Inspiration Books

(sorry in advance) anyone who isn't moved by the kindness & compassion; the hopeful sayings of HH the Dalai Lama is either too cynical or not in touch with the needs of our complex/complicated 'society'.
His wisdom-compassion for all of humanity (and others), his lack of a vested interest, speaks for itself.

Though self-consciously idealistic and at times maddeningly general, this book is profoundly insightful. What makes this palatable is that the Dalai Lama concedes his Buddhist biases, and then offers a framework for approaching to the worlds' problems (all of them!) that is independent of religion. Noting the danger of religion reinforcing self-centered notions, he references the common ground found in all religions, "overcoming suffering through the practice of ethical discipline and cultivation of love and compassion," and advocates that we learn to reconcile our faith (or atheism) with the multiplicity of other possible faiths.

In the first of three sections, The Foundation of Ethics, he highlights some of the world's problems, and questions material wealth as a solution to happiness, noting that material things may in themselves cause anxiety, frustration, and discontent. Though the humor was completely unintentional, I laughed at his recounting of visiting the home of a wealthy family and noticing the stockpile of meds in a medicine cabinet that happened to be ajar.

The second section, Ethics and the Individual, functions sort of as a self-help book, though it's pretty insightful in a ways that sound obvious only once you've thought of it in the context of a given problem. For example, he notes that most people assume "discipline" is something that you impose against your will, but points out that "ethical discipline is something that we adopt voluntarily on the basis of full recognition of its benefits." Later, he cites Shantideva and the central truism of Bodhisattva- basically, if you're confronting a problem that is solveable, then you must learn to immediately find the means to act on it; if the problem has no solution, then it's best not to worry about it.

The final section, Ethics and Society, is by far the most ambitious, but also the most inspiring. The Dalai Lama notes that children in today's society are brought up to acquire knowledge, but not to learn compassion. The negative impact of this, he says, can be aggressive competitiveness toward peers, greed, and scorn for the less fortunate. Astutely, he attributes this to the historical separation of learning compassion outside of school in church- whereas today church has declined and schools haven't picked up the slack. Realistically, he suggests that schools address this gap by offering students substantial practice in ethical debate and non-violent conflict resolution. He suggests that "On seeing his parents wrangling, a child that had understood the value of dialogue would instinctively say, "Oh, no. That's not the way. You have to talk, to discuss things properly."

The Dalai Lama's biggest challenge is that he places on each individual some level of accountability for the corrupt leadership we so often blame for our problems. "When people possess healthy values, and where they practice ethical discipline in their own lives out of concern for others, the public officials produced by that society will quite naturally respect those same values." The easiest criticism of the Dalai Lama (and my own, before reading this book), is that he is too idealistic. His answer, which unfortunately isn't that well backed up, is that ideals are "the engine of progress", that it is a mistake to always try to be realistic in politics as history is full of examples of positive changes driven by idealism.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed many parts of this book and would recommend it to many people, I would not recommend it to everyone. I have given it a 3 star rating because of two main reasons.

1) The Dalai Lama fails to provide convincing arguments to those who don't already have views similar to his (i.e. that selflessness and non-violence are essential values), which is why this book will not appeal to those who need his advice the most. Compared to the Dalai Lama, I found M.K. Gandhi could make much more compelling rational arguments to convince skeptics of the necessity of being compassionate.

2) The title is misleading. I expected that the Dalai Lama had done much thinking about the modern world and wanted to propose his solutions to its major problems. I was very interested in learning what wisdom he had come up with. Instead, most of his thinking has revolved around traditional south Asian philosophies. Although these philosophies apply perfectly to the modern world, he did not show this well. Indeed he did not make any special effort to describe how the current problems could be resolved using these philosophies.

Here's a brief synopsis of the book:

In the first of three sections, the Dalai Lama explains that ethical conduct does not require adherence to religion, so long as one realizes everyone's right to be happy and not to suffer. He also argues that everyone desires to be happy, but that only those who manage to reach an inner peace that is independent of outside circumstances (such as wealth or poverty, political repression or freedom, sickness or health, etc.) can truly increase their happiness. He also makes a good argument for how happiness is easier to attain when we're shown compassion by others and how we can also help make others happy by showing them compassion.

To show that it is in our interest to make others happy by showing them compassion, he makes a rather complex philosophical discussion on how our interests are connected to other's interests so that our happiness is connected to other's happiness. I don't know if it's just me, but I found this part very complicated and not very convincing.

In the second part, he describes how each individual can develop this caring and compassionate nature. By restraining negative emotions (anger, envy, etc.), we avoid disregarding others and we end up reducing suffering both for others and ourselves. By developing compassion for all, even for those who would harm us, we can further develop virtues like forgiveness, humility, generosity. By dealing properly with unavoidable suffering (like aging, sickness, etc.), we can even strengthen our ability to have compassion and restrain our negative emotions, so that suffering may provide a good opportunity to learn.

In the third section, he tries to apply the principle of compassion to the level of society. There isn't much new there and he doesn't provide much to convince those who don't believe what he believes, it therefore sounds more like political correctness: care for the environment, care for the poor, care for peace, etc.

If you think like the Dalai Lama you will love this book, since he teaches you how you can become a better person. If you don't think like him, this book will fail to convince you and you will not learn any of the lessons he is teaching in this book. It's up to you to choose.

