Religion Books

Once in a while, along comes a book that simply 'blow's your mind'and at the same time increases your understanding about life like nothing else does. The Zen art of happiness is just such a book.
Before I read it I used to wonder why adverse occurances in my life happened. In fact I used to dwell constantly about them making myself unhappy into the bargain.
The author, Chris Prentiss asks the reader to start off by accepting the premise that these so-called 'adverse events' are perfect for us and exactly what we need to work on in order to strengthen our weaknesses.
Not only that, he maintains that 'the Universe' (some would say God) knows our every word, thought and deed and responds by sending these occurances to us.
He maintains that we constantly contravene 'Universal Laws'(example is the law of cause and effect)that are as real as gravity and unlike man-made laws, never change and are applicable to everyone no matter where they live on the earth.
The book is only 160 pages long, but is packed with information that feels 'intuitively true'.
I am now into my fourth time of reading and I am still as excited by his work as I was the first time.
If you want to become happier by making sense of life, then get this book that I rate as one of the best I have ever read.

I love this book! It's small, yet profound. One of the best books I've ever read and I read a lot! I've bought several more to give to others. If you are thinking about getting a copy - get one and then once you read it, you'll probably want to get more for your friends/family. I also recommend Thich Nhat Hanh's books- very very good.

I think this is a great little book. I am a Christian... where as some Christians think reading a buddhist book goes away from Christ, many of the topics and practices of the buddhist are very Christ like. Where the author may speak about the energy of the universe, I just see that as God. Great reminders here to remove our focus off ourselves and think of our neighbors... and isn't that also what Christ taught! Great book for anyone trying to grow in who they are... I will read this one over and over.

I purchased this book as I was begining treatment for Depression and even though it may have "nothing to do with zen", the message of the book does bring a zen-like peace when I read it. I would recomend this book to anyone going through tough times.

This book is a great example of good things coming in small packages. At only 142 pages, it can easily be read over a long weekend and the only reason you'll stop reading is when you stop and reflect on what's inside. Prentiss presents some great elemental concepts of thinking and perspective in a clear, easy to read manner.

I will admit some of the descriptions and anecdotes were a bit tough to grasp at first, but when Prentiss tells the story of his reaction when his new car got scratched everything in the book seemed to fall into place for me. When that happened, I actually went back to page one and it was as if I was seeing through some kind of fog for the first time.

For me, this book is a great first step - I've since picked up several other books on Zen thought and Buddhism and I hope I'm as happy with learning from them as I am with this great little book. Prentiss' book has also inspired me to act on a daily basis - to create good habits and to stop playing the victim card so often. This book will stay in my permanent collection and I will be purchasing copies for my friends and family soon.

This is an excellent treatment of all the major tenets of systematic theology, though Milgliore does not call them such or use the traditional names (soteriology, pneumatology, eschatology, etc.). This is to his credit as it keeps the book on an accessible level semantically without sacrificing quality of content. Migliore's style is very readable and the depth of his scholarship is profound. While the serious theology student will springboard from this book into more specialized works, this is an outstanding place to begin for anyone interested in theology. Highly recommended.

Author is excessively and needlessly wordy. Obviously, does not know how to get to the point in a clear concise manner. Some paragraphs don't even make sense....I find myself having to re-read parts just to try to understand what he is TRYING to say.

This is an extraordinaire theology book very actual. The author explains complexes and profounds points of view in a very practical way. For lay people, seminary students and pastors.

An excellent one volume introduction to the major theological themes of Christian thinking from a Bartian point of view. Dr. Migliore's writing is clear, fresh and historically exhaustive. I have recommended this book to all of my friends as a keeper.

While my title is certainly purported to be pejorative towards Daniel Migliore's 'Faith Seeking Understanding', I should note that the term 'neo-orthodoxy' is not used in a completely belittling manner. Much of Migliore's writing claims to be inspired by the work of Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth, although how recognisable Barth would find his work as represented here is another debate.

The main problem presented in Migliore's textbook is that he simply refuses to express a solid position on any doctrinal issue, apart from that no Scripture or Creed can truly reflect the Triune God of Christianity. Rather than concede that this merely leads to emotive, subjective religion ala John Spong, much of his book is spent promoting a vague, 'reforming' religion with no real indication of its foundation or future.

That is not to say that Migliore has no real principles. He eschews any suggestion that traditional or `conservative' Christianity has a future in the world. He dismisses debate on abortion, homosexuality and the ordination of women to the priesthood as divisive and irrelevant, preferring to highlight the utter importance of `green' issues and the creation of a `welcoming', `vibrant' community. Even in his endorsements he is, however, complimentary evasive and his terse dismissal of straw opposition reveals his inability to consider the substantial existence of any position opposed to his bland spirituality.

