Christianity Books

Ya... this is too funny, but I thought this was based on a true story! I was almost too embarrassed to admit it, but I thought I might save someone else from getting the same impression if I just tell the truth. It's really a good book, well worth reading. It changed how I sometimes viewed God, and helped me to see Him as ALL Loving, even in my tough times. I think it's especially helpful to some people who have experienced a hard season, but I'm not sure everyone in that place would be ready for it. I would be cautious about passing it on to a hurting friend unless I felt they were ready to receive what it has to offer.

This book was recommended by a friend. Have not read it yet, however several people have said they have enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading it.

WOW! Very powerful story! I couldn't put it down!
It was suggested to me by a friend who knows I don't read these types of books. (meaning spiritual)
Totally engulfing! It actually helped me to look at my higher power in a whole new way... Looking forward to a new relationship with him!

The popularity of this book - and its 5 star rating - is yet another testament to the dumbing down of the American public. Don't waste your time or money - there are no insights here.

After seeing the huge postive response to this so-called Christian book, I wanted to read for myself why others thought it so impressive. In this age of weak, pablum theology, it is no wonder that it appeals. Humanity doesn't think anymore, it just feels. This is a feel-good book. And very liberal-minded by the way. I was appalled at the numerous crude and crass referneces to biological "humor" in this book, aka Adam Sadler or Dumb and Dumber vulgarity. Totally inappropriate for a Christian work of fiction or any Christian publication. Not to mention the fact that at least two of these "bathroom humor jokes" were spoken from the "mouth of God". Hideous! God isn't some vulgar good ole' boy redneck! Resounds of the stupid song of a number of years back that was so popular, "What If God Was One of Us?" He ISN'T one of us!! He came to earth in the form of Jesus Christ to redeem us from being "one of us", from being a pig wallowing in the mire!
This book degrades the very character and nature of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It brings God down rather than raising pathetic, disgusting humanity up! He didn't come down to "hang out with us" and be "one of the guys/gals".
Honestly, those of you that call yourselves Christian and thought this was a good book better reread your Bibles! God is not a black woman (and NO, I am NOT prejudice. Some of my closest friends are black!!!Ooops, let's be politically correct...African-American! Even the black man on the RNC the other night blasted that garbage!) He is not Aunt Jemima, Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelo all rolled together cooking "suppa" for y'all. This book reeks of New Age, Course In Miracles retching mindset. So far from God it isn't remotely funny! Was it on Oprah's booklist? I wouldn't doubt that for a minute.
I'm actually glad I have read the book. Helps me keep a finger on the pulse of the heresies floating around in the church.

This unforgettable book intertwines the lives of two women of Afghanistan, Mariam and Laila. Their lives are surrounded by both the hope of Afghanistan and personal heartbreak brought on by the unstoppable force of history that crashes into their lives. The strength of these women is inspiring that in the worst of times, love will still conquer all wrong.

This is a great book. The violence was hard to take but I understood why the author felt that is was necessary.

What more can be said about "A Thousand Splendid Suns"? It is an astonishingly good novel and proves without doubt that Hosseini is no one-hit literary wonder. Whilst I didn't get into it from the get-go the way I did with "The Kite Runner", that is a minor quibble. The plotline and main characters are remarkable, memorable and heartbreaking. The novel gives a unique perspective on the living hell that is everday life in Kabul, Afghanistan, told through the eyes of two women at very different stages in their lives who are brought together in heartbreaking circumstances. They have to endure living their lives in a manner that I find horrific to contemplate, and Hosseini really brings to life their unlikely friendship and struggle to endure intolerable personal circumstances. I cannot recommend "A Thousand Splendid Suns" highly enough and have given it a 5-Star rating.

I enjoy Hosseini's writing style. A good way to learn the history of Afganistan.

I can't say enough good things about this novel, it was perfect. I loved every page, every paragraph, every word.
Thank you Khaled for another fantastic read, keep up the good work!

