should get aquainted with what the author is showing us. It will change your life for the better if you allow it to.

Very useful publication
Although i have known people reading "Practicing the Power of Now" without having read "The Power of Now," i would suggest to either read the latter first, or both books together: start with pages from "Power of Now," then the pages from "Practicing..." to go deeper into the understanding of the original book.
Guiding Lantern in life
This book guides for meditation in life. It teaches the essintial elements of day to day life. It is a new bible. ... Read more

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 Growth - General    8. Spiritual life    9. Spirituality - General    10. Religion: general    11. Personal Growth/Psychology   

Editorial Review

Award-winning reporter and author Lee Strobel (Read more

Reviews (195)

A weak case and a cheap trick
The author of this book claims to be a converted atheist asking tough questions from atheist perspective in forms of interviews with experts on Christiannity.However from the onset of the first interview it becomes very obvious that the whole thing is a pretense.After asking initial question (challenge to faith) and receiving first answer, any answer, he immediately assumes the role of wideeyed student and fails to give any real challenge in the follow up questions.Any freethinker could do much better job making those "experts" to work a little harder. The whole scheme resembles a martial arts movie where cohorts of opponents run towards the hero with thieir guards down only to be knocked down.
Well done and an easy read
4 1/2 really.This is a very well written and researched book.I am very impressed with the quality and the style that Mr. Strobel uses.This is an excellent book for believers and new Christians.Skeptics should read this book as a basis for understanding the true defense of Christianity.Believers will be comforted and skeptics will find good challenges in the pages of this work.
Another solid work
After reading "A Case for Christ" I read this book.Lee does an excellent job of interviewing the right people to answer each objection to Christianity.This book deffinately enhanced my faith.
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Subjects:  1. Apologetics    2. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    3. Faith    4. Religion    5. Theology - Apologetics    6. Christian Interest    7. Christianity    8. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

I found a 1955 printing of this book in an old waterfront cabin and was struck by the care with which the previous owner had read it. Eve (the name inscribed inside the front cover and then again above the heading for chapter 3) made pencil marks on nearly every paragraph of the book, underlining a phrase, highlighting many passages with strong vertical marks, scratching out some words that she seems to have found superfluous and even x-ing out whole sections that apparently missed their mark with her altogether. Two rusting paper clips isolate several pages, absent any marking at all. Anne Morrow Lindbergh's lyrical words are still relevant and presage so many of the themes of today's most popular books: simplicity, peaceful solitude, caring for the soul, a woman finding her place in society and life. I heard that the woman who had lived in the cabin had actually passed away some time before. Thank you, Eve, for your gift... from the sea. ... Read more

Reviews (73)

A gift from Anne Morrow Lindbergh
This is a terrific book for awoman of any age. It provides much food for thought and is a source of inspiration through her personal musings and easy flowing prose. I like the 20 year "report" from the author where she shares her surprise that her own refections and thoughts have influenced others. Obviously others have the same life experiences to consider and learn from.

Should be required reading...At least once every year!
There is much to gain by reading this book. This book captures the aspects of life and love by a woman's reflections while looking over her "Gifts from the sea."
Excellent Read
I picked this up at a bed and breakfast and finished it in 2 nights! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Inspiration & Personal Growth    2. Inspirational    3. Inspirational - General    4. Life    5. Literary    6. Philosophy (General)    7. Religion    8. Biography & Autobiography / Literary   

Editorial Review

An old adage says, "God created man in His own image and man has been returning the favor ever since." Philip Yancey realized that despite a lifetime attending Sunday school topped off by a Bible college education, he really had no idea who Jesus was. In fact, he found himself further and further removed from the person of Jesus, distracted instead by flannel-graph figures and intellectual inspection. He determined to use his journalistic talents to approach Jesus, in the context of time, within the framework of history.Read more

Reviews (141)

News Flash -- Jesus was Jewish
Yancey strikes again.This time he presents a very down-to-earth portrait of Jesus that forces the faithful to think more about Jesus' humanity than we are often comfortable with.Jesus was after all a real person who lived in a real world -- a Jewish world.I love it when Yancey makes me think about things I don't really want to -- but need to.
A Must Read
A must read for all of us who have ever wondered about the meaning of Jesus' ministry, why He said what He said and did what He did.Written in easy to understand text this book is well researched.The author shares with us many of his early doubts about Jesus - doubts that most of us can relate to.This book goes a long way in erasing those doubts and puts the ministry of Jesus into a much clearer focus.

Who is Jesus?
On the cover of my book is a banner that says, "Voted Best Book of the Year!" Now that ten years have passed since the original publication, perhaps it is time to proclaim, "Best Book of the Decade!"
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Theology - Christology    5. Christology    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE PERSONAL GROWTH    9. Religion / Christian Life    10. The historical Jesus   

Reviews (17)

A message for our time
I only have one thing to add to the other reviews about this book and it is this; I really believe that this is a message the Holy Spirit is sending out to the Church in different ways these days. I hope we will have ears to hear.
Good News (For a Change)
In The Myth of a Christian Nation, Boyd makes a direct challenge to those who call themselves Christians but have adopted Caesar (worldly) attitudes and tactics in a wrongheaded and tragic attempt to bring about the kingdom of God in America.The attempt is wrongheaded because, "[Christian] power to speak into people's lives and into the culture has never been given by Caesar, and it therefore can't be taken away by Caesar.Civil religion worries about such things, but not the kingdom of God."182."You can no more have a Christian worldly government than you can have a Christian petunia or aardvark."54
Underdeveloped
In starting, I'd like to say that I really wanted to like this book.The title itself its appealing, and to an extent, I agree with some of Boyd's comments.But as much as I would have liked to nod my head in agreement through and through as I read the book, it turned out that I simply could not do so.
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Subjects:  1. Christian conservatism    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Political Issues    4. Christianity - Evangelism    5. Evangelicalism    6. Kingdom of God    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religion And Politics    10. Religion, Politics & State    11. United States    12. Christian Interest    13. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (31)

