Reviews (2)

A great book
I beg to disagree with the other reviewer. I am a complete newcomer to ritual studies and this book is every novice's dream. Both detailed and wide-ranging, it gives sufficient exposure to the key questions to start using ritual in your own work, or to simply appreciate the pervasiveness of ritual in social life.
Great but not for the first timer in this field...
While Bell provides what is a strong comprehensive look at ritual, this book is not for anyone who is trying to break into this. It is not nightstand reading! As an upper-level undergrad in religious studies, I found the book readable, challenging, and thoroughly engaging. However, there are some important principles that should be understood first--particularly sociological and psychological theories in religion. I would recommend that the thoughtful reader with some exposure to the study of religion and world religions accompany this text with Ronald Grimes' anthology _Readings in Ritual Studies._ In it you will find some of the foundational ideas as well as many of the scholars who inform Bell's study of ritual. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Comparative Religion    4. Life Sciences - Ecology    5. Religion    6. Religion - Church History    7. Ritual    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Religion & Theology | Symbol, Ritual & Practice    11. Religion: general    12. Religious rites & ceremonies    13. Social Science / Sociology of Religion   

Subjects:  1. Freemasonry    2. Social Science    3. Sociology    4. Freemasonry & secret societies    5. Social Science / Freemasonry   

Reviews (9)

The Wisdom of the ages within those pages...
Like all of the great books written by Paramahansa Yogananda this one spills over with loving wisdom - as gentle and divine messsages of hope for this stressed out world that we live in are shared from his heart.
A Spritual Masterpiece!
This collection of Yogananda's talks, along with its two companion volumes, should be on the shelf of every student of Eastern Wisdom, no matter what tradition they follow, and even if they don't follow any tradition, its just that good!

And the greatest of these is Love...
If it contained only his opening essay from 1943, "How to Cultivate Divine Love", this volume would more than warrant the cover price: it is persuasive, revelatory, show-stopping.Everyone talks about love. Everyone is moved by an unconscious yearning for this intangible indispensible. After lifetimes of pursuing and then achieving the Source of Love, in this seventeen-page essay Yogananda offers a timeless explanation of this elusive be-all and end-all of our existence.For those that confuse Love with sex or who cannot imagine that any love can surpass their feelings for their child or their beloved, these words are probably wasted.But for those who have been graced by even a whiff of the Creator's love or have intuitively felt that behind the temporary world of human ecstasies must lie a Divine Source and Experience, these words will ring as truth: this author has tasted The Whole Loaf, not just enjoyed wafting aromas.No matter how often it is distorted and dimmed in its human expressions, the irresistable pull of Divine Love keep working on us, because, as Yogananda explains...Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Eastern - Gurus    3. Mysticism    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spirituality - General    7. Christian & quasi-Christian cults & sects    8. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness   

Reviews (6)

A must read
Was Wimber a true man of God I am not sure I hope he was.THe book is good advice read it!

One of the best books in Healing and Deliverance
This would be one of the best books in the area of healing and deliverence.In the early Pentecostal days with lots of healings and deliverance taking place, what came lacking was the theology to healing and deliverance, and John Wimber wrote Power Healing at a time where a strong renewal theology in healing and deliverance was needed.This is not a book like those you get from the "Word of Faith" movements.This book is solidly grounded on the Word of God, not denying the reality of life, but faces them head on.This book deals with some very difficult issues, e.g. "Can Christians be demon possessed?" and "Why are all not healed?"
Power to Heal by God's Hands and Yours
He loves you and wants you healed! Books like this will build up your faith and get you started. More advanced: "The Power of Divine: A Healer's Guide" by Tiffany Snow and "Hands of Light" by Derek Prince. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Christianity - Theology - Pneumatology    3. Religion    4. Religion - Christian Life    5. Spiritual healing    6. Spirituality - General    7. Wimber, John    8. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (44)

And Next.. A Girl talks to Bhudda
Girl Meets God is a bodice-ripping tome on religion, or rather, religion-lite.It titilates, confesses, talks of food, sex, drink and,top it off, a little "Electra" thing going on with Daddy- Ms Winer wrote a little fairy tale for spiritual seekers- Jew or Christian- lost in the big woods, etc., etc. all egos are attended to.
A very easy book to relate to.
This book is a quick read and well as an interesting read.I read this book for a church book discussion group and was very glad we chose it.I felt that even though it's about her struggle with Judaism and converting to Christianity, it is so very applicable to me as a Christian who did not convert from anything.It reminds me of the basics of being a Christian and the struggles that we all face.The reason not for 5 stars is that even though there is a great deal of information from the author about the 2 religions, it was not a challenging book to read - but that's just my preference.

