Religion Books

This book is very organized and easy to read. It is very informative and gives the reader more insight on the views, rituals and beliefs of the Catholic Church. It is a must for Catholics who want/need to learn more about their faith.

This is an excellent book but it is begging for something to go with it. That something is a newer copy of the New American Bible, Revised version of the Bible and a copy of the Vatican II documents. All these documents get to the bottom of what we believe. They form the foundation for our religious library.

Deacon Pat

This faithful representation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is by far the easiest version of the catechism to use in education.

The US Catholic Catechism for Adults provides an easy to read and thought-provoking introduction to the Catholic faith. As a person converting to Catholicism, I have found the chapters easy to read and short. Each chapter begins with a story about an American clergy person or saint. From here, the chapters discuss key issues related to faith, sacraments, or living a moral life. The end of each chapter offers interesting discussion questions and a summary of key points. This text can be used for RCIA programs or for individuals wanting an brief introduction to the Catholic faith. For those wanting a more definitive outline of the policies of the Catholic Church (and who have a little bit more reading time), the Cathecism of the Catholic Church (about 822 pages in lenght) should provide that and more.

This catechism is an "adaptation of the 'Catechism of the Catholic Church,' and is presented to Catholics of the United States, who are members of both Latin and Eastern Churches..." although this catechism is only intended to introduce Latin Christians to Eastern traditions, since it is expected that Eastern Rites will eventually develop their own catechisms. The arrangement of the U.S. Catechism follows that of the universal catechism: the Creed, the Sacraments, Moral Life, and Prayer. Like the universal catechism, it also specifically addresses major aspects of Catholic faith and morality.

So if this catechism is simply an adaptation of the excellent universal catechism, then why even bother with it? I think the best reason to get the U.S. Catechism is its helpful layout and user-friendly presentation. Rather than being a series of numbered points (like the universal catechism), the U.S. Catechism is laid out more like your average non-fiction book, making it possibly more approachable than other catechisms. There are helpful gray boxes spread throughout the book that highlight points from the regular text. Each chapter begins with a biography of a major Catholic figure, many which are important to the development of American Catholicism. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions, concise "doctrinal points" (i.e. what Catholics are expected to believe), meditations (from the Scriptures, Church Fathers, etc), and prayers. Appendix A is a helpful glossary of Catholic terms, and Appendix B is a collection of basic Catholic prayers. All of this means that the U.S. Catechism is a self-contained textbook, useful in a variety of Catholic adult education situations.

Overall, this is a fine catechism that certainly meets its goal of being a local adaptation of the universal catechism. While in the past, the United States Catholic Bishops have been accused of watering-down Catholic Teaching, the U.S. Catechism does not contradict, or water down, what is taught in the universal catechism. Thus, I hope that the U.S. Catechism is used regularly in RCIA classes, marriage-preparation classes, and other adult education situations. While this catechism is excellent, I would still recommend owning both the universal Catechism of the Catholic Church and The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, since the U.S. Catechism is based on these works.

I'm not a member of any church and I don't consider myself religious but I've always been interested in what the bible says. However, I found it hard to make a start reading the bible when I really know nothing about it. I found this book invaluable in helping me get the most out of my bible reading. It taught me lessons that I can use not only with my study of the bible but with study of other literature as well.
My only problem with the book is that the authors sometimes fail to distinguish thier dogmatic beliefs from what the bible really teaches but, thankfully, the indepth lessons they include in the book will help anyone to see these errors for themselves.
I also didn't like the "one interpretation, many applications" rule. Some of the scriptures quoted in the book and then interpreted by Hendricks ended in conclusions I just could not comprehend. I think the bible can be interpreted many different ways and it's up to us to be able to discern the true message of what we're reading. With the interpretations I didn't agree with I just completed my own study following the rules set out by Hendricks and it gave me a whole new light on what can be found in one simple verse - and what can be lost if even one word is misinterpreted.
I can honestly say that this book is essential to anyone wanting to learn more about what is really in the bible. And it would also make a valuable contribution to any student wanting to get more from their everyday reading.

Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible -- At Last! Someone who knows how to read the bible and is willing to reveal his secrets to us. Why don't church bible studies start with this book? This book should be the first book of the bible study curriculum. I praise God for finally leading me to Howard Hendricks book.

Howard Hendricks is outstanding at revealing how exciting reading the Bible can be, but even more important was how he explains how to accurately determine what the writers were saying to the original hears, but also to us now. His directions reveal tried and true methods to "rightly divide the Word of God" that many other books on how to read the Bible just never see. I have been reading the Bible for more than 30 years and have seen truths that I missed over and over, just like when Sherlock Holmes looks a crime scene and understands all kinds of details that the untrained just can't see.
Reading this will open up the Bible and God's revelation like never before.

As a required reading for my Bible Study Methods course in seminary, this book opened up a new world to me in the area of Bible observation, interpretation, and application. I did not know what I did not know. I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn how to read their Bible in a new, more in depth way, to receive all that God's Word wants to reveal to us.

We've just started using this study with our small group from church and I'm thrilled that it will teach everyone how to dig deeper and understand the word on their own. Howard Hendricks is a great bible teacher.

The condition of the book was EXACTLY as described, and was sent quickly.

Pricing was excellent as well.

This book was life changing. It helps you to heal your wounds and move on with life. It is also a great introduction to meditation and buddist teachings.

If you are looking to find support in working with core issues of ego and places where we have emotional body pain held this is a excellent book.

I read this book, to be a partner as my boyfriend works through some issues in his life. It spoke just as clearly to me as it has done to him. Our culture "trains us" to suppress uncomfortable emotions. This book helps us get in touch and accept and welcome them - and move through the uncomfortable ones, to a place of greater peace. These are great thoughts and helpful meditations. I hope it is as encvouraging for you as it has been and continues to be, for me.

Going through a divorce after having been dumped by a husband of 17 years, I was really critical of myself. As if having endured the ex's scorn wasn't enough, I had to add o--and add on--and add on to the attacks on every aspect of my personality. I was stupid. I was unattractive. I was not "woman enough." I didn't deserve love.

This book was recommended by my therapist and it was just what I need to STOP bringing myself down, to learn to accept what had happened to me, and to move on.

If you are looking for the best book on expository preaching...YOU FOUND IT!! This was a required textbook for one of my seminary classes, and I absolutely loved reading it. No other book that I have read so far and I've read quite a few about preaching, really explains the "HOW-TO" of expository preaching! I highly recommend this book to all pastors, teachers and laymen.

Introduction

"In this book, I pass on a method to those learning to preach or to experienced people who want to brush up on the basics" (14). So says Dr. Haddon Robinson as he offers this second edition of this classic volume known as Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages. Though first published in 1980, this work is still a staple in homiletics departments and pastors' studies across the world.

Robinson received his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois and serves as the Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Prior to this position, he served as president and professor of homiletics at Denver Seminary after teaching homiletics at Dallas Theological Seminary for nineteen years.

Summary

Chapter One, entitled "The Case for Expository Preaching," Robinson begins by saying, "This is a book about expository preaching, but it may have been written for a depressed market." In this chapter, Robinson shows the lack of regard for expository preaching in evangelical circles, then outlines the church's need for this manner of preaching and exactly what expository preaching is. Chapter Two, entitled "What's the Big Idea?" displays the importance of an expositor to mine out one main concept or idea. He defines an idea as something which "enables us to see what was previously unclear" (39). He also notes that "an idea begins in the mind when things ordinarily separated come together to form unity that either did not exist before or was not recognized previously" (39).

In Chapter Three, entitled "Tools of the Trade," Robinson introduces three stages in preparing expository sermons: "choosing the passage to be preached" (53), studying the passage and gathering the notes (58), then proceeding to "relate the parts to each other to determine the exegetical idea and its development" (66). Chapter Four, entitled "The Road from Text to Sermon," includes stage four which is "analyzing the exegetical idea" (75).

