Reviews (31)

Buy a book on probability instead
This book is mostly built around the idea "I wish it were true = it *is* true".While this book has innate appeal to those looking for meaning in their lives, if you're looking for a firm foundation for understanding coincidences in your life (i.e. intellectual integrity), you'd be better off buying an introduction to probability.

Everything Happens For A Reason
I enjoyed this quick read.I did skip over a few chapters that I didn't feel were pertinent to me, but still really enjoyed this book.If you are looking to see if you are on the right path in life, read God Winks.And then, start paying attention, you'll be surprised at what comes to mind!

Thoroughly enjoyable
This was an enjoyable book from the first page to the last.We all have moments of coincidence and this book puts into perspective that these moments do not "just happen"...putting the focus on God. I love the imagery of God "winking" at such a moment as if to say, "Hey there kid, I'm thinking about you right now."Now whenever a coincidence happens in my life, I find myself winking back to say, "Thank You, God...I'm thinking about You right now, too!"Very well written.Hats off to SQuire Rushnell for an exceptionally good book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Affirmations    2. Coincidence    3. Faith    4. Free Will & Determinism    5. Inspirational    6. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    7. Probabilities    8. Religion    9. Religious aspects    10. Christianity    11. Ethics & moral philosophy    12. Nature & existence of God    13. Religion / Faith    14. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Editorial Review

Secular liberals and religious conservatives will find things to both comfort and alarm them in Jim Wallis's Read more

Reviews (196)

Not nonpartisan
Wallis pitches his book as an attempt to show that Christians can be Democrats or Republicans, or whatever presumably.Here, he is correct.He also pitches his argument as being nonpartisan. Here, he is mistaken; it doesn't take too long to figure out his idea of nonpartisan is liberal Democrat.

WELL WRITTEN BLATHER
Although well written, this book is just left wing socialist blather. Most egregiously in error is the author's characterization of Catholic social teaching. He wuld have us believe that the Catholic Church is all behind the US social welfare system. Just one quote summarizes where the Catholic Church really is on this issue:
finding common ground in higher ground
jim wallis' book "God's politics: why the right gets it wrong and the left doesn't get it" offers a great response to many major issues that our country is grappling with these days. wallis convicts both republicans and democrats and speaks with a surprising level of urgency and candor. he reminds the reader that God is neither a republican or a democrat, that He doesn't want you to vote partisan but according to your highest ideals, and that yes, He definitely HATES war, torture, and injustice. some conservative critics complain that he wants to make all Christians into democrats and start a socialist movement, but it's actually very clear from reading the first few pages that this isn't true. no matter how you vote and no matter what your faith, it's an insightful read that bucks all the party lines and encourages those who want to vote from the heart. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Political Issues    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    4. Christianity and politics    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religion And Politics    8. Religion, Politics & State    9. United States    10. Religion / Church & State   

Reviews (9)

Wide-Eyed Wonder
This book somewhat builds on the anthropic principle, the idea that our planet is finely tuned for life. It follows the long-out of print and highly readable contribution by Augros and Stanciu, The New Story of Science. The authors search the world for evidences of not simply design, but genius, and examine human genius to see what it might look like. Along the way they not only ruminate over a myriad dazzling ideas and observations, but also bring a much-needed cooling down to the pitched debate over intelligent design.
Excellent Exploration of Nature's Genius
A Meaningful World is a profoundly thoughtful, clever and witty exploration of the beauty and genius of nature.Where reductionists see unguided, mechanistic processes and meaninglessness, Doctors Benjamin Wiker and Jonathan Witt see purpose and layer upon layer of meaning.The new book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory and the theory of intelligent design (ID), and a must-read for those who follow this debate.
The Summation of Evidence of Design
Benjamin Wiker and Jonathan Witt have coauthored a very compelling account of why science and the arts reveal design and genius in nature.This accomplishment serves as a summation of the various written accounts of the revival of the theory of design as the overarching philosopical explanation of the physcial world.Stating that the sum is greater than the individual parts, Wiker and Witt have written a thorough attack upon the materialist reductionist belief system and exposed the central false assumption of our times.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. Creation    5. Doctrinal Theology    6. Meaning (Philosophy)    7. Nature    8. Philosophy    9. Philosophy & Social Aspects    10. Philosophy Of Religion    11. Religion    12. Religion & Science    13. Religion - Socialissues    14. Religious aspects   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Christianity - Education - Program Resources    3. Religion    4. Religion - Christian Education - Teaching Helps / Programs    5. Christian Interest    6. Christian moral & pastoral theology    7. Religion / Bible / Study / General   

