Religion Books

This Catechism clearly and thoroughly shows the teachings of the modern Roman church. If anyone wishes to learn about Catholicism, read the catechism itself rather than Protestant portrayals of Catholicism. That being said, the theology of the church is clearly in error in several points. Unlike prior tradition of the Roman church, those outside of faith in Christ are given the possibility of salvation. Protestants as well are said to be seperated brethren, though this directly contradicts the canons of Trent. Thus, the infallibility of church councils is untrue. The sections on Mariology, penance, and purgatory are in great error, though the description of the trinity is wonderful. Sadly the Roman church is very far from Biblical doctrine.

VDMA

I had been away from the Catholic Church for 26 years. I was a elder in a charismatic church for about 20 years. This book had a big influence in my returning home to the Catholic Church on May 3, 2008.

Received in excellent condition and in a shorter time that I thought. You have a good service here and I'll be back to shop again.

How bizarre to read a 'statement of faith' based on the outline of the Apostles Creed and not the Bible. In this volume the creed appears to have taken precedence over the Bible, (except where proof-texts are needed from the Bible to force this organizations dogma). How remarkable the arrogance and how splendid the language of an organization which extorted its way into world religions through the oppression of the poor, (indulgences to build St. Marks' Cathedral), drug sales to fill its coffers, (Jesuit Black ships from Japan), wholesale killing of those who held the Bible as singly sacred, (inquisition of the original Baptists and latter reforming true Christians), and recently the abuse of likely 100's of thousands of children at the hands of pedophile priests, bishops, and cardinals. How we would do best to get back to historical Christianity and do away with the human invention of "Catholicism". Is it any wonder that Mohammed considered "Christianity" corrupt in his day and began his own religion? Now we have more corruption in yet another human religion to counter the original apostacy. What blight on humanity and disgrace to Christ Himself is this?

"If the Christians would be Christians, we would all be Christians" -Mahatma Ghandi

Rating this book is like rating a rulebook for football - the rules are the rules are the rules.

It is what it is; if you don't "like" the Catechism then Catholicism probably isn't for you. :-)

For those just beginning their exploration of Catholicism, you *should* own a copy of the Catechism, but you may also want a couple books that explain the Church in simpler language (the catechism is NOT an easy read). You can then refer back to the Catechism as needed further explanation.

Before reading any St. Augustine, I had formed an image of him as an intolerant puritan, almost Taliban-esque. As an agnostic, I did not at all expect to find him a sympathetic figure. The "Confessions," however, reveal a warmly human, hugely intelligent man, relating his own open-minded spiritual journey, which included way-stops at Manicheeism and neo-Platonism. Augustine formulated his religious and ethical systems through careful deliberation and observation, aided by an epiphany or two; his is not a story of blind, unthinking faith or of mysterious visions. His concept of God seems little different from the Chinese concept of the Tao, and his concept of grace little different from the Buddhist concept of enlightenment. Thus, there is considerable interest in his viewpoint even for non-Catholics, non-Christians, and non-believers.

In addition, this book also constitutes an autobiography of material existence in the waning years of the Western Roman Empire, and thus should be of great interest to any classicist. Little examples: Augustine confirms that, at least around 400 A.D., the normal way to read, even among the most highly literate, was aloud; Ambrose's habit of reading silently to himself inspires considerable comment and speculation. We learn that high school students were rowdy, then as now. The Roman Emperor didn't seem to matter much in the lives of citizens.

The Penguin translation by Mr. Pine-Coffin is excellent and very readable. He avoids the archaic "thou's" that plague many translations. Regrettably, the cover material chooses to emphasize the translator's status as a Roman Catholic as his single most important attribute, and his introductory comments are likely to strike non-Catholics as intolerant. Skip over that, and get right into Augustine's writing itself.

Augustine of Hippo was a very interesting character who had immense influence on church theology long after he was dead and buried. Some of his thoughts on church discipline and just war had long term results that he may have disliked, but his personal journey was an interesting one.

Written as a "letter" to God, "Confessions" takes the reader through Augustine's life of wandering searchs in a variety of places for the spiritual solace that he desired. His comments on Manichaeism, philosophy and Christianity are personal and coloured by his own experiences. His own thoughts are very negative and dark in places, though "Confessions" smacks of a brutal honesty that is rare. At times, his writings are coloured by his disappointments, such as meeting with Manichaean priests.

