Reviews (14)

Challenging and insightful
Where are all the 18-to-35-year-olds? Thy're not in the mainline churches. They're also not in the conservative evangelical churches! Kimball himself comes from that "camp," and I have significant issues with Kimball's theology (particularly his understanding of salvation). However, Kimball points to a disturbing trend.
A very helpful book on emerging worship
I just finished reading both The Emerging Church and this book and this book really was as practical as the first one in this series. I loved that the whole first part of the book was building a theology of worship based from the Bible to lay a foundation for what we are even doing with worship services.
excellent, practical, inspiring
very thoughtprovoking on how worship is to be seen for the emerging culture, I have read most of the chapters more than once to get the most out of the book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Church work with young adults    3. Evangelistic work    4. Non-church-affiliated people    5. Public worship    6. Reference    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church Music    9. Christian Interest    10. Christian worship    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (4)

A Terrific How-To Guide
This book begins with a history of how lodges came into being, which is interesting in and of itself. It then discusses the pros and cons of being in a lodge. It also covers all the nuts and bolts of what goes into a lodge and lodge work.
How To Form Western Esoteric Group
Finally a decent book on forming a group in a modern, esoteric, manner. Prior to this book, there hasn't been much on the structuring of a formal magical lodge/order outside of a few Wiccan Circle types of books. The closest I've come across is the late William G. Gray's "Inner Temple Magic" and that had more to do with WHAT to do while in a magical order than it did about forming one.
Great information, but bring salt.
Greer does a great service to the occult community with this book.Some of the best parts of this book deal with the drudgework and mundane aspects of lodge management -- creating the ritual, handling the legal aspects of creating a lodge, and maintaining the lodge on the administrative end.However, when he starts getting into the inner parts of lodgework, he tends to pass off his own personal (or his tradition's) theories and ideas as fact.It's a great deal of good information to ponder, but shouldn't necessarily be taken literally.Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Friendly societies    4. Magic    5. Magick Studies    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Rosicrucianism    9. Spirituality - General    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies    11. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (6)

Inner Transformation
Reverend Cynthia Bourgeault explores many aspects of Christ's ministry with an intriguing emphasis on Jesus being a teacher of inner transformation. Through her understanding of a full range of material on the life of Jesus, we gain a sense of a more sophisticated teacher, a man of his times. We gain an understanding of the Nag Hammadi Codex, the Qumran scrolls and the Syriac Studies. She also looks at God from a variety of cultural perspectives to bring about a more beautiful vision of the creator in regards to his love for the world.
Wisdom JesusCD's
An eloquent conversation discussing what the Wisdom Jesus really taught in his words and actions.Using biblical parables, the beatitudes and wisdom stories Cynthia illustrates the shift from right beliefs to right practice so we understand and can find the kingdom of heaven within us. As a wisdom teacher herself,Cynthia discusses the state of transformed consciousness that Jesus lived and asks us to live.This consciousness is non-dual thus united and lived with loving reciprocity, without separation between human and human or human and divine. Meditation instruction is included.

An informative introduction into a gnostic understanding of Jesus Christ
Encountering The Wisdom Jesus: Quickening The Kingdom Of Heaven Within (Sounds True Audio Learning Course-6 CDs) by Cynthia Bourgeault (Principal Teacher and Advisor to the Contemplative Society in Victoria, British Columbia and founding director of the Aspen Wisdom School in Aspen, Colorado) provides an informed and informative introduction into a gnostic understanding of Jesus Christ, the man who was foremost seeking to radically alter the consciousness of those who would follow Him. Teaching the reader of Christ's many variable concepts, and how to retain an enlightened perception of Him, Encountering The Wisdom Jesus progressively educates listener with an intuitive enlightenment into what Christ's true teachings were intended to convey, and a sound knowledge of early Christianity and the evolution of the Church. Encountering The Wisdom Jesus is very highly recommended for all who are seeking a greater and more complete understanding of their Savior and Lord, and a more informed perspective of the Christian religion. (6 CDs, 6 hours and 45 minutes)
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Mysticism    3. New Age    4. Spirituality - General    5. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    6. Christianity    7. Christology   