There are one or two snippets of useful theological information in this book but they are spread too thinly amongst ill-thought ideas and clichéd Modernist sentiments.

As is usual with Scott Hahn, we "cradle Catholics" benefit from his "new eyes" when taking a closeer look at who we are as Catholics and why we do what we have been doing for, well, 2,000 years. This book was very enjoyable. It made many things "click" and I recommend it to any Catholic looking for ways to enrich their communion in Christ and the Church.

I had an immediate paradigm-shift when I read about the relationship between Revelation and the celebration of the Liturgy - The incense, the garbs, the altar, and more importantly the words we sometimes echo without feeling or thinking of the real meaning of it all... "Holy, Holy, Holy,", and the "LAMB of GOD" now echos in my heart during mass. The Liturgy for me is now Heaven on Earth for I place myself in the book of Revelation and am connected to an altered state I can't explain. If you are a Catholic and are going "through the motions" at mass. Please read this book. You will never look at mass the same way again.
I would like to recommend "Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith". Believe it or not it's also a good start in educating the lay Catholic person. PEACE!!

This was a very informative, yet readable book. I would recommend this to all Christians!

I'm surprised at how well received this man's opines are within the Catholic community; perhaps this is due to Hahn's remarkable capacity to pull biblical passages out of his hat with startling acuity. As increasing numbers of Catholics turn to reading the texts outside the Mass and Lectionary, people will be less impressed with Hahn's Biblical gymnastics. Hahn converted via an academic spiritual exercise, i.e., Pedantic Enlightenment. His musings turn Catholicism into a hybrid Protestantism, which misrepresents his newfound faith. With a heavy hands in "The Lamb's Supper," Hahn inserts Revelation into the body of the Mass. Hahn demonstrates his phenomenal Protestant fascination with the end of the world. Reliably, Hahn again provides a theology infused with his special brand of Spiritual Velveeta, lacking deep historical, spiritual, and theological understanding. Beware those cutesy chapter subtitles: "Stealing My Thunder," (who would dare, Dr. Hahn?), "Moriah Carry," the repellent "Victim's Rites," "Extrasensory Censers," and the nauseating "Oath Meal," to name a few.

For someone who emphasizes that his conversion occurred due to his liberation from Protestant sola scriptura, Hahn remains remarkably laden with words, boxed into Biblical frameworks. Hahn squeezes out faith from memorizing and breaking down Old and New Testament passages into digestible chunks, sucking the juice of wisdom dry, and regurgitating the remains to a vast and adoring audience. He lacks the expertise of Rabbinical scholars in the Judaic tradition of intimately examining and memorizing scripture. Hahn relies on quoting biblical passages and citing their numbers, missing the bigger, far more complex picture. In all this detail, this plethora of words, however accurate, Hahn remains somehow incapable of complex analysis. In his personal process of "divinization," he displays zealous New Revelation Catholicism; for him, deep worship via Mass is simply inadequate to feed his narcissism. He must again reinvent the wheel for the rest of us, and with typical heavily-Hahndedness smother the Mass with Revelation.

Scott Hahn helps you to rediscover the beauty and mysteries behind the mass. You'll never miss mass again after reading this book. He is brilliant!

Its amazing that all of these books say the same thing the Bible says but people would rather trust a human for advice than their maker. I give this book 4 stars because it does follow the Bible. It may sound off the wall to some but that would depend on their desperation.

I Had previously read the book and I loved it so much that I bought it from Amazon.com. It is an excellent book to have on your night table and a tool to implement good things into your life. Certainly brings you enlightment and help to improve your life!

International best-seller, "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" is a short fable or story about a high powered lawyer who suffers a personal loss and embarks on a life of workaholism, materialism and emptiness. When he suffers a life threatening heart attack he determines to put the essential luxuries of purpose, peace and happiness back into his life. He travels to the Himalayas and spends time with the Sivana monks, who teach him wisdom of life.

This book is chock full of simple habits and rituals to include in one's life to nurture your body, mind and spirit. The advice within is compellingly framed and concise, making use of symbolism to remember the key concepts.

Picture the following sequence. What can this mean?

You are sitting in a wondrous, beautiful flower garden. In the middle there is a red, six story lighthouse. Suddenly, there is a creaking from the base of the lighthouse and out comes a 290lb Japanese sumo wrestler. He is wearing a simple, pink wire cable sheath. The sumo wrestler spots a shiny stopwatch. He picks it up and immediately falls to the ground. It appears that he has taken his last breath, when suddenly he comes back to life. He then gets up and looks over at a beautiful group of yellow roses nearby. Finally, he exits the garden by a path of beautiful diamonds...

