Editorial Review

Sam Harris cranks out blunt, hard-hitting chapters to make his case for why faith itself is the most dangerous element of modern life.And if the devil's in the details, then you'll find Satan waiting at the back of the book in the very substantial notes section where Harris saves his more esoteric discussions to avoid sidetracking the urgency of his message. Read more

Reviews (622)

deeply ingrained religious baggage
This is a provocative book - intentionally so - that hits the mark pretty much dead on.Harris argues with patient reason and considerable humor that we, as a nation and a global culture, have suffered terribly as a result of our deeply ingrained religious baggage.He argues persuasively for us to free ourselves of these persistent belief systems in order to rise above the intolerance and ignorance they too often promote.Most readers will be challenged, and many offended, by these arguments, but they will find it difficult to rationally refute them without lapsing into defenses of their preconceived belief systems.I found the book weakest in its stretch to address consciousness, and to contrast mysticism with religion, but these are relatively minor quibbles that detract only somewhat from the broad suite of empirical evidence Harris brings to the table (augmented with over 60 pages of supporting notes).The sooner we turn the corner on the road Harris lays out, the better we will all be in the long run.

Religion versus Spirituality
Harris is doing what so many are trying to do.He has reached a point in his life when the religion of spirituality doesn't make sense, yet his spiritual religion does.Religion is an institutionalized remedy used to control the masses, usually through fear, and that institution has nothing to do with faith.Religion and terror are key words, but Harris misses the most important part of being human, that we have a choice to be religious and therefore subjected to the terror of this institution, or to recognize our spirit as part of the the true "religion", non-denominational, non-secular, and therefore truly faithful. We need this book because it forces the questions and definition of religion versus spirituality.Pair this with "God Winks"and "Forget The Cures, Find The Cause," and we may actually get a spiritual education.

disappointing, says one anti-theist
while I looked forward to reading this I was immediately disappointed to discover that the author is in fact
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Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Controversial literature    3. General    4. International Relations - General    5. Movements - Rationalism    6. Philosophy    7. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Psychology, Religious    10. Religion    11. Religious aspects    12. Terrorism    13. Current Events / General    14. Miscellaneous Items    15. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Reviews (2)

Check It Out
The Faith Club arose out of the rubble of 9-11, as three young mothers living in New York City - a Muslim, a Christian, and a Jew - agreed to meet together to discuss their differing faiths and how they might learn to live together in peace.
a beautiful read
I think in it's own little way this book does what it can to spread some hope and optimism about Jewish, Christian, and Muslim people living together in harmony.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity and other religions    3. Church And Other Religions    4. Comparative Religion    5. Faith    6. General    7. Judaism    8. Relations    9. Religion    10. Religion - Christian Life    11. Religion - World Religions    12. Religions    13. Spirituality - Women's    14. Religion / Faith   

Reviews (68)

WOW!!
This series of books really changed my Life!!I've actually applied what The Masters talk about and it really works!!

Not a weight loss or self help book...
I can see how western civilization readers may have a very difficult time accepting Life and Teachings as nothing more than black magic. It goes very deep. This is not a series of books that you sit down and read like the DaVinci code. Have you ever, as an example, opened up the King James version of the New Testament at your hotel room and tried to actually read it and take any of it in? Its tough. Not a page turner. Kind of boooorrring.No wonder we have sunday church to get us through it all. Life and Teachings has to be read in small bites people. Really. Yes, there is a message of sorts that comes out of it: Your religion is right. So is your neighbors and so is there neighbors. Yet it doesnt focus so much on "religion" as it does on the human potential. Thats where its at. And, thats where this read keeps going. This is not an easy book series to get through. Dont pick it up and expect "an answer" right away. You have to work a bit. Like a textbook rather than a Dan Brown Novel. It's laughable that people who read about "men that move mountains or part waters etc" can't comprehend it in anything other than magic. Life and Teachings is a thinker series. You read a bit. You stop. You think. Pick it up later and read some more. Not entertaining nor was it meant to be, but it strikes a lightning bolt at a few nerve endings you didnt know you had. And, no, you won't have to send any money to a special group or PO Box at the end. They dont have a Web site either. Baird Spalding is quite dead as are all the other scientists that went into thosemountains in the late 1800's that resulted in this book series. Read it. Don't worry. You won't grow hair on your palms and it won't corrupt your 21st century thinking on modern christianity.The message of Life and Teachings is; Put down your swords. Everyone's right about why we "are". Buddah, Jesus, Allah, Mohammmed, everyone of you....YOu all came down the same road from the same hilltop and this is an excellent tutorial on how that could be and examples of the human potential. Its nothing new. No revelations.Millions of years have gone by and its all still the same except on-going arguments.

jesus throwing thunderbolts?!
The first volume was interesting fiction. Hide a city in a mountain?! In later volumes jesus is throwing thunderbolts and killing the 'enemy' is not the jesus of the new testament. Instead buy Aquarian Gospel, Impersonal Life, Door of Everything and on recincarnation/heaven read testimony of light, but skip the introduction and notice the constant unfolding as in the movie ground hog day ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Eastern - General    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness   

Reviews (52)

In the Gap with Dr, Wayne Dyer
This book & CD set is a great way to cope with your daily stressors with out the use of medications. Dr. Wayne Dyer has over 300 products on the market and this book takes you to an even a higher awareness.