Myles Munroe has captured the essence of the gospel message. Jesus taught us to bring heaven to earth through prayer. How many of us have prayed every Sunday in church, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done"? Matthew 6:10. When God sent down his Son to earth, he demonstrated what he taught us to pray. Christ was the light. Everywhere he went he brought the kingdom of God in power and wonder. Villages in a state of pure astonishment at the works of Christ. Mark 5:42 But what is so wonderful is that Jesus performed many of his greatest miracles without being solicited by anyone including the multiplying of the bread and the loaves, the blind man in John 9:1-41, and the lame man in John 5:1-16. The Father gave him the authority to perform the works. Then when the people realized that it was the will of God for them to be healed their faith increased and they began to seek him and to touch him and were instantly made whole by their faith. Mark 6:55-56. The purpose of the works of Christ was to inspire us to believe. Jesus said if you can't believe who I am because of what I say, then just believe me based upon my works. John 10:37-38. So what Christ was telling us was that we do not have to wait for God to sovereignly move to deliver us, we can receive by faith in all aspects of our lives. Mark 11:22-24. This is because Jesus said according to your faith be it unto you. He said that several times. He also said thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 18:41-42. Your faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:19. We have faith but we must decide to walk by faith. Faith is the sole requirement for receiving from God. Jesus never pre-qualified those he healed by asking them personal questions. We've all sinned so that issue is history. Just believe and go and sin no more. I'm very excited about the prospects of Myles book. Thank you Rev. Munroe for stepping up to the plate and knocking a homerun out of the park for God. Ready or Not, Here I Come

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R100H7RL2TB2RJ
Don't Like to Read, Then Don't, Listen!: How to Turn Any Type of Text Into Audio Files That Can Be Read to You! (isbn 1438252455)

Getting Things Done (isbn 0142000280)

Good book about how God wants to work through each one of us to bring His Kingdom to earth. It all starts with an idea delivered by human effort. God's Big idea is to use us to bring Heaven to earth.

I think this book is great! It is very easy to listen to, as the author is very engaging. The author uses many examples of real couples and thier problems. Although it is meant mostly for couples, it is useful in any relationship. If everyone tried to learn and speak everyone else's love language, the world would be a better place!

I was very aprehensive about this book, until 2 different friends recommended it. I read it in one day (it's an easy read) and loved it! It has helped me make my marriage a happy one, indeed!

Everyone has heard that opposites attract, but then how do these two opposites communicate after all the excitement has worn off? I learned that my love language was quality time talking together and my husband's was words of affirmation. I would have never figured this out on my own. I have been giving this book as a wedding present because I realized that young couples need it as much as couples who have been married 25 years. I've been told that it was the favorite gift one young couple received!

A great book to help understand expressing love, or at the very least a way to get one to actually become more mindful in a loving relationship.
I am looking forward to reading the singles edition. I would recommend this book for all who are interested in learning about "love" and how to express it and how to read your partners expression of it. If I had read and practiced what this book teaches, I know my love life would be very different now.

Great book. I highly recommend it. One of the best relationship books out there. A must read. It is a short, quick read.

Timothy Keller's THE REASON FOR GOD: BELIEF IN AN AGE OF SKEPTICISM offers questions and doubts for believers and comes from the pastor of a Presbyterian Church in New York City. His list of the most frequent doubts skeptics bring to his church - and his answers - results in an inspirational presentation written with atheists, agnostics and skeptics in mind. Religious collections as well as general-interest lending libraries will find it thought-provoking.

Along with Mere Christianity by C.S.Lewis this should be required reading for all Christians of any denomination. Fills you with ammo to defend what you KNOW is true when debating with skeptics and affirms your faith. Excellent!

I don't believe we can reason our way to God but Keller's outstanding book may well shake the confidence of those who believe reason leads away from God. He gives concise rebuttals to many questions expressed by young people seeking spiritual answers in an Age of Doubt. I have shared it with those closest to me who share these struggles. It is a powerful tool for anyone sincerely pursuing ultimate truth.