How can you draw upon your deep reservoir of mental fortitude and inner strength that you possess? As most accomplished people know, never stop learning and actively expand your wisdom about life. As many great leaders do each and every day, take time out for reflection, including self-reflection. To not do so is akin to being too busy driving to put gas in your (beautiful) car (you). Awaken with the sun and cultivate a positive mindset and an attitude of gratefulness. Savor the present. Make music an integral part of your life. Build your character by taking specific actions. Simplify your life as much as you can for enhanced peace of mind. Thus, you will leave time for the things that matter most. Specifically, those things that will make the most difference in the long run. Always cultivate your virtues of industry, compassion, humility, patience, honesty and last but not least, courage.

This little gem of a book is inexpensive. It's entertaining. It's a quick read. It will be three hours of your valuable time very well spent. You might learn nothing new. Or, perhaps you will see your life more clearly than ever before. Perhaps you will be pleasantly surprised and this book will unexpectedly improve the quality of your life.

I enjoyed this book, with reservations. It's an odd blend of (mostly) Buddhist philosophy with the sort of self-help pep talk preferred by corporate go-getters. At times it reminded me of reading the Dalai Lama, at others, a Franklin-Covey leadership session.

The parable is a little facile, and the dialog naive-- but the overall thrust benign and even helpful. It may well be a doorway to a better path for many who read it. If you've never encountered Eastern philosophy before but are already a fan of corporate pep talks, you may find this a real treat.

For anyone to tell you what to do would be absurd. We all have different situations. What Robin Sharma has done is create a way to enlighten yourself through the characters in his fable. I have been very pleased with his books and have bought them as gifts for my friends. It's not Zen but it creates an opportunity for you to review your life, your influences, your past and the contemplation of your future.

Through his book "The Monk who sold his Ferrari" I have found that I don't need someone to tell me the direction I need to go. I can do it on my own through introspective analysis. Call me crazy but I left a 150K a year job to become a school shop teacher. His books are about figuring it out for yourself. I've found my happiness teaching my hobbies.

My perspectives of reviewing this book might be a little different... since I grew up in a Presbyterian church while going to an Episcopalian elementary school in Hong Kong. Then, when I moved to the states, I went to an Episcopal Church. However, that's not all... for the first 22 years of my life, I went to Chinese churches (the Presbyterian church in Hong Kong and a Chinese Episcopal Church in the states for 11 years each) before relocating to a Caucasian Episcopal church last year. While the churches are probably small in the author's view, I was mentally comparing and contrasting the 3 churches in my mind as I was reading.

Personally, I think this book is designed for clergies as well as young adult leaders. Because I got used to be treated as a young adult leader since 2004 through numerous young adult leaders events I went to (at local and national levels), I think this book does apply to me.

Anyway, I would say this book offers pretty good suggestions for non-ethnic churches. The only weaknesses are the following.

1. The solutions might not really work for these churches outreaching first generation young adults of minority descents with limited or no church background. I say that because they might have a language barrier with the rest of the members of these churches, which makes them sharing these problems more difficult than it already is. Can these churches do anything about it? The answer would be yes/no. Yes... if the community around the church is changing over time. No... if the church is only catering to a few individuals. This is not to say the church is dismissing these individuals. Rather, it's the fact that the church has no ability to cater to those needs at this time, especially if the individuals don't do their part in the process of getting helped.

2. For ethnic churches (at least the Chinese ones I know)... while it's easier to cater those who can only speak a language that's not the dominant language in the church (like Mandarin or English for a mostly Cantonese speaking church), the language barrier could be a hard factor to ignore, too. While those churches would have an easier time making adjustments, in terms of adding certain services, the clergy would be forced more than ever to be stuck in the "prison" the author talked about. After all, not only he/she has to prepare one sermon, but several for one Sunday, if the clergy needed to do all the sermons by him/herself.

Having said that... the rest of what he said was pretty much right on the button, whether it's inside an ethnic church or not. In fact, I had the same feeling on quite a bit of things he mentioned throughout the book. So, overall, I would give it an 9 out of 10.

If there's one thing I could suggest Mr. Kimball to do, it would be spend some time visiting some ethnic churches. That would make his work even more well-rounded.

I do not like the title of this book but overall I like the book. I do not believe most non-Christians like Jesus. They like their perceptions of him, but their thoughts of him are not well-rounded. Most people I have talked to see him as a great teacher and example, a person of love and a person who sacrificed greatly for others. These things are true but are only part of the story. The people Kimball references are no different than any other people, they like Jesus as long as he doesn't offend them. But in time Jesus will offend a person, because he breaks down our pride and self-reliance through his actions and words. In John chapter 6 this very dynamic plays out. Jesus is very popular with the people in the beginning of the chapter but by the end many people turn away from following him. So many people in our culture may think they like Jesus, but when they hear a fuller presentation of who he is, they turn away. This may be the case with some of the people Kimball is referencing. Since they don't want to come right out and say they don't like Jesus, they blame the church when confronted with the cost of discipleship. There's no doubt the church can be abusive, narrow, and stuck in tradition. But people outside the church are not just a bunch of well-meaning people who have been confused by the church. They are rebels against God, whether they know it or acknowledge it. All Christians were once in the same place, rebels to the core.