Editorial Review

It's deeply and beautifully appropriate that this book by the author ofthe classic cookbook Read more

Reviews (15)

Great Introduction to Women Mystics
Flinders is very articulate and captures well the lives of these women mystics.She balances their lives well with sections of and explanations of their writings.Scholarly, but easy to read, this book leaves the reader with many thoughts for reflection.It is easy to take away insights into a spirituality that can be applied in the 21st century.

pros and possibly cons
as a quick glance at the other reviews will demonstrate, this book can elicit widely varying responses from readers. why so much disagreement among reviewers? i can't say for certain, but here's my guess.
Never The Same Again Because Of This Masterpiece
I will admit to getting upset when any book of this caliber seems somehow to lose ground so to speak. It is one of the few books among thousands out there that has the capacity to transform your perspective of yourself and the world not to omit your faith in God. Too many books on the subject of Beloved Saints seem to only focus on their masterful greatness to which I could never relate on any level [as a woman being so terribly flawed (yet devoted to my faith of Catholicism)]. This book ever so eloquently and exquisitely reads like a dream and shows how these spectacularly popular Saints had trials and troubles aplenty within-and-without as mortals just like you and me. My favorite cameo is of one Saint who regretted that: she could not bring good will to good works....This is a stunner of a book. A classic for all time. Thank you, Carol Lee Flinders. I believe I am a-little-bit-better of a person - because of your book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Inspirational - Catholic    3. Mysticism    4. Religion    5. Religion - Classic Works    6. Women And Religion (General)    7. Biography: general    8. Christian mysticism    9. Religion / Catholicism    10. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Reviews (1)

Fabulous book, difficult to explain.
This is a sort of humanistic psychology book that speaks of Western Christianity. Ira Progof has done just a fantastic job of captivating his audience. It is a translation of one of the classics of Christianity, but it is written in laymans terms and just absolutely brilliant. Ira Progof does the best job of translating this classic guide to spiritual experience that I am now looking for other books written by him. The translation speaks so well of inner depths and souls and things you may have always wondered but were never really sure of spiritually. I found myself staying up late at night, anxious to finish, but not anxious to end it! I may just read it again. There are passages that are so deep and so meaningful that I found myself reading them over and over. Some may find these passages I speak of vague, and they are. Yet they are worth understanding. This book takes effort and the pay-off is astounding. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - General    2. Devotional    3. Early works to 1800    4. Mysticism    5. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    6. Religion / Mysticism   

Reviews (2)

Carson versus Bacchiocchi.
Authors of this volume repeatedly contrast their opinion with Bacchicchi's, so reader have to know Bacchiocchi's "From Sabbath to Sunday" for better understanding this investigation. Carson takes evangelical stand in sabbath/sunday question, but Bacchiocchi presents the Seventh-day adventists view. Both works are valuable and scolarly deep.
Insights into a Christian view of the sabbath
This book is pricey, but invaluable. It will make you think about the relationship between
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - General    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Holidays - Jewish    4. Religion    5. Religion - Church History   

Reviews (5)

Very enriching discoveries
Drs. Hicks and Taylor have put together a very thorough and enriching study of the biblical background and meaning of Christian baptism. You will find that baptism is a mosaic of images and plays a vital role in propelling our lives into God's transforming work. Those whose traditions have underemphasized baptism will gain new insights and appreciation for the part that baptism plays in conversion--a moment in which God works powerfully through faith. Those who have seen it as a legality will be drawn into the deeper, ongoing significance of it rich undercurrents for their lives. This study delves into the biblical teachings in depth. Yet it also speaks practically to our preconceptions from the standpoint of various church traditions and their roots in history. Unafraid to address the real issues that are raised, Hicks and Taylor make this book a valuable resource for any serious disciple of Jesus.