A gold mine - but you have to dig a lot
This collection of magazine, newspaper and think-tank articles, as well as speeches, lectures, essays, website and panel discussions is a gold mine of nuggets of knowledge about the intolerance found in the Islamic religion.The collection was published in 2005 but some of the articles first appeared in the 1970s.
Review the Reviewers
I am often struck by the range of critiques, and their positions. Two examples come to mind with regard to Mr. Spencer's volume: Ms. Lappen's review from April of last year, and the most recent and succinct comments by R. Kysia. Along the continuum between, many perspectival bells are sounded, from true-believers to "mark my word" anti-anything-different redneck experts. Fascinating isn't it, how we've learned so little while claiming we've come so far.
Poor quality opinion sold as scholarship
Robert Spencer is an orientalist without formal credentials in Islamic studies, and poorly read at that.His product is largely representative of older Western orientalist "scholarship".He often lacks command of the subject and offers as authoritative fact his limited, master's degree level of understanding of the subject.Frequently, he is either badly misinformed or deliberately deceptive in his selective use and interpretation of facts.I would like to believe that his misrepresentations are out of simple ignorance for the subject, but he seems to spin facts for political and ideological gain.In other works, he even expresses outright admiration for the brutality that was the crusades. His political agenda taints the scholarly value of his work. If you wish to better understand Islamic history, seek a more balanced author. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dhimmis    2. Islam    3. Islam - General    4. Islamic Law    5. Islamic countries    6. Legal status, laws, etc    7. Legal status, laws, etc.    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religious minorities   

Reviews (1)

Beautiful
If you're looking at this item, you must have some idea of what Tolle's amazing worldview is all about. If not, read the many raves under his book The Power Of Now.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. New Age    3. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Spirituality - General    5. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / General    6. Religious life & practice    7. Spirituality   

Editorial Review

Rising divorce rates inspired Dr. James Dobson, founder and president ofFocus on the Family, and his wife, Shirley, to author a devotional for couplesin an attempt to strengthen the marriages of younger generations. Read more

Reviews (23)

Jessica's review of the above book:
This devotional for couples has been a delightful read thus far.Please note, however, that my husband and I have only read the Sun., Mon. and Tue. devotional.Every day you and your spouse read a 1-2 page story or article and one bible verse relating to the same.The reading is followed by questions that you both answer to help you get to know each other's thoughts on certain topics that come up in marriage.I think the questions are an important part of this devotional, as they really create the opportunity to discuss topics you may not have brought up otherwise.After you read the story and answer the questions there is a short prayer that you and your spouse pray together.This is an easy way to introduce praying together into your relationship.This devotional has the potential to really solidify the bond you already have or create one, if needed.Please note that if you are looking more for a devotional that will allow you to complete a bible study together you may want to look for something else.This book definitely prods you to include God in your relationship, but it doesn't specifically focus on "bible study".Also, you may note that each daily devotional will only take about 15 min., which is good if you are tried for time.Please remember this review is only based on three days of reading; I have no idea if the book is going to do a complete turn around.Enjoy and may God bless your marriage!

The book that saved my marriage
When my husband and I came across this book a couple years ago, we were in a pretty bad spot. The strain of both of us working and trying to raise a family had brought us to the edge of a very unhappy place, and we were unsure of where to turn.
BEST DEVOTIONAL EVER WRITTEN!!
If you only own one couples devotional, please let it be this one.I bought this book for my wife for her birthday and she thought it was a silly gift, that is before I began to read it to her nightly while we were in bed.This book has truly strengthened our marriage and our communication.The stories are insightful and uplifting and the time you spend with your spouse will be worth every penny.Your love for one another will grow.God bless. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Devotional    3. Devotional calendars    4. English    5. Married people    6. Prayer-books and devotions    7. Prayers    8. Religion    9. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    10. CHRISTIAN LIVING / RELATIONSHIPS / LOVE & MARRIAGE    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (4)

An excellent book for the times
Companies laying off enmasse. Personal and business bankruptcies on the rise. These are challenging times and this excellent book offers answer and solutions to these challenges and more.I also recommend Business Buy the Bible for additional scriptures to enhance personal and spiritual growth.

An Excellent Christian Living Resource
The Glorious Journey by Charles Stanley is an excellent resource for Christians.Divided into sections, the book covers a wide range of topicsincluding Bible doctrine, daily living, personal growth, and spiritualdisciplines.Each entry contains a Scripture verse, commentary by Dr.Stanley, quotes, and more.The graphics, information boxes, and indexprovide for quick and easy access to specific topics.This valuableresource has answered many of my questions regarding the Christian walk,helping me to better understand God's word and apply it to my life.Eachof my brothers received a copy of this book as a birthday gift last year. I would recommend it to anyone desiring "insight, encouragement, andguidance" in their own walk with the Lord.

Wonderful Study Guide
I have used this book as a study quide as well as a devotional book for church group meetings. It is a great way to start conversations about hard to talk about subjects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baptist authors    2. Christian life    3. Christianity - Christian Life    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Inspirational - General    6. Inspirational - Protestant    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Living    9. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    10. Religion / Christian Life   

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. Christian life    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Interpersonal Relationships    5. Conduct of life    6. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    7. Interpersonal relations    8. Religion    9. Religion - Christian Life    10. Religious aspects    11. CHRISTIAN LIVING PRACTICAL LIFE PSYCHOLOGY    12. Religion / Christian Life