I tend to not like most Christian books mostly because most of what is written assumes that the reader believes the Bible to be absolute truth. This books addresses the more modern questions that people who are skeptical have about Christianity and belief in God in general. The responses to the questions were very clear and usually worked down to the real issues that one can make a personal decision about. This book is definitely worth reading and it may end up being a good tool to help examine your own beliefs regardless of what they may be.

Should be required reading for anyone who is a Christian, calls himself a Christian, has ever thought about being a Christian, has ever met a Christian, doesn't know what a Christian is (or even if you think you do!), or is absolutely certain that Christians have it "all wrong".
If you're a thinking person, it's for YOU!

This is a fabulous book not only for teens but adults as well. Do Hard Things is so well written, I'm amazed (not to mention impressed) that it was penned by two eloquent young adults. It's clear to me that the authors have a great amount of insight and wisdom from personal experience that they have brought to the table with this book. Everyone wants their teens to do great things. So why not get a copy of this book for your church's youth group and start a rebelution at your church?

I loved the part of the book where a teen felt saddened when they overheard someone say something like, "Well at least they aren't on drugs." Isn't that so true how many people don't expect much, and they are happy to settle with the fact that their teens are passable in life, or say it could be worse? Our kids these days seem to think that they can just grow up and somehow survive and also afford the fun stuff they can buy now (while they live at home.) So NOT true. I remind my boys every day about how expensive life is. But even more than that, the culture we live in truly doesn't expect enough from our young people. This book is an encouragement and a launching place for young people to begin changing their lives so they can make an impact on our world today. I wish all teens would read this book. I would take it a step further and even suggest it be required reading for high school students and college freshmen. These kids need to hear that they can change the world.

Book Type: Teen, Motivational, Christian Living

Rating: 10 out of 10

Recommended? Yes!

Overview:
When I was in high school, Joshua Harris called young people to redeem romance, and now his twin brothers are calling teens to reclaim responsibility. Pointing out that the advent of youth culture and the teenager are fairly new developments, Alex and Brett Harris deliver a knock-out punch to the status quo that modern culture imposes on teens (and no wonder--none other than Chuck Norris wrote the forward for the book!). Not only do they rebel against the expectations of our society, but they raise the bar to challenge teens to live up to what God expects of them--to be what He has created them for. Similar in theme to John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life, the Harris twins call young people to take on God-given responsibility with a godly attitude--for His glory. This book is about rebelling against low expectations--a subversive movement, not against any person or institution, but against the world's way of thinking and living. Full of stories, examples, Scripture references, and well-organized thoughts, this book is not deeply theological, but immensely practical.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:

Lots of good, nothing bad, and nothing ugly.

Praises:

Though I am a bit removed from the teenage years (product of the mid `80s), I have benefited greatly from this book. Much of what the authors promote is godly character that shines forth in the way we do the tasks set before us. They deal with our excuses, our selfish and lazy nature, and offer something far better. Alex and Brett have done a world of good by giving direction to an otherwise directionless generation. Christian teens aren't really satisfied with just getting by and chasing after a good time--and no wonder! God has created them for so much more! Teens are challenged to view this time in their lives through the lens of Scripture--an invaluable gem of advice! And they're encouraged to dream big for God, but also to excel at seemingly smaller but highly important things, such as obeying their parents. The twins promote discipleship and fellowship across generational barriers--a strongly biblical component that is lacking in the lives of many teens. To top it off, there is an appendix at the end of the book that clearly shares the gospel, which I much appreciated--and which is much needed.

Concerns:

Not a lot to be concerned about here. I have no reservations in recommending this book.

Tips for getting the most out of this book:

As always, read with an open Bible and prayer. Have a pencil and paper in hand, too, to jot down ideas that come to mind, areas in which you want to grow, etc. Before setting firm goals to "do hard things", be sure to search God's word and talk to your parents or husband for guidance, support, and accountability. As Christian women, we strongly recommend getting acquainted with biblical roles for men and women, so that the goals we set, the "hard things" we aspire to do, will line up with God's stated will for our lives. Enjoy!