Down in the River to Pray
As a pastor, I found this book to be the most Biblical and compelling book on water baptism I have ever read.It is readable, Biblical and profounding refreshing.Having grown up in the churches of Christ, but having become disallusioned with their formulaic and legalistic approach to salvation, I had come to articulate and practice baptism in many of the ways that the authors describe.My hope and prayer is that their work transforms, not only the baptismal theology and practice of those within the Stone-Campbell movement, but also enriches and deepens the entire discussion of baptism in the larger body of Christ.

Down in the River to Pray
As a former member of a Stone/Cambell church that believed a person was going to hell if the minister didn't say the act was for the remission of sins when a person was baptized, it was refreshing to read such an historically informed book on baptism from a writer of this traditon.Acknowledging the long traditon of infant baptism in the church dating to the third, fourth and fifth centuries, Hicks gives the history and application of baptismal theology of the churches before and after the Reformation.Hicks urges a rejection of the Zwinglian view of baptism in favor of the Reformed view in thecredobaptist tradtion, saying baptism is God's work, not mans'. Hopefully, this book is an indication that the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ are finally beginning to form a less works oriented and non-sectarian baptismal theology and are beginning to rethink the exteme view that they are the only true church. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. General    4. Religion    5. Religion - Church Music    6. Religion / General   

Reviews (5)

The Truth To My Soul
As being a child of Oshun for 16 years, there are many answers that I have been seeking for a very long time and I can say that the author has touched upon many of them. He has a profound insight into the spiritual aspect as well as the Lukumi aspect of the religion.

Heavy read
But really good and you will learn alot about the most powerfull and benevolent queen of the sweet waters.
fascinating
I bought this beautiful book after Oshun appeared in my life without warning last year, and insisted on making her presence felt!...the book is a tender mixture of the scholarly and the spiritual, rich with cross-cultural and anthropological material. Many of the essays are extraordinarily touching and beautiful, and it contains a number of exquisite chants and poems to this shimmering, golden, sensual orisha - who is so much more than any of her aspects by itself would suggest. Highly recommened to students of comparative religion, western pagans, and anyone who feels their life touched by Oshun's brilliant power. Ori Yeye o! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa, West    2. America    3. Comparative Religion    4. Cult    5. Ethnic & Tribal    6. General    7. Osun (Yoruba deity)    8. Religion    9. Religion - Theology    10. Theology    11. Africa    12. African studies    13. Anthropology    14. Ethnic or tribal religions    15. The Americas   

Reviews (2)

NOT JUST FOR SUFI'S!
I first read this book a few years ago and still find myself going back for the wisdom found in the teaching-stories. This is MUCH BETTER than any of Idries Shah's stuff. These stories helped me find a real spiritual path after many years as a wayward seeker. Muslims as well Christians, Jews, Buddhists, etc., could find much in this treasure of stories.

An amazing journey for ANYONE who is spiritual
Personally, I was drawn to this book for a number of reasons.I am a follower of Islam and was interested in sampling an alternative "emotional" and mystical approach to the cultivation and maintainence of spirituality.The book seemed to be brief yet captivating, so I checked it out from my local library.After having read the book, I can honestly say that I wish that it had lasted longer!I have read and even enjoyed many books written by Sufi mystics, but this book seemed to me to be a well into which I was further and further drawn,not only by Ozak's style and charisma, but the inherent logic that I personally percieved in his approach to Islam and for that matter any type of spirituality.His didactic, story- based teaching style reflects thousands of years of a tradition that was available to only a few.I feel fortunate that Ozak was one of the few Sufi Masters who shared his reasoning and humanity with us.This book was sublime (as it draws upon the Wise teachings of the Quran and our Prophet Mohammed), yet oriented for less than perfect humans who are struggling daily to maintain sprituality.I highly reccommend it to anyone interested in logic, philosophy, etc., as brainfood.Happy Digestion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. General    3. Healing - General    4. Islam - Sufism    5. Miscellanea    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Sufism    9. Islam    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Mysticism   

Reviews (5)

An excellent book: A "MUST BUY"
-- *VERY* COMPREHENSIVE; an excellent book: A "MUST BUY"
Great book for the amature Mayanist!
This is a great refereance book for the amature Mayanist. "Gods and Symbols" is filled with specialized facts, covering subjects from Olmec to Aztec times in good detail. It is readable for both beginners and experts. Theamount of information can be overwhelming at times; it therefore is useful to have some background knowledge beforehand to be able to place facts in a larger contextual framework. However, the book's intent is to be a refereance work so this should be expected.

