Reviews (25)

The House of My Father Has Many Rooms
St. Teresa is one of my personal favorite saints. As a Carmelite nun in the 1500s, she was gifted with a vision from God to write this beautiful book. In this book, the soul journeys through seven rooms, each with a lesson of spiritual wisdom that draws us closer to God. In a ringing refutation of Pascal's bargain, she says that, "the most essential thing is that we should love God without any motive of self-interest." Love of God is an end unto itself, and we should not love God because we dread the pains of Hell and the loss of Heaven. The similarity of the Interior Castle, the controlling metaphor, to Jesus's quote that the "Mansion of My Father has many rooms," is beguiling and appealing. The only thing that bothers me is the subtle comparison to alchemy texts, such as the Christian Rosencrantz text, but this can surely be set aside in the light of such a beautiful book.
great spiritual book

My collection adds another.
I bought this to add to my collection of ' Classics of Western Spirituality '.E. Allison Peers would be my only other choice for St. Teresa. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Christianity - History - Catholic    3. Early works to 1800    4. Inspirational    5. Inspirational - General    6. Mysticism    7. Religion    8. Spiritual life    9. Christian mysticism    10. Religion / Mysticism   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - Catholic    2. Church history    3. Cluny    4. Cluny (Benedictine abbey)    5. Cluny (France)    6. France    7. Institutions & Organizations    8. Monastic and religious life    9. Monasticism    10. Religion    11. Religion - Classic Works    12. Religion / Monasticism   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (15)

"Must Read"
this book is an excellent intro to UU thought; anyone who is open-minded and liberal should read it

Good introduction to the UU church, will not answer deep theological questions
This book is what its title says it is: an introduction to Unitarian Universalism. It combines a brief history of the denomination (which, in one respect, goes back centuries, but in another goes back to the 1961 merger of the Unitarian and Universalist denominations, whereupon the Unitarian Universalist Association ceased to be a "liberal Christian" denomination and became the "non-creedal religion" it is today) with an overview of UU principles, mixed with the author's personal reminiscences.
Great introduction to UUism.
I highly recommend this book to all people who are curious about Unitarian Universalism.It covers history, beliefs and makes you feel welcome no matter where you stand.Well written and very informative, whether you just want to know who the UUs are or believe you are one, READ THIS BOOK! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - Protestant    2. Christianity - Protestanism    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. Doctrines    5. Religion    6. Religion - Theology    7. Theology    8. Unitarian Universalist churche    9. Unitarian Universalist churches    10. Unitarianism    11. Religion / General    12. Religion: general   

Reviews (47)

A Great Vision
_Over the years I have read this book in the wilderness and in the wasteland. Every time that I have reread it I have come away renewed.
Wisdom and Inspiration Abound!
This is an exceptionally moving book for anyone yearning to know more about Native American spirituality. Black Elk was truly a man filled with the holy spirit. It reminds me of the book, Walking the Trail, One Man's Journey Along the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Both are highly recommended.

A Religious Classic?
It says on the jacket of this book that Black Elk Speaks belongs in the company of 'religious classics'.Maybe so, but even if you regard his visions as indicative of a religious experience, the parts of the book dedicated to the description of these visions make for rather tedious reading.The real meat of the book is his decriptions of the last of the major indian battles at Rosebud, Little Big Horn (Custer's Last Stand), and Wounded Knee.Black Elkand his friends were there, and lived through those harrowing days.A must-read book for anyone who wants to know how it really was. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Ethnic & Tribal    5. Ethnic Cultures - Native Americans    6. Historical - General    7. History: American    8. Native American    9. Native Americans - Plains    10. Oglala Indians    11. Religion    12. Teton Indians    13. Biography: general    14. Indigenous peoples    15. North America   

Reviews (69)

Introductory
I found this book somewhat interesting, but purely introductory. The author alludes all through the book to the fact that she is a member of one of these societies, but seems to just glaze over the surface. It does give a little insight to a world that most of us will never enter.

Interesting and engaging
Skull and bones is a truly interesting secret society that I always wanted to know more about.This book told me everything I wanted to know and was in a format that was more readable than I had expected from a history.I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know the truth about this mysterious group.

very disappointed
I was really looking forward to reading this book and getting some insight into what really goes on when one enters into the Skull and Bones.This book, however, was useless.It was endlessly boring and gave very little new insight.Like one reviewer mentioned, she just barely scratched the surface and she seemed to have no interest in delving any deeper.
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Subjects:  1. College Life    2. Education    3. Higher    4. History & Theory - General    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Social History    7. Social Science    8. Sociology - General    9. Sociology Of Organizations    10. United States - General    11. Connecticut    12. Freemasonry & secret societies    13. Social Science / Sociology / General    14. USA    15. Universities / polytechnics   

Reviews (8)

Excellent Read
H.A. Baker does a great job describing the events that occurred in the lives of these Chinese orphans.Their experiences agree with the Holy Bible and are genuine.Definitely worth the buy!

