Editorial Review

Read more

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."
Read more

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)

Poor Stewardship of Scripture
I'm not sure which is more distressing - the author's egregious misuse of Scripture or the plethora of glowing endorsements this book is receiving.Both are the result of not applying sound principles of biblical interpretation taught to beginning hermeneutics students. Great book.
This was a good book with sound biblical principles on giving. It made me totally reevaluate my own giving.

CAUTION:COMMITMENT REQUIRED
If you're looking for a feel-good, warm-fuzzy book, you may not want to purchase this one.It is a book that will challenge and change you.You may believe you are a generous and joyful giver, totally committed to God, but after reading this book, you may have to rethink that self-assessment.If you are sincerely looking for a deeper relationship with God and you aren't afraid of a deeper level of commitment, you WILL BE a changed person--for the better--after reading The Treasure Principle.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Stewardship    4. Christianity - Theology - Ethics    5. Ethics    6. General    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religious aspects    10. Wealth    11. CHRISTIAN LIVING / PRACTICAL LIFE / PERSONAL FINANCE    12. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

In a modern society characterized by insensitivity to violence, ambivalence to the suffering of others, and a high-octane profit motive, is talk of ethics anything more than a temporary salve for our collective conscience? The Dalai Lama thinks so. In his Read more

Reviews (80)

Said the Buddhist to the hot dog vendor, "Make me one with everything!"
Very few religious leaders speak deeply about ethics in a manner that allows people to think deeply as a result. Too many religious leaders are authoritarian in their edicts about morality or lax because gaining converts and their money is foremost on their minds. (Yeah, I'm a little cynical.)
He knows what he's talking about...take notes and learn
The Dalai Lama considers the state of the world in relation to ethics with a fine-toothed comb. (I am currently borrowing "Ethics for the New Millennium" as an abridged audiobook from my local library. This is a tape I will repeatly listen to until its due date...)The Dalai Lama is such a sweetheart! I love how he perceives the world, suggests solutions and alternatives to global and ethical dilemnas, and remains optimistic about the future. He believes that we are a people who want to be happy while avoiding suffering.He acknowleges that we do have a dark side that we must keep in check and subdue; but to counter this dark side, the Dalai Lama believes that people are mostly gentle by nature and can return to that natural state with discipline and guidance. We deviate from our better nature when we try to find happiness the wrong way or in the wrong things, and thereby only feel transitory illusions of happiness that may cause harm to others.As a pop song claims, "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look in the mirror and then make a change...I'm looking at the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways...etc."The Dalai Lama is definitely in favor of the need for personal growth and an inner revolution for everyone.
A Simple and Comprehensive Study on Ethics
There are few books that I've read that have captured my interest so much as to inspire me to read them twice. This is one of those books. It is not a book about Buddhism. It is not a book about religion. Yet I am confident that most people will find the core values of their faith in these pages. "Ethics" is a book about morality. It teaches the reader how we benefit individually from living our lives in an ethical manner as well as how society as a whole benefits. And it describes how society suffers, and we suffer, when our actions are immoral and self-serving.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Tibetan    2. Buddhist ethics    3. Ethics    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Spirituality - General    8. Religion / Spirituality   

Reviews (10)

Soul at Work: Spiritual Leadership in Organizations
Interesting book, with great insight into businesses willing to remain on the high road.

A provocative rethinking of effective organizational practice
Soul at Work is certainly an interesting look at a fascinating, nontraditional style of business organization.Not only does it advance the notions of spirituality at work, it offers revealing examples of organizations and leaders already putting the idea into practice.Although author Margaret Benefiel tries to divorce the idea of spirituality from religious practices, though, I don't think she truly succeeds in doing so - although she certainly shows how a wide spectrum of religious beliefs can be utilized in fostering a spiritual work environment.The practical examples of what would otherwise be fairly esoteric ideas are the real key to this book's success, though.The author makes her point clearly and effectively, but I'm not so sure that such spiritual organization can be successfully applied anywhere and everywhere.Maybe it's just because I'm such an independent thinker, but I would not be comfortable working at some of the businesses and nonprofit organizations profiled here.By way of example, one organization discussed in the book starts business meetings by having everyone describe how he/she is feeling, and then participants pass around a speaker's rock (you can't talk when you don't have the rock) - that kind of incredibly self-conscious work environment is clearly not one that I personally could thrive in.
Soul Food for the Corporate Soul
One of the constant problems of modern life is the amount of `soullessness' that surrounds us.This has come to be expected from big institutions and bureaucracies, governmental agencies and corporations, but has become so much a part of our culture that it permeates even the way we view ourselves in our own dealings with each other.Being part of a large organisation does not require one to lose one's soul, or even check it at the door.In the Western culture, we likely spend more time at work than at home and/or at leisure, and far more than at church (or other directly spiritual pursuit).
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Business    2. Ethics    3. Institutions & Organizations    4. Leadership    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religion - Church Life   