Originally posted on Pearls and Diamonds Blog (www.pearlsanddiamonds.wordpress.com)

Do Hard Things is a book geared towards teenagers written by a set of teenage twins, Alex and Brett Harris, who believe that our culture has low expectations for the youth of today. They are on a mission to motivate teens across the nation and even the world to step up an do hard things for Christ.

The Harris twins begin the book by arguing that the term teenager is a relatively new concept where a teenager is physically grown but is not expected to have the responsibilities of an adult. However they argue that this was not the case 100 and more years ago. In most societies during most times, boys became men at an early age generally at some point shortly after puberty when they begin to gain adult strength. If they could do the work of an adult, then they were considered an adult. However, once a law was made that mandated that children be educated through high school, the expectations for teens to contribute to society diminished and thus we have the consumeristic teen culture of today.

But if Alex and Brett Harris have their way, teens all across the globe will no longer see themselves as adolescents that have no responsibility or expectations to benefit their society. Teens will become "rebolutionaries" or those who rebel against a culture of low expectations and begin to revolutionize what the world believes teens can accomplish.

The Harris twins break the book up into three parts, the first dealing with misconceptions of what the teen years are supposed to be about, the second listing the types of hard things that teens should do and strive for, and third the vision and stories of what it looks like to live a life doing hard things.

Overall, I found this to be an easy read with a convicting and hard message. I'm only 26 years old, but I already feel the gravity of the sense of urgency of the call to so something meaningful and impactful with my life. Reading this book has made me feel that I've already wasted 10+ years of usefulness to my community for the sake of the gospel. I was encouraged by the many examples of teens sometimes 11 or 12 years younger than myself accomplishing things that many 40 and 50 year olds are too afraid to do. The twins inspire hope. Hope that I, despite my failings and apathy, can awake from my slumber and serve God and my community with a new and infectious zeal that would carry forth with accomplishments and fruit that I would never have thought possible.

My only critique of the book would be that it is very heavily dominated by examples of hard things and words that would encourage the possibility of doing hard things. While these are necessary and good, I would have like to have seen a bit more substance behind why we choose to do the hard things. We obviously shouldn't choose to do hard things just because they are difficult. But rather, there is something intrinsic about certain "hard things" that is rewarding, valuable, and worth doing. The Harris twins did a little bit of this, but could have added more depth by going into additional detail behind the nature of the intrinsic value of certain hard things.

That critique aside, I still believe that this is a very good book, not only for teens, but also for those post-teenagers that want more from there life than the current rut they feel their in. I know that I was definitely encouraged by the Harris twins and motivated to step out of my comfort zone in order to participate in the gospel more boldly.

I tend to have high standards and high expectations - both for myself and for those around me. And, I have been told that my standards are too high, and my expectations are unreasonable. Maybe they are. Or, maybe society's expectations are too low...

When I first heard about Alex and Brett Harris' book Do Hard Things, I was intrigued. But, I put off reading it because, no longer a teenager myself, and quite a few years from parenting one, I assumed that it did not apply to me. But, on a friend's recommendation, I moved it to the top of my "to-be-read" list.

Throughout the book, I was surprised at the insight and wisdom that these two authors had. And, I had to keep reminding myself that they were "just teenagers." Just teenagers? Even as I thought it, I realized that I had just proved their point. I did not expect two teenage boys to be capable of writing a book - let alone a good one! (It should not be surprising though. The Lord has truly blessed their family with an exeptional gift in this area! They are the sons of Greg and Sono Harris, and the younger brothers of pastor and author Josh Harris.) While I do not know them personally, in their writing they certainly exemplify 1 Timothy 4:12, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

Do Hard Things calls teenagers to rethink how they are using this stage of their life - their time, talents, strengths - and challenges them to "this better way - a way to reach higher, dream bigger, grow stronger, love and honor God, live with more joy - and quit wasting their lives." (pg. 8 ) While this book is aimed at teens, its message of doing hard things, and rebelling against low expectations is certainly applicable for adults as well. "The truth is that all of us are susceptible to low expectations. Once we have satisfied the minimum requirements, we tend to stop pushing ourselves." (pg. 39)