Kimball does a good job of highlighting the way Christians are often misperceived by the culture as well as the way Christians often stand in judgment over the culture. His approach of relationships and love is good and should be an important focus of the efforts of believers to live their faith and share it with others.

We are using this book for our Young Marrieds & Singles class on Sunday mornings and it has been a good fit so far. There are a lot of things in it that are obviously going to make people uncomfortable but I think that they are things that all need to be said and understood if we are going to be able to reach today's generation.

Dan Kimball says he needs to edit The Bible by tearing out pages.

Revelation 22:18-19
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

A life changing book with a real honest (and solution based) look at the church. I highly recommend this book. May it give all who read it insight into this mission field we call the United States.

Some people hate IKDG, and some people love it.
I belong to the second group.
You know the saying "The proof is in the pudding", so let's see what difference Joshua Harris' teachings on courtship make in real life.

Here an experiment I've conducted, that you can try yourself. Go visit a singles group that has an overall dating mindset. Most singles groups do. If singles groups make you uncomfortable, that's why! Observe how guys and girls interact, and see how the `atmosphere' feels like to you. Notice how the most good looking guy and the most good looking girl have more people flirting with them or paying attention to them than other less physically attractive people.

Now go to a singles group that has embraced a courtship culture. Where do you find such a singles group? All sovereign grace churches embrace Joshua Harris' teachings, so you can just find a local SG church at http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Churches/USMap.aspx and visit their singles group.

You will notice the HUGE difference in the atmosphere and in how men and women interact with one another between a singles group that embraces dating, and one that embraces courtship.

In the group that embraces courtship, instead of a predatory `feel', it has a familial feel. Men and women interact like they are relatives (brothers and sisters), or old friends. There is a level of comfort, and candor, and lack of flirting that is unlike other singles groups. Notice how the attractive ones are treated no differently than others, and how everybody get about the same level of attention. You don't see a bunch of guys surounding the prettiest girl, or a bunch of girls around the most handsome guy. There's no beauty contest there. People are not trying to attract the greatest number of people, or `get a date'. They just want to get to know one another like family.

I've always avoided singles groups like the plague. The only groups I belonged to were open to everybody, not just specifically for singles. But one of my friends invited me to a discussion group a few months ago. He didn't tell me it was a singles group. I went there and I liked it. I attended the group's events several times before I even knew it was a singles groups! That's how relaxed and familial the atmosphere was. I was certain that the difference in the interaction between guys and girls must be because they did not expect to date one another, but just wanted to build sister/brother friendships. I asked my friend if by any chance that singles group was into coursthip rather than dating. And he confirmed it: they were all for courtship, and the familial relaxed atmosphere there was a direct result of a courtship culture. That group is also part of a Sovereign Grace Church.

I read IKDG when I was 23, and all my Christian friends read it, and it really has made a difference in my ability to develop friendship with guys. Before IKDG my best friends were always girls. After I read the book and was part of a culture that embraced courtship I developed several close friendship with guys. Some of my closest friends today are guys, and my best friend is actually a single guy (it helps that we are absolutely not romantically interested in each other,mostly because we know each other so well we are like twins).

Thanks to IKDG I've had long lasting (10 years) close friendship with single guys, I haven't had my heart broken in a series of dating relationships, I was able to use my singleness to improve my serve in ministry.
And those who say that if you don't date, nobody will want to marry you, are wrong. Several people inquired as to if I would be receptive to enter a courtship with them. I didn't need to date them for them to consider me as a potential wife. However I turned them all down because of a huge difference/incompatibility as far as passion for ministry was concerned.

Keep in mind that a passion for the Lord and for ministry will make your life rich and rewarding whether you are single or married.

I also hightly recommend Don Raunikar's "Choosing God's Best" for a more methodical, highlty detailed approach to courtship (each step from being an acquaintance to being married is described with tips on how to proceed to each following step).

This book contains good, Biblical advice on dating habits. Don't be fooled by the title, he is not against dating itself, but rather the methods of dating that the world lives by. The author also gives much time to teaching on Godly love; not just towards your future spouse, but also to your friends, family, and the world around you. This book and its sequel captured my attention and would recommend it to anyone looking for Biblical answers to dating.

First of all, when I first picked up this book, I couldn't believe that a twenty-something-year-old SINGLE guy wrote this book. It was a two-way shock. One, I couldn't believe that someone who was so young with little experience was bold enough to publish a book about dating and relationships. Then after reading this book, I was shocked again, but this time, at the wisdom this guy had at such a young age. But I know that many times age means nothing when it comes to wisdom.