I went to his gathering in Portland where he shared the contents of this book verbally in a distilled form. Much of the talk was identical to passages in the book. He recommends that the religions have tolerance and respect for each other. He shares an ethic that is fairly modern and shows how much he has changed since his earlier times. The message is very basic, many liberal philosophers have advocated the same thing. It is good that the Dalai Lama has put his voice in support of such views. I do feel that, mere ethics is not enough, we need the practice of meditation for our hearts to transform and to become sensitive enough to see where we are not compassionate with each other, so that we can let go of the three poisons of the mind and become free. I found such a transformation and its necessity was not emphasized that much in this book. Perhaps he wanted people to get this more important point from other books he had written. I also personally would like it if those ethics included animals and not eating them, a point that I feel Guatama Buddha emphasized. I would have also liked if he emphasized how important the feminist movement has been to have women included in those ethics. I gave it three stars rather than five, because although the message is good and positive, it seems to lack something for me. I do not get the feeling that such a message by itself is enough to shift the planet. I think more is needed.

Ethics for the New Millennium is explicitly a nonreligious work, though it does present several key ideas that come out of Buddhist philosophical tradition. The goal, as stated in the preface, is to present an approach to ethics based on "universal" rather than religious principles. Presumably, these are principles that persons of diverse religious and nonreligious backgrounds would agree upon. Despite the title, this is not a technical or heavily philosophical work. Much of the book has a common-sense, anecdotal quality to it. While I enjoyed the stories of the Dalai Lama's personal experiences and his unique sense of humor, I must say that some of the cases he makes would be greatly strengthened if he presented some statistical data or findings from modern sociology, psychology and science. The Dalai Lama confesses that his own knowledge of modern (Western) secular thought is still limited, so much of his teachings probably reflect the Buddhist philosophy in which he has trained. Throughout the book, he introduces us to a number of Tibetan terms which do not have simple English equivalents. Several of the key notions presented in the book will probably be unfamiliar to the average Western reader. Of course, this is part of the attraction of the book.

To explain his motivation, the Dalai Lama begins by making the personal observation that, while the poor living in less developed countries with traditional cultures may be suffering physically, they often seem to be happier than those with greater material wealth living in more developed countries. His Holiness is careful not to romanticize "old ways of life" and he does not advocate primitivism or rejection of science and technology as a solution to the world's problems, but rather a "spiritual revolution." By this he means the adoption of the emotional disciplines and alternative worldview laid out in this book as a means of addressing disharmony in modern life. He says "My call for a spiritual revolution is thus not a call for a religious revolution. Nor is it a reference to a way of life that is somehow otherworldly, still less to something magical or mysterious. Rather, it is a call for a radical reorientation away from our habitual preoccupation with self" (p23). The Dalai Lama does a remarkable job of presenting this ethical system in simple language.

Christian readers may interested in the brief allusion to the "Fruits of the Spirit" (pp 22-23) which are discussed in a non-religious context. His Holiness acknowledges an admiration for Christian teachings developed in part through his friendship with a Cistercian monk some time ago. Even more interesting might be the chapter entitled "Ethics and Suffering" for those who wonder how persons with a non-theistic viewpoint cope with suffering and loss. An important clarification of the notion of karma is given as well. It is one of the best chapters in my opinion, though too short.

This is a very tolerant and pluralistic work with regard to religion. Polemics against religiously motivated bigotry, violence, and dogma seem to be entirely absent. The final chapter "The Role of Religion" is very insightful, but adroitly steers clear of controversy. The Dalai Lama acknowledges that people can lead happy ethical lives without recourse to religion, but is concerned that, with the rise of science and secularism worldwide, there may also be a rise in moral relativism. This book is intended to provide an alternative. My favorite quote: "These may seem unusual statements, coming as they do from a religious figure. I am, however, Tibetan before I am Dalai Lama, and I am human before I am Tibetan."

The more philosophical part of the book, entitled "The Nature of Reality", introduces the idea of dependent origination. This sort of organismic, interconnected view of the universe may require several readings to grasp, but leads naturally to the doctrine of "no self." This is the clearest and simplest explanation of this doctrine I have found so far.

The recurring theme of the book is this: our happiness depends upon the happiness of others. Here is another interesting quote: "As we have seen, given the complex nature of reality, it is very difficult to say that a particular act or type of act is right or wrong in itself. Ethical conduct is thus not something we engage in because it is somehow right in itself. We do so because we recognize that just as I desire to be happy and to avoid suffering so do all others." Afflictive emotions (anger, greed, hatred, pride, etc.) destroy our ability to make rational decisions, so we should practice restraint. Emotional responses can be shaped by worldview, and practice. The same is true for cultivating virtues. Anxiety and stress are often a result of lack of perspective. This is a very practical book that offers guidelines for changing how we react and how we feel.

I am a little concerned, however, with some statements made about science throughout the book, though these are not by any means central issues. The Dalai Lama tends to refer to "radical materialism" when talking about science from time to time, and I find this an unfortunate choice of words given the common connotations of the words "radical" and "materialism." Philosophical naturalism would have been better. He also says "my concern is rather that we are apt to overlook the limitations of science. In replacing religion as the final source of knowledge in popular estimation, science begins to look a bit like another religion itself" (p 11). It is not clear, just what, if anything, His Holiness suggests should be the final source of knowledge. The book is not heavily philosophical and so does not discuss epistemology (theories of knowledge). A recurring theme is the important role of practice and discipline; so perhaps in this sense, knowledge alone is insufficient to create the kind of disposition advocated in the book.