Good to read first
This book was a good introduction to "Always Enough". I'm glad I read this first. It was exciting to learn of the Holy Spirit anointed work among the Chinese orphans before the door closed to missionary efforts. People {children} matter to God!

Encouraging and Inspiring
This book is taken from the writings of H. A. Baker, an American missionary to China. Prior to being in China, he served in Tibet from 1911 to 1919. Here he records the experiences of young children who were residents of the Adullam Rescue Mission in Yunnanfu, Yunnan Province, China.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Christianity - Theology - Pneumatology    3. Miraculous Phenomena    4. Missions & Missionary Work    5. Religion    6. Theology - Holy Spirit    7. China    8. Christian religious experience   

Reviews (3)

Amazing book
This author knows whats up. Done his soul-searching research on his path. I am only half way through this book, but I had to give it five stars already because it is a revolutionary book. The revelations you will find are infinite. May the healing tao be with you, harvesting healing and peace among all nations. Trust in one love and you can acheive any dream.

If you are starting to feel this philosofy, read it.
This book is full of rasta knowledge. Is a great choice among people, who want to know more about rasta, and a little of black history. The author of this book, explains the beggining of a rastaman, and its way to Zion. This a must buy book, just sit down to read, and enjoy the philosophy of life.

Best book on Rastafari
This is the best book I have read so far. Since it is written by a Rasta,who is also a professor, the book reveals deeper insights into the Rasta experience. I especially liked the chapter on Ancient Mystic Foundations. There is alot of info here which I haven't read anywhere else.The chapters on herbal meditation and the Chakras can help you on your roadto Enlightenment. I would recommend this book to anyone interested inRastafari and to those on the Mystic Path. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography / Religious    2. Religion    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Forsythe, Dennis    5. Rastafari movement    6. Religious    7. Spiritual biography   

Editorial Review

The authors, who worked closely with Mother Teresa during her lifetime, have drawn together stories and prayers inspired by the missionary, who worked tirelessly on behalf of India's poor with her sisters of charity. Each day of the year is assigned a brief story or blessing: A child goes without sugar so Mother Teresa may have it; a truckload of bread miraculously arrives for starving Indians when the rice has run out. Many of the passages are quotes from Mother Teresa herself, and all of them challenge the reader to live up to her saintly view of humanity and suffering. If the day-by-day approach doesn't fit, there's an easy-to-browse index, organized by theme ("cheerfulness," "humility," "suffering"). Her standards are high, however, and normal sinners may find her words more challenging than uplifting. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Fills the heart
I love Mother Teresa's philosophy of life, and a daily dose of her thoughts and prayers do wonders for my perspective in life. I am remembering to smile, pray, love...very touching devotional.

Alive and well

LOVE COUNQUERS ALL
Mother Teresa did not write this as a book of daily reflections, rather it is a sharing by her, in speeches she has made, anecdotes she has related, of her life experiences.In other words, it is real, authentic and practical.Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Catholic authors    3. Christian Life    4. Christianity - Catholicism    5. Devotional calendars    6. Inspirational - Catholic    7. Inspirational - General    8. Meditations    9. Ministry To The Ill    10. Missions & Missionary Work    11. Religion    12. Religion - Classic Works    13. Spiritual life    14. Religion / Ritual & Practices   

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Directories    3. Friendly societies    4. General    5. General Organizations    6. History    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. International institutions   

Reviews (3)