Page Turner
It is not often a person can say a religious book is a edge of chair page turner; BUT, Lauren's book was just that. I read it in three evenings, and quickley ordered her book Mudhouse Sabbath, and can't wait to read it. Lauren's religious "travel" from reformed Judaism to orthodox Judaism to Episcopalism was both insightful and thought provoking. I highly recommend this book if you are searching spiritally, or want to learn basic tenants of Judaism and christianity from a person who lived both. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Christian converts from Judais    6. Christian converts from Judaism    7. Christianity - General    8. Comparative Religion    9. Converts    10. General    11. Messianic Judaism    12. Religious    13. United States    14. Winner, Lauren F    15. Women   

Reviews (1)

truth of the white people offsprint.
I was so happy to know that truth. Massey tells us the truth on the racial origin of the humanity, when he told to the pagge 29-30, that the white was a creation of the black people so-called egyptians.Now, I'am free of allcomplex, I'am free because Massey with the book of the beginnings, gave methe freedom. Thank you Massey, one black people of the louisiane.(01/02/2000) timec@caramail.com ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civilization    2. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Africa    6. Ethnic or tribal religions    7. World history: BCE to c 500 CE   

Reviews (2)

Then Sings My Soul - Keepsake Edition
Actually better than 5 stars. A "have to have" for those who love traditional hymns..

A Wonderful Treasure
As the times change, it seems that the church now sings many wonderful worship choruses.I love praise and worship, but there is still something special about the old hymns.I spent quite some time looking at this book when I received it, just remembering all the Lord has done for me over the years, and how special certain songs are to me.This book not only has the accompanyment for each song, it also has the story of how and when the song came to be.A great gift!I'll have to order another for myself as I had intended to give this one to someone else! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Music    3. Religion - Church Music    4. Religious - Hymns    5. Music / Hymns   

Reviews (19)

Keep an open mind
I was allowed to borrow this book by a friend of mine who met Dan Evehama and was taken under his wing. To those who only read or hear others at "word for word", you will ALWAYS miss the point of ANY discourse, written or spoken. This book is valuable not only for the first ever, first-hand account of this tribe's religious beliefs, but their prophecies and their politics. Those who couldn't get past Mr. Mails' zeal probably wouldn't have listened to Christ, either.
Frank Waters rules, in the matter of Hopi spirituality
I like Mails' "Mystic Warriors of the Plains" - it's in a prominent spot on my Southwestern display shelves.Don't bother with Survival Kit - read Frank Waters."The Book of the Hopi" and "Pumpkinseed Point" are amazing expressions of the Hopi legends and world view, at once spiritual and scholarly.Frank was nominated several times for the Nobel, but never won (judges said he was "too regional" - politics in action).
The Kit:A Basis for Interfaith Dialogue
I am rather surprised at some of the bad reviews the book received.While it was not "a piece of cake", I felt it was important to not just "read" but study the book and discuss it with others of an Interfaith-minded consciousness.Turn off the left brain for a minute and tune into what the author and others have gone through in an attempt to connect with a profound indigenous culture.It has implications for how we as a planet can celebrate our religious/cultural sovereignty and share it based on an underlying universal connection.The book was not meant to be like a Cowboys and Indian movie. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies - Spirituality    2. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies - Tribes    3. Government relations    4. Hopi Indians    5. Hopi philosophy    6. Prophecy    7. Religion    8. Sociology    9. Religion / Ethnic & Tribal    10. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (3)