Reviews (5)

supernatural indeed!
Since I'm a conventional "sceptic" of the pro-establishment variety, reading and reviewing this book was a real challenge. Graham Hancock is a controversial "alternativist" writer based in Britain, but constantly on the move all around the globe (and beyond?). Real Egyptologists, archeologists and historians usually regard him as pseudo-scientific. Indeed, his books are filled with all the stuff we sceptics just LOVE to hate: hyper-diffusionism, pyramidology, the face on Mars and (surprise) the Illuminati. "Supernatural" is Hancock's latest work. In some ways, it's even crazier than his earlier ones. But in some other ways, it's actually better. Yes, my Satanist friends will be surprised that I of all people said that...
But where are the Unicorns?
The premise: Paleolithic man painted some scenes that had no basis in everyday experience. Therefore the models for the paintings came either from his imagination or from hallucinations percieved during trace states. The images depicted are archtypal altered state of consciousness visions that can be reproduced in minds of modern humans. Conclusion: Altered states of consciousness are a gateway to an alternative reality.The notion of "conciousness as receiver" is a fascinating way of interpreting hallucinations. Unfortunately, if one carries that concept to its obvious conclusion, it opens somenew interpretations of disturbed brain biochemistry, including schizophrenia. It's no wonder Hancock expresses an element of fear when he experiments with hallucinogens. Losing ones grip on "reality" is scarey for a reason. I wouldn't mind snapping a photo of the Loch Ness Monster, but keep it out of my swimming pool, please. Is Cryptozoology folklore, or an alternative Safariland? Are all hallucinations "real", or just those that introduce us to aliens and faries?
Great
I've read this book twice, I love it. I think it throws more lite on Zecharia Sitchin's series, What I mean is that it could better explain what the Summarians were witnessing! "Forest of Visions" by Alex Polari De Alverga gives Graham more ammo on what he is talking about! I was hoping he would touch on "We,The Arcturians" by Dr. Norma J. Milanovich, It seems to fit right into what is going on in the book "Supernatural"! I've read all of Graham Hancocks books,The Man is not afraid of so called mainline science. "Underworld" was great and made sense! I would put this man right up there with authors like James Mitchner !
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Subjects:  1. Controversial Knowledge    2. General    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Spirituality - General    8. History / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (115)

Revelation Unveiled
This excellent book gives us an orthodox Catholic insight into both the nature of the Mass and into the book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse. Using the Hebrew apocalyptic literary style that figures greatly into the Old Testament books of Daniel and Ezekiel, St John gives us an apocalyptic view of the end of an age, that of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and of the animal sacrifices of the ancient Hebrews. He does this by painting a panoramic picture of the demise of ancient Judaism and its successor, the early Christian Church.
Excellent explanation
This book offer a very nice and logical and easy to understand on the book of Revelation. This book should be subtitled : the Revelation for Dummies. Very entertaining and easy to read.

Buy this book
Ok I pray the everyone who takes the time to attend Mass on Sunday would read this.I pray that those who don't attend Mass would read this.I wish that anyone that felt the were attending Mass just because it was an obligation, have a ho-hum attitude or felt bored at Mass would READ THIS BOOK! If you thought that the Book of Revelations was put there to scare you this book will change you life. Dr. Hahn has done it again he has really made the Bible and the Mass come to life.I no longer go to Mass just going through the punches. You know, walk in five minutes before Mass, holy water, a quick lowering of the knee, songs, readings,... and off to breakfast. Ok I really tried to get my head into Sunday worship but I just did not get it.Now I can't get enough. You can even see me at daily Mass I love it so much.I didn't get the why from my parents, I didn't get the why from society, and sadly I didn't get the why from the church.Dr. Hahn has helped me to understand why we should all love going to Mass. Buy this book or even better get the DVD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Celebration    5. Christianity - Catholicism    6. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    7. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    8. Christianity - Theology - Ecclesiology    9. Criticism, interpretation, etc    10. Ecclesiastical Theology    11. Mass    12. N.T    13. N.T.    14. Religion    15. Religion - Classic Works    16. Revelation    17. Christian theology    18. Religion / Catholicism    19. Religious rites & ceremonies    20. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Reviews (13)

Really important stuff, especially "moralistic therapeutic deism"
A sociological analysis of conducted between 2001 and 2005 at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill under the title, "National Study of Youth and Religion."
soul searching...
excellent content.
National Survey of the Spiritual Lives of Teens
Chris Smith did a marvelous analysis of the religious and spiritual life of teens in the United States.I am using this comprehensive research to assist us as we plan for the teens in our parish.The analysis is "user friendly" and certainly touches on a very important part of the lives of our teens. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Studies    2. Religious life    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Sociology of Religion    6. Spiritual life    7. Teenagers    8. United States    9. Adolescents    10. Religion & Theology | Sociology of Religion    11. Social Science / Sociology of Religion    12. Spirituality   