Getting in the Gap: Making conscious Contact with God Through Meditation
This is a great little book for keeping oneself in a state of positive being.It is small enough to be kept close by at all times to be referenced when needed at different times during the day.Dr. Dyer is an exceptional educator in the area of spirituality.This book is small but full of information for spiritual growth.I would highly recommend it to the world.

It's nice in the Gap
I really liked the peaceful fun feeling you get while reading this book. Very informative and well written. The book itself is like a showpiece I leave it out for anyone to read. Getting in the Gap and Japa are very effective forms of meditation, and with Wayne's help you instantly achieve higher levels of meditation with out the years of sitting around humming.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Meditation    3. New Age    4. Prayer    5. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    6. Christian spirituality    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (62)

A usefull touch of enlightenment
A brilliant sketch providing some much needed detail into a history we in the west especially have far to little understanding of . Mr. Aslan has filled in much of the void that is our understanding of Islam .His skills as a writer are spellbinding as he gives us a wondrous often pointed tour of the rich history of Islam. This is a book bathed in Mankind's quest To connect with and strive to connect with a higher understanding to the meaning of life. and often how we are mired in the muck of misunderstanding from which such Grave consequences can spring forth. This is a rich history by a scholarwho has the ability to articulate this tapestry of history .this book is remarkable and highly recommended.

great book, highly recommended
a great book, worth every dollar spent!!! from me 10 out of 10 and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Excellente!
I just finished reading this book. No other book has been able to summarize the history of Islam so cleary andsuccinctly. In less than 300 pages, Aslan has been able to explain to me, a Muslim, some of the complexities and political jostling of the Muslim community once the prophet Muhammad passed away.
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Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Essence, genius, nature    3. History    4. Islam    5. Islam - General    6. Islam - History    7. Islamic History    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religion / Islam   

Editorial Review

During his junior year at the University of California, Dan Millman first stumbled upon his mentor (nicknamed Socrates) at an all-night gas station. At the time, Millman hoped to become a world-champion gymnast. "To survive the lessons ahead, you're going to need far more energy than ever before," Socrates warned him that night. "You must cleanse your body of tension, free your mind of stagnant knowledge, and open your heart to the energy of true emotion." From there, the unpredictable Socrates proceeded to teach Millman the "way of the peaceful warrior." At first Socrates shattered every preconceived notion that Millman had about academics, athletics, and achievement. But eventually Millman stopped resisting the lessons, and began to try on a whole new ideology--one that valued being conscious over being smart, and strength in spirit over strength in body. Although the character of the cigarette-smoking Socrates seems like a fictional, modern-day Merlin, Millman asserts that he is based on an actual person. Certain male readers especially appreciate the coming-of-age theme, the haunting love story with the elusive woman Joy, and the challenging of Western beliefs about masculine power and success.Read more

Reviews (194)

It really is...
... a book that changes lives. The character of Socrates impacted my life in many overt and covert ways, all for the positive. I read the book over ten years ago and the residue of its impact still lingers. The characters are lifelike and genuine, and their dilemmas resonate with much of humanity. I strongly believe that anyone can benefit from reading this book.

Student Ready; Teacher Comes
In some ways the movie is better than the book; in some ways the book is better than the movie.Each is great and I heartily recommend them.An excellent unintended presentation of a lot of Buddhist and Advaita insights.

did not receive
I had the delivery sent to a detention facility and
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. General    3. Inspiration & Personal Growth    4. Inspirational    5. Inspirational - General    6. Millman, Dan    7. Philosophy    8. Spiritual life    9. Spirituality - General    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Spirituality / General    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Popular psychology   

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 (77)

Islam and terrorism
Islam and terrorism provides a basic (very basic) introduction to Islam and Islamic history focusing specifically on people, events and ideology leading up to modern terrorist movements.
What is the point?