The Penguin translation is sometimes a touch dry in the presentation of Augustine, and that can make reading a bit difficult in places. At times the style is a touch on the hard going side. However, being quite cheap, this book gives you a very cost-effective introduction to the life of the man.

However, this should not detract from the overall value of such a personal look into the life and reflections of one of theology's great historical figures. While I felt this version was not the best, the personal look at Augustine's life, loves, and disappointments put some "flesh and blood" on the person who is so often quoted in theological text books and so on.

If you have not read this, then I recommend doing so. It is a cool book.

True medicine for the heart: read it with the Bible. For centuries, AUGUSTINE'S CONFESSIONS has touched people's hearts and inspired the greatest philosophers to think on God, time, memory, creation, and our humble existence.

The place of St. Augustine's Confessions in the history of spiritual writing cannot be underestimated, so I will not belabor the point here. Suffice it to say, this book is, indeed, one of the great literary/spiritual classics ever written.
It has been, for me, however, even more valuable as an examination of conscience. When I read of St. Augustine's sin, I see my own sinfulness; when I read of St. Augustine's doubts, I see my own lackluster faith; when I read of St. Augustine's cries to the Triune God for help, I pray that the Almighty will have mercy on me, as well.
Very much like St. Augustine, I have often implored God for help & guidance, promising fidelity to His Commandments, but always accepting that guidance in my time, not in God's time. Like me, you may read the Confessions of St. Augustine & see quite a bit of yourself in what he has to say. The difficulty can be, though, that you may not like what you find. Nevertheless, I would urge you to read this book at some point in your life. You may just discover what St. Augustine eventually realized about the Lord: that your heart will be at peace once it rests in Him.

Pax et Bonum!

St. Augustine's Confessions is a masterpiece of literature. One of the first books ever written from an introspective first-person point of view, it is an intensely personal glimpse into one man's mind, soul, and relationship with God.

The first nine of Confessions' thirteen books are the story of Augustine's life, beginning with his birth and early education. He recounts his sinful lifestyle and his mother's constant grief and prayers for him, and he praises God for faithfully seeking him until at last he was converted to Christianity.

Books ten through thirteen explore the mind, the memory, the nature of time, and the interpretation of Genesis 1. Augustine displays his intellectual brilliance the most in these books, sometimes almost leaving the reader in the dust. The insights and opinions he offers, however, are ingenious.

The entirety of Confessions is written with such eloquent style one can only conclude that his expensive education to be a master of rhetoric paid off. Some of the passages are so beautifully written that you have to stop, reread it, and think about it.

Confessions is a challenge to read, but it is well worth it. Its depth, vulnerability, and beauty are seldom, if ever, matched.

'Reposition Yourself - Living Life Without Limits' is a content rich book that is part inspirational and part instructional centered on forging the blessings that life has to offer - that which is due and inherent. Within this book, T.D. Jakes has a stream of conscience flow that in some parts resemble Susan Orman and other times Jack Canfield. Forging even deeper he picks up the reinforcement exercises of Napoleon Hill (at times), and the practical sequence of action leads to results approach of Brian Tracy (take a minute and write this down or before you go any further). Mixed in with the candor and straight forward writing style that is all T. D. Jakes.

Jakes opens this work by introducing us to fictional characters that include the dreamer, the lover, the manager, and the believer in all of us. This sets the framework (somewhat) of the discussion that will take place between Jakes and the reader; however, he does not expound upon the characters so we are disconnected from them at the outset - in other words Jakes leaves it to you to remember and associate with the aforementioned characters - most importantly their traits (our traits) except when he decides to bring them up - he doesn't take them along for the ride. Yet, Jakes doesn't take long to reconnect with us through powerful lessons with the first being the 'five stages of progression,' which include the revelation of opportunity and continues into burn out (not just professionally speaking), or as he writes ". . .when deterioration has taken its toll." This outline of the stages was both innovative and unique because it did not climax with optimal performance, but instead ended with performance taken to far.

Jakes goes on to write about the difficulties that we all will face as a result of living a full life, along with the opportunity to overcome life's challenges with a "go all out" BALANCED approach to living -- where Jakes believe in not only speaking your blessings (as practiced by many men/women of faith), but through measured and deliberate deeds and actions. He has - I dare say it - a "pull yourself up by our bootstraps" philosophy to those discouraged and a "hold your hand out" to those that have prospered.