The authors offer five types of hard things, "God-given opportunities powered by God-given principles that work for everybody" (pg. 57), and examples of teens around the world who have taken up this challenge:
1. Things that are outside your comfort zone - anything that takes you outside the rut of your normal day-to-day, week-to-week activities (pg. 57)
2. Things that go beyond what is expected or required - you aren't content to "do not harm" - you purpose to do good. (pg. 58)
3. Things that are too big to accomplish alone - the ability to share a passion with others and recruit them to work alongside you. (pg. 58)
4. Things that don't earn an immediate payoff - "...you won't see much progress from one day to the next and because, especially at the time, it can seem like you'd be happier if you didn't to them....We do them because they're right, not because they have an immediate payoff." (pg. 59)
5. Things that challenge the cultural norm - "We have to care more about pleasing God than we do about pleasing those around us." (pg. 59)

While it is good, and necessary, to do big hard things for God, the responsibilities and requirements of certain stages of life will limit what we can do. In chapter 8 the authors address the issue of Small Hard Things by asking the question:
"How do we reconcile the fact that there's a big world out there to impact for God with the fact that we're stuck at home matching socks in yet another load of laundry?" (pg. 132)

As I said before, amazing insight for two teenage guys! As a stay-at-home wife, and mommy of a young child, this chapter, and that question in particular, resonated with me, probably more than any other. There are many things that I would love to be able do in the realms of ministry and education...things that can seem much more exciting, or would possibly allow me to have a greater impact on the church than scrubbing toilets and coloring pictures.

"Small things most often occur behind the closed doors of our homes, schools, or churches. They are rarely new or exiting, and they are often repetitive - even tedious. Small things happen on the level at which we normally live our lives. In fact, in the most basic sense they are our lives - the "stuff" that makes up everyday living." (pg. 135)

Right now, it is the small things, the stuff of everyday living that God has called me to. He has called me to model this concept of doing hard things for my daughter, even if, at times, they may seem somewhat tedious or insignificant. They are not. These are the things that God has given me to do. And, He has called me to do them for His glory (Col. 3:23, 1 Cor. 10:31).

Regardless of our age, stage of life, talents, fears, past successes or failures, that is what He has called all of us to do. This book would be a valuable resource for anyone who works with teens on a regular basis (parents, youth pastors/wives, teachers). But, I also think that it is a must-read for all Christians. Teenagers are not the only ones who fall prey to low standards and expectations. We all need to set the bar higher, and this book, written by two teenagers, will encourage you to do so.

Like several reviewers wrote, I picked up this book for my 13 year old and first read it myself. It not only inspired me to do some "hard things", it helped me realize how I can challenge my kids to stretch beyond what they think their limitations may be . My daughter is reading it now and loves it and I want my husband to read it next. I will recommend it to everyone I know who has a teen or preteen. We sell our children short in this society by expecting so little of them. How refreshing to get a glimpse of how things can change when we expect more of them and they expect more of themselves.

Americans of faith have available an important book "Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living Our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life," written by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., of Denver Colorado. In the relatively short space of 233 pages, centuries of religious and political history are synthesized with the major figures of time that greatly influenced the attitudes of today, regarding separation of Church and State. The cogent facts prove the need for our faith to strengthen convictions that should determine our words and behavior. The combined history of church and state presented comparatively makes this book a must read manual for serious study and review in forming our political consciences. It belongs in every Christian home. Parents must themselves, learn, appreciate and teach their children church history. Parents must take an active interest to make sure the facts taught to their children are not watered down secular interpretations and that undue influence is not made to disavow the truth in public schools. This book will help educate parents sufficiently to fulfill their responsibilities to their older children.