The Theology of Song
It is a rare privilege to read a book and feel that you have a deep personal connection to an author that you have never met. Occasionally, after preaching a sermon I will have someone come forward and say, "I feel like you were preaching to me today." After reading Reggie Kidd's new book, With One Voice I can say, "I feel like he was writing to me." Perhaps this connection was due to the fact that I have always had a profound interest in the place of music in the Church's worship.Maybe the connection was at a deeper level, because one of the inspirational voices behind Kidd's book was the teaching of Dr. Edmund P. Clowney, and I am also one who was fortunate enough to sit under Dr. Clowney's teaching while I was attending Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville. Or it's possible I connected with this book simply because it is obvious that the author and I listen to (and like) much of the same music. Upon further reflection however, I am convinced that the connection that I felt with this book was because Reggie Kidd did such a masterful job of painting a picture of Jesus Christ as the Singing Savior, the true leader of authentic worship no matter what style it might take.
Singing With Jesus
We sing for Jesus.We sing to Jesus.What I particularly appreciate about "With One Voice" is Kidd's rich examination of what it means to sing with Jesus.In this book Reggie Kidd gives us a window into the kind of worship in which we all participate, whether our song is, as he says, more reminiscent of Bach-elegant and refined, "Bubba"-simple and anonymous or the Blues Brothers-passionate and on a mission.
Leader and lay person alike will find much in this book to think about
Kidd writes from a rich inner landscape of worship about his experiences as a worship leader and worshipper in several different contexts. His anecdotes and examples are intimate and personal, his treatment of the Scriptural passages is engaging and accessible, and his love for his Savior is evident throughout. People who are interested in thoughtful worship, whether from the leadership point of view or that of the `person in the pew,' will find much in this book to enrich their minds and hearts.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    3. Music in churches    4. Religion    5. Religion - Church History    6. Religion - Church Music    7. Religious - Christian    8. Religion / Christianity   

Reviews (2)

A Terrific Invitation to the Sacred Rhythm of Prayer
I was privileged enough to receive a free copy of this book thanks to the generousity of Paraclete Press in a promotion on Scot McKnight's blog. I just finished reading the book and I must say that the book was perfect at doing what it wanted to do, namely: introducing low-church Christians such as myself to the richness and depth of fixed-hour prayer.
Praying WITH The Church
Having grown up in the rural, evangelical Midwest, I was raised with the limited (very limited) understanding that `liturgy' was something those `weird' churches did, and that it was dry, boring, and irrelevant. Beyond such limited knowledge, I had no idea what `hours' meant (other than a period of time consisting of 60 minutes), or what a `daily office' was (other than a place where you go to work). Little did I know the connection to a global prayer movement that has thrived for centuries.
Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Unacknowledged contributors
The correct title of the book should read Tantra in Practice (Princeton Readings in Religions) by David Gordon White (Editor), Beavis and Butthead.

The choice of topics misses the heart of tantra
I would not recommend this book since the choice of topics enfogs the subject rather than illuminating it. This collection does indeed have some excellent contributions from leading scholars, but it is the whole package that is disappointing. I was also disappointed with White's own contributions.

Good overview...
World-class scholars ANDRE PADOUX, PAUL E. MULLER-ORTEGA, DOUGLAS R. BROOKS and many others come together to write about Buddhist Tantra, Hindu Tantra, Jain Tantra, and Tantra and Islam in South Asia; //the countries covered are China, India, Japan, Nepal and Tibet.//Read more

Subjects:  1. Hinduism    2. Mysticism    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Tantric Buddhism    6. Tantrism    7. Archaeology and Ancient History    8. Asian and Asian American Studies    9. Asian studies    10. China    11. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    12. India    13. Japan    14. Literary studies: general    15. Mind, Body, Spirit    16. Nepal    17. Religion / Mysticism    18. Tibet   

Reviews (2)

Fantastic review of the men of the OT
This is a fantastic bible review of the men of the OT.It is well written and very current on the biblical thinking as related to current times.Looking forward to studying all five of Barber, et al Following God Series.

Well-written, well-designed book. Maps &second color a plus!
Following God--Life Principles of the New Testament Men of Faith is a great study tool for those wanting fresh insights into some of the most important characters during the life of Christ and the early-Church era.Color maps including one of Paul's Missionary Journeys and snazzy lookingcharts are a big plus for this title. Well worth reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Religion    3. Religion - Church Music   

Reviews (3)

the impact of god by iain matthew
i bought this book at a carmelite monastery's bookshop. it was recommended by one of the discalced friars.for anyone who wants to understandthe message of st. john of the cross this is the book for you. it isbeautifully writtenin a simple and logical way. you can refer to it daily as you incorporate st. john of the cross' message in your daily life

Extremely profound, practical, and effective
This is one of the best books I've ever read. The author includes verses from John of the Cross, then analyzes and synthesizes, extracting the heart of what John is saying. The book is not at all "heady", it is extremely useful for the spiritual life of anyone in high school-on-up. This is one of the only books I've ever read that clears the way for deep communion with God literally every time I pick it up. I've read chapters 5-8 over and over again... the author talks about blockages to our relationship with God, and how to overcome them in a practical yet powerful way. The author shows how far and how deep a relationship with God can go. Anyone who desires to make serious advances in their spiritual life needs to read this book.