Chapter 6 entitled 'Shifting Gears and Changing Lanes - Repositioning Yourself for What Around the Corner' is one of the most inspiring chapters. Here, Jakes not only advises, but challenges the reader to throw off limitations that prevented success in the past. Specifically, on page 102 (hardback - May 2007) edition, he captures the content of his message within one paragraph:

"You must stop procrastinating, waiting for others to lead you to where only you can go yourself, or blaming the past. So many times it's much easier to embrace the role of victim, of loser, of the one who's not smart enough, not good enough, not educated enough, not financially sound enough. When you accepted such limitations for yourself, then you don't have to worry about being disappointed. . ."

I don't care how many inspirational/self-help books you have read - that is powerful in and of itself. Within the remainder of Part II, Jakes goes over what many authors have already written about numerous times yet bears repeating (in his view): Importance of paying down debt, managing your finances, working on purpose, leveraging credit to obtain wealth, finding a mentor, etc. with a hard to identify target audience - initially thought by reviewer to be a broad audience of those that are seeking to "reposition" themselves and later thought to be a primarily AA audience; followed by young AA that have lived long enough to experience life, yet still have enough life (and belief) to reposition (25 - 45?) -- followed by women (sometimes all?). That was the weakness of the book. Because it is primarily a stream of conscience flow, Jakes is really speaking to ANYONE that needs to reposition (or desires to) and either forgets to keep the lens wide enough or really doesn't care -- it's his view and lessons that are important.

Part III contains an inward focus on Jakes himself, specifically Chapter 13 'Mail Carriers - Surviving the Labels of Success'. Yet, he offers another series of steps in which one can remain connected (this chapter I think assumes you have repositioned or at least would like you to visualize). It is the balance of those that have arrived, emphasizing the importance of keeping grounded within one success; the you can go alone and be alone or you can involve family and friends while recognizing your roots. In essence, Jakes' message is that success is a team sport.

In conclusion, this book is not eloquently written (the "then-than" rule may irk you from time to time and there are a couple of administrative errors). In addition, he may have lost some of his audience when two chapters were dedicated to "ladies only." That is fine and very important; however, a 'Reposition Yourself for Women' book that addresses their challenges unique to them may have been more appropriate in the opinion of the reviewer. (This prevents alienating your core reader and gives a dedicated work to this important group.)

Yet Jakes does provide a powerful, practical, and sage words to live a fuller and rewarding life. It is not narrow in focus and what's refreshing is that Jakes has a practical view of spirituality - knowing that believing alone is not even half of the battle, but it sure helps!

THIS BOOK WRITTEN BY BISHOP JAKES IS A DIVINE BLESSINGS FROM GOD FOR EVERY CHRISTAIN.I PRAY FOR GOD DIVINE WISDOM AND ANNOINTING OF HOLY SPIRIT TO BE UPON MY BELOVED BISHOP JAKES.THANK GOD FOR USING YOU,YOUR FAMILY AND MINISTRY TO REACH TO LOST SOULS ALL OVER THE GLOBE.

I love Bishop TD jakes but I could not get past Disc 1 track 5 or so of this audiobook. I listen to him on my podcast but it seemed like the book lacked something. It seemed like the Bishop just focused on a particular individual. I could not relate...I hope to listen to all of it one day...I pray so...

I have read several books by Bishop Jakes, but this one by far in my opinion is one of the best one yet. I haven't finished reading it yet, because once I read a particular section I have found myself to go back and reread it. Bishop Jakes is definately annoited by GOD. I just hope and pray that GOD keeps on using him as he sees fit to minister to the world. This book is a real blessing and eye opener.

This is a must read. It covers how to be a person that is true to themselves. This book inspired me to write a poem called falling in love with me and I can't put into words how inspiring this book was. T.D. Jakes covers all the elements on how to grow. I would recommend this book to anyone because it has something in it for everyone.

I consider that nowadays Pope Benedict XVI is currently "an universal moral reference" for mankind, the Catholic Church is all over the world the only one of churches growing vigorously among the young and the intellectuals .. The message of Jesus is as fresh as always !!!