Reviews (76)

A Few More Thoughts (more myth debunking)
Ok, As many have pointed out the book doesn't address the problem of towers falling at near-terminal velocity all the way into their own footprint.
Open your eyes people!!!
People....Please..Do you honestly think Popular Mechanics can set straight all that is wrong in the world?Who owns Popular Mechanics?Hearst Publications!Who is Hearst Publications?Do they have any connection to our government or any aspects of the government?Can they be COMPLETELY trusted to give factual, unbiased opinion?There are hundreds of unanswered questions regarding the events that took place on Sept. 11th. yet they think they can dispell them in one book?Let's look at just 2 issues shall we.First of all, World Trade 7.Sorry folks, buildings made of steel and reinforced concrete don't just fall down because a building nearby fell down.Fires or no fires this building absolutely just fell like the footings were just removed instantaneoulsy..Buildings that have been subjected to earthquakes and hurricanes see more violent shaking and yet at least some of the building remains intact if not compltetly intact.This building was demolished by explosive charges placed well in advance of Sept. 11th.Why?We may never know but it obviously was to hide something or to use the event to sway public opinion towards war.Secondly, crashed airplanes leave debris.LOTS OF DEBRIS!!!The crash at the pentagon left no signs of a crashed BOEING 757!First of all, have any of you ever seen a Boeing 757 besides in photos???They are a huge, heavy, loaded with flammable jet-fuel, aircraft.You don't crash a jet of that size anywhere without leaving debris.The hole in the side of the pentagon is NOT big enough to be caused by a Boeing 757 and that is the simple truth!A person could drive themselves crazy with all the information out there but the simple fact remains..NO WRECKAGE..NO PLANE and buildings don't just fall by themselves..I am a republican and I voted for BUSH but this whole situation stinks of a government cover up!Does Bush know anything?Doubtful.I've come to realize the man is a complete idiot.Probably why he was elected in the first place.The people in high places needed a patsy and they found him.You gotta love it!!!

Careful, Logical Look at 9/11 Attacks & Surrounding Hysteria
Debunking 9/11 Myths provides a straightforward, lucid response to many of the far-fetched claims that the hijacked-airliner attacks on September 11, 2001 were somehow perpetrated by elements within the U.S. government.
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Subjects:  1. Conspiracies    2. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    3. History    4. History: World    5. Miscellanea    6. Modern - 21st Century    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Politics / Current Events    9. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    10. United States - 21st Century    11. Controversial Knowledge & Mysteries    12. Current Events / General    13. LITERATURE - ESSAYS TRD PB    14. Terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle    15. USA    16. Sale Books   

Reviews (336)

Elegant and logical, yet informal and friendly
I won't bother restating what others have stated more than adequately. I'll just say the best and worst thing about this book:
Best book I've ever read
I have read this book four times. It is the apologetic book out there. However, it is very heavey reading and demands your full attention. Don't be surprised if many times you find yourself going back and re-reading something.

People often believe what makes them feel good.
After hearing the scientist who led the Human Genome project say this book transformed him from an atheist to a Christian, I had to read it to see such powerful inspiration.Lewis does write in a simple style that is easy to follow.He also uses simple analogies to explain complex theological issues.Yet the analogies don't actually prove anything, they just help you "understand" some of the esoteric aspects of Christianity.You can accept his points as valid if you want - it does give life a wonderful purpose.But, if you are a free thinker and value truth over feel good concepts, you should look deeper into his arguments and see if there is any substance.Or does it just make you feel good and more important.
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Subjects:  1. Anglican authors    2. Apologetics    3. Christian ethics    4. Christianity - General    5. Christianity - Literature    6. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    7. Popular works    8. Religion    9. Religion - Classic Works    10. Theology, Doctrinal    11. Christian Interest    12. Christianity    13. Religion / Christian Life    14. Religion / Christian Literature    15. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (24)