The Archbishop exposes the profound educational failure in America to interest students to understand, love and study history as a requisite component of clear decision-making. He quotes Christopher Lasch's observation that Americans lack historical knowledge because "...they don't want to know it." That is profound. The consequence is frightening and this little book with huge importance should wake up every reader. The history is presented in a readable style and documented with bibliographical resources to convince the most doubtful and those with hardened hearts that don't really want to know. The alternative to not wanting to know is too serious to ignore in this stressful period of history, " The past is prologue," said President John F. Kennedy. The significant historic times are succinctly presented and persuasive. Its compelling facts are impossible to absorb in a single reading. One must study Render Unto Cesar with its hugely important message for Catholics. It is THAT important. I highly recommend every family have a copy and promote its reading and discussion amongst their friends and relatives .Our faith and convictions must be discussed openly with pride. We must lead and America will be better for our being informed and active.

Marian M. Gray, Ed.D.

Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life Amazon.com

One of the most unfortunate consequences of both the US tradition of church/state separation and the evangelical protestant insistence that religion is primarily what goes on between the individual and God is the privatization of faith. The good Christian, so this perspective has it, compartmentalizes his or her faith, keeping it a personal, private affair. Issues of public policy and morality are best left to the secular powers and principalities.*

In his excellent Render Unto Caesar, Archbishop Charles Chaput invites Christian readers (and especially Roman Catholic ones) to rethink this position. The heart of Chaput's thesis is nicely expressed toward the end of the book. Drawing upon the long tradition of Catholic social teachings, Chaput argues that the Church as an institution and the individual Christian as a follower of Christ have the obligation to speak truth to power. This doesn't mean that he endorses either a theocracy or a government controlled by Christians. It does mean that the Church and her members live up to their prophetic calling as ambassadors of the Prince of Peace. As Chaput writes toward the end of his book,

"The Church claims no right to dominate the secular realm. But she has every right - in fact an obligation - to engage secular authority and to challenge those wielding it to live the demands of justice. In this sense, the Catholic Church cannot stay, has never stayed, and never will stay 'out of politics.' Politics involves the exercise of power. The use of power has moral content and human consequences. And the well-being and destiny of the human person is very much the concern, and the special competence, of the Christian community" (pp. 217-18).

In order to maintain its prophetic edge, however, the Church must walk a tightrope, resisting isolating itself from mainstream culture in the search for "purity" on the one hand, and allowing itself to be absorbed by mainstream culture in the search for "relevance" on the other. Perhaps the most interesting sections of Chaput's book are his discussions of how to navigate through these two possibilities.

An exciting, reasonably argued, and prophetic book. Highly recommended.
____________
* Obviously evangelical Protestants since the inception of the Moral Majority have gotten involved in politics, thus stretching their traditional "private relationship with Jesus" position. But their manner of bringing religion to politics tends not to follow in the liberal tradition of Catholic social teachings from Leo XIII to the documents of Vatican II.

Excellent content, well expressed. I read Render unto Caesar in one day. Assertive almost to the point of being aggressive. The Archbishop's point is that every Catholic, every Christian, but especially lay folks, have not only a right, but an obligation to bring the teachings of Christ, which are the teachings of the Church, into the public realm, that a merely vertical, 'me and my Jesus' religion is not enough. Particularly good chapter on St. Thomas More as role model for all Catholics in public life. Buy it for yourself, or give it as a gift to a college age son, daughter, neice, nephew, grandchild, especially for law students and other future Catholic leaders.

Render Unto Caesar is a book suited to all Christians and people of good will. Archbishop Chaput writes as he preaches--concisely and clearly. He leaves no doubt about our duty to God and neighbor. The Archbishop explains the two great commandments--love of God and love of neighbor--must be demonstrated in both our personal lives and in the public square.

An excellent resource for faithful Catholic voters during this election year and for others who want to truly understand them.
Great summary of Vatican II and its aftermath, especially in relation to the American political scene and the beliefs of American Catholics. Great discussion of the differences between toleration, pluralism and religious conviction! Loaded with useful references for further reading in sociology, theology and political theory.
I've bookmarked at least 30 paragraphs and quotations for further reading and preaching.