Although I am a Protestant, I found the Pope's book enlightening and interesting. The first two chapters are rich in wisdom, pointing out our blessing of the Lord's very presence as we minister, and the living tradition which the Apostles and subsequent ministers have passed on to us. Throughout this book, the Pope pointed out the greater symbolism of various events in which the Apostles participated. For example, the theological significance of the great catch of fish. He also summarized the theological importance of his points, emphasizing key matters such as what constitutes a good witness: those that compel us to "come and see." His command of the first century evangelistic campaign and the order of events was revealed in an easy to follow manner. He identifies various characteristics of the Apostles and relates them to Christ's overall ministry. Furthermore, he draws from early church writings. Most importantly, the Pope supported his teachings with scripture and flatly stated that we are saved by faith alone. This should be appreciated by both Catholics and Protestants.

Curtis Mosley
Houston, Texas
May 25, 2008

"They are blind and their leaders are blind. And when the blind follow the blind they all fall into the pit." Jesus the Messiah and Lord from the Gospels

Unfortunately and tragically Pope Benedict XVI has done it again. His deception has no limits, which is fitting for a modernist. Joseph Ratzinger has continually denied and still denies the Christological Doctrines of the Catholic Christian faith as defined by the Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church. He does not assent to the Doctrines of the Catholic faith as defined by the Ecumenical Council of Trent against the Protestant heresy and he describes Martin Luther as one of his theological mentors. Finally, on the Vatican website gives approval to biblical modernism which teaches that the Apostles invented the Christian religion from their subjective experiences. His religious subjectivism ends up denying the objectivity of the public Divine revelation of the Christian religion. Deniars of these facts, please research them for yourself and this won't be the end to Ratzinger's heresies but just the beginning. Yet how is he able to deceive people into thinking that he is a Catholic Christian. The answer is that he is a modernist and in fact a moderate modernist as described by Pope St. Pius X's encyclical On Modernism(Pascendi Dominici Gregis) for which on one page they will read "... as a Catholic and on the next page as a rationalist(which includes in contemporary times religious subjectivism)." Unfortunately, the consequences of this grave deception is great as it is a matter of human salvation. "They are blind and their leaders are blind. And when the blind follow the blind they all fall into the pit."Jesus of Nazareth Tragically it is only true traditional Catholics who recognize that we have had only modernist popes starting with Pope John XXIII and consequently refuses to be blind and thereby fall into the pit of a modernist Novus Ordo Construct outside the Historical Catholic Church and which ultimately leads to hell. The only way this situation will change is when a traditional Catholic pope is elected and yes every traditional Catholic is praying and working for this day to come. The day of deception will be over modernists, religious necoconservatives(Our Sunday Visitor), and indultarians. Yes, laus tibi Christe, when the day of deception will be over!Then History will not judge lightly the modernists and appeasers of modernists, the reliogious neocons and indultarians. History and the Lord of history will vindicate their faithful servants who passed on what they have received: the traditional Catholic remnant and the truth about modernism and this great apostasy led by modernist popes will be known and accepted by all. Ratzinger has done it again but not for long! The truth can not be held back!

This book is well-written but its title is deceptive. The early chapters front-load what follows with the theological premises of the Roman Catholic Church so it is less about the Apostles than we might hope. BXVI is known as a scholar, and certainly his scholarly bent shows in what he writes, leaving many people who haven't personally dug into the current scholarship feeling impressed. If one believes in apostolic succession and Christ's entrusting the apostles with maintaining fidelity and truth (and this reviewer does accept this concept), then there are those of us who feel that the mandate for truth has failed. I have to assume that the Bishop of Rome believes what he has written, but the world has changed in that the world of scholarship is open to those of us in the pews. We don't have to accept a distorted and incomplete scholarship. We're no longer illiterates who are dependent upon the Church to tell us what to believe. We can dig it out and weigh its efficacy for ourselves. It cannot be that the Bishop of Rome is unaware of the extensive scholarship, as he has the unfathomable riches of the Roman Catholic Church that would make it easy.

I will only briefly address two overwhelmingly glaring areas. We note that women disciples are discussed in the very back of the book. BXVI lists many of the women, but he is only able to magnify the works of those who are coupled, such as Priscilla and Aquila. He makes no note of the importance that in scripture, Priscilla is listed first. And he manages to get through chapters on St. Paul's co-workers and the chapter on women without mentioning the Apostle Junia (Romans 16:7). The scholarship here is clear: There was one named female Apostle. See Eldon Jay Epp (2005). Junia: The First Woman Apostle. Minneapolis: Fortress Press (available on Amazon).