An Extraordinary Exhibition of Showbills
If you ever have a chance for a collector to show his collection, you run the risk of being terribly bored.Unless you yourself collect stamps, coins, thimbles, Hummel figurines, or Corvettes, you are unlikely to sympathize with the delight the collector takes in his hoard.Ricky Jay is a fascinating man; he is a master magician, a historian of show business (especially of novelty acts), and an actor in David Mamet's movies.He collects something few others do: showbills for the jugglers, magicians, animal acts, ventriloquists, and other eccentric and novelty performances through almost four centuries. Don't worry, it is far from boring.Around eighty of his specimens are on display in a large format book, _Extraordinary Exhibitions: The Wonderful Remains of an Enormous Head, the Whimsiphusicon & Death to the Savage Unitarians_ (Quantuck Lane Press).The broadsides are funny and beautiful, and Jay's learned and enthusiastic commentary about each one is on the page facing each specimen.It is all thoroughly entertaining, and like any show advertising, the posters make you wonder if the acts are really as described.There is so much verbal and graphic hyperbole on display here that a bit of incredulity is only sensible, but still: who, if confronted by an announcement for Signor Cappelli and his Learned Cats, with assurances that after he introduces his cats to the audience, they will "beat a drum, turn a spit, grind knives, strike upon an anvil, roast coffee, ring bells, set a piece of Machinery in motion to grind rice in the Italian manner with many other astonishing exercises", who, I say, would let incredulity overcome a wish to get a peek at the show?
Extraordinary Exhibitions - A wonderful book!
This is a wonderful book by a truly genius author.Also, make sure you put Ricky Jay's other books on your list.He has a great mind and his books are phenomenal!
This latest Jay offering is a must-buy
Ricky Jay is a national treasure.He's the head curator of a continuing collection of the curious, marginal, sometimes macabre but always compelling congregation of entertainers who have slipped through the trapdoor of time's stage.His newest masterpiece, Extraordinary Exhibitions, is a catalogue of broadsides heralding some of the strangest performers that ever graced an auditorium or a sidewalk.You'll meet Pietro Stadelmann, a seventeenth century armless dulcimer player.As well as the nameless 27 year-old Angolan "Famous African Hermaphrodite".And a South American trio whose huge excrescences extruding from their chins gave them their stage moniker "The Monstrous Craws".You can sit at the feet of Joice Heth, the 161 year-old former nursemaid of Little Georgie Washington, the marvelous showman P. T. Barnum's first client.There's singing mice, educated fleas and a Rabbi whose demonstrations of his prodigious memory were endorsed by the Pope himself.To paraphrase the immortal Charles Fort, you'll see a procession of the damned of showbiz.And thanks to the wonderful Mr. Jay, they'll walk (and bark, tumble, juggle, catch bullets, arm wrestle, rope dance and eat stones) again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advertising fliers    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Circus    5. Jay, Ricky    6. Performing Arts    7. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    8. Popular Culture    9. Private collections    10. Antiques & Collectibles / Popular Culture    11. Exhibition catalogues and specific collections    12. Social history   

Reviews (5)

This book changed my life forever!!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! The author lived long ago and yet his Christ-centered words ring out beautifully for us modern mortals.I was so moved by his humble approach to God and his deep love and surrender to Christ.A profoundly spiritual and moving experience awaits the reader of this book!

The Paraclete At Work
This book fairly lept at me from the shelf.I wasn't particularly looking for it, but I found it nonetheless.For a former Ayn Rand afficianado & neo-Objectivist, the very title ought to have been anathema.However, it was a greater sense of peace that I was after, and to some extent, this book is helpful at understanding one's true relation to God, particularly in terms of recognizing and submitting to His will. Review from the Publisher
This is an amazing 18th century classic divided into 2 parts and giving the method espoused by de Caussade for attaining great holiness. Written for all no matter how advanced spiritually. The author believes that God hides behind the simplest of daily activities and can be found through total surrender to whatever His will is for the individual. Therefore, self-abandonment is the key to spiritual development An outstanding spiritual tool, revealing new insights with each reading. A must for any serious Catholic. 230pp. PB. Imprimatur. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mysticism    2. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality   

Reviews (13)

Very informative
This book is a must read for students of theology and the occult. It reveals the meaning behind recent phenomena like the Da Vinci code. The author illuminates the secrets of our times in the context of ancient scriptures; some of these scriptures may be true and others not so true. There is wisdom in this book for those who seek it.Overall it is a short book but very well written and believe me I could not put it down.

Big Disappointment From A Terrific Author
This was probably released to coincide with Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code movie as it discusses Dan's theories but also delves more into the Masonic aspects of the era which by default includes a discussion of the Knights Templar.
The open secret
Great book - easy to read, humorous, personal insights, well qualified author, and great references! I'm not going to synopsize the book and ruin it for you but if you have an open, questing mind this book is for you! The reason I put Open Secret in the title is that the big secret really is something taught by many other eastern and mystical religions, it has just been hidden from Christians, Muslims, and Jews by clergy who want to control everyone else. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible Study Guide    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Freemasonry    4. History    5. History - General History    6. Jewish - Ancient    7. Magic    8. Magick Studies    9. New Age    10. Occult Sciences    11. Occultism    12. Social Science / Freemasonry   

Reviews (2)