Since there are so many interpretations about this book, I won't even attempt to defend this book. That would be Joshua's part. I'll share what I got out of this book, though.

This book didn't tell me to stop dating - I know, it's contrary to its title. What I learned from this book is to have a different approach and attitude about dating. Before the book, I thought that in order for me to find my life partner, I'd have to date around. The scenario would go like this: If there's a guy that I was interested in, I'd go on a date with him and if we liked each other, we'd enter into a more serious relationship and then see how we fit. If we're not a good fit, we end the relationship and then when I meet a new guy that would interest me, another dating cycle would begin.

Here's the book's approach to dating: When I find someone I'm interested in, rather than going on a date with him (so rather than jumping into a romantic relationship right away), I'd develop a good friendship with him first. If you think you can't get to know someone by just being their friend, you haven't experienced good friendship. The book explains that this is a healthier way to get to know someone (that is a potential spouse) without the 'romantic' pressure and confusion. This is what Joshua calls kissing dating good-bye. But he doesn't end there.

If, through your friendship the intrigue and respect grows, then you enter a 'courtship.' (I know I said I wasn't going to defend Joshua but he DOES say that 'courtship' could be called whatever you want - e.g. DATING. So he wasn't telling everyone not to date!!!) The difference between what people call 'dating' and 'courtship' is that 'courtship' is purposeful. You're getting to know each other to see if you are right for marriage. How is 'courtship' different from the 'serious relationship' I described above? Well, in a courtship you wouldn't be acting like your typical boyfriend/girlfriend. Rather, courtship would be like a job interview (but obviously more fun, less rigid, with more food). You're taking time out to get to know each other to see if you're both right for marriage.

I bought into this book 100% because I've decided that I don't want to hop from one relationship to another giving pieces of my heart away - I'd like to reserve that for just one person. Some people may say, you can guard your heart while dating...well, easier said than done. But if you think you can 'date' around and still have a purposeful relationship that honours God, then great! I wish you all the best!

But if you're like me, I highly recommend this book. Not only that, if you're someone who's entering the dating world, or are confused about dating, I also recommend this book to you. You may not agree with everything in this book, but it may give you some good guidance to dating.

One last note about this book. It focuses on pleasing God. As Christians, we strive to commit our lives to God daily in all areas of our lives. For the singles, dating is a big part of our lives and this book constantly goes back to the question 'Is this pleasing to God?' Whether you follow the principles in this book or not is not the big question, but awareness and acknowledgement of God is.

Don't let the title scare you away. Joshua Harris knows how to bridge the generations of both teens & adult singles. What maturity for a young man! I am a pastor of adult children who has journeyed through this well-written book with both an 18-year old and a 20-year old young man in the past 3 months. God has given this young author the heart of a father. Joshua's desire is to protect both men and women from the short-sightedness of "living for the now" and get them to think of the spouse (& marriage) that they really want. Through the skillful use of the Bible, Joshua opens our eyes and our hearts to the perfect plan designed by God. Don't lose out on the blessing!

Joshua Harris does a great job of being honest about where he (and alot of singles) have been with the whole "dating game" and paints a picture of what relationships could be like, if we would yield to some basic Godly principles. We're going through this book as a group with a bunch of Jr & Sr High School students from our church. The girls were hesitant about the title, but once they began to read, they realized that it's not an anti-dating book like they thought. It's more of a "how about we try it this way so we don't get ourselves and others hurt so badly". I think the author presents a refreshing way to go about discovering who that right person is.

A fascinating read - very encouraging and challenging. Peterson is the author of The Message, a contemporary translation of God's Word which many have praised for its insight and depth. In this book, Peterson examines the way that Christians approach reading Scripture and basically says that most read God's Word incorrectly. According to the Book of Revelation, Peterson says that we are to eat God's Word, to digest it, to allow it to enter our very being. He claims that even the way that the Bible is written is as important as what is written in the Bible - again, that the comprehensive manner of Scripture lends itself to a comprehensive digestion of the whole, as opposed to reading bits and pieces or taking smaller chucks of the larger whole. Like a novel or a movie, the Bible is written in such a manner to communicate a story that taken in small bites as verses or chapters misses the forest for the trees. Peterson also says that Christians shouldn't just read Scripture, they should assimilate it into their very lives - God's truth should emanate forth from their lives, in their decisions, by their actions and countenance. As Christ has described Himself as the Bread of Life and has declared that men should not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from God - Peterson uses this concept to further reinforce his premise that Scripture is the very nutritional sustenance necessary for daily living. Without God's Word we are anemic and frail, with it we are energized and empowered.

