Subjects:  1. Biblical teaching    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Education - Adult    4. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    5. Church work    6. Lay ministry    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Education - Teaching Helps / Programs    9. Spirituality - General    10. Study and teaching    11. Christian Interest    12. Christian life & practice    13. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (15)

A Great Introduction
The Holy Father repeatedly refers to The Spirit of the Liturgy as "this little book."The book is only 224 pages, however, each page is packed with depth.For those looking for an introduction to liturgy this book is a gem.It is divided into four parts.Part One discusses what Christian liturgy is in its essence and how it developed within salvation history, its relation to the created universe and biblical faith.Part Two discusses how through the liturgy we in the present are enabled to join in the immediacy of the historical events of our salvation.Part Three addresses the iconoclastic protest and how the Incarnation makes the incomprehensible otherness of God visible in the historical Person of Jesus.This part also takes up the topic of the "music of the spheres" as articulated by the ancient Greeks and how this music, which witnesses to the intelligent ordering of the cosmos, is sung in the Church's liturgy.In Part Four the various postures incorporated in the liturgy are explained in their relation of manifesting true worship.(Then) Cardinal Ratzinger, takes pains to explain how the liturgy was given to us by God in the same manner as were the Sacred Scriptures and the Apostolic Tradition.The essence of the liturgy therefore cannot change even though there may be an organic development of its expression through time. Through His actions in the history of salvation the liturgy's meaning and expression were determined directly by God, not through human innovation or genius.The liturgy is the true worship of mankind in that it makes present the paschal mystery of Jesus' offering of His humanity in obedience to the Father.Through our real participation in the saving events made present to us in the liturgy we are given the power of the Gospel in union with Christ to conform our will and actions to those of the Father.As usual, the Holy Father's literary expression, while scholarly, is I think accessible to the average reader.I enjoyed reading the book tremendously.

A Readable Book for Lay People and Clergy, Catholic and non-Catholic
The "Spirit of the Liturgy" outlines the history, the evolution, and the theological underpinnings of the liturgy of the Catholic Church. There is something in this book for everyone, whether Catholic or not.
A Call to Rediscover the Sacred Liturgy
In 1946 the young Joseph Ratzinger read Romano Guardini's classic work The Spirit of the Liturgy. Some fifty four years later the Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith published this work under the same title. Why? Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    4. Christianity - Theology - General    5. Liturgy    6. Religion    7. Religion - Classic Works    8. Christian liturgy, prayerbooks & hymnals   

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    4. Devotional    5. Religion    6. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    7. Spiritual exercises    8. Spiritual life    9. Spiritual transformation    10. Spirituality - General   

Reviews (21)

Hard to Fathom

A Wonderful Look into the Monastic World of the Sixties
As a religious, I found this book particularly interesting.Although I am not part of a monastic order (in the strict sense), I can appreciate the similarities that are shared in all aspects of Roman Catholic religious life.From the description of the community interaction - relatively little for the Carthusians - to the use of terms of the day-to-day living of professed life; this is a well-researched and written book.
Realistic portrayal
I got this book a few days ago and read it through in a sitting.It is a chronicle of 5 young men who enter the carthusian order in England back in the early 1960's.We first meet each one as he prepares to ring the bell to the monastery to begin his postulancy.We are then taken through the years of novitiate and temporary vows.The question always is: who will leave and who will stay?The carthusian way of life is not for the faint of heart:It is intense, with lots and lots of solitude.There is plenty of room for petty annoyances to get blown out of proportion.My own personal favorite vignette/comment was the young man who thought he would never be able to learn the complex, atonal polyphonic chant -- only to discover that it was simply that the monks were offkey and not able to stay together in the singing.Personally, I found that charming.As to the nightmares -- Actually, I spent a few years in a monastic order in the mid-1960s, and have continued to dream of the monastery and the nuns at least every few months.However, no nightmares -- just friendly revisiting.I think it is such a focussed, intense life that it is absolutely formative and leaves a permanent stamp on a person.Generally, the stamp is a positive one.It helps keep things in perspective and certainly makes one a more compassionate person.I recommend this book highly.It is an honest, no holds barred, look at this life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Carthusians    3. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    4. England    5. General    6. Monasticism    7. Religion    8. Religious    9. Religious Congregations And Orders    10. St. Hugh's Charterhouse (West Sussex, England)    11. West Sussex    12. Religious life & practice   

Reviews (19)

She likes it, so it must be good
I got this book for my fiance on the recommendation of my Rabbi.She loves it.