Editorial Review

Author Simon Weisenthal recalls his demoralizing life in a concentration camp and his envy of the dead Germans who have sunflowers marking their graves. At the time he assumed his grave would be a mass one, unmarked and forgotten. Then, one day, a dying Nazi soldier asks Weisenthal for forgiveness for his crimes against the Jews. What would you do? This important book and the provocative question it poses is birthing debates, symposiums, and college courses. The Dalai Lama, Harry Wu, Primo Levi, and others who have witnessed genocide and human tyranny answer Wiesenthal's ultimate question on forgiveness. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

A Sunflower among books---unforgettable
This book has touched me and remained with me since I read it my Senior year of high school.It facilitated numerous discussions on the issue of forgiveness--a complex issue that is actually quite simple.It also helped me to face some of my own issues and grudges so that I was finally able to begin understanding true forgiveness and hope.
Never forget the sunflower
Simon Wiesenthal's death prompted me to read "The Sunflower" for the first time. The book recounts Wiesenthal's haunting encounter with a dying SS soldier. The author was a concentration camp prisoner at the time. The tormented soldier desperately implored absolution for the atrocities he committed. The book passionately explores guilt, penitence, and forgiveness as Wiesenthal invited and printed the commentary from others about what they would have done if they had been in his place.
One who did not forget
I am writing this review the day after Shimon Wiesenthal died. He was ninety- six years old. Thousands of words have been written about him and his life- task. Certainly one of the major contributions he made was to make people aware of the enormity of the crime which was the Holocaust. After the war many wished to forget, but he out of a strong sense of duty to those who had died, to those who had been murdered and suffered so much , made it his business to make the world remember. And he too made his business to bring to justice those who committed the crime. And as he said many times he did this not only for the victims, but for the future generations of mankind so that such an evil would never come again not only to Jews but to all of humanity.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Church And Society    2. Concentration camps    3. Ethics    4. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    5. Genocide    6. History    7. Holocaust    8. Jewish Holocaust    9. Personal narratives, Jewish    10. Philosophy    11. Religion    12. Sonnenblume    13. Wiesenthal, Simon    14. World War, 1939-1945    15. Europe    16. Judaism    17. Practical & applied ethics    18. Religion / General    19. The Holocaust    20. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (2)

Primer for Christians, Other Faiths or Even No Faith
This is a primer on the most gracious acts we can participate in:giving and forgiving. It is for Christians as well as those of other faiths or even no faith. The author sets out to explain first who is God and explains the difference between God's reality and his image. He then "...examines how to conceive of and live out two basic human practices, giving and forgiving."
Powerful lessons from a man who's walked the walk
In this practical and profound book, Volf gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it means for us as Christians to forgive those who have wronged us. Simply put as he states in his book, "We forgive because God forgives. We forgive as God forgives. We forgive by echoing God's forgiveness." While this is one of those deceptively simple lessons that takes me a minute to learn but a lifetime to master, Volf has given his fellow Christian brothers and sisters some tools to get us started on this journey toward reconciliation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Christian Ethics    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Anglicanism    5. Christianity - Christian Life - General    6. Devotional    7. Ethics    8. Forgiveness    9. Generosity    10. Holidays - Easter    11. Religion    12. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    13. Religious aspects    14. Christian Interest    15. Christian festivals    16. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    17. Christianity - Christian Life   

Reviews (1)