Already a classic
One of THE definitive reference works for everyone even remotely interested in the cultures of ancient Mesoamerica, "Gods and Symbols" well comprises the most important as well as more specialized facts, covering all its subjects from Olmec to Aztec times in the same amount of detail. It�s written to be accessible to both beginners and people more firm with the subjects, and certainly offers more than enough for both groups. However, although the cross-references are fine, the encyclopaedic, culture-jumping approach makes for a somewhat fractured read, and the sheer amount of information can prove overwhelming at times; it therefore could be useful to have some background knowledge beforehand that can help you place facts in a larger contextual framework when you need to. However, this hardly is a reason for criticism given the book�s intent, and it doesn�t stop it from being a highly readable standard work I can unhesitatingly recommend to just about anyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archaeology    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies - Spirituality    4. Reference    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Social Science    7. Alternative belief systems    8. American history: pre-Columbian period, BCE to c 1500    9. Mexico    10. Myths & mythology    11. Pre-Christian European & Mediterranean religions    12. Reference works    13. South America   

Reviews (13)

A Classic Work in Jewish Meditation
Rabbi Kaplan, did not live long enough in his short life, to enable all of his knowledge to be shared with us all. But during those short years of his life, he was a most prolific writer. He was an Orthodox Jew who was able to straddle and live in both the secular and Orthodox Jewish worlds with relative ease. He was on the "Who is Who" in Physics, as well as, being a respected Rabbi and teacher for many in the Orthodox Jewish community.
Fascinating and helpful
In this work, the late Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan explores the Jewish roots of meditation, as well as a practical on how to meditate according to Jewish tradition.
A good introduction to the subject of Jewish Meditation
The first part of this book is a well- written introduction to the subject of Jewish Meditation including a historical survey of the subject. The second part consists in describing and evaluating various meditation techniques. As I do not 'meditate' myself I cannot be a proper judge of how effective the second part of the work is. The first part did however give me some understanding of what I understand to be a subject one must really ' experience' to know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Judaism    2. Judaism - General    3. Meditations    4. Prayerbooks - Jewish    5. Religion    6. Religion - Judaism    7. Mysticism    8. Religion / Meditations   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (15)

No reason to read this book.
There is no reason to read The Cloud in translation. It is written in simple prose and in one of the easiest Middle English dialects for Modern English speakers to read. This edition of the book is an unnecessarytranslation into Modern English in which a great deal of the original works subtleties and nuances are lost. Because the text was written with such close attention to language it is truly inexcusable for any one to read it in translation when then original is completely accessible to the Modern English speaker. I therefore recommend the edition the TEAMS Middle English Texts Series, edited by Patrick J. Gallacher and available for roughly the same price, instead of this version.

Less thinking + more loving = at-one-ment with God

A must read for those who are niether dualists or nondualists
Great book. Brings allot of advaita Vedanta and western religion/theology together. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Devotional    2. Mysticism    3. New Age    4. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    5. Christian mysticism    6. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    7. Religion / General   

Reviews (14)

One of the Best
An absolutely fabulous book by a wonderful, witty writer...wish I could tell more people about it...nothing compares in breadth and knowledge.

A must read for every seeker of the Truth
This is an excellent book. It tells of the early history leading to the development of the rosary.A history of a people seeking a closer communion with God.The author tells a story that needs telling -- a story of heresies and misunderstandings, of the power of the rosary to draw us to the saving power of Christ.This is a story about how the rosary should be said and has been said over the course of centuries.This story is easy to read, well organized, and answers the call of the many who search for an answer to the problems besetting the Church today. It is excellent reading.