INSPIRING & ENLIGHTENING !!
Growing up in Christianity I always knew that the teachings of Jesus Christ were more than just the stock answers that were given to questions asked.Paramahansa Yogananda, a God -realized soul, interprets the teachings of Jesus in a way that is understandable to the layperson and resonates with truth, as only one who has reached that oneness with God's consciousness could explain and as Jesus intended it to be.
It Brought Me Back to God
As a "Recovering Catholic," I have had a hard time with Christianity for the past decade-plus. As a Yogi, I found something lacking in homogenized Yogic Philosophy.
A Must Read for any True Devotee of God!
This book is one of three work Yogananda produced during his life that can be truly concidered his "masterworks." The other two are "God Talks with Arjuna" his two volume commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, and "Autobiography of a Yogi" his autobiography. All three of these amazing books should be on the shelf of every devotee of God no matter what tradition/religion/etc they follow, and should be read at least once from cover to cover in a lifetime. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - General    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible - Study - General    4. Comparative Religion    5. Hindu interpretations    6. Jesus Christ    7. Religion    8. Religion - Biblical Studies    9. Christian theology    10. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works   

Reviews (21)

Good effort, some disappointment
Although Karen Armstrong has made a good effort and has exhibited a wide range of overall scholarship, "The Great Transformation" was a disappointment when it came to her understanding of Ezekiel's vision. She sees the Merkava (chariot) as a "war chariot", written in response to the Babylonian exile, and as being a "terrifying, confusing vision" (Page 398). Since Ms. Armstrong's book is on the Axial Age, it would have been better for her to approach this vision from the standpoint of a meditative experience that could bring a person into the awareness of oneness. There are elements of this vision that are common to the meditative experience wherever it arises, within whatever religious tradition it takes place. Ezekiel's vision is a description of and a metaphor for this experience, and not a "war chariot." For a scholarly elucidation of this subject, Aryeh Kaplan's book "InnerSpace," Moznaim, 1990, discusses Ezekiel's vision in detail.

Thoroughly educational and fascinating
This is a very enlightening book about the development of religious traditions in China, India, Greece and Judea/Israel (and later on Arabia), from the dawn of history until the time of Mohammed.It centers on a period in each of these cultures that is called the "axial" age, which is when the most profound enlightenments occured.It's fascinating to learn the history of the development of different belief systems - both familiar and unfamiliar.

Excellent, but not for the faint of faith
Karen Armstrong is a prolific author who has gone far beyond the faith that was taught to her as an aspiring nun in the early 1960s.I've enjoyed a few of her earlier works (Through the Narrow Gate and A History of God) and I picked this up with great anticipation. I was intrigued by her assertion that a short span of history (800-200 BCE) marked a dramatic leap in the beliefs of several religions throughout the world at a time when they had limited or no contact with each other.Her writing is both gripping and persuasive and I was very impressed with the book.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Ancient Philosophy    3. History    4. History & Surveys - Ancient & Classical    5. History Of Religion (General)    6. History, Ancient    7. Philosophy, Ancient    8. Religion    9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    10. Sociology of Religion    11. Religion / History   

Reviews (166)

Knowledge is Power , a MUST READ!
Alot of folks love to criticize Bill Cooper. I personally think he was reporting truths from his experiences & information he got his hands on.He claims right up front that some info may not be accurate.He NEVER claims to be 100% accurate, and gives you his sources for the info, not just opinions.He took a stand to expose secret information he felt the public should know.Whether you agree with him or not, you've got to respect the man. He fought to get this book published & ultimately lost his life holding on to that "stand".It's risk-takers like him that gives us knowledge & information to see hidden truths.Thank you & God Bless you, Bill.Rest in Peace.

your headed in the right direction...
This book is not for those who wish to continue living their monotonous and stressful lifestyles. This is meant to make you aware and to further draw your own conclusions.Critical thinkers only!!
Interesting read! But don't rely on Google to discount this author!
I just want to say that this book allows you to draw your OWN conclusions from information a man was able to provide andbecause of that..i find this book interesting and a good read.As for his death, all deaths that look suspicious are NEVER suspicious. As for going on Google to find out about the "real" Cooper; let it be said that you need to do alot more research on someone than going to Google to take something as FACT! Google is NOT the most reliable source, it is simply what it is; A SOURCE OF INFORMATION. The book is worth the read. Especially the part of the book that speaks about FEMA; any one heard of LA riots, Katrina? He speaks on FEMA's role very candidly and we can use both these instances as to how true he was in this area of his book. But don't base your knowledge or interest on any of our reviews...read the book for yourself and make your own conclusion of an interesting read, ENJOY! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Conspiracies    3. Controversial Knowledge    4. History    5. History & Theory - Radical Thought    6. Miscellanea    7. New Age    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Parapsychology - General    10. UFOs & Extraterrestrials    11. United States    12. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    13. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs   

Reviews (59)

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

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

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

Editorial Review

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Reviews (65)

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

Reviews (25)

A quick read but slow to forget
This story, set i