EMBRACING GRACE: NOT A McGOSPEL
Scot McKnight's *Embracing Grace* is a redeeming book and the object of redemption is "the gospel."
An wholistic gospel of restoration
In this wonderful book, Scot McKnight provides a fresh picture of a gospel of restoration. Humans were created as images ("eikons" is the term Scot prefers) of God, and the gospel is the message of Jesus acting to restore "cracked Eikons" to their original state. According to McKnight in the introduction, "The gospel is the work of God to restore humans in union with God and communion with others, in the context of a community for the good of others and the world" This restoration is an active process, intimately entwined with living a 'Kingdom lifestyle' in line with the life of Jesus and his teachings, summed up in the "Jesus Creed" of loving God and others (see Scot's other excellent book for more about that.) Hence the restoration also involves the healing of relationships with God, other people, and creation as a whole, and thus cannot take place in isolation. McKnight identifies western individualism as one of the biggest stumbling blocks preventing us from completely embracing this gracious gospel. Individualism is essentially a process of exclusion, diametrically opposed to the gospel of Jesus which is one of embrace, towards God and others. Scot quotes quite a bit from Miroslav Volf's "Exlusion and Embrace" a book that I've had on my wishlist for quite some time, but have now finally gotten around to ordering, as a result of reading this book.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Christianity - Theology - Anthropology    4. Christianity - Theology - Soteriology    5. Grace (Theology)    6. Religion    7. Religion - Theology    8. Spirituality - General    9. The historical Jesus   

Reviews (11)

Great Book on Ceremonies
*****
This book is a must!
Steven has written the ultimate "how to" book for creating ceremonies.I appreciated his clear, easy-to-follow suggestions and examples.This book (the only one you'll ever need on this subject) excites the imagination to create a ceremony for every important event along life's path.As you can tell, I love this book and if I could, I would give it more than 5 stars!

Welcome to sacred space
Steven Farmer invites you into the conscious sacred space ofceremonies with an easy and gentle presence. He has done his research and practice and now invites you into his collective wisdom. The grace is that everyone can find an abundance of useful ideas and practices for themselves and others in these celebrations of the sacred. Use it as a foundation and then improvise for all the sacred ceremonies that living and dying has to offer. Steven invites you into his journey of sacred space so that you might learn how to more fully enter your own with others. This book is a gift and blessing. I look forward to reading more of his writings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Inspirational    3. Inspirational - General    4. Rites and ceremonies    5. Self-Help    6. Spiritual    7. Spiritual life   

Reviews (1)

Steiner talks about the Black Lodge
Well folks, here's a rarity you don't hear about very often...an anthroposophist speaking openly about the practices of secret cults, groups and societies of a negative nature!
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Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. New Age    4. Spirituality - General    5. Freemasonry & secret societies   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Christianity and culture    3. Religion    4. Religion - Church Music    5. Social change    6. Sociology of Religion    7. Christian theology    8. Cultural studies    9. Religion / Christianity   

Reviews (6)

BEST BOOK ON PREACHING
Lloyd Jones book on preaching is the best I have read.Of the over 50 books that I have read on preaching, his book is definitely the best.This book is not necessarily a how-to, its more a philosophy book - something that preachers today need to think more about.Too many are concerned with the method and not the man.Being the right man, filled with the anointing, is crucial before you can use the right method.This is what the book is all about.If you don't have it buy it, it will be a valuable investment for not just your library, but also your life.

Practical nuggets of wisdom
This book contains many practical nuggets of wisdom for preaching.If you are looking for a "idiot's guide to preaching" type book that tells you how to put together an outline, and how to write an expository sermon, and things like that, then this book is not for you.The author of the book believes such things are abominations, and wreaks of "professionalism."He rather chooses to focus on the character of the preacher, and the character of the message. Passionate Plea for the Primacy of Powerful Preaching
The Doctor at his best! This is a warm and encouraging book for preachers.Dr. Lloyd-Jones delivered these lectures at Westminister Seminary in thesixties (I think), but they are still relelvant today for the preacher thatis serious about his calling. Lloyd-Jones defends the primacy of preaching,showing that there is not any substitute for it. He delves into thepreparation, shape, and form of the sermon and hits on such issues ashumor, invitations, and the congregation. Best of all is the last chapteron "Demonstration of the Spirit and of the Power" which dealswith the sacred anointing of the Holy Spirit in preaching. I am a preacherand if I could have only one book on preaching, this would probably be theone! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Religion - Church Music    3. CHURCH AND MINISTRY PASTORAL HELPS PREACHING    4. Religion / Church Administration   

Reviews (26)

GET THIS and GIVE THIS to your favorite women:)
This is my FAVORITE book by Iyanla Vanzant because of:It's size(small enough for your tiny purse), its lack of preach-i-ness and how the index is organized by subject. I feel its a synopsis of all the subjects covered in her other books.I also feel the book is applicable to women of ALL cultures.You can use it as a daily guide or you can use the index to find a subject for which you could use guidance.