Eat This Book is not an easy read - not as easy as Peterson's The Message translation. He dives into some deep issues in this book including the four elements of reading - lectio, meditation, oratio, and comtemplatio. The information is powerful and very challenging and I would suggest this book for any serious, or wanting-to-be-more serious, student of Scripture.

If you follow the advice and the reasoning in this book, I predict you will have an experience with the Bible similar to that described in the Road to Emmaus passage (Luke 24:13-32). That is, your hearts will burn within you as He opens up the Scriptures to you.

Eugene Peterson is a mighty man of God. I love his books because they are well-researched, beautifully written and leave a lasting impression.

If you want to get closer to God, Eugene Peterson can show you how!

I recommend Peterson to every seeker I meet.

Kristine M Smith, Author
DeForest Kelley: A Harvest of Memories : My Life and Times With a Remarkable Gentleman Actor

Excellent way to delve into the Word! A great aid to understanding Scripture and applying it to one's life. Highly recommend!!

This was a great book. The vocab may have been a little heavy in some places, but it had such a solid message that is rarely talked about in such ways. This is Peterson's best by far. It was like reading the best sermon. I couldn't put it down. But, it was right up my alley. I love to tell scriptures in creative ways that are still wholly truthful. Peterson is a pro. I'm, evidently, still a beginner.

What's not to like about Anne Lamott's Grace Eventually? A collection of essays in which she describes moments of spiritual clarity and examples of the divine in daily life, the book is a treasure trove of writings about topics ranging from abortion to euthanasia and lots of good stuff in-between. Through Sam, Lily, her mother, her vast and motley crew of friends, and even those whom she casually encounters, Lamott teaches lots of lessons on grace and love.

Some of the writing made me feel sad (Gertrud's sickness), some mad (the carpet guy), some glad (chirren musings) and some scared (shadows scenario). Although she might irritate and even anger some people with her views on George W. Bush, abortion, and global warming, Lamott makes no claim to be a saint, but rather a person who's doing her best to see God in everything and to do her part in making the world a better place. After assisting with a special-ed dance class and learning that one of the dancers said, "I liked those old ladies! They were helpers, and they danced," Lamott decided on the words that she wanted on her gravestone: "that I was a helper, and that I danced."

I would recommend this book to anyone who has past issues that they have struggled with. This is a very candid account of one person's life and the way that they have turned it around. I really liked the honesty, even if I didn't always agree with her position.

Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith I have enjoyed the books by Lamott because I can relate to them. Down to earth - up close and personal writings that most have experienced. Excellent - certainly helped me to realize that I was not atypical.

no question, i'm an annie lamott fan. more specifically, i'm a fan of anne lamott's non-fiction. i've tried her fiction, and continue to find it ok, but not brilliant. but her non-fiction: ooh.

traveling mercies, lamott's first autobiographical book about faith, remains in my top 5 books of all time (not that i actually maintain such a list; but if i did, it would be). and operating instructions, lamott's autobiographical reflections on her pregnancy and the first couple years of her son's life, should be suggested reading for all humans, and required reading for all parents (especially expectant parents). lamott's last non-fiction, plan b, was a bit of a let-down. i really wanted to love it. so i found myself loving parts.

but, other than a horribly repetitive titling and cover treatment (and, really, that's more of a publisher's gaffe than a reason to wag my finger at anne lamott), grace (eventually) brings us back nearly to traveling mercies (notice i say "nearly"). yes, some have complained that this book is another collection of mostly already-published essays. i say: i don't care. they're great; they hold together; and i hadn't read them elsewhere anyhow.

why do i love lamott's writing so much? well, i can't deny the fact that she makes me laugh out loud. and they're not those "slowly creep up on you laughs" that move from smile to tiny "huh" sound to low chuckle to pleasant and appropriate laugh. no: my occasional laughter while reading anne lamott is more the out-of-the-blue cackle, one that surprises me as much as it would anyone within painful earshot.

reason two for loving anne lamott's non-fiction: she is unevenly insightful. what i mean is, there are moments when i'm reading, and i have to stop and breathe for a moment, and think about the profundity of what i've just read. and then there are lots of moments in-between those moments that aren't so insightful. but here's the thing -- the uneven-ness of the insighfulness somehow works. it's almost as if it creates a reading culture where the insights catch me off guard that much more. i'm always hopeful of stumbling onto them, but never quite expecting them when they appear.

reason three for loving anne lamott's non-fiction: there are books -- maybe 1 in 30 books i read, where the very act of reading is joy. the choice of words, the structure of sentences, the odd metaphor, they leave me smiling or astonished. christopher moore writes this way. anne lamott writes this way.

I adore "Travelling Mercies." Having spent some time as a Christian, I expected some mature Christian thought from Lamott. Instead, I'm kind of horrified. Jesus was awful as a teenager? Praying to Mary? Yay for abortion? What Bible is Lamott reading?