This is indeed THE book to get
My fiance and I were looking for a book to explain Jewish wedding laws and customs.We bought a few different books, and I think this was by far the best. Excellent resource !My fiance has already read it twice!
I originally bought this book from amazon when I first got engaged.My fiance and I are both jewish and have been to many many jewish weddings, but I wanted to learn more.So, I found this book because of all the glowing reviews!And I would like to add another one!Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - Rituals & Practice    4. Marriage customs and rites    5. Marriage customs and rites, Je    6. Marriage customs and rites, Jewish    7. Reference    8. Weddings    9. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (7)

MAJOR REMIX

Not as interesting.
I think of Caroline Myss' other two books as adding to my information and spiritual knowledge.This boook however does not have the same effect.It's main theme is to 'pay it forward'.

Carolyn Myss gets it. . . she really gets it
This book is beautiful -- abundant with truth and inspiration.I can only imagine what the world would be like if everyone took the time to consider the concepts that Carolyn highlights in this work.Please do yourself a favor and read this book, regardless of where you are in your life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction - General    2. General    3. Helping behavior    4. Motivational & Inspirational    5. Psychology    6. Religious aspects    7. Self-Help    8. Spiritual    9. Spiritual life    10. Mysticism    11. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (1)

A very good resource
The myth of genesis and exodus and its modern untrue historical perpetuations by the current self appointed custodians of Christianity, Judaism and Islam are examined and analyzed in this 74 paged document.The author sets the record straight by linking all three to their Afrikanpagan origins and with real individuals, making historical corrections where they are due.For example there are comparisons, betweenwhat was allegedly said by King Solomon and what was actually written by Amenemope, and comparison between the biblical ten commandments with the actual written 147. There are dates along with mapping diagrams showing the approximate time of genesis and exodus and what would have occurred in truth.In addition, by showing that all involved during the alleged mass movements and cultural war fares were of Afrikan tribal descent,theauthor shows that biblicalevents that occurred were mostly Afrikan continentalhistory, and spiritual allegory. Avery good reference source with a great bibliography.For more detail see African Origins of the Major Western Religions to get anin-depth outlook on this subject.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    2. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    3. Reference    4. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (7)

The Best Work from Dr. Scott Hahn Thus Far
Wow! By the grace of God, I was blown away by this book! In these pages, I was given great insight into the profound relationship between Scripture and Liturgy and how we participate in the saving grace of Christ. I am astounded by the fact that the Liturgy makes present "the works brought about by God in the history of salvation." (p. 101 quoting John Paul II) and that I'm able to share in their graces today!
Awsome
Depending on whom you talk to, Scott Hahn is either a hero or a turncoat. He was raised Presbyterian, and was even on the fast track to be president at a Presbyterian seminary when he began to doubt two protestant mainstays: `by scripture alone' and `by faith alone'. So he did what any academically trained person would do, he decided to research and went back to school to do a master's in Roman Catholic thought, eventually converting to Catholicism. Since then, he has been a prolific writer and speaker on things Catholic, and why the catholic faith is the one true valid faith.
Different, but AMAZING
In the opening pages of the book, Scott warns that those familiar with his popular works such as The Lamb's Supper, Hail, Holy Queen, and Lord, Have Mercy, will find this book out of sorts with his previous works. The same went for those only familiar with his journal writings. This book does an excellent job of bridging the gap between scholastic theology and humble amateurs like myself. Though after awhile I learned to keep my dictionary readily available I was absolutely astounded with the message conveyed and connections made. This book is a true gem for anyone who wants to "get more out of" and truly participate in the Liturgy of the Word. The insight I imagine converts recieve learning the Real Prescence of Christ in the Eucharist is the best I could explain the insight Catholics will recieve reading this book. For my fellow Catholics who fully submerge themselves into the miraculousless of the Eucharist but always had trouble keeping the daydreams at bay during the Liturgy of the Word, you have found your key to triumph. I gaurantee you will not attend Mass the same way after reading this book. Enjoy, and God Bless. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible Commentary    3. Bibles    4. Catholic Church    5. Christianity - Catholicism    6. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    7. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    8. Liturgical use    9. Liturgy    10. Religion    11. Religion - Classic Works    12. Roman Catholic Doctrinal Theology (General)    13. Religion / Catholicism   