A great book for daily reflection
I can not express how insightful and helpful this book is! It really makes you look deep into the reason(s) why you thought you needed a book of affirmations in the first place. This book is perfect for those "why me" and "I really can't take any more" moments when you feel like life, and everything in it, needs to give you a break. If you're a woman experiencing a lot of change in your life and it seems like you just can't handle another crisis (or is it a crisis afterall?), this is the book for you. I carry it in my purse!

Touches a Point
Each time my spirt is down, or I'm going through a situation, I turn to this book.I hold the book in my right hand by its spine, fan the pages with my left hand to stop at randum. The passages I've read, I have felt its deep spirtual feeling and I understand its meaning.Then I reflect on my situation and the passage fits.It helps me to understanding whats going on.It uplifts my spirit to deal with my situation.It give me insight to view my problem from a different angle.It also assures me that what I am currently going through will end.I will get through it.In my view, its a powerfull book.I have read several other books by Iyanla, even watched her talk show (sorry that went off the air), but like the bible, I keep Faith In The Valley near by. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American women    2. English    3. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Lifest    4. Inspirational - General    5. Meditation    6. Meditations    7. Motivational & Inspirational    8. Peace    9. Prayer-books and devotions    10. Religious aspects    11. Self-Help    12. Sociology    13. Black studies    14. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    15. Popular psychology    16. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (3)

A Worthy Addition to Any Freemason's Library, It Being a Well-Written, Easy-to-Read History of this Ancient Craft.
Modern Freemasonry was established in London in 1717, but the origins of Freemasonry date back thousands of years to pre-biblical times.In "The Freemasons: The Illustrated Book of an Ancient Brotherhood" Michael Johnstone traces possible links in the beginning between Freemasonry and the building of King Solomon's Temple, with the great philosopher Pythagoras, the Collegia, with the Ancient Mysteries, the Druids, and with the Knights Templar.
A good overview of the world's oldest fraternity
This book, lavishly populated with some grand illustrations, gives the reader a good historical perspective on an ancient brotherhood (and more recently quasi-sisterhood).It serves as a repository and historical overview of freemasonry around the world, its possible origins and written history since the early 18th century.
Who are the Freemasons?
If you do much reading of history,historical novels or novels about fraternaties ,you will come across all kinds of organizations such as: Freemasons,Knights Templar,Shriners,Illuminati,Lodges,Secret Societies,Secret Oaths,and on and on.In addition, you will see symbols in many locations including monuments,churches,even the symbol on the American dollar bill.You probably know or were told that these were symbols of the Masons.These symbols all have meanings and if you want to get some idea what and why they appear in so many places,this book will give you a good overview.
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Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. Freemasons    3. History    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Sociology - General    7. Sociology Of Organizations    8. Social Science / Freemasonry    9. Sale Books   

Reviews (20)

Skip the movie, please
Dr. Davis did a great job scientifically speaking about the book. The book is NOTHING like the silly movie in the 1990's. Davis talked vividly about how a "zombie" may be "created". The book also mentions Papa Max Beauvoir who used have the Temple of Yahwe in Washington, D.C. Boy do I miss him (Beauvoir)
Nothing like the movie..two entirely different stories!
After seeing the movie "Serpent and the Rainbow", I sought out the novel to gain a deeper appreciation for what happened to Wade Davis in Haiti. To my surprise, the movie had only about 2% in common with what happened in the book. To my surprise, Wade's actual encounters with the Haitians was mostly friendly and congenial. His life was never threated, he never was interrogated or tortured by the government there. He never had a metal spike nailed into his leg. He was never zombified and resurrected.In fact, he is treated exceptionally well despite the fact that he is there to try to uncover medical secrets of which, if successful, the Haitians would probably never see one penny of reward from. The movie had a lot of suspense, mystery and supernatural occurences. Aside from Wade seeing some ceremonial "possessions",the book does not. Wade is after the Zombi medicine, he is shown how to make it, he returns with a sample and it is verified. End of story, or it should have been. The book should have stopped there. After Wade returns to Haiti to try to see a Zombi resurrected, the text just bogs down in a slow history lesson of Haiti and its secret societies and lacks a climax of any kind.