As much a work of art as it is a religious text
Exquisitely handwritten and illuminated by Donald Jackson, Pentateuch: The Saint John's Bible is as much a work of art as it is a religious text. Commissioned by Saint John's Abbey and University as an expression of the Benedictine monks' daily focus on scripture and devotion to books, art, and religious high culture, Pentateuch presents sacred text in flowing English calligraphy, Hebrew book headings, and colorful marks studding the passages. The care put into each line is breathtaking. In oversized hardcover format, Pentateuch uses the sheer scope of its page to display the columns of perfectly penned scripture in vivid detail.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Collegeville    3. Ethics    4. Facsimiles    5. Illumination of books and manuscripts    6. Inspirational - Catholic    7. Manuscripts, English    8. Minnesota    9. Religion    10. Religion - Classic Works    11. Wales   

Reviews (62)

A great book
I am new to christian apologetics but this book has helped me learn a lot about it.In addition this book equipped me with the knowledge I need to confront other about the faith.I cant say I agree with them in everything.. mostly just the creation-evolution part but other than that this book was excellent and I would recommend it to everyone.

Wow!Comprehensive and readable for almost anyone
Christian apologetics are a demanding and difficult subject for most people.
Excellent resource
I must totally disagree with a previous reviewer who critiqued this book's writing style. I've found that this book is an excellent apologetics resource. It covers many topics indepth and with lucid clarity. The previous reviewer who complained at length about its "horrible" prose and compared it to fine print or a legal text apparently cannot handle even the slightest technical language, which is of course necessary when discussing technical issues that this book covers. The text to me did not seem overly long, nor boring. It does not include much technical language (you don't need any previous philosophy education to understand it) but you do need to be able to think logically and read carefully, skills apparently the previous critical reviewer lacks.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Apologetics    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    4. Ethics    5. Reference    6. Religion    7. Religion - Theology    8. Theology    9. Christian theology    10. Christianity   

Reviews (7)

One of The Best of Walter Wink
This short book is a very good introduction to Analytic/Historic Christianity, that movement which considers the life of first-century, Roman-dominated faithfuls, their language and its often-flawed translation[s]. In other works Wink may seem obscure, but not here. His language is precise, his ideas very clear, his logic as compelling as always; it is just enough. This book is a very good investment.

Something to think about
This book gives good examples of how nonviolence has worked in the past to peacefully resolve issues involving government/people relations, etc. I am also pleased that this book makes a case for Jesus' strength, and shows the folly of being or claiming it is virtuous to be a "doormat for Jesus." This book also, every now and then, emphasizes that violence is preferable to cowardice...though afterwards firmly re-states that nonviolence practiced with a spirit of courageous nonviolence is the best way.
A new look at Jesus
This is a small book that you can carry with you as a reminder in your hectic life.This introduction to a non-violent Jesus will empower you to make changes in your life.It has many biblical passages that teach you to respect the dignity of people who disagree with your beliefs. The only lasting way to eliminate an enemy is to make him your friend.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    3. Ethics    4. Nonviolence    5. Pacifism    6. Religion    7. Religion - Christian Life    8. Religious aspects    9. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works   

Reviews (4)

Great book for beginners
This was the first book I bought on Asatru. It describes all the basics of the religion like ethics, orlog, the gods and goddesses, etc. This would be the book to give to family members or friends who are unfamiliar with your beliefs.

A great overview
This little book is very direct and to the point. It goes over alot of main topics which are very essential to Asatru: what Asatru is and is not, the Nine Noble Virtues, ethics, Orlog, Frith, oaths, a basic introduction to the Gods and Goddesses, the Blots, ceremonies, and even a little bit about the runes and different types of magic. He gives very good modern day examples, focusing less on abstract concepts and more on how one can apply them and really "live" Asatru, as the title says.
Great Basic Review of Asatru
This book, although it does not delve very deeply into the religion, does give a good overview of the belief system of Asatru.The author claims only to give the reader ideas for their own research.A great jumping off point for the beginner.Also a wonderful resource for those who are exploring the many religions out there.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    2. Ethics    3. Reference    4. Religion    5. Religion / Ethics   

Editorial Review

When it comes to the Ten Commandments, many theologians and spiritual leaders agree: the classic golden rules remain the best guiding principles available. Syndicated radio psychologist Dr. Laura Schlessinger utilizes these sacred Commandments to speak from her favorite pulpit of "do the right thing" therapy. Fans of Dr. Laura delight in her uncanny skill for zeroing in on the moral indiscretions and confusion at the core of most people's problems. With the Ten Commandments to back her up, Dr. Laura offers readers a day-to-day context for making healthy, loving, and morally correct choices. (So hopefully they can avoid the emotional pickles that her call-in guests frequently find themselves in.)Read more

Reviews (43)

Good Book
While the Ten Commandments may be hated by many and loved by few Dr. Laura gives some practical applications on how they can improve your life. [...]