I admire Lamott's raw honesty and the way she turns a phrase, but the "I hate George Bush" rants got really old. I may not agree with our President's decisions and I may not admire him as a person, but a certain amount of respect is due to the office of the President of the United States. It's one of the most difficult jobs in the world.

After reading Lamott's last three non-fiction books, I get the idea that Lamott doesn't have anything new to say. Although she occasionally has wonderful insights, I won't be buying Lamott's books again.

If you are as disgusted as I am with the shrill claim of fundamentalists and most evangelicals that the Bible is the final and infallible authority for faith then Marcus Borg's book entitled "Reading the Bible Again For the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally" may be just the antidote that you need to get you past your irritation. It is, in Karen Armstrong's words, "profound, challenging and engrossing." This book represents an approach to the biblical texts that is illuminating.

What is Borg's approach? He uses the phrase "historical-metaphorial" as a way of seeing and reading these texts that distinguishes his approach from the conscious literalism of fundamentalists and many evangelicals. In establishing this perspective he rejects three conclusions of the approach he calls "conscious literalism." These are: (1) the claim that the Bible is a divine product; (2) the claim that the Bible, therefore, is true and authoritative because of its origin; (3) the claim that the Bible is historically and factually true. This understanding that he rejects was conventional Christianity as recently as a century ago. This way of seeing and reading the Bible, Borg claims, "...leads to a way of being Christian that has very litle to do with believing. Instead, what will emerge is a relational and sacramental understanding of the Christian life. Being Christian...is not about believing in the Bible or about believing in Christianity. Rather, it is about a deepening relationship with God to whom the Bible points...."

Borg proceeds to "read again" the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. The creation stories, the Pentateuch, the prophets and the wisdom literature are examined through the lens of his "historical" and "metaphorical" approach. He concludes each chapter by describing the biblical story in the light of his approach. He is at his best in these segments!

Then he uses the same approach to "read again" the gospels, Paul and Revelation. His chapter on Revelation would challenge some interpretations such as that of John Hagee as well as the domination system that Jesus, Paul and early Christianity faced.

This review chooses his perspective as an avenue to encourage you to read Borg's book. "In the process of shaping Christian identity and vision in community, the Bible has a central role, perhaps second only to that of the Spirit. As the foundation of the Christian tradition, the Bible is the source of our images and stories for speaking of God's passion. Thus its interpretation shapes our vision of what it means to take the God of the Bible seriously." Read this book. It will encourage you to "read the Bible again for the first time" from a perspective that is exciting, as well as liberating from the prisons of a dead vision of "the good Book!"

Marcus Borg is a my nominee for the best theologian of the 21st century. His writing is clear, compelling and full of integrity. What's more, his many books are truly accessible to a popular audience -- unlike so many other works by ponderous academic writers.

"Reading the Bible Again for the First Time" is Borg's masterpiece, in my opinion -- even better than his more famous books on Jesus. It's both concise and convincing, kind and yet deeply challenging. The average person could read it from cover to cover in about three hours. (Read more slowly if you want to enjoy each wonderful chapter.)

Borg's basic argument is this: A modern literalist reading of the Bible is not just intellectually dishonest, but it actually prevents us from experiencing the many wonders and rich treasure trove of meaning contained in Scripture. That's why his subtitle is "Taking the Bible Seriously, But Not Literally."

Borg, himself a believer in the Anglican tradition, recounts his own spiritual journey from naive (childhood) literalism through doubt and disbelief and ultimately to a more mature understanding of the Bible. Key points include the following:

-- Some parts of the Bible are clearly based on historical events (e.g., who was king of Israel during what period of time).
-- Others provide spiritual insight and meaning through the use of metaphor (e.g., the Tower of Babel).
-- Forcing metaphor into historical reporting, or visa versa, is an enormous mistake that leads to all sorts of problems. It's not only dishonest, it's also completely unnecessary.
-- We should read the major sections of the Bible in the true context in which they were written (e.g., the prophets of the Hebrew Bible had profound messages for humanity but they were focused on Jewish society at the time).
-- We must also be honest about when and how the Bible was written, edited, revised and published. If God is truth, he certainly doesn't want us to lie about the origins of Scripture.

The fact that something in the Bible may not be "historically true" in the sense of a newspaper report does not mean that it isn't "spiritually true" in a much more profound sense. To use a secular analogy, the great soliloquy in Hamlet was never actually spoken by a prince of Denmark. Yet it contains great truth and wisdom for all of us today.

If you are a spiritual searcher, or you are annoyed by people who pick bits out of the Bible to use as weapons, I strongly urge you to read this amazing book. You won't regret it!