Introduction to John of the Cross
This is a very readable book that places John of the Cross historically and as a mystic. I've read it three times and am now starting into his original works with some confidence. We'll see how it goes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Devotional    3. Mysticism    4. Religion    5. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    6. Christian mysticism    7. Literary studies: 16th to 18th centuries    8. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church    9. Spain    10. c 1500 to c 1600   

Reviews (4)

Still the benchmark
The first edition of Witness has become the standard text in intro to preaching classes, much as Broadus was at the beginning of the 20th century.Like countless others, I was guided into preaching with Witness.This second edition presents several improvements.The most notable of these are the inclusion of more concrete examples that illustrate the process of sermon preparation and the addition of some "homiletical lore," addressing everything from filing illustrative material to Power Point.Simultaneously, all the brilliant insights and clear presentation that made the first edition such a success are present in this volume.
Fine introduction to preaching
In this book, Thomas Long gives those preparing to preach a fine, step-by-step introduction to sermon writing and delivery.Beginning with choosing a text, Long shows how one might analyze the text to determine the central meaning, and look for new angles in Bible passages that may challenge our understanding of that text (or make for a unique sermon).The remaining steps are similarly detailed, yet highly adaptable for your own individual style.Furthermore, Long apparently knows the young preacher's habit of delivering a sermon that is either too broad or rambling, so he always makes sure that the sermon stays on-track.Finally, a big benefit of this book is Long's constant reminder that sermons are works that are meant to be delivered orally, and thus heard (not read).Keeping the lay audience in mind and how people typically listen/hear was highly valuable to me.Recommended for those who want to learn more about what kind of work goes into sermon prep.

Good Theology, Good Preaching, & A Couple of Reservations
Tom Long's "The Witness of Preaching" is a refreshing and readable look at homiletics.Long is well versed in the dominant literature and gives insight into preachers such as Fred Craddock and David Buttrick.However, his real accomplishment is found in the first chapter.Unlike some homiletics texts which focus on rhetoric or communication theory, Long begins with theology.Drawing from Old and New Testament roots, Long offers an image of preacher as the one who "bears witness."Long's beginning chapter is well worth the price of the entire book.In actuality, the chapter probably could stand alone.Will Willimon suggests as much by excerpting part of the chapter in "Pastor:A Reader for Ordained Ministry" (Abingdon Press, 2002).Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Preaching    3. Religion    4. Religion - Church Music    5. Religion - Worship - Preaching    6. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis   

Reviews (43)

Gives you a new way to look at things
I read this book many years ago, and it definitely changed the way I looked at things in life.This book is a good introduction to Scientology.

Body Mind & Spirit
This is excellent reading for anyone who is interested in understanding better how the human mind works. The connection between Body, Mind and Spirit. Who are we? How can we be happier? Why do we behave the way in which we do? These life perplexing questions are answered here. After you read this book you may realize that you are not insane after all. You may even be able to change the way in which you think about life. Or the way in which you think about things all together, which may help you to bring about positive changes in your life.

Great personal advice & technology
In reading the reviews, some critics are using this book review as a rant for their own bigotry and have not actually read this book, which I have several times.One should purchase this book for the short articles on the formation of interpersonal and business relationships formula.What is the real goal of Scientology, rather than the nonsense from the news media?Check this out. Amazon has a feature where you can read a few pages before buying. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Personal Growth - General    3. Religion    4. Scientology    5. Spirituality - General   

Reviews (7)

One of the best on the subject!
To totally understand the Qabalistic significance of the Tarot and their correspondences, this is the book. It compares Thoth, Rider-Wait, Golden Dawn and Marseilles decks. Going through each path on the Qabalah and describing its characteristics makes understanding the cards much easier. I have had this book since it first came out and I still refer to it to this day. If wanting to understand the Thoth deck, this book along with "Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot" by Lon Milo Duquette is a must, since they both very accurately explain the Qabalistic significance of the Tarot in very easy to understand terms. Its divinatory explanations are limited however and Wang uses excerpts from the "Golden Dawn" edited by Israel Regardie to cover this. From this part of the book it is a great jumping off point into other books that may supply more info in this area, but for the study of how the Tarot relates to the Qabalah, this book is unsurpassed.