I absolutely loved this book. It was deeply inspiring. I stumbled onto it. My sister-in-law read it for her book club. I picked it up after her because we were at the beach and I needed something to read. What a surprise! I am a transplanted Texan and grew up in Ft. Worth so that was especially fun to see my home cowtown all hashed out. Much more than that, though, was the wonderful true story and the jaw dropping inspiration of Debbie Moore and all she touched. She really walked the walk and never wanted any glory. Denver and Ron found each other just when they needed it most. I'm glad they haven't caught and released and that Denver made it back from that scary drive to Colorado.

Not only is the story an amazing one, but both writers express themselves in such a unique way that the book is worth reading at least twice, just to enjoy their descriptive writing - like examining individual brush strokes under a magnifying glass in a fine work of art.

This book was great! Such a powerful testimony. I would recommend this book to anyone.

This book was recommended to me by a classmate and it should be read by everyone; the title says it all. Man's inhumanity to man, human frailty and even some humor. It's a book to make you think. Product-wise, the book was received in a timely fashion and in good condition.

This book is amazing. I love biographies and autobiographies and this is definitely one of my favorites. I got the chance to meet the authors and they are very genuine guys, with a desire to tell their story to encourage others. I have given this book as a gift many times because I think everyone should hear their story.

First let me say this is a great book I would recomend it to anyone. I read some of the 1 star reviews and was amazed how misinformed these nay sayers were. One person said that it taught that life is for us to fulfill our own perpose instead of living for God. What the book teachs is that serving God is our purpose. Another person said Rick Warren wrote this book just to make money, I guess he doesn't know Rick warren gives away 90% of his income and lives off 10%. He accepts no sallery at all from his church, that doesn't sound much like a person who is motivated by money only to me. The people who have writen these negitive reviews obviously don't get what they call a simple book or have not read it at all. The gospel is not complicated God made it delibritly simple. The purpose driven life is a book that will change your life if you read it with humility and are willing to live a life that is purposely serving God.

This is a tremendous book for everyone including the ones whose faith is lost or non-existent. It gives the reader a more confident starting point to turn their life around and incorporate values that God has laid before us. Rick Warren's undeniable faith is an illuminating source of God's will that inspires oneself to take that leap of faith and place your salvation in the Hands of God.

I had heard of this book many times but never bought or read it. I was especially impressed a few years ago when someone (in Atlanta, I think) used material from it to help her deal effectively with someone who broke into her house. The person had already shot someone the same day. She was struggling with many issues before the intruder came. Together they talked about content of the book in a way that made a difference.

Finally, I was moved to get the book after the faith forum between McCain and Obama at Saddleback Church in August 2008. I was so impressed with the way he dealt with both candidates. I wanted to read more about what Warren says and learn more about how he says it.

I highly recommend the book.

My copy, from Christmas 2004, says "over 15 million copies sold". I see cover copy on books in stores now showing 20 or 30 million sold.

So, this is not a new or little-known book, and obviously, many people have read it and find it very good, and indeed it is. Warren gives five Biblical purposes for life, consistently using scripture (in many different translations where they help convey meaning). And while the book does occasionally reference other "PDL" products like the journal, it doesn't appear to be a sales tool for these other products.

In fact, the The Purpose-Driven Life Journal in conjunction with a good study translation (New American Standard, New Internation, or King James) is a great way to study and make notes.

Wow-really good book!! On a side note, would have prefered the Bible references at the point of reference ( eg Psalm 23:1 and not '2' so as to prevent the need to continually turn to the back of the book. I am at day 12 and I am really impressed at how applicable this book is to my life. Again, I wonderful read

This book is full of lies from the devil himself. The only truth is in the bible. The bible is 1/3 prophecy from God. Read it for yourself. The only way to eternal life in heaven is through Jesus Christ the son of God, who died to save us from eternal death in hell. Repent now, we are living in the end times.

Dawkins is highly skilled master of terminological inexactitude whereby he briskfully overlooks the employment of primary sources in his documentation outside of the science arena.