Then, the gospel material on St. Peter is, as would be expected, seriously selective, reinterpreted and reworked. What is lost is that the meaning of "Apostle" was being fought in the first century, and we know who won out in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Luke carves out a view that the 12 are the only trustworthy witnesses of the Resurrection.

Luke's "twelve" is a select group and it is ONLY in Luke they are specifically chosen FROM a larger group of followers, a group not present in Mark and Matthew [see Luke 6:13]. Matthew uses the term, "apostolic" only once [10:2-5]. Mark uses it only once [6:30]. Luke uses the term 6 times in the Gospel, and 34 times in Luke-Acts. The author of Luke and Acts writes several decades after Paul and adds new requirements for apostleship, limiting it to the Twelve, excluding Paul, James the brother of Jesus, who rose to head the Jerusalem Church, and all female apostles. The restriction of "Apostle" seen in Luke-Acts is not seen in Paul. Luke downplays the functionality of the role or mission of Apostleship and makes it more symbolic.

The preeminence of Peter is not uniform across the Gospels so we can see the struggle for authority that was going on. In 4G, Jesus never specifically chooses Peter as a member of a subgroup of disciples. He does not have any special resurrection appearance until Chapter 21, which is a later add-on redaction.

Contrary to BXVI, Peter is not depicted as the first to see the Risen Christ across the Gospels. Matthew, Mark and John give prominence to Mary Magdalene. It is only in Luke that Peter is gifted with an individual appearance of the Lord [Luke 24:33-34]. In the other three Gospels, Jesus or angelic messengers send Mary Magdalene alone or with other women to proclaim the Resurrection. This is such an inconvenience to Rome that it must be obscured. So, at a minimum, the history as recounted in the canonical Gospels shows that the conflict for authority was going on in the 1st century.

If you want to see some of the available scholarship for yourself, read Ann Graham Brock (2003). Mary Magdalene, The First Apostle: The Struggle for Authority. Harvard University Press (available on Amazon). Based on her PhD dissertation at Harvard, she has very effectively demonstrated in the canonical Gospels, with supplementary non-canonical sources including the Acts of Peter and Acts of Paul, that where Peter is made prominent in the Gospels, Mary Magdalene and the other women are diminished, and vice versa.

The Apostles reads easily if you accept the underlying premises, and if you don't, the book well captures official Roman Catholic views. It is not an unbiased account of the early history of the church. There is good information in this book, but it should not be read in isolation or as an accurate picture of the first century of Christianity.

This book reprints a year's worth of Pope Benedict XVI's weekly addresses at his public audiences where he meditates on the stories of the twelve apostles, St. Paul and other early disciples of Christ. He draws lessons from these that apply to all of us. An excellent and easy read with short chapters that can be read independently.

Caveat emptor: This is the same exact content as "Jesus, The Apostles and The Early Church" published by Ignatius Press. The Ignatius Press version is printed on heavier paper and is a more well produced book for the same price. Buy that one instead! Jesus, the Apostles and the Early Church: General Audiences, 15 March 2006-14 February 2007

Wonderful source for Bible research. Thorough notes, indices, maps; comparisons among the many translations and interpretations used by different religions and denominations, historical background, etc. Fascinating to read even if research isn't your goal.

I bought this book when I signed up for a class on the Bible as literature, and now I'm really glad I have a copy. The notes are outstanding, as are the overview sections of each book and the history. I like the binding, also - it always sits just right when you open it to a page.

The Bible commentaries are written from a decidedly liberal theological perspective. It is obvious that the authors believe the Bible is just a product of ancient myths and storytelling. They disbelieve miracles and explain away prophecy by assigning late dates for the books. Their notes are not balanced and really does not present opposing points of view or evidence to the contrary. More a work of anti-Christian and anti-Jewish propaganda than a balanced, scholarly work. Also, while it is not a bad translation, the NRSV does have some gender-neutrality inserted into it. All in all, I cannot recommend this study Bible. It reads like skeptics and non-believers wrote it. Instead, I would recommend the NIV Study Bible or NKJV Study Bible.

The information is concisely presented without going into a lot of detail. However there is certainly depth. Good cross-referencing is a key factor in my decision to recommending this great study bible volume.