Reviews (49)

WELL WRITEN WELL DONE.VERY INFORMATIVE
I enjoyed every page of this one.Not being an expert in this field, I certainly cannot vouch for each and every fact the author has given us, but the several facts I did take the time to further research proved the athor correct.The book is well written and in fact is quite a page turner.This is one of those I hated to stop reading and was rather sorry when I had finished it.It is important to understand this past era in order to understand where we are today.The consequences of the actions taken at that time are still being felt even to this day.Highly recommend this one.

Very Impressive
I am extremely impressed by the way Robinson conveyed the history of those tumultuous times in such a captivating manner.This work is rich in facts: both large and small, and all interesting.Aside from Templar history, I really appreciated Robinson's ability to clearly explain the major and minor players and the political machinery and machinations of all sides involved (Muslim factions, Hospitallers, Vanetians, the Popes, etc etc).Reading this work is a real learning experience, and Robinson's great writing is far from dry.After reading this book I will surely continue to read Robinson's other works.

Phenomenal - This is a must read
Where to start? This is a fantastic piece of work that takes you through the rise and fall of Templars. I would rate it better than Da-vinci code because this is no fiction. It is remarkable that a non-fiction work packs so much action and thrills. This is also the best account of Crusades that I have ever read. In addition, the author also touches upon the personal codes that governed the life of Templars (like the chastity belt, rules against bathing etc). All in all, I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested about Crusades or Templars ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crusades    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Medieval    5. Medieval World History (Circa 450 - Circa 1450)    6. Templars    7. Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 500 to c 1500    8. Freemasonry & secret societies    9. History / General    10. Middle East    11. Warfare & Defence    12. c 1000 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (35)

Very well written
This book was very helpful to me.Raymon Buckland explains the altar set up and candle color for each ritual in detail for those who are just learning candleburning rituals.

Simple... maybe too simple
This book gives you a great intro to the easiest magick you can do... but it doesn't have enough useful spells/rituals. These spells do take time mind you... so be patient and devoted. Great addition to your library, and also great for a new comer to Magick and Witchcraft.

Crap fluff from Buckland & Llewellyn
Re the Third Edition, 19th Printing 1995
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Candles and lights    3. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    4. Folklore & Mythology    5. Magick Studies    6. Miscellanea    7. New Age    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Occultism    10. Prayer    11. Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    13. Magic & alchemy    14. Mind, Body, Spirit    15. Wicca   

Reviews (22)

Fabulous!
This is an excellent book for anyone who wishes to know the truth about cults and false religion.Well-researched and well-written, the authors let the founders of the various cults speak for themselves, carefully documenting each quote in copious end notes. Each group's view of the basic doctrines of Christianity are outlined, showing their astonishing similarity in rejecting the deity of Christ and pushing salvation by works. Best of all, the Doctrinal Appendix gives the biblical references for each Christian doctrine. Especially helpful is the table of proofs that Jesus is God with dozens of Old and New Testament references.Other reviews of this book should be read with care. When the light of Truth shines forth, darkness is made uncomfortable.