A few questions for Dr Laura
[The following is from a funny email that's been circulating since May 2000, attributed to "Kent Ashcraft"]
The Ten Commandments : The Significance of God's Laws in Everyday Life
I have enjoyed Dr. Laura a lot on the radio. Most of the time I completely agree on her perspective on life issues.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    2. Conduct of life    3. Ethics    4. Ethics & Morals    5. Ethics (Specific Aspects)    6. Inspirational - General    7. Old Testament Commentary    8. Psychology    9. Religion    10. Ten commandments    11. Self-Help / General   

Subjects:  1. Ethics    2. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    3. Philosophy    4. Religion    5. Textbooks    6. Philosophy / Ethics & Moral Philosophy   

Reviews (17)

Great documentation of the process of canon
Getting to what we have today as canon has been a long, arduous process, with different results depending on what part of faith we partake of - something made very clear in this book by noted conservative scholar F. F. Bruce - and something I was surprised to find between the covers of a book by a conservative.This book is tedious at times, which is why I only give 4 stars, but meticulously accounts for various stages in the life of what is accepted as inspired and useful for doctrine.
Why the Canon is Canonical
A lot of people have made a lot of money translating and publishing ancient manuscripts which they claim should have been included in the scriptures.Real ancient Christianity was purportedly destroyed by a process of fraudulent suppression on the part of the insidious compilers of the Canon.Bruce takes this baloney and slices it very thin indeed, demonstrating the early Christians' painstaking efforts to admit only the most accurate and authoritative documents into the Canon of scripture.
Cannonize this book
I've read part or all of this book several times, as the multiple highlightings & margin notes in my treasured copy attest.It is readable and accessible to the reader just beginning to learn about how we received our Christian canon of Scripture, while it is not the least beneath the intelligence of the advanced student of the Bible.I've used it in teaching Bible Classes on the canon at our Lutheran church & have seen its appeal to those making honest inquiry at all levels of familiarity.Bruce is unapologetic and effective in his "conservative" approach, & make his case convincingly.I've been impressed at how even "liberal" commentators who arrive at different conclusions nevertheless feel compelled to quote him -- with respect -- as THE authority of the counterpoint to their position.If you read only one book on the formation of the Christian Biblical canon, THIS is the one I MUST recommend.It is scholarly but not in the least arrogant.While Bruce is confident in his orhthoxy, he is also completely intellectually honest and is unafraid in appreciating the most probing, critical inquiry.This book has my highest recommendation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - General    3. Bible Commentary    4. Canon    5. Ethics    6. Reference    7. Religion    8. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    9. Christian theology    10. Christianity   

Reviews (36)

Sings and Stings
This book has that unique ability to make you feel as though you are learning something while, at the same time, make you feel like you knew nothing until you opened the book. Schaeffer is a good writer and has good observations.

Would make a good sermon, but a treatise on modernity?
Schaeffer adds yet another book to the "this is why christians have it right" category of literature.Though Christians, nor Schaeffer, by no means have a monopoly on such an approach; I found it to be especially unsettling in it's lack of insight into modernism.
A Christian Who Engages Culture
The idea of the project How Should We Then Live?, both as a film documentary and as a book, was conceived in 1974 and completed in 1976. In the Acknowledgments, Francis Schaeffer writes about the idea behind the project: "Using my study, over the past forty years, of Western thought and culture as a base, we could attempt to present the flow and development which have led to twentieth-century thinking, and by so doing hope to show the essential answers." The subtitle to How Should We Then Live? is "The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture." Starting from ancient Roman times, tracing man's development throughout the Middle Ages, going to the Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment, he shows the steps which led to the modern era.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Character & Values    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    4. Christianity - Discipleship    5. Civilization, Christian    6. Civilization, Western    7. Ethics    8. Religion    9. Religion - Christian Life    10. Religious