In Chapter Five, entitled "The Arrow and the Target," Robinson covers stages five and six in the development of expository preaching: "Formulating the Homiletical Idea" in which he encourages preachers to state their exegetical idea in "the most exact, memorable sentence possible" (103); and determining the purpose for the sermon. "A purpose differs from a sermon idea, therefore, in the same way that a target differs from the arrow; as taking a trip differs from studying a map; as baking a pie differs from reading a recipe" (107).

In Chapter Six, entitled, "The Shapes Sermons Take," Robinson helps the preacher decide how to accomplish the purpose of the sermon as well as outlining the sermon (stages seven and eight, respectively). Chapter Seven addresses filling in the sermon outline and, as Robinson states in his title, "making dry bones live" (139). Chapter Eight has the provocative title, "Start with a Band and Quit All Over," which deals with the preparation of introductions and conclusions.

Chapter Nine, entitled, "The Dress of Thought," Robinson notes, "Gift or not, we must use words, and the only question is whether we will use them poorly or well" (184). He helps the preacher in areas such as transitions, clarity of thought, developing a personal style, and the use of metaphors. The last chapter, "How to Preach So People Will Listen," deals with the delivery of the sermon itself. Robinson says that sermons "live only when they are preached. A sermon ineptly delivered arrives stillborn" (201).

Critical Analysis

With engaging writing and timely humor, Robinson seeks to communicate one prominent theme: "expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept" (35). Even though one would be more persuaded by his thoughts had he served more in the preaching ministry of a local church (he served at Dallas Youth for Christ from 1952-55, then as Associate Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Medford, Oregon from 1956-19581), his principles of preparing and preaching expository sermons are tremendous and will serve the Church of Jesus Christ and his ministers very well indeed.

One of the strengths of this work is its pastoral nature. Preachers are not called to be lecturers and are not simply called to preach the Word of God. Preachers are called to preach the Word of God to God's people. Robinson rightly observes that "we must preach to a world addressed by the TV commentator, the newspaper columnist, and the playwright" (29). In the Preface to the Second Edition, Robinson notes how the culture has changed since 1980 when this work was first published. "Television and the computer have influenced the ways we learn and think. Narrative preaching has come into vogue and reflects the reality that listeners in a television culture think with pictures in their heads" (10). While he may go too far in giving room for narrative preaching, he rightly assesses 21st century culture. This culture is the world in which the expositor preaches. So not only does Robinson note that "as shepherds, we relate to the hurts, cries, and fears of our flocks," we must also understand the external issues to which our people are exposed every hour of every day.

Along with this area of pastoral ministry in connection with preaching, Robinson also gives more room to the role and responsibility of the listener. He notes:

Expositors may be respected for their exegetical abilities and their diligent preparation, but these qualities do not transform any of them into a Protestant pope who speaks ex cathedra. Listeners also have a responsibility to match the sermon to the biblical text. As Henry David Thoreau wrote, "It takes two to speak the truth -- one to speak, and another to hear." ... If a congregation is to grow, it must share the struggle (24).

Robinson notes that the average listener in the pew hopes you will answer this one question: "So what? What difference does it make" (86)? Before this question is in the congregants' hearts, this question must be answered in the study as he asks, "Exactly what is the biblical writer talking about (66)?" The shared struggle starts with the preacher in the study as he wrestles with God to find out his intended meaning.

Another strength in this work is the engaging humor Robinson employs in this volume. While many would consider reading a book on expositional preaching boring (even some preachers may feel this way!), Robinson's use of humor helps hook the reader in order that the reader may approach this material with ease. This example, though mentioned earlier, stands as a great example of opening up the very first chapter with humor: "This is a book about preaching, but it may have been written for a depressed market" (17). In the preface to the first edition, he makes this observation:

If I can claim any qualification, it is this: I am a good listener. During two decades in the classroom I have evaluated nearly six thousand student sermons. My friends marvel that after listening to hundreds of fledgling preachers stumble through their first sermons, I am not an atheist (14).

In another example after he acknowledges his debt to all who have influenced his thinking on expositional preaching, he closes the paragraph by noting, "Since all of these and others influenced me deeply, it is only fair that for weaknesses in this volume they should shoulder a large share of the blame" (15)! This brand of humor disarms the critic and relaxes those who initially approach the topic of expository preaching with any misgivings or fears.

One weakness is a quote located in the Preface to the Second Edition about his view of women ministers, a view which has changed since his first edition in 1980. He notes:

I've also changed my language to reflect my theology. God doesn't distribute gifts by gender. Both women and men have the ability and the responsibility to communicate God's Word. I have always believed that, but the language in my first book reflected a distinct male bias. . . . In this revision I hope I have demonstrated the fruits of my repentance (10).

Robinson's theology is on display when, in an explanation of how our outlines should have development, he plays the part of a listener who asks of the preacher, "What evidence does she have for that statement" (140)? Here again he opens the door for us to peer into his theological framework which allows for women ministers. If Robinson had titled this book, "Biblical Teaching," then the reader would understand the necessity for this revision. Many men and women in our churches teach, but the New Testament sets parameters on who teaches whom and where (1 Corinthians 14:33-35, 1 Timothy 2:11-13). For twenty-seven years however, this book has borne the title, "Biblical Preaching." When Robinson notes that the theology he has is "my theology," this reviewer is troubled by the use of the `my.' For someone who claims to look to authorial intent, the description of his views seems too self-centered. This reviewer believes that his theology has strayed in this area from Scripture.

Conclusion

Robinson excels in bringing a topic which many would deem dry and gives it life by coupling his extensive homiletical and hermeneutical knowledge with picturesque wit. Aside from the one weakness mentioned above, this book is a must-read for every pastor and aspiring preacher of the Gospel.

This is Robinson's highly revered "how to" preaching textbook. He presents a ten-step process of sermon preparation in his typically precise style. No word is wasted. In many respects numerous other books on preaching are building on this one, trying to offer some clarification or slight adjustment. That is certainly not true of all, but of many.

The emphasis throughout is on preaching a thoroughly Biblical message, through effective communication, in a way that is entirely relevant to the specific contemporary audience. The "Big Idea" is central to the philosophy and the procedure of preaching. So the ten steps move from understanding the text to the point of an accurate and clearly defined exegetical idea, through the process of developing the homiletical idea with clear purpose, to the practical matters of sermon shape and effective content. Although there are other books that deal in detail with issues of delivery, Robinson's brief section on delivery is helpfully succinct.

I think it is fair to say that anyone interested in the subject of preaching should have this book. Robinson's combination of Biblical commitment, expertise in communication theory, and renown as a teacher of preaching, effectively blend to make this a very effective book. The book does not deal with everything as fully as one might like, for example it would be nice to have more examples and demonstration of Biblical exegesis. However, this book remains the number one book in its field with good reason!

This review deals with the 2nd edition, a great book made even better.

[...]

This is a great book on expository preaching. While it covers the basics, I believe that it does so in such a way that it will benefit even very experienced preachers. For those who are relatively new to preaching, this tool will foster good habits. For those who are more seasoned, it will sharpen the mind regarding some things that are often taken for granted or done almost unconsciously. The text is well-respected for a reason.

I thought I knew about preaching the Bible before I read this book but relised how ignorant I had been. It helped me to get down to some basic but vital principles of studying and preparation.

this is an excellent bible for catholic teens! well designed with tons of question and answer pages and how biblical teachings can be applied to real life! I definitely recommend!

This bible is great for bible study even when everyone in the group is an adult. The sidebars add interesting facts that we may not have obtained otherwise.

A nice bible but transcribed in a version that is supposed to make for a better understanding. Good reading but not to be used for "quoting from the bible". The extra pages of explaination are great. I think a person could pick this up and find lots of interesting facts besides the bible itself. The pages are pretty thin if you want to highlight or mark in this book it would come thru the other side of the page. I would recommend this bible for casual reading and a good way to "get in touch" with bibical readings.

our church bought each of us who were confirmated this Bible....its in "english" so you can actually understand what they're talking about, it has some great connections to modern life so you can bring the Bible into the twenty-first century. it also has some great prayres, things to think about, and even some other tips....this is the only Bible i'll read!

Let's start with the good: good maps at the end that are easy to follow and are carefully structured throughout the major periods of Israelite history, some good Catholic connections throughout and some very insightful context notes that will help students (I'm thinking of one in particular at the beginning of Tobit that explains why the Catholic Bible has books that Protestant Bibles have taken out), and some good connections made between the text and prayer life.

Now for the bad: a ridiculous amount of political correctness that is so over-the-top in its own sanctimony, that it's sometimes hard to believe that adults are writing this nonsense. Its paternaltistic and patronizing tone towards "African Americans" is an embarrassment. Consider the text accompanying a verse from 1 Kings where Solomon's wisdom is said to be greater than that of the Cedemites. The CYB text box helpfully explains that these Cedemites were "dark-skinned people" and that current African-Americans can take pride in the fact that their ancestors were the "wise, black people from Egypt." Put aside the absurdity of the suggestion that black Americans today might be "inspired" by something so utterly vapid, what is the author suggesting about black Americans today? That they are dumb? Or inclined to think that they are dumb? Would every "African-American" respond to this as the CYB suggests, or only the stereotyped, fictionalized African-American residing in the fantasy world of the poltically correct multicutural forces? I have never read anything so condescending in my life, and in the attempt to be oh-so anti-racist, the author ends up writing something that reads like a self-parody.

But it gets worse unfortunately, as one of the text boxes in Esther, in the course of making a reasonable point about the need to prevent genocides from ever happening again, veers into ahistorical leftist agitprop. The author tells us that we need to remember the Holocaust and how it came about, but we also need to remember the genocide against the Native Americans in this country. Such a point is arguable, but the author goes on to castigate Europeans who spread diseases that wiped out Native Americans in the name of "progress, civilization, and Christianity." This is complete nonsense. The author would have us believe that the European explorers were intentionally practicing a form of biological warfare on the hapless Native Americans. In fact, the Europeans had no knowledge of microbes and there is simply no evidence that they deliberately passed on diseases in the name of "progress, civilization, and Christianity." This is a slur (and a stereotype!) on all those who came here during that era.

But even worse is the following attempt by the author to explain how the us-vs.-them attitude can lead to genocide. First there is the setting aside of a group for blame, followed by the labeling such as "savages" or "communists" (!) Hmmmm, if I were coming up with a list of people who were potential targets for genocide over the last few hundred years, I don't think the Communists would be near the top of my list. Have the authors and editors never read a history book from the 20th century? Communist governments killed between 85 and 100 million people during that era, making Communism the most murderous ideology in world history, yet our CYB authors see them as potential VICTIMS of genocide. Perpetrators would be more likely. There is more, but the point has been made.

If the authors and editors were not bent on overwhelming the readers with leftist politcal messages and treating its non-white readers as little more than infants, then this book would rate higher. The folks at the CYB need to grow up.

Book arrived Good Condition,
Took a Week For Delivery, bit longer than Amazon Delivery Takes!
Diane Cogswell, Mill Valley CA

I found this as with all NDW's books just what I needed and wanted.
Thank you so much.

I must admit I would like to think it is possible to be "Happier Than God". I am certainly not there, but I understand I'm my own worst enemy. I enjoyed it so much I read it twice. I would highly recommend it to those looking to enrich their lives.

Takes a moment to set the framework
Has a clear and defined message concerning the nature of attraction
Like most the juxtaposition of law of opposites and the weaving of the law of one

Although this is not the first book to expand on the principles that are so simplistically described in "The Secret," I think this book does contain some brand new ways of framing old ideas about the manifestation process. Neale's description of "The Multiplier Effect" is the clearest explanation I have yet found on why freely giving to others greatly benefits the giver. And what Neale calls "The Law of Opposites" is a remarkable concept, clearing up the mystery of why things suddenly seem to go wrong in life. I highly recommend this inspiring book.

Steven Lane Taylor, author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide For Living Life In The Divine Flow

This book is inspirational, informative, historical, compelling, and instills pride in our military. My husband is reading it now, and can't stop talking about how moving it is. I recommend it to anyone interested in hearing stories that won't be covered in the main-stream media. These are the types of stories we may have heard about during WWII, when America believed that pride in itself and its ideals -- the ideals for which we were fighting -- was merited. But you'll have to read this book to hear about these heroes today. The alphabet networks won't tell you, and the big newspapers won't tell you, because it is no longer politically correct to feel good about our country or the people who defend it.

Great book. What a real and descent way to tell the public the truth. No lies, no political punches, no smearing, no agenda except to speak the truth. Telling it like it is. Giving these brave men and women fair and honest coverage that earns them more respect than anyone on earth. Revealing the hard life of our soldiers out there making it each day without air conditioning, full course meals, and luxuries we take for granted. But they don't complain, they just do their job and much more. On top of that, the stories and pictures reveal relationships made with the Iraqi people and the progress made, tells such a different story than you will find on most news networks. And these are real and CURRENT pictures. Unlike the ones being shown over and over again from a few years ago and longer on the news. Mr. North and Mr. Holton, you can tell they are true patriots, kind, honest and care very much about the troops. They give them a chance to be heard. They bring your eyes there for just a little while. The troops don't have many ways to do that without certain party members screaming "political influence" which they frown on in the military. I say, tell it like it is! Also I like the way they educate you, explaining some of the history of Iraq and the Muslim people and what's happened over the years. Very informative and heartfelt. Makes you want to just go up to any soldier you see and give 'em a hug. Read the book! Nina Starrin

I have read a lot of military books before, but this one is by far the best one I have ever read. Although I have been out of the Marine Corps for a number of years I felt as though I was right there living it with the best of the best. A very powerful book, not recommended for faint of heart individuals. It is about time an actual first hand account be put out for the people to read, and get the truth about what has been happening over in country.

American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (War Stories)Great care in presenting the real case of what is going on and how our troops react to the challenge...GREAT BOOK--

This was a terrific book!!! Gave a detailed look into the actions of the Young men and women making it happen under horrible conditions over seas!! Finally someone gives us the truth about what is going on in the War on terror!! This book was informative and Heart Wrenching. Hopefully alot of Americans read this book and wake up!!! Mainstreem Media is doing America a Horrible Injustice!!
Ollie North For President!!!!!!!

When I pick up a book this slim, I usually think I can knock it out in a short amount of time.

I was wrong.

Like a lot of C.S. Lewis books, the length is deceiving: you can't just breeze through them. The depth of intellect and the power of the words mean slowing down to absorb what A.W. Tozer is saying. It really is an amazing book of knowledge, insight and experience.

I also recognized a lot of problems with faith that Tozer addressed then--and it's worse now!

I can't recommend this book enough.

This is a classic work.
It is short and still covers many attributes of God.
What's so good about this book, is authors ability to give comprehensive and interconnected view of divine attributes; to show how they are connected and do not oppose each other.

I would recommend this book for everybody.
It's easy to read and will cause you to rethink your relationship with God for better.

The Knowledge of the Holy by Tozer is a must read for every Christian. He seems to see into the heart of God and knows, as we all should, that God wants us to know Him and in knowing Him worship and serve Him. The book has short chapters each on something "True about God" and the essential first chapters explain why we need to think rightly about God, anything short is idolatry. As I said, the book is essential reading with an open Bible next to it for all Christians, young and old.
In Jesus
steve

This is a book about the attributes of God. Tozer does an outstanding job of pointing us to God by recalling those things which the Bible says are true of God Almighty.

A few ideas Tozer repeats throughout the book. These ideas are:

1) Modern man has lost the vision of the majesty of our God, and the first step to aquiring it is to determine to "Aquaint ourselves with God".

2) In attempting to see God the way that He truly is, we must believe in order that we may understand, not the other way around.

3) That God is unitary in His being and that all of His attributes work together perfectly without conflict with each other. Also, since God is infinite then all of His attributes are infinite as well.

I read a chapter from this book daily, and my hunger for His presence has certainly increased as a result. This book has helped me to see how futile I am in myself and how pride and worldliness are my biggest hinderences to drawing near to the Lord. This book will help you to see that nothing else in life really matters in comparison to our Almighty God.

AW Tozer is the best at anthropomorshism, which is the abilit to explain the unexplainable in terms understandable. This concept is almost beyond reason but after reading "The Knowlege of the Holy" I have experienced it.

This is the best book for those wanting to better understand God. It's also perfect for those who are struggling with their spiritual life. Tozer' gift is the ability to explain God's attributes in very simple terms.

It's a timeless book. I keep several copies on hand and use them for spontaneous gifts.

I was inspired to write page after page in my personal journal after reading the first few chapters. This book was used as the foundation for facilitator training for a week long retreat for The Center for Formation in Higher Education. I especially appreciate the use of metaphor to illustrate the many paradoxes in our lives as we call upon the shy inner teacher. The explanations and examples are clear.

Mr Palmer has distilled his life experience for us through his authentic and well written book. If know you are on a journey go no farther until you have read this book for its practical and uplifting content.

The guiding image of this book is a rope tied from a house to the barn, which helps the farmer back home in case of a blizzard. The book does exactly that. It helped me find my true self in the midst of a storm.

What an excellent book! Parker Palmer has quickly become one of my favorite authors. The imagery of the midwestern blizzard and early farmers lost in storms in thier own backyards as an analogy of the social and psychological turmoils we face today was masterful. Palmer's outline of steps toward awakening and the promise of the continual journey toward wholeness was inspiring. I highly recommend this book to all of us who are aware of the infinite potential of mankind and are struggling to maximize our own potential.

"This book," writes Parker Palmer, "brings together four themes I have been musing on since my mid-twenties: the shape of an integral life, the meaning of community, teaching and learning for transformation, and nonviolent social change." Writing from his Quaker tradition (think "inner light"), most of this book explores the first of these four themes. How do we join our inner and outer lives into an undivided whole? How do we bring together "soul and role?" Instead of impersonating ourselves, wearing masks, living on the surface of social images, accepting how other people define us, etc., how do we discover our true selves? We do it through forming what Palmer calls "circles of trust" where others can help us to hear the voice of our individual and unique "inner teacher." These circles of trust function much like church small groups, only they are much more intentional about their narrow purpose, and have very strict guidlines (eg, "no fixing, no saving, no advising, and no setting each other straight"). In these groups we hold each other safe, and neither invade or evade. I love the notion of integration and wholeness. I am less convinced of the wisdom of listening to my own inner voices, and sense a need for an "outside" voice from God and Scripture to help me understand my true identity in Christ. The Lutheran tradition provides a balance. Palmer's book does not help here because even though he is a Christian, this book is written for the broadest possible audience (school teachers, business people, health care workers, etc.). It is a good half loaf; I'd love to hear his specifically Christian version.

Such a great book. My only complain is that it can get a little repetitive. The last few chapters are EXCELLENT! I hope that you can at least read the last few chapters, if not the whole book. Worth the money. Very moving and very biblical. A way at looking at things your might now expect, but you will wonder why the thought had never crossed your mind before, haha.

Enjoy!

If your looking to understand your relationship with God you have to read this book.

~Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist~ is the book that started it all. Christian minister John Piper offers a profoundly controversial teaching of 'Christian Hedonism' popular in some evangelical circles, particularly amongst Reformed Protestants. The teaching of Christian Hedonism was first advanced in this book.

What might you ask is a 'Christian Hedonist'? 'Christian Hedonism' at its core sounds contradictory. Piper has stated that such a provocative appellation is "appropriate for a philosophy that has a life changing effect on its adherents." Piper notes: "Christian Hedonism is a liberating and devastating doctrine. It teaches that the value of God shines more brightly in the soul that finds deepest satisfaction in him. Therefore it is liberating because it endorses our inborn desire for joy. And it is devastating because it reveals that no one desires God with the passion he demands. Paradoxically, many people experience both of these truths. That certainly is my own experience (p. 13)."

Piper underscored the message of his works with a theme that the Puritan minister Jonathan Edwards was adamant about: "God is most satisfied in us, when we are most satisfied in Him." Piper elucidates, "This is the essence of what it means to love God -- to be satisfied in him. In him! Loving God may include obeying all his commands; it may include believing all his Word; it may include thanking him for all his gifts; but the essence of loving God is enjoying all he is" (p. 24).

For the philosophically minded, it is worthy of notation that this book was born out of a subliminal opposition to philosopher Immanuel Kant's deontology. Kant suggested: "An action is moral only if one has no desire to perform it, but performs it out of a sense of duty and derives no benefit from it of any sort." Piper is adamant that Scriptures contradict this assertion. Actions can indeed be moral when a Christian pursues them for spiritual gain. It's a heartfelt expression of faith to covet spiritual treasures in Heaven, and seek them as a humble servant. And through faith, walking in the footsteps of God, men can and should strive for spiritual treasures, and Crowns of Righteousness in light of the promises of God. How can we accrue eternal rewards? By obeying God, being ambassadors for Christ, striving to labor for His kingdom, taking pleasure in that work, and being diligent in our appointed station in life as servants of God. In doing so, we are laying hold of 'Future Grace,' which is a subject of another Piper book that later capstoned his 'Desiring God' trilogy.

There is a lot of Scripture in every page and just by reading this I feel closer to God, understand Him more and love to spend time with Him. If you are hungry to learn more about the Bible and understand Christ more you will love this book.

This review has Dr. Piper's "Desiring God" book in mind, but I am spreading this post around for those who, like me, feel uneasy with Dr. Piper's main point. I am restricting my review to that because--from what I can tell--it has become central to his whole outlook on God and life. It appears to have metastasized into almost all his writings. He spoke at a plenary session of our denomination and if I remember correctly he said something like, "this is my theology." Here it is:

"What is the chief end of man? To glorify God BY enjoying Him forever." And, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."

Dr. Piper teaches that this is the supreme testimony of Scripture regarding glorifying God. He would have us adopt it as the highest priority in our lives. He is saying, in effect, God being glorified in us ultimately rests on whether or not this is happening.

I read this years ago and the more I have thought about it in the light of the life of Christ the more uneasy I have become. But it has taken me years to find words for my uneasiness. Here is my best attempt so far.

My question has been, What does Jesus Himself have to say about glorifying God? Or, more specifically, did He say anything about HOW He personally glorified God? If Dr. Piper's theme is, in truth, at the heart of glorifying God on earth, then we can be sure Jesus certainly would have spoken to it. I cannot believe that He would have left the question open on a matter of such transcendent importance.

What did Jesus say about how He brought glory to God on earth? One reference emerged in my study. He said, in His High Priestly prayer: "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." John 17:4, niv. (If I missed a passage please point it out in the comments. I welcome correction.)

Do you read anything in those statements to the effect that the Son of God glorified God primarily through enjoying Him or through being satisfied in God? I have no doubt that Jesus certainly did. But I don't see here or in any aspect of His life and teaching that He made that foundational.

As I see it, my Master brought glory to God by completing His Father's assignment, and so with me as His disciple. I do not doubt that He will give me joy and satisfaction in Him throughout the journey. He has already--far more than I can possibly contain--but if that were the main point in glorifying God, I am convinced that Jesus would have told us explicitly that that is the main point.

Why only a one star review? Because how we glorify God is immeasurable in terms of its significance and impact. We are talking about ultimate reasons that affect everything we do all day long. Like having the right motive in something--if we get that wrong, everything is wrong. Dr. Piper, in my estimation, has substituted in a secondary good for the primary one Jesus revealed in His prayer. And whereas in other matters in life that may not do much damage, with ultimate concerns it ends up being a colossal distraction.

In stark contrast to "Christian Hedonism," consider what Thomas Kelly wrote in his "Testament of Devotion:" "When you are obeying to the uttermost you even forget about yourself."