Sad, Sadly True!!!
Well, if it's up to me I'd give that book a rating of 5 stars myself, I read it all through in one single day!!!
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - General    3. Comparative Religion    4. Controversial literature    5. Islam    6. Islam - General    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Religion    9. Religion - World Religions    10. Religious aspects    11. Terrorism    12. Violence   

Editorial Review

Armstrong, a British journalist and former nun, guides us along one of the most elusive and fascinating quests of all time--the search for God. Like all beloved historians, Armstrong entertains us with deft storytelling, astounding research, and makes us feel a greater appreciation for the present because we better understand our past. Be warned: Read more

Reviews (173)

Excellent History of 'God'
Karen Armstrong is certainly one of the finest writers on religious issues.While not herself a believer in 'God', she speaks from experience (she was a nun for several years in the Roman Catholic Church) and also great understanding and sympathy.
Actually...a history of western religion
While Karen Armstrong admittedly attempted a difficult objective, her errors small and not so small still deserve mention.
Ode to the Mighty One
"A History of God" is Karen Armstrong's opus (in my humble opinion), and is an admirable achievement, for it is both secular and theological, without being sanctimonious. I have taken the time to read several of her books and each is superlative in its own way, but most focus on historical time periods that are only part of the 4000 year saga that is revealed with such power in "A History of God."
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Subjects:  1. Biblical teaching    2. Comparative Religion    3. Comparative studies    4. General    5. God    6. God (Christianity)    7. God (Islam)    8. God (Theology)    9. History    10. History of doctrines    11. History: World    12. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (33)

Theres a crack in everything, thats how the light gets in!
This book cracks me up! The insights and the stories illustrated for me a reality that I was unsure existed outside my own head. To see the experience of brokenness not as the end of a life - but as the beginning is delightful. I have read it cover to cover a few times, and now pick it up randomly on a regular basis, flip it open and read a few pages. It is a guaranteed day changer.

A powerful spritual truth
This book reflects well a great deal of the journey I've travelled and the things that have been taught to me through painful experience, open and honest discussion with spritually focused friends, and oodles of diverse theological and spiritual readings and studies.
The Sprituality of Imperfction
This is the most powerful and comforting book I have I have read in years.Working on 9 years in recovery I guess it perfect timing for my work on my Perfectionism which seems to be the basis for all my other ISM"S. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Imperfection    3. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    4. Psychology    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religious aspects    7. Spiritual life    8. Storytelling    9. Mind, body, spirit: thought & practice    10. Self-Help / Self-Esteem   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (91)

Oh, just shut up and read it!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again now: It must be nearly impossible to write a general textbook on world religions that is (A) uniformly high-quality, (B) inoffensive to any reasonable person, and (C) easy, even fun to read. Huston Smith's The World's Religions fails each of these tests, especially the third one. I encountered an earlier incarnation of this book (then called The Religions of Man) as a freshman in college, served as a teaching assistant in graduate school for a prof who used it in his freshman world religions class, and used it myself for teaching a first-year course in world religions for many years. So, I've probably read this doggoned thing 100 times. I have, therefore, noticed problems of which even Huston Smith himself is likely unaware.
Close to worthless
Books like this have several inherent weaknesses.They appeal to those who are secular first of all, those who grew up without religion or with a minimal amount or to those who were raised religious and therefore have a sudden apiphany of wanting to 'know the other' and be 'open minded'.THe second problem is that the book is written by someone who comes obviously from one of the major religious groups, and therefore cannot truly be expected to be unbiased.Lastly the book suffers from the fact that it tries to steam down and condense each religion into a lovable little nutshell.There is no critiue, there is no analysis, and worst of all no judgement.
a great introduction
This is a great survey of major world religions. It's slender and highly readable. Smith takes complex religious and philosohical ideas and makes them easy to understand. If you're just starting out in the study of comparative religion, I'd start with this book and then move on to more challenging texts. This is a great primer and it may be all you need. Highly Recommended.
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Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. General    3. Reference    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religions    7. World - General    8. History of religion    9. Religion / Comparative Religion   

Editorial Review

Among his many gifts, Joseph Campbell's most impressive was the unique ability to take a contemporary situation, such as the murder and funeral of President John F. Kennedy, and help us understand its impact in the context of ancient mythology. Herein lies the power of Read more

Reviews (104)

What a Wonderful Book
Joseph Campbell knows his subject, mythology and religious stories, so well that you can tell it has become instinctual for him to tie all the world's imagery and symbology together in a way that connects human beings in a truly transcendent way. This book clarifies how similar we all really are, at the core of our beings, despite where we live and in what millenia we are living in. So full of rich, thought-provoking conversation, I would recommend this to everyone, from young to old. It is just an awesome book that makes you fall in love with humans and human nature -- bad and good alike.

Brilliant
Both Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyer create a must read from their historic interview.This book has become my blueprint.