Professor Marcus J. Borg is first and foremost a Jesus scholar. He writes for the millions of people who were never turned on to church and the bible. I was one so alienated in spite of being a retired Lutheran Pastor. Professor Borg takes you through the historical aspects of the bible pointing out which are pre-easter remarks and which are post-easter. I was totally transformed by his research and published material and discovered Christ and God for the first time. Be prepared for some statements which might turn you upside down and go against beliefs gained from early childhood and kept sacrosanct down through the years. Professor Borg's works are well notated with authors and publishers, page numbers and chapters furnished for follow-up. His work is meticulous and even though he confided in me that writing for him was difficult I was impressed by his writing and found it very, very easy to read in spite of the difficulty in some of the subjects.

You do not have to be a theologian or a retired pastor to understand these writings. His presentations are low-keyed with personal observations about his own religious upbringing and his journey up through the years.

I cannot praise these books highly enough. They are a must if you are searching for God and can never seem to find God.

This is a powerful and disturbing and potentially quite helpful book. This book addresses the growth of one's appraisal of the Bible, encouraging the reader to ask, "What are the Church fathers trying to get across in this story? What is the purpose of including this story in the Bible?" It challenges the reader to read the Bible using both a historical and a metaphorical approach and cautions against what is lost when the reader takes only one or the other approach.

Most importantly, this book helps the reader to facilitate the development of seekers who have gotten stuck on the Bible as a literal document. He contrasts the literal and metaphorical approaches to the Bible, and resolves conflicts in terms of faith and acceptance of God. For example, on page 191, he writes "when what is said about the canonical Jesus is taken literally and historically, we lose track of the rich metaphorical meanings of the Gospel texts. The Gospels become factual reports about past happenings rather than metaphorical narratives of present significance. But when we are clear about the distinction between the historical Jesus and the canonical Jesus, we get both. And both matter. Ultimately, the reason that this matters is that the author treasures the Bible as more than a historical document that should only be read and not studied. On page 218, the author describes the "Gospel portraits of the canonical Jesus" as making extraordinary claims, describing that "this is who Jesus is for us as Christians." Borg's take on the Gospels is that they are, "as particular documents, as a collection of documents, and as individual stories within them, Christianity's primal narratives. To say this means that these are the most important stories we know and we know them to be decisively true."

Although the book is written with the care of a scholar and provides readily accessible references, aside from the challenging ideas, it is quite readable for people who are well-educated. In fact, I think it would be reasonable to say that the readability of this book sets a standard to which many other authors could aspire. The author is an experienced professor of religion at a university and it is clear that he has had the opportunity to present his ideas in class, explaining his ideas to bright college students. This is obvious to me when I read the book and find that his explanations are complete and thorough. The book is also well organized in terms of a subject index, author index, and Scripture index, features that I would like to see in all books that are presented as teaching texts.

This was a difficult book for me that challenged my thinking about the Bible. At times, the challenges were upsetting. However, the book itself was helpful and I find that my understanding of the Bible is improved because I read this book. I think I can recommend it to people who want to take their exploration of the Bible to a higher level, but people should expect to be upset by some of the ideas. Actually, I think this book is an excellent antidote to skepticism that can be used with bright and well educated people who either have not begun their journeys or have pushed God out of their lives because they have become stuck in what Borg calls the "stage of critical thinking", the middle stage of intellectual development that begins with pre-critical naïveté and ends with post-critical naïveté. His explanation of these three stages on pages 49 through 51 has been useful to me as I have talked with people who are agnostics and atheists and have challenged them to reconsider their beliefs.

A gentle presentation of the historical-metaphorical way of reading the Bible: both the Old and New Testaments.

Borg writes about "postcritical naivete" as a way of listening to Bible stories once one can no longer believe they are literally true.

There's much good material about the Old Testament. I especially found the chapter on "Reading the Prophets Again" helpful. As for the New Testament, it was "Reading Paul Again" that has helped me most so far. Borg presents key themes in Paul and speculates how Paul may have reached individuals with his message about Jesus. Borg's discussion of "justification by grace" as being the basis of our relationship to God in the present seemed well said and a good correction to what seems an inappropriate focus on the future.

This excellent book has been on my 'must-buy'list for some time. It is beautifully written - goes straight to the heart. I have read it twice, and always find something new, and interesting. ( I had the advantage of a borrowed copy). I read in the'Note to the reader'at the beginning of
the book that some would have difficulty in understanding the 'outdated religious atmosphere' that pervades the book. I think that the reader would find it a part of its charm (if that is the word).

I would strongly recommend this book - especially to individuals interested in entering to individuals contemplating religious life.

I just bought a copy of this book. It is so beautiful I finished reading
it word for word from cover to cover in 2 days. I am hooked on Thomas Merton! Looking forward to more of his works.

Today I delivered a gift copy of this book to a widow, "