Disappointing...
I was really looking forward to this title based on the other reviews and the index which was full of saints ....What I found was very disappointing.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Devotional    4. Meditations    5. Religion    6. Religion - Classic Works    7. Apologetics    8. Asceticism    9. Christianity-History    10. Mary    11. Raman Catholic Church    12. Rosary    13. Worship   

Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. International Organizations    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. United States - General    6. United States History (Specific Aspects)    7. Freemasonry & secret societies    8. History / General    9. USA   

Reviews (9)

Great read.
The compelete Idiot's guide to voodoo .... Don't let that name fool you!
Well written, nice overview that shatters misconceptions.
I didn't know anything about voodoo before reading this book besides the stereotypes I've been fed through Hollywood. An excellent introduction
I really don't see where the complaints about sensationalism come from. This book was just the opposite--informative, going over some of the common stereotypes, and a good basic history of Afro-Caribbean religions. As an occultist with a primarily neopagan/Western magckal background, I found this to be a good introduction to this mixture of magick and religion. And anyone who's actually read the book will realize that the references to zombie movies are all at the very END of the book, after all the other chapters and directly preceded by a chapter on theories of what zombis truly are. The movie listing is meant primarly for entertainment (and to show that they're just that--entertainment). As for those who claim you can only learn Voodoo/Vodou from an initiate, well--what about those of uswho don't have access, or just want to get real information about the religion rather than hype and stereotypes? I'd say this is a good reference for that.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cults    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. Occult Sciences    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Voodoo    7. Voodooism    8. Witchcraft & Wicca    9. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    10. Ethnic or tribal religions    11. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs   

Reviews (2)

New Light on Main Aspects of Catholic Faith
As the title suggests, the purpose of this book is to provide an overview of three main aspects of Catholic faith and life: how Catholics believe, practice, and think. Each of the three parts contains 12-14 short chapters that conclude with discussion questions and references to the catechism. Three Stars for the Archbishop
I really, really wanted to give this book five stars.
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Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - Catholicism    3. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    4. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    5. Doctrines    6. Religion    7. Religion - Classic Works    8. Roman Catholic Doctrinal Theology (General)    9. Spiritual life   

Reviews (2)

Deep Homage
Ravi Ravindra's Heart Without Measure, though a small book, is a powerfully felt homage to the great Madame de Salzmann, whose voice and presence, echoing through the text, resonates like a pure and holy bell, calling us all more perfectly to The Work. He describes well the experience of the student faced with the laser-like eye of the teacher who can read hearts and souls, an encounter not easily endured nor understood, and reveals the 'everyman' conflicts of his strivings in a restrained, almost selfless way. Most of all, this book is sprinkled generously with esoteric clues for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. This book indeed is the 'fruit' of the oral tradition that has always existed within the Gurdjieffian canon.

Woman #5
I found this book extremely refreshing but I can't help wondering if it is really only for those who do or have done similar practices [Taoist Alchemy, Prayer of the Heart, Gurdjieff's meditations and exercises for opening and harmonizing the 7 centers].
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Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Religion    3. Spirituality - General    4. Theology    5. Religion / Mysticism   

Reviews (2)

Will it be Strawberry or Grape Kool-aid!
If you read this book or if you own this book, your greatest problem is not with your spirituality.You make poor choices in spending your money, that is your problem.At least when Jim Jones served Kool-aid the people knew they were going to die.When L. Ron Hubbard serves Kool-aid, get out you credit cards, because you probably do not carry enough cash to cover the bills.If you are actually considering paying $55 for this book, can I interest you in buying the Brooklyn Bridge from me?I need to make some cash quick, so I am selling cheap.

Inspiring!
I received this book as a gift. It's a very beautiful book, with hundreds of inspiring, uplifting, thought-provoking quotations.Read more

Subjects:  1. (La Fayette Ron),    2. 1911-    3. Dianetics    4. Hubbard, L. Ron    5. Quotations    6. Religion    7. Scientology