Yeah right
Out of ALL the religions, Unitarian Universalist,is the only religion/sect/denomination of reason and reality,while feeding your inner spirit-which is why anyone of any belief (or non-belief) can go to the church.They don't even tell you what/how to believe (unlike most religions/denominations).I can see why a fundamentalist wouldn't want anyone to be one though...visit famousuus.com to see all the intelligent people who were/are unitarians,including Paul Newman,Ray Bradbury,Sir Isaac Newton,Emily Dickinson,Susan B. Anthony,Charles Dickens,Ralph Waldo Emerson,etc..

Inaccurate, biased
I learn from another website, that there's a Libel Litigation on this book. I wonder if they're responsible for what they wrote. http://www.contendingforthefaith.org/index.html ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apologetics    2. Christian sects    3. Comparative Religion    4. Cults    5. Reference    6. Religion    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (13)

Don't Let Worship Be Flushed Down America's Cultural Toilet
This book, along with Thomas Long's "Beyond the Worship Wars" is a must read for all committed Christians, particularly those who are worried about where both Christ-centered worship and church membership numbers are headed in the currentwasteland of contemporary culture.
Tough Thoughts
In her book, Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down, Marva Dawn endeavors to help readers clearly understand culture and worship, to give absolutes to help evaluate the influences or worship, and to offer suggestions to help church reach out to their community without dumbing down their message.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Many of the worship wars occur today because people are asking the wrong questions. Marva Dawn poses the essential questions and provides guidelines to help us revitalize our worship. She takes on many of today's popular church-growth strategies, such as seeker-sensitive services and contemporary worship choruses focusing on the worshiper. At the same time, she has no sympathy for dead, boring liturgy. She does, however, make a compelling case for the use of liturgy, whether it be traditional or contemporary.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Christianity and culture    3. Institutions & Organizations    4. Public worship    5. Religion    6. Religion - Church Music    7. Theology    8. Worship    9. Christian ministry & pastoral activity    10. Christian rites & ceremonies   

Reviews (5)

Bishop Jakes shares some interesting advice
Although Mother's Day only happens once a year, this audio reminds us just how important mothers are in most people's lives. Bishop Jakes shares personal stories about the experiences he shared with his mother along with the lessons and values she taught him, especially in the areas of life, love and longevity. He also includes biblical stories about mothers, along with testimonials from other prominent African-American figures about the importance of motherhood.More reviews at [...]

SERVICE LIKE THIS MAKES ME ORDER MORE PRODUCTS
IT'S ALWAYS A JOY TO DO BUSINESS WITH SUCH A COMPANY

Moms who made an impact
I love my mom. She drives me crazy, but she also have taught me great lessons in life I carry with me as a testimate to her love for me.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Black Theology    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - General    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. Motherhood    7. Parent And Child    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Religion    10. Religious    11. Religious aspects    12. Biography & Autobiography / Religious   

Reviews (217)

Quantum leaps
This is just another attempt to link Freemasonry with the social systems of the ancient past. It's an interesting read, but be ready to take some quantum leaps across the chasms of time. What the authors lack in the way of hard evidence them certainly make up in imagination...

Omne ignotum pro magnifico: Novus ordo seculorum?
This book has Sunday newspaper quality. As with many Sunday paper essays it is readable and entertaining. I liked it, and even read it twice. But it is not research, and it has no bibliography.
A highly speculative & thought provoking journey
This book is an example of what happens when two guys come up with a wild idea and then hunt around searching for ways to substantiate their new theory. Unfortunately, once a shred of evidence appears to support their proposed theory, these two researchers automatically assume that this hypothesis is now an undisputable truth and then use that as the basis for their next wild idea. It doesn't take long before their determined path ends in fantasyland.
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Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. General    3. Religion    4. Religion - Denominations - Religions    5. Social Science    6. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (13)