Little is said about economics, but readers may well wonder if the compassion and altruism advocated here are compatible with the workings of free-market economy which is based on competition. His Holiness again admits that his knowledge of economics is limited (p195), but he suggests "the relationship between empathy and profit is necessarily fragile. Still, I do not see why it should not be possible to have constructive competition. The key factor is the motivation of those engaged in it. ... But when competition is conducted with a spirit of generosity and good intention, the outcome, although it must entail a degree of suffering for those who lose, will at least not be too harmful." It is not pure altruism, of course, that he is suggesting, but rather a form of enlightened self interest (p127).

On the whole, this is a positive, feel-good book that I enjoyed reading, with lots of practical suggestions for ethical living that are phased in clear, simple language. It forms an interesting contrast with other more confrontational bestsellers I've read recently that also seek to create change.

Inspired by the death of her step-father (and informed by the death of her father), Patti Digh's book offers advice, nudges, and insistence toward joy and responsibility (not quite the word I want), in equal measure.

With essays like "Dance in Your Car," "Follow Your Desire Lines," and "Always Rent the Red Convertible," Digh urges us to loosen up, take chances, take hold of this "one wild and precious life" (as she quotes Mary Oliver).

But she assumes a life of joy will be a life touched and shaped by other people, and she includes their care in her instruction manual. "Save Face for Someone Else," and "Wear Pink Glasses" offer models of graceful ways of being with, seeing, and upholding other people. "Love Unloveable People" gently offers each of us a daunting challenge: to respond to what is good in everyone.

Digh doesn't overlook the challenges of relationship, including our relationship to self. From "Choose Your Seatmates Wisely," to "Burn those Jeans," "Don't Sell Your Red Shoes" and "Say Wow When You See a Bus," she offers fresh perspectives on familiar situations and straight-jackets of "propriety," inviting each of us to find a way to be a little more authentic.

The essays alone would be engaging and provocative, as Digh has proven in her blog, 37days. In the book a precious few are arranged to illustrate her six-point guide to a life marked by Intensity, Inclusion, Integrity, Intimacy, Intuition, and Intention. Each is followed by a short exercise to help the reader respond to and integrate the example, and a longer "movement" exercise that readers are invited to take up for 37 days: be alone for 30 minutes every day, write ten letters (in longhand) over the course of 37 days, ask yourself at lunch (for 37 days) "Am I becoming someone I respect?"

Digh suggests we take on that last question at lunch, so that we have the afternoon to save ourselves, if we are failing. It is just this kind of gentle wisdom, this confidence in all of us, that leads me to embrace this book.

To have Patti Digh's "37 Days' in BOOK form is to have the most amazing sourcebook for soul sustenance I have ever run across - and I read A LOT! Patti is clearly both gardener and chef; from the seeds she plants to the manna she provides. If your life is lacking color and depth (and humor, ah yes!), if you're missing that feeling of being connected and necessary, or losing your sense of direction or self - this book's for you.
Being a devoted fan of Patti's "37 Days" blog for the past several years, I was anxious to have the book, but didn't expect the additional impact that "Patti in print" would have for me. I lift my head reluctantly from the pages; but need to break and savor all the different sensory stirrings as I read her words. Cerebrally and soulfully nourished as I am by all that this book contains, I'm craving more, and look forward to filling my shelves with the next editions (additions?) of her unique diet of life lessons, personal musings or anything else she might choose to cook up! Bon appetit!

It makes you think about how to live your life better - not necessarily more organized or efficient or more anything, unless the "more" is some part of your own personal "better". The writing exercises are excellent, bite-sized, and spur you to much deeper consideration of the topics. And the writing itself is funny, real, down-to-earth and extremely moving. I've bought one copy and will buy several more as gifts.

Patti Digh has done a marvelous job translating her 37days blog (already a brilliant work-in-the-making, as she posts regularly) into hard copy with all the benefits a printed book can provide. To her publisher's credit, they went all out to make this book beautiful, and it is, and it matches the complexity and simplicity, at turns, her words offer.

There will be lots of reviewers who comment on Patti's amazing talent for getting to the heart of the matter, and thus, to our hearts. What I find just as fascinating about Patti is her sense of humor, one which operates at all levels.

Her ability to offer her joy in addition to her passion for her subject matter is what has hooked me since I first discovered her blog.

Life is a Verb is an in-the-moment perfect snapshot of three years of Patti's wisdom, pain, insight, and sighing admission of shortfalls.

Buy this book. I promise you will be thanking Patti that you did!

This book should be required reading in every college, high school and jr. high to teach kids how to become authentic, compassionate, caring adults. I've read Patti Digh's blog from the get-go and it has enriched and completely altered my life and my way of thinking. I want to be her!!!!! This book is a gold mine, pure and simple.

When I'm feeling blue, she cheers me up.
When I'm feeling invisible, she rearranges the molecules of my thinking.
When I'm down, she lifts me up.
When I'm sad, she makes me happy to be alive. . . all with her luminous, fabulous, magical essays. Thank you, Patti, for this gift you've given the world. This tattooed grammy loves you fiercely!!!

If you need a book that will enrich your life every single day, then buy this one. And get several copies because you will most definitely want to share with your friends and loved ones.

A writer of tremendous integrity, Buechner opens the book with an acknowledgment that this is not one of his great novels, but is, in fact a miscellany. It is the stuff from which other material could be developed. Some is reflective, and much is the stuff of his life - the ground from which creativity flows. I enjoyed the book tremendously, because Buechner has always challenged me. Good read, short. I would give it a 5, but that should be reserved for his other works, like Godric, or The Clown in the Belfry.

Frederick Buechner was - and remains - a pioneer in spiritual memoir.

A promising literary light whose works have attracted the attention of even New York's inner circle, Buechner dared to move further and further along his spiritual journey. He admits that his ordination as a Presbyterian minister was a terrible career move for a serious writer. He did it anyway. And, he's not easily categorized as a "Christian writer," either. His memoirs with titles like "Telling Secrets" through "The Longing for Home" are almost impossible to classify with our oh-so-easy labels of "evangelical" or "emergent," "progressive" or "conservative." He wrote them, anyway, and they found a loyal audience of thousands. Over time, his books have formed one the great spiritual reflections on life in turn-of-the-millennium America.

A clear theme emerges in these more than 30 volumes of memoir, fiction and nonfiction - a clear character to the relationship Buechner has been building with us. His overarching theology of writing goes something like this: Fundamentally, he argues in one book after another, we tell our stories because we have a deep yearning to participate in a far greater story. Whatever terrible secrets we think we are concealing, we soon discover that they weave themselves into a far, far larger narrative. And, in telling those stories, ultimately, we find ourselves in a community not only with other storytellers, but with the ultimate Storyteller.

That's why you should buy and read "Yellow Leaves." If you flip through it in a bookstore, you might mistake this slim volume for a late-in-life after thought. You would be mistaken. Within these 133 pages are some of the "yellow leaves" left toward the end of the season - vividly hanging from the limbs in Buechner's garden. In his mid-80s now, his reflections aren't the brawling spiritual wrestling match of "Godric" or the grand literary feat of "Bebb" or even the moving dramas of "Telling Secrets" or "Longing for Home."

These are last leaves. And what leaves they are! In this volume, Buechner gives us the spiritual gem of his catalytic evening with Maya Angelou; then he waves a wand and takes us with him back into Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol;" then another wave and we're attending a 1943 family picnic where he nervously gets to his feet as a boy and dares to read a poem and speak "simple truth." And, of course, the greatest spiritual gem in the book - the one-page Introduction of a memoirist now in his mid-80s, invoking Shakespeare's own "yellow leaves."

After all these years, Buechner fans, you can't miss this one. And newcomers? Here's a sparkling, multi-faceted showcase of this master's eye, ear - and heart.

the number of people on this planet who can write like frederick buechner are a tiny, tiny lot. seriously, the dude can put some words into sentences! so, in a sense, i don't care what buechner writes about -- i'll read it, and enjoy it. fiction -- yup. non-fiction -- sure, bring it.

the beek (ah, that's my little pet name for him) hasn't written a full length book in a while. and, as he writes in the forward of this collection, he guesses that ability has left him (i sure hope that isn't true). in the mean time, buechner says he could pull together a collection of essays, scraps of fiction, poems, and family memories, with a sprinkling of faith and church thrown in. somehow, it works.

the best parts of this collection, in my opinion, are the first few pieces -- little memoirs about family members (buechner's mom and brother-in-law, in particular). the whole thing is a bit voyeuristic, looking into a period of time and slice of society that is not my own. buechner comes from east coast, private school, intelligencia, with old money thrown in (buechner's wife is heir to the merck fortune, and his own family, while experiencing some rough times during the depression, did pretty well).

reading often felt a bit like sitting with mr. b in an old but fancy sitting room, somewhere in an old money neighborhood in new england, listening to him tell stories while sipping tea. with milk.

it's a quick read, really, but just lovely. intimate and brilliant.

This is a fantastic read and a book that I will keep for decades to come as a reference. I also have Wherever You Go There You Are and they both serve a different purpose and compliment eachother well.

As another reviewer has noted, this book is about four books in one. As a person who is very aware of the wonderful books on meditation available today, of which Kabat-Zinn's Wherever You Go There You Are is one, I recommend that you not waste your time and energy on this one.

At 600-plus pages, this deeply philosophical book may challenge some readers. But Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, an accomplished scientist, thinker and author, imparts his wisdom in short, easily digestible chapters. He says you can have a more peaceful, contented life if you are open to exploring the spiritual realm and the practice of mindful meditation. Kabat-Zinn, who cites studies and personal experiences, presents convincing evidence that meditation reduces everyday stress, and can help treat depression and fear, chronic pain, cancer and other serious illnesses. We believe that everyone can benefit from reading this mindful treatise - even those who are already healthy, wealthy and wise. Highly recommended.

I love Jon Kabat-Zinn's work.....and this book is certainly worth getting and reading. However, it is quite long and some of the sections didn't seem to add anything useful. On the other hand, some of the sections were amazing and worth reading more than once. If you like Jon Kabat-Zinn's other writings (e.g., wherever you go there you are, full catastrophe living) you will probably be happy with this book as well.

After seeing Jon Kabat-Zinn on McLaughlin's One-on-One I was intrigued and decided to buy this book. I was sorely disappointed. He makes some good observations (e.g. about ADD and the 24/7 lifestyle), but offers solutions based only on far-eastern philosophies (yoga, meditation, etc). Not what I expected. I would not recommend this book to devout Christians or Muslims. Better stick with the Bible or the Koran, or the writings of accomplished Biblical or Koranic scholars.

I have read many books on near death experiences and the accounts in this book ring true. I have lost loved ones and I know there is life after death, because I have received after death communications. I would recommend this book to the bereaved and to those facing the impending death of a loved one.

Raymond Moody's book is a must read for anyone interested in the scientific proof that goes along with this type of investigative study. Written from the perspective of a once-sceptic, he quickly moves through the stages of doubt to belief when the details of patient after patient reveal earily similar cannot be denied details of what happens after we pass and that is - simply that we don't die!

Sally Shields, www.TheDILRules.com

Gives accounts from persons that have had a near death experience and also discusses the notion of life after death. Helpful if you have recently lost someone or just interested in the topic. I would recommend to others.

I didn't buy this book, I got it free with a mark on the front from a used book store. It was well worn, but I wanted to read it. I did a few years ago and it remains in my collection. It was very interesting. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in feeling as though they have evidence of the after life. In fact, I'm going to buy a new copy for myself and leave my copy on the same shelf where I once got it from! I'm sure someone else will enjoy it as much as I have!!!

I read quite a few books about NDEs before I bought this one. No doubt it was very controversial when it was originally published. Dr. Moody does a very good job of compiling and comparing data from interviews with the people who had these experiences to capture the "essence" of dying and how it changed their perspective on life. This is definitely what he does best. The part to support NDEs through sources like the Tibetan Book of the Dead and the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg was lacking. But in his defense, it had to be put in there or the book would have been classifed under fiction.

A true to life and feel good book you want your children to read. A great family book. Parris Martin

I debated whether to write a review or not - as a Patriot's and Sox's fan.
Well, I think the book is pretty good. It is a simple life story that could have happened to many kids, and maybe many adults too - not knowing their purpose in life.
As the book tells us:
Be free to dream,
Have faith, and
God will answer in HIS most magical way.

I must admit that I have a great admiration for Coach Dungy's coaching style. This book translates the warm compassion and support for success into a children's book. The word and the illustrations are touching and inspire faith and the search to find one's calling. My granddaughter thoroughly enjoys this book. As does Grandpa who is a big NFL fan.

You Can Do It! YES, You Can! Tony helps guide his little brother, Linden, to determine his dream. Tony follows the example of his parents by putting faith, self-reflection, along with the love and support of family to the test. Even though Linden acts up at school (sometimes) the positive reinforcement from his devoted family helps him see God's plan for his life. As Linden discovered his dream and when he did the support of positive community leaders and his family made all the difference.

This Christian based book was written for children ages 4-8. However, this inspirational story can be enjoyed by young old alike. The remarkable illustrations will provide hours of enjoyment for the kids in any household - especially young African American boys. There are several points in the book that should have everyday occurrences in households across America - committed families, prayer at dinner, active in sports, and striving daily towards a dream. Share this fantastic story with kids and help them achieve their dreams - whatever they may be.

Deltareviewer

There is a sweetness to this illustrated storybook about a young boy whose siblings all know what their passion is, but he doesn't know his. This book is best for kids unsure of what they want to be when they grow up. That description fits almost everyone! When young Linden feels anxious that he hasn't found his niche, readers will undoubtedly relate.

Linden's older brother Tony and scientist dad gently help him search for his "it," his passion. They remind him to have patience and trust in God to reveal this special talent. "Just keep having faith," Dad tells Linden. The boy finds his "it" during a trip to the dentist.

This true story was written by the head coach of the 2006 Super Bowl champions.

Expressive watercolors fill the pages with color from edge to edge. The loving African-American family is realistically rendered. Illustrator Amy June Bates has a knack for showing movement and action, and depicting real people.

Under the dust jacket the cover has the exact same artwork on the front and photo of Tony Dungy on the back.

This was my first ATC book and gives good ideas, guidelines, techniques. Kind of neat- a teacher from my old highschool was featured in here. I DO like how several different styles were highlighted in the book.

Terrific book with a lot of fresh ideas. Some items are harder to find, but reasonable subsitutes can often be found...for instance Orange Goo Gone can be used in place of Gamsol in some instances. You can find a number of groups working on the challenges together and sharing their progress with this book and that's an extraordinary situation, IMO. I love it!

This is one of the best "how to" craft books I have ever read. I've just gotten interested in ATCs and the instructions on different methods and history of this artform are excellent. I highly recommend this book for beginners!

This book contains everything you need to know to create ATC's. It explains everything from the origins of this fascinating art form to examples and instructions. It provides inspiration as well. Great book!

I have only had this book in my possession for about a week and I have already made a trip to the craft store to get a few new supplies and was up until all hours of the night the last few days trying the new techniques! I have been an avid scrapbooker and paper crafter for years, but this book showed me things I have never thought of or tried before and it opened a whole new world of possibilities and inspiration for me. Not only does the author present some great techniques, but she includes gorgeous color photos and easy to follow instructions. Any paper crafter can use the ideas in this guide and make them their own!

Living the Creative Life is challenging me to look at creativity in many new ways. The approach taken from the viewpoint of many different artists in many different media shows the versitality of our innate creative spirit. The idea that all humans are creative if they allow that part of the whole person to flourish is not new to me, but the way this author discusses the creative spirit is fresh. The book is beautiful to look at and I love the format -- small size, lovely illustrations and great ideas for jump starting creativity.

By asking several artist's the same question, it shows there is no "right" way. Everyone comes to their art with their own style. Great idea's to jump start the muse. The imagery was beautiful.

You can't but be inspired after reading this wondrous book! I will admit first hand, I personally have no intention (nor the talent), to ever become a world class artist by any means. I do have passion to create however, and this book along with another I received around the same time, Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint, by Curtis Heuser, have almost convinced me to rethink my day job. How rewarding (and envious), it sounds from all these talented souls, to be devoted and fortunate enough to get to spend their time without a doubt, doing what they love. Not to say it is without effort, but the pure joy and love for expression, explodes off the pages and simply can not be denied in both of these glorious titles.

Unlike the various first hand artistic testimonials featured throughout "THE CREATIVE LIFE..." - "YOUR HOME..." follows just one decorative artist's amazing creative journey, leading to the publishing of his extroidinary first book which documents the rebirth of his ordinary historic home, through must see mural and faux painting techniques and decoration. In addition, Heuser's book is full of beautiful before, during and after photography, and inspiring how to do the same for your own home-projects. There are similarities in both of these titles however, as the reader will discover and can almost touch the often unexplicable creative passion in the hearts and spirits of these diversely talented artistans.

There appears a special kinship between the artists and authors of both these books - as each are driven by the undeniable desire to express themselves through a wide range of interesting art mediums. I want to personally "Thank" both authors for so eloquently and unselfishly sharing their work and individual views on creativity with us! Both books offer rare insight and are worthy of our every penny! ENJOY!!!!

It is hard to imagine anyone could read this book without stopping multiple times to experiment with some form of art explorations of their own. The author makes it seem natural and oh so inviting. The only drawback is the small print on busy pages. It is sometimes difficult to read the suggestions.

I know a couple artists that submitted their work to this book and I was happy to see them included!
I think any book that helps people with inspiration is great.

I do think this book is a bit fluffy. At least for me. I was hoping for something different maybe. Something meatier ~ Thanks

I have read hundreds of Christian Apologetics books. I have read all of Lewis, all of Schaeffer, all of Peter Kreeft, all of Dr. Geisler's books, including his encyclopedia A-Z twice, and his Systematic Theology twice, I have read Plantinga, McDowell, Craig, Ravi, Moreland, Holding, Swinburne, N.T Wright, Paul Copan, R.C Sproul, Van Til, Gary Habermas, Lee Strobel, David Noebel, Francis Beckwith, Chuck Colson, Nancy Pearcy, Chesterton, Stuart C. Hacket, Martin, Richard Purtill, Stephen T. Davis, Dembski, Behe, Johnson, Collins, Paul K Moser, and many other Christian Philosophers and theologians . I have also read all the top skeptic authors, so I am pretty familar with worldview issues, and the arguments and counter-arguments from both sides. I cant imagine why someone would say this book is not worth reading, unless there either uninformed or have some axe to grind. I would take the word of both top Christian Philosophers and Skeptics that endorse this book before I would listen to some disgruntled person reviewing on here(who I suspect has not even read the book). There must be something very admirable about a book that can be granted endorsements form both sides! Here is what Dr. Geisler( who is considered the DEAN of Christian apologetics, and wrote the Christian Encyclopedia of Apologetics, along with 70 other books) said along with some other High Caliber Christian Thinkers.

Dr. Norman L. Geisler, Christian apologist and author of The Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics: "[John's book] is a thoughtful and intellectually challenging work, presenting arguments that every honest theist and Christian should face."

Dr. Mark D. Linville, Christian philosopher and contributor to the forthcoming Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology: "Of the spate of books coming from the so-called "New Atheists" that have appeared in the past few years--Hitchens, Dawkins, Harris, et al--John W. Loftus's critique of Christian theism is by far the most sophisticated. Where, say, Dawkins might be found attacking a man of straw, Loftus understands and assesses the arguments of today's premier Christian apologists and philosophers. Evangelicals cannot afford to ignore Why I Became an Atheist."

Dr. James F. Sennett, Christian philosopher and author of Modality, Probability, and Rationality: A Critical Examination of Alvin Plantinga's Philosophy: "Scholarly unbelief is far more sophisticated, far more defensible than any of us would like to believe. John W. Loftus is a scholar and a former Christian who was overwhelmed by that sophistication. His story is a wake up call to the church: it's time for us to start living in, and speaking to, the real world."

And Here are some endorsements from skeptics.

David Mills, author of Atheist Universe: "John W. Loftus is to atheism what Tiger Woods is to golf, or what Babe Ruth was to baseball. Loftus has provided, in this superb and entertaining volume, the crown jewel of the new atheist movement. As much as I admire and enjoy Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens and Dennett, Loftus is, far and away, my favorite author on this riveting subject. Loftus' esteemed reputation within the freethought community is indeed richly deserved. But this book exceeded even my highest expectations."