I purchased this because I wanted a Bible with the Apocryphal/Deuterocannonical books and because I thought that even without research into the options for study Bibles Oxford would not disappoint. You can usually count of them.

Unfortunately I was disappointed. I found the introductions to be, rather than a presentation of evidence, an incredibly brief overview of the multiple positions concerning authorship etc... Which would be great if I was desiring a condensed history of research, but I wanted discussions of WHY those positions are taken on 'Date, authorship, etc..'

The annotations are generally the same. There are many notes that give information about the passage, but often it is a seemingly random reference to geography or some such thing, which, although sometimes helpful, does not help a student to understand what the text is attempting to communicate. That is, being that this is a study Bible and not a commentary I believe that the notes should be aimed at the immediate interpretation of the passage in the context of the book rather than bits of (correct though it may be) information that could best be utilized in the thorough survey of a commentary.

For my money the best study Bibles containing the A/DC books are the HarperCollins NRSV, the Interpreter's Bible w/NRSV, the second ed. Oxford Annotated with RSV, and The New Jerusalem Bible (provided it has the annotations). The single greatest study Bible that concerns textual criticism, translation, and grammar is the NET Bible. Unfortunately they have not yet released a Bible with the A/DC books and they are needed in one form or another for thorough exegesis of much of the NT and to understand the shape and story of the Canon.

I would highly recommend this seller. Thank you from another Amazon seller. Great job!!

New Textbook arrived earlier than the stated mailing date. Amazon saved me $8 from the price at the HS bookstore and I received free shipping.

I was glued to this book. It answered many of my questions regarding the energy shifts that I have been experiencing. This is a must read for those people that are wondering what the future really holds for the year 2012. Thank you, Drunvalo Melchizedek, for this book!

Deborah
Aurora, Colorado

I have followed Drunvalo's books for many years, and my respect for him has increased during that time. I have a friend who has met him through "Flower of Life" work and she confirmed my sense that he is of high integrity and VERY heartfelt.

With this as my context for his veracity, I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Serpents of Light." I didn't buy it right away because of other reviews stating it was basically a travelogue, with no new information.

It IS a narrative telling of Drunvalo's participation over the past couple of decades in working with native peoples at worldwide sacred sites, but I found the PROCESS described as being most valuable. It will also greatly enhance my future visits to Yucatan sites, coming from an angle (revealed knowledge) not usually found in guidebooks.

Mostly, I am most heartened and relieved to learn/know that the TRUE people (indigenous shamans/healers/leaders) are truly "tuned-in" psychically to what is happening on the planet, have a framework for understanding/working with it all, and have their eye on who (Drunvalo, among others) is doing the work. The fact that they seemed to just "show up," at his ceremonies, time after time, providing critical information or energy, often having come from other continents because "their information" was this was the time/place to be and participate, left me with a much needed sense of peace that "all is well" and the right people are watching psychically and helping to birth the changes that are foretold.

Worth the read. I also enjoyed his info on multiple numbers (11:11, 222, 333, etc...)

As a Truth Seeker, especially with Native American Wisdom, I was disappointed. I expected to be better convinced, but felt I was on more of a hippie tour of Sacred areas. I am convinced the author has found a way of financing expensive trips around the world... I guess I have joined the financiers. I expected much more, than just male to female conversion provided by dropping crystals down holes, while experiencing sexual erotics. I did not find anything, that I would seriously consider incorporating into my belief system. I continue to have a open mind, but not to the point of infection! My conclusion is, that this is another attempt to capitalize on the 2012 gravy train interest. I do think there is great truth in the author's claim of being an ardent hippie in the 60's. It appears the 60's were very good to him. However, I still refuse to use recreational drugs!!!

I'm only a little over half way through this book, and I've already run across some errors that set my teeth on edge. One glaring example is a comment on page 130 that the Anasazi were being threatened by the Spanish conquistadores, hastening their decision to abandon the Four Corners region. Then, on page 133, the author states that the Anasazi existed until about 1300 A.D. Hmmm. Unless the conquistadores landed a lot earlier than recorded history tells us (the first conquistadore, Cristobal Colon,wasn't born until the middle 15th century), we have a little timeline issue here. Maybe Drunvalo's angels know something we don't?

And what's the great mystery surrounding the placement of those all-important crystals? Why make a mortal man find the exact location that the crystals are to be placed, using only his heart? A man who might second-guess himself and make a terrible mistake, landing all of humanity in a real pickle? Is this a wise course of action? And why use the fate of humankind as a test to see whether a mortal man is psychic enough for the job? Seems a pretty inefficient way of getting us to the next level! Not that I would question the actions of the gods, I'm just sayin'...

Now on a nicer note, the author is really a wonderful storyteller. Yes, it does seem like there was a lot of trudging through the jungle, mile after mile. But the story flows nicely, and there is no doubt that he has spent a great deal of time in the presence of some wonderfully enlightened people. I get the feeling that there is a whole lot of reading-between-the-lines to be done here. A feeling that we are being given a key to a secret so astounding that when we do finally comprehend what Drunvalo barely understands himself, we will be blown away. Would I buy this book again? Absolutely. But please, Drunvalo, check your historical facts a little bit better on the next book, or at least let me be your editor!

Drunvalo's chronicled life as a volunteer in service to Mother Earth seems more like a fantasy or science fiction story, than real life...except for one's inner sense that these places exist, and the events really happened. Each adventure adds a unique piece to the story, while also teaching a different way to perceive the world...for those with ears to hear.

His best writing by far, destined to receive mention in National BEST BOOKS 2008 Awards, SERPENT OF LIGHT is as compelling a read as Jonette Crowley's THE EAGLE AND THE CONDOR is, and the events noted in each support the greater story of which both writers have played seminal parts.

Compelling writing; immensely significant information; plants seeds for the opening of the Heart Center; you may even receive a transmission or six.

This book gives a great insight into the thoughts and struggles Mother Teresa had in hearing the call from God and trying to carry it out. Her generosity is incredible.

Even having taken a few months to read this book, I am in a state of awe. Mother Teresa's journey in faith has brought me to question just what is faith? Do we have faith when we have an intimacy with God? Do we have faith when we can intellectually agree with a belief in God? In reading this book, it seems that Mother Teresa had a deep belief and intimacy with God. All sense of that was stripped away, and she was left with having to trust God. At one point, I was reminded of the poem and picture of "Footprints in the Sand." God does not seem to be present; do we have the faith to trust that He is there anyway?

Many have commented on the fact that Mother Teresa had asked for her letters to be destroyed. That was a part of her humility, her 'I am nothing-He is everything.' I think that she would have assented if she had known that those too are a tool bringing people to Jesus.

First it is important to realize what this book is. It is a compilation of Mother Theresa's correspondence and advice she was given by her closest personal confidants.It was compiled as part of the process of declaring her a saint. We don't know much about what was happening in her world at the time the letters were written. For that we would need to read an autobiography of which there are a number of good ones.There are chronological gaps.

This book is carefully compiled and referenced. It gives a very different perspective of Mother Theresa. The previously available works are authorized biographies and teachings.It is an excellent compilation of the process of spiritual growth.

She truly was a Bodhisattva one who remained in the world to further others spiritual progress and relieve suffering. Through these letters one can can appreciate the depth of her humility, the immensity of her persistence in the face of her person crisis of faith and external obstacles. It is long and not light reading, but reaches to a depth no other work has.

I would recommend this for the serious spiritual student or scholar. It may be too deep and repetitive for the casual reader.

Canadian born Rev. Brian Kolodiejchuk, MC, PH.D, one of the founding priests of the Missionaries of Charity Fathers and now director of the Mother Teresa Foundation, has provided us with an outstanding book. The book is a chronological compilation of Mother Teresa's private letters, revealing her inspiration (the vow, the call, the locutions and the visions) for the Missionaries of Charity and her remarkable inner spiritual life. The writings have had minimal editing and almost all were written initially in English. These are the personal communications to her spiritual advisors and close friends, and were never intended for publication. Fr. Koloiejchuk adds excellent commentary throughout providing valuable insights and context. The appendix includes the rule of the Society and a diary from a retreat she made in 1959. Both are worth reading.

Jesus asked Mother Teresa to "Come be My Light" and she responded by dedicating her life to be that light of God's love in the lives of those experiencing darkness. But the fruitfulness of her apostolate came at a steep price of many years of sacrifice. Not only did she live as a "woman of sorrows, familiar with suffering, bearing the suffering and burdens of the Society and the poorest of the poor." But she also lived in "spiritual darkness - the absence of God." This "darkness" would become the greatest trial of her life. She felt, if she ever became a saint, she would be called the "Saint of Darkness." Despite this, she held fast to the promise God made to her - "Do not fear - I shall be with you always...Trust me lovingly - Trust me blindly." She considered herself "a pencil in God's hand" and was convinced God was using her "nothingness" to show His greatness.

The secret of abundant light and love that Mother Teresa displayed is the essence of this book. The reader will learn that the secret lies in the depth and intimacy of her relationship to God throughout her heroic life - living the mission of being a "light to those in darkness." "Come Be My Light" is filled with passages that inspire, and passages to meditate on. It should be read slowly and integrated into one's own call and possibilities.

"Mother Teresa was a fearless missionary all her life. She had heard the voice of God calling her to serve the poor. Armed with the weapon of faith, she was not afraid to face and challenge the world to protect the interests of the most vulnerable members of human society." She was able to lift up those who had fallen, to encourage the faint, to rekindle hope in the disheartened. And most importantly, she showed us how holiness can be reached by simple means - always doing a little more than we feel ready to do for the unloved and unwanted in our society, our community, and in our homes.

Mother Teresa taught us that we each have a chance to radiate God's love to each person we meet throughout each day, thus transforming, little by little, the darkness of the world into His light.

I was inspired, not scandalized, that Mother Teresa underwent a protracted dark night of the soul. The book may not have the impact it now has on those who knew her media image in another decade or so; one reason the book surprised me so much was that it presented a hidden and totally different portrait from her public persona.

This is a great book for anyone interested in meditation. Since mindfulness is at the core of meditation this book helps to explain not only what mindfulness is but how to put it into practice by making mindfulness part of ones daily life. A gem of a book. khudos to Thich Nhat Hanh.

Interesting, easy to read and follow the author. Didn't agree with everything, but overall it's alright. I had to read it for a class.
Book received as described by the seller.

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote "The Miracle of Mindfulness" in 1974 to help the politically-neutral aid workers in Vietnam deal with the trauma of war and the challenges of their work. The book is a remarkable reminder of the power we have to be effective, and that power is rooted in our willingness to bring attention to exactly where we are.

What I really appreciate about this book is that it is about "Engaged Buddhism." In this school, awareness is not just something you gain sitting still in meditation. Rather Hahn emphasizes that awareness can also be gleaned and expressed when you get to work in your life!

If what you seek is practical enlightenment, I suggest you read any of Ariel and Shya Kanes' books: Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation,How To Create a Magical Relationship,Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment. Like Hahn, the Kanes support their readers in gaining and utilizing awareness in a way that is clearly effective, both personally and globally!

This author has a unique ability to boil down a concept to a simple easily understood recipe that most people can quickly grasp. He has written a Manual on Mindfulness meditation in a 148 page back pocket sized book. It contains picturesque examples and a choice of a variety of exercises that the reader can use to enjoy life in the moment and appreciate the interrelationship of all things.

Nhat Hanh's Mindfulness exercises teach us to become aware of the miracle of life. We do not think of things as being good or bad, we simply observe them as they are breathing, observing, appreciating, and letting thoughts pass. We practice and live our life in mindfulness of and the interrelationship to all things. When we eat a tangerine, for example, we do so thinking and enjoying exactly what we are doing in the moment. Our mind is not on what we will do when we are finished with the task at hand or day dreaming about something else. We feel the texture of the tangerine as we peel it. We note the spray and fragrance that the fruit releases during the process. We taste each juicy bite and enjoy the succulent fruit being thoroughly chewed and swallowed in the moment. We take the time to pause and think of the mother of the fruit, the tree and how the flowers and leafs are bathed by the sun and rain. We imagine the bee's pollinating the flowery tree. We appreciate tree roots roll receiving and transmitting the earth's nourishment and the rains moisture.

In addition to awakening us to what is, Hanh teaches us to liberate our hearts and minds from incorrect thinking and to have compassion for those not yet awakened to truth.

This is a lovely book with many practical tips on meditating.

My particular favourite is the reference to 'washing the dishes to wash the dishes' - the idea of living in the present and enjoying tasks that we all want to put off. By focusing on the job in hand and not ruminating or thinking about what we are going to do next, Hanh rewards the reader with very simple but profound advice. - my dishes have never been cleaner and my mind is certainly less cluttered as a result!