A master revisionist historian/scientist with a finely tuned sense for highly biased selective observations. The problem is, he knows next to nothing about history, theology, or approaching life as an entity other than a robot. Naturally, this catapults him into the revisionist category.

I could easily write a book in response to Dawkins. FTR, I believe in a Creator and I am a scientist. Go figure, I am a scientist with emotions and a sense of existence persisting of more than just logical, robotic thought-processes. I am the exception, not the rule.

Dawkins is clearly not a historian. I heard a debate at Oxford University, where one of the scientists claimed Stephen Jay Gould knows next to nothing about a plethora of scientific subjects in discrediting his "popular science" theories. Upon further investigation it is undeniable that Dawkins chooses, I hope it is purposeful, to understand next to nothing about history, and his use of secular quotations are disturbingly out of historical context. A difficult question is posed in regards to where I should begin in shredding his interpretation of history.

My recommendation to Dawkins is stick to science. Remain the example of what a person should not be outside of the laboratory.

I heard him speak in a public forum. His understanding of the biblical claims are so rudimentary, it would be like a Rabbi or Pope debating an astrophysicist, whereby the Rabbi or Pope starts his argument against science, "I do not know much about astrophysics, but..."

I am not making any claims about the biblical texts, because I am not yet qualified to assess their validity. One thing is unequivocally true, Dawkins is surely not qualified to provide an evaluation regarding the authenticity of the Hebrew Bible.

I would like to see Dawkins debate Gerald Schroeder. Dawkins is wise enough not to box the heavyweights. Schroeder not only knows more about science, he knows more about the Hebrew Bible than Dawkins.

To write a book about God not existing is completely morbid and sad in a way I can't describe. The pics above also are sad. That people actively try to discredit God blows my mind. What is the point? To try to take away people's hope? God is hope and love. Without God everything is completely meaningless. Might as well kill yourself now cause there's no point in living if you believe this stuff. God is real people, open your eyes and look around you.

All you need to know is: Richard Dawkins knows everything thats possible to know, he dismisses the idea of God, and you better do it, too if you know whats good for you. He especially dislikes the Judeo-Christian God, and walks meekly around the Muslims; they likely wont turn the other cheek to him.

When you know it all, there's nothing else to discover. When youre a famous scientist like Richard Dawkins you know and can dismiss every permutation and combination of ways God might occur. You certainly know why there is something rather than nothing in our universe.

It is my goal to provide an honest review of this book, as seen from my perspective. I appreciate what Dawkins says, from the viewpoint of his arguement. Dawkins also, surprisingly, admits that the existance of God is a 50/50 chance. He does, however, provide arguments for why he believes God is improbable. The book is split into two parts. The first half of the book is Dawkins' argument against religion. The second half is a scientific history of religion and a hypothesis for why it began.

Regardless of if you are Atheist or Theist, I think both sides can appreciate (not neccessarily agree with) Dawkins' arguments. For Atheist's, Dawkins provides a central scientific argument for Atheists beliefs. Saddly enough, Atheist's are persecuted everywhere, simply because of what they believe. This is eerily reminiscent of the persecutions of jews and christians elsewhere. Theist's should not look at this book in disdain, but see it as a resource. Challenge makes people stronger, and "The GOD Delusion" is definitely a challenge.

This book was written for the Atheist, not the Theist or Christian. Dawkins states repeatedly that its not his intent to convert people, but to provide his arguments to those who share his belief. I found his arguments well thoughtout, a bit over explained, and quite stimulating. For the Athiest this book is a true breath of fresh air and a source of solace.

While I have no doubt, that because I said positive things about this book that my review will be terribly rated, I felt compelled to share my view. As an Atheist living in the christian dominated American society, I'm often smothered by the religious beliefs of others. While the Constitution provides freedom of religion, it does not afford freedom FROM religion.

Mr. Dawkins, Thank you sir. Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in my beliefs, and thank you for your richly inspiring arguments.