Dr. Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic magazine, and the author of How We Believe, The Science of Good and Evil, and Why Darwin Matters. "There is trend sweeping American culture today on the God question, with commentators on all sides ringing in with their opinions and theories about whether God exists or not, the origins of morality with or without God, and the origins and importance of religion. What is unique about John W. Loftus's book is his perspective: a one time Christian apologist who changed his mind and became an atheist. Here we get both sides of the debate between two covers, an honest and honorable look into the soul of belief and what it means to be a nonbeliever."

Dr. Hector Avalos, Biblical scholar and author of The End of Biblical Studies: "I truly enjoyed this book. Why I Became an Atheist combines a dose of Augustine's Confessions with a cauldron of unremitting rationalism to yield one of the most potent antidotes to Christianity on the market today. If there is such a thing as the New Atheism, then John W. Loftus is one of the standard bearers. Loftus is a former Christian evangelical apologist who became an atheist, and he tells us why in a detail and a depth worthy of the best atheist writers today. It is a well-written, informed, and potent critique of religion and Christianity."

Dr. John Beversluis, author of C.S. Lewis and the Search for Rational Religion: "Christians routinely dismiss objections advanced by skeptics on the ground that they are outsiders who are not in a position to understand the doctrines they presume to criticize. Nobody can say that about John W. Loftus. As an ex-pastor and Christian apologist, he understands these doctrines from the inside and is able to expose the logical flaws of the arguments offered in support of them--textual, scientific, theological, and philosophical--with luminous clarity and devastating force. His scholarship is impressive, but he also knows how to write in a way that engages the non-scholarly reader. The result is a startlingly honest book that ought to be required reading for every Christian."


So according to top thinkers on Both sides, people who say this book is not worth reading are dead wrong. You decide who to believe.



I think this book is the best single overall refutation of Christianity written, especially at the accessible level. The book Loftus wrote before this one, was the first skeptic book I read that made me realize I could be dead wrong, and I was a very intellectually committed Christian, trust me. I was planning on becoming an Apologist myself. This new book is like his old book but on major steriods! Loftus has added an extra 240 pages of content! I think this book is superior for multiple reasons

1. Its scope and coverage is more exhaustive on issues crucial to Christianity then other books.
2. Mr. Loftus anticipate objections from Christian philosophers and theologians that most skeptics do not, due to their lack of familiarity with the other side.
3. The book packs so much in such a little space, it has amazing brevity and at the same time brilliantly dismantles many core Christian beliefs and deals with many central issues that are left out of other works
4. The authors familiarity with Christian Theology and philosophy makes him much better at drawing fine and important distinctions that other skeptics miss, due to their lack of expertise of the other side.
5. The personal Deconversion narrative woven through out the book gives it an informal and personal touch that makes it more fascinating to read than other skeptical books. Plus he is the only skeptical author that I know of that was a highly competent Christian Apologist and Philosopher, this of course is another unique feature.
6. The authors non-abrasive style sets your book apart from many other skeptic books. He wrote the book in such a way as not to polarize the believer. The average believer would be much more likely to read this book than other similar books due to his respectful manner. This I congratulate him on.
7. The book strikes a great balance between high conceptual content and accessibility, a balance that is hard to achieve.

There are many other noble things about his book. But basically what I am saying is that I think Mr. Loftus has written by far the best single overall refutation of Christianity in print! This is the best book to give to a believer. If I could only pick one book for my Christian friends to read, this book by far wins, no contest. If your a skeptic you should buy multiple copies for your friends and family, and if your a believer you should do yourself a favor and buy copies for yourself and your friends and start honestly examining the claims of Christianity from both sides. If your wise you will buy and read this outstanding book! I give it my highest recommendation.

This is the book I wish I could write. Loftus includes everything: absurdities, superstitions, interpretations, persuasive psychology, pseudoscience, morality, philosophy, proofs, logistical issues, history, miracles, methodology, prayer, creation, canonization, legendary embellishment, etc. Whereas pop writers like Dawkins and Harris scoff at the obvious stupidity of Christianity, and textual scholars like Ehrman and Price focus on apologetic issues without hardly mentioning that Christianity doesn't deserve the air of respectability it gets, Loftus tackles both methods with full force.

John does a wonderful job of pointing out how apologists are all extremely confident of their positions even if the contrast among one another, yet he also doesn't lose sight of the fact that a neutral start for these apologists would never prompt them to offer their conclusions. It is probably the best comprehensive book of the issues I've read. Fifteen dollars will net you fifteen hours worth of intense reading. Yes, ninety percent of the material can be found elsewhere, but this is to be expected when there is no true point of concentration in the book, such as you would find with a book that deals with one specific topic. It is a jack of all trades, and Loftus pulls it off beautifully.

Loftus, like very few writers, takes the time to explain why we start our observations "from below" rather than "from above." Persuasive psychology is briefly mentioned, and since I write on it frequently, I was extremely happy to see it (even if I would have liked to have seen more). What I really support is his focus on fundamental questions, which I believe deconvert more individuals than textual analysis ever could. These questions include why God needs worship, why religions distribute predictably, and why the Bible has no declaration against slavery. I also learned a few things while reading, such as William Lane Craig's ridiculous arguments for why God has religious diversity (while ignoring the obvious answer of societal conditioning) and Francesco Sizzi's equally ridiculous arguments for divinity in space.