A book that seems to make religious nuts bitter.
Well versed and thought out, this book stands out and has been used in many of todays religion studies.Though some of his points can be perceived as "stretched", he is still a scholar in his field.It seems that the people that often criticize him and his works have little to no experience or education on the subject at hand and do it solely on the fact that it sometimes criticizes the monotony of modern and ancient religion.I recommend this book to everyone. Read the book and make your own educated determination. It could open your eyes and your mind.Or you can close your mind, avoid the book, and start a "crusade" against the author for speaking his opinion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1904-    2. Anthropology - Cultural    3. Campbell, Joseph,    4. Comparative Religion    5. Folklore & Mythology - Mythology    6. General    7. Interviews    8. Myth    9. Philosophy    10. Religion    11. Religion historians    12. Religious    13. Sociology    14. Sociology of Religion    15. United States    16. Campbell, Joseph    17. Myths & mythology    18. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (9)

Saved my life
This book is for anyone going through any type of recovery: codependency, addiction, divorce. Daily affirmations that tell us that yes we are important and we are not crazy!

More Excellent Work
I don't think we as human beings actually recognize the power of daily reading, meditation, and reflecting.Practicing these powerful principles allows us to remain mindful of the moment and reflect upon the deeper question in our lives.To devote ourself to a daily meditation and to journal on these quiet times is priceless and will certainly aid in the evolution of our soul.For me this practice has allowed an awakening to take place and opens my life up to all the opportunities that are available in this universe.Please give this practice a try!This book will help you in your journey of living and cultivating an active consciousness in your daily life.
More Language of Letting Go, Equally good as the first!
This is another fine example of the inner wisdom of Melody Beattie.Her books have helped me TREMENDOUSLY with my life, though I'm not a 12 stepper.It applies to life for all of us! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Codependency    2. Codependents    3. Devotional    4. Devotional calendars    5. English    6. Meditations    7. Prayer-books and devotions    8. Religious aspects    9. Self-Help    10. Christian spirituality    11. Gift books    12. Marriage & relationships    13. Self-Help / Substance Abuse   

Reviews (8)

Living Religions w/CD (6th Edition)
I found Living Religions to be very interesting and informative.Before reading this book, I knew very litte about religions other than my own.After reading this text, I discovered the beauty in each religion presented and was able to erase the stereotypes and stigmas that I once held.I recommend this book to anyone who has little understanding of world religions and would like to become educated or for someone who may just need a reminder.It is an easy read, with the exception of some of the vocabulary associated with the different religions.

This book is an AWESOME resource!
I have never read a religious studies book so focued and well researched.Mary Pat Fisher truly shows she knows what she it writing about.This book not only provides thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, but it is also full of wonderful illustrations!A picture really is worth a thousand words.I couldn't be happier with it.

Living Religions Review
I found the book to be very informative.I also enjoyed having the CD to review the the chapters.That was a plus for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. General    3. Religion    4. Religion (General)    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religions    7. Religion / General   

Reviews (122)

All you need to know about this book...
This is one of the books Ann Coulter lists on her website under the link "Reading for Right-Wingers".
One of the best intro books on the subject!
One of the best! You cannot go wrong reading this as an intro to Islam. Truly an insiders look. A must read for everyone who loves freedom!

Jesus Loves You, Muhammad Doesn't. End of Argument!
When I first learned about their book "unveiling Islam", it surprised me, not because it was promoted as a methodological and balanced attempt to compare the Islam and Christianity from a textual perspective, but because it was done by authors who described themselves as Ex-Muslims.I expected evidence based insider comparison on the superiority of the Christian faith to its Muslim counterpart.It took me twenty pages to learn the book was nothing but another sensational attempt to score a timely hit in church propaganda.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity and other religio    3. Christianity and other religions    4. Comparative Religion    5. Controversial literature    6. Islam    7. Islam - General    8. Islamic Studies    9. Relations    10. Religion    11. Religion - World Religions    12. Religion / General    13. Religion / Islam   

Reviews (1)

Great Service
Thank you so much for your service and quick respond. Best regards. Elena ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. General    3. Reference    4. Religion    5. Religion (General)    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religions    8. Religion & Beliefs    9. Religion / General    10. Religion: general   

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. General    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Religions    6. Religion & Beliefs    7. Religion / General   

Reviews (1)

A slim book in several ways
As sometimes happens when buying a book over the internet, the "packaging" (including the book's description) can be misleading. Case in point from the above book description: "Here is an extraordinary exploration of the wealth of the world's spiritual traditions combined with dialogue from the heart about the differences and similarities between their paths of wisdom."If there's an extraordinary exploration of the wealth of the wor