My Favorite Book on the Qabalah
Without a doubt, this is the best book on the Qabalah, bar none.Notice how I spelled Qabalah: this book is from a Western Occult perspective, make no mistake.
Constant Companion Qabalah
I call this review "Constant Companion Qabalah" because I keep this book always near my desk. As a professional astrologer, VisionCoach and expert Tarot symbolist, I find this book the single most profound reference of its kind. It has been my constant companion since I first read it back in 1989. I have since read it at least three times from cover to cover and I refer to it constantly in the classes I teach. Robert Wang has thoroughly mastered the material. He has access to the secret doctrines of the mystery schools such as The Order of the Golden Dawn. His approach is intellectually and practically balanced with a profound understanding of the spirituality and mystic wisdom of the Qabalah. This is a book that will stay with you at whatever level you meet it and meet you at whatever level you wish to take it to later.Perhaps it goes without saying, but a good working knowledge of astrology and Tarot is a real plus before cracking the spine of this one! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mysticism    2. Tarot   

Reviews (4)

The Serious Christian
Do you want a deeper walk with Christ?This is a book worth reading.
Solid spiritual book.
I recommend this book to anyone that wants to further his/her Passing Through Fire
Of the many aspects of mystical theology Osuna addresses, I particularly like his description of an "inflaming of the spirit."He writes of experiencing "... such sweetness that the soul would like to be consumed...it is exceedingly gladdened in the Lord, [and] its tranquil conscience witness to our feeling of being loved by God..." (p. 71) If you are drawn to such a state, you're likely to appreciate Third Spiritual Alphabet, a gem of 16th century Spanish mysticism with expert introduction by translator, Mary E. Giles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian Mysticism    2. Mysticism    3. Religion    4. Religion - Classic Works    5. Spirituality - General    6. Christian worship   

Reviews (11)

Memories...
Death is one of the most traumatic experience in our lives.Even the deaths of strangers affects us in unusual, sometimes unpredictable ways.The death of those close to us, family and friends, can leave us with questions, emotions and emptiness hard to comprehend.Yet, there are ways to deal with these; religion has rituals, families have traditions, cultures have cycles, allowances and expectations, yet we still need more. An essential book for anyone who has to create a funeral
Sarah does an amazing job of giving guidelines and suggestions for creating truely meaningful memorials and funerals. Been there, Done that, Thanks!
Having been someone who has done group memorials for individuals of a separate organization with people who have passed on from AIDS, this book give me new insight.I am looking to put together another ceremony in September.Comparing the past events with Rev. York's book, I find that the past events contained many of the elements that she suggests.However, she gives some wonderful insights and ideas that I have not thought of before.I am only about 1/3 of the way through the book I am about ready to change the original structure of the memorial service.All that I can really say is:"Sarah, thank you for your wonderful writing and imput.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Death And Dying (Sociological Aspects)    4. General    5. Manners And Customs    6. Memorial service    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church Music    9. Sociology - General    10. Spirituality - General    11. Coping with death & bereavement    12. Customs    13. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (4)

Welcome to Sunday
I am a life long Episcopalian and found this book full of useful information. I highly recommend this book for every
Clear Concise, Informative
My wife and I are former Methodists who have attended an Episcopal church for the past 18 months.We are attracted by the Eucharistic service but don't wish to "check our brains at the door", as would be required by the Bishop of Rome.I bought this book because I wanted basic information on the background and meaning of the service we so recently found. The book didn't disappoint me. The author explains the traditional architectural styles and floor plans, the roles of the Ministry and the Laity, and the Christian year as it is observed in the Episcopal church.The author systematically works his way through a typical service, explaining in adequate depth for all but the budding theologian, the origins and meanings of each part.He also discusses trends within the church, for example, to include more elements of the Eastern Orthodox service.Each chapter ends with questions for thought and further discussion.This would make it a great book for an adolescent or adult discussion group. If you want a book to explain the Episcopal (Rites I and II) service in a methodical and easily understood fashion, this is a great start.

It happens every Sunday...
Christopher Webber's book, 'Welcome to Sunday', is an excellent companion to the volume 'Welcome to the Episcopal Church'.Together, these books often form a curriculum of sorts for inquirers' classes, confirmation classes and new member conversations.This particular volume, as the title suggests, concentrates on the Sunday worship experience, the centre of most every church.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Anglicanism    2. Christianity - Episcopalianism    3. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    4. Episcopal Church    5. Liturgy    6. Public worship    7. Religion    8. Religion - Denominations - Religions   

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    4. Multicultural Nonfiction    5. Religion    6. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    7. Sociology of Religion    8. Black studies    9. Religion & Beliefs    10. U