While ninety-nine percent of this book is fantastic and I could write pages on how great it is, in the interest in balancing praise with criticism, I'll quickly point out a few things I would have done differently. The personal story (kind of boring, until Linda!) could lead critics to argue that John left for emotional reasons (even though he specifically states what should be obvious: the emotions merely got him thinking). The book isn't as entertaining as Shermer, Sagan, Mills, etc or as easy to understand at times because it isn't geared toward a mainstream audience. A thorough understanding of the text is beyond ninety percent of America because you need some good knowledge of the Bible to grasp all of it. For instance, Uzzah is mentioned in one chapter, but several dozens of people and pages later, he is mentioned (but not explained) again. If you don't remember who he is, John's point is missed at the second mention.

Loftus extensively quotes scholars without briefly mentioning their positions, and there are a slew of them because he has a terrific appreciation for the arguments in the field. He also uses terms that will be unfriendly to beginners (e.g. Pauline). John also made the same choice I did in my first book, which is to make laborious lists that aren't necessary to make a point (especially on visions). Most readers, I suspect, would become bored with it. In my opinion, he wastes time and paper on the Trinity and bodily resurrections (two topics that I feel should always be ignored). Arguing over how miracles work plays into the apologetic game. I love his term "chronological snobbery" for why social conservatives are consistently wrong, but it is already known as the "Planck Problem." He says historic Japan is "a great [society] by all standards of history," which I have to take exception with as a student of ancient Japan, since women were possessions, the warrior class could kill without accountability, and foreigners were immediately killed for stepping on Japanese land.

There are some editing issues as well. For example "and1563" on p309 is missing a space (spell check doesn't look for words with number/letter combinations by default) and "when did he know Jesus had died" is used on p368 instead of "how did he know when Jesus had died" (again, something spell check wouldn't grab).

None of these minor issues on which I complain really detracts at all from the book. In short, Loftus has left humanity much better than he found it, which is what all nonbelievers can only strive to accomplish.

The book is well worth the paltry price. While its true there is seldom a new twist to philosophy of religion issues, its also true that a straight forward portrayal of Christian fallacy epitomizes honest exegetical analysis. Loftus categorically excels in describing the many problems with the Christian religion. Thus "Why I Became an Atheist: A Former Preacher Rejects Christianity" is a must read.

I was looking forward to this book after reading about it on an atheist web site. Unfortunately, it was a big let down. The material in the book is far from new. There are a few "new" biblical passages that prove the Bible is nonsense, but little else is new here. I would recommend Biblical Nonsense by Jason Long if your looking for a concise exposition of Christianity. If you have never read any of these types of books then you will most likely be impressed with this one. But if you have even read one of the latest atheist apologists this one will seem like a rehash of those works. It basically repeats the same arguments that have been better crafted by superior writers.

John Loftus's book is heavy in the philosophy and theology of Christianity - including why he rejects it. He outlines and summarizes arguments from both sides - so comprehensively, it could be used as a reference book. A strong point: in the process, he presents superb summary quotes from dozens of important thinkers from our past and present. The book is worth reading, not only for Loftus's words, but for these jewels liberally used in every chapter. My own feeling, however, is that the logical argumentations coming from philosophers and theologians degenerate into mental gymnastics over issues I've already decided are irrelevant. I prefer biblical textual criticism.

In biblical textual criticism I have read various viewpoints stressed by different authors: that the Bible is based on myth, that it is based on midrash, that various authors wrote in order to declare or defend a certain theology, that the Bible should be discounted because different authors' works can't be reconciled with each other, that the document looks exactly like what you would expect from had no God been present, etc. Loftus offers these arguments too, but adds a new twist I haven't seen as a main thrust. He stresses the overwhelmingly superstitious nature of the people of the day and offers a comparison. Even among the least educated people in the US, our worldview is infinitely more scientific than superstitious - when compared to the days of early Christianity. Then he blends in another main thrust - the importance of the worldview a person brings to the table.

Take home point: That a person's worldview, based on his/her cultural and individual milieu, is definitive in the way any religious debate unfolds. What baggage he/she brings to the debate is far more important than the rationale of the arguments, and the single most important factor continues to be, "what is the predominant religion where one is born." This leads Loftus to believe, and I agree, that they're all wrong. Most believers are atheists about every other religion except the one of his/her country of birth. When one rejects just one more religion and his/her mind is settled on the view that God is made in man's image - as opposed to the other way around - the extreme attention Loftus gives to individual issues of theology is not as interesting as it might be otherwise. A good example is the issue of the resurrection.

Loftus gives the issue of resurrection more credence than I would. He gives equal time to theorists advocating resurrection theories varying from complete bodily resurrection (a composite of the various versions in the gospels) to a metaphoric resurrection as attributed (by some) to Paul. Then he concludes with something more reasonable to those of us who think it's all mythology: "Until I experience people bodily rising up from the dead - and why wouldn't God do that once in a while just to show that it's a possibility? - I will continue judging the past by the present...Jesus died on the cross. He did not bodily arise from the grave. His body has rotted away."

I might add that Loftus's personal conversion and de-conversion stories are presented early. It connected with me and will connect with many other readers. "Why I Became an Atheist" is an expansion of a book Loftus wrote a few years ago and a lot of the new material is undoubtedly refined from his blogsite, "Debunking Christianity." I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it even for believers. It would be hard to find another reference with as complete an outline of apologetics for Christianity, even though Loftus gets the last word.