A Book mixed with Modernist Innovations and Catholic Truth
God is Near Us is a book written by Cardinal Joseph Alois Ratzinger who was then the Prefect for the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine for the Faith.
An Excellent Set of Reflections on the Eucharist
As is characteristic of Ratzinger's work, the texts collected in this volume are both refreshing and traditional.As in all of his works, the future Pope Benedict XVI shows a true reverence for the teaching of the Church while discussing those age-old teachings with a true vibrancy.For him, the Eucharist is, at its core, a concern of love.It is the sacramental center of the Church which gives her life.In contact with God, man is able to reach out beyond himself to his fellow man.This love is the center of the various texts in this volume.Because of the variety of topics held in here, I will not attempt to outline the text.However, I will quote him from page 90: "The Eucharist means, God has answered."I recommend this text to all who want to reflect on what this answer means and how we may truly respond to it.

One in a million
I have read many books about the Eucharist and many books by Cardinal Ratzinger.However this is one in a million.It has a vibrant quality that springs from a true contemplative, a profoundly spiritual man that really lives what he is writing about.I think that what makes this book really special is the depth of Ratzinger's knowledge of the Bible and how he illuminates the reading of the Old Testament when read in the light of the New Testament. For me it has been a real higlight in my spiritual life and in my understanding of this Sacrament.I cannot recomend it enough. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Catholicism    3. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    4. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    5. Doctrines    6. Inspirational - Catholic    7. Lord's Supper    8. Mass    9. Religion    10. Religion - Classic Works    11. Christian liturgy, prayerbooks & hymnals    12. Old Catholics   

Reviews (6)

Excellent and broad coverage of the subject
Steve Turner did an excellent job with this book. It is a very easy read but is well thought out and insightful. He does a good job of outlining the historical reasoning for the sad state of "christian art" today. But, he also does what other authors pretend to do but never actually accomplish. He provides a solid theory from which Christian artists can work. After explaining the historic reasons for our situation he then discusses the issue from a solidly biblical perspective doing a good job of puting the scripture in context for this discussion. He rightly argues that art produced by Christian Artists needs not be overtly religious. God is the God of the "secular" and the "religious".
Church, get out of the box with this book!
I work with performing artists in the area of healthcare ministry, but I am not an artist myself. Thus, this book has really helped me get out of my self-inflicted box of what I thought "Christian art" and "art by Christians" should look like. The book was recommended to me by the president of the arts ministry agency I serve with, and I would be neglectful if I did not pass the recommendation along. You will not find another book that that is so helpful as you wrestle with where the arts fits with Christianity. What a refreshment Steve Turner has provided. Now, BUY THE BOOK!

Christianity and the Arts selection
This book was everything I wanted--excellent writing, super information, and timely! Thanks!!Hope MANY people read this fine piece of work!I am presenting a program on Christianity and the Arts--and this book has been very helpful! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    4. Christianity and the arts    5. Religion    6. Religion - Socialissues    7. Subjects & Themes - Religious   

Reviews (15)

WHEN DOES IT STOP?
If Jesus is without sin and He referred to His Father, who are you to think it more sensitive to bow to the silliness of the age and censor Him?
an inspiring inclusive experience
If you are interested in a hymnal that is thoughtful and inclusive of all God's children, this is the one.I am often brought to tears by the new inspired lyrics that affirm every one, male and female, all colors, all nations.

Generally Good
It is my belief that hymns' original lyrics were inspired.Although I do not doubt that the NCH editors are also very close to God, they cannot match the skilled poets of antiquity; thus, changing the lyrics of old hymns is quite silly.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. General    3. Religion    4. Religion - Worship - Music    5. Religious - Hymns   

Reviews (22)

Discover the Power Within
Intelligent, practical, makes Christianity make sense again.
Discover the Power Within You : A Guide to the Unexplored Depths Within
Awesome transaction.Thanks.

www.valderbeebeshow.com
Reading Discover the Power Within You, did not change my life.It changed me!
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Self Help    3. Spiritual    4. General    5. New Age (Self Help)    6. Religion    7. Unitarian Universalism    8. Unity School of Christianity a    9. Unity School of Christianity authors    10. Advice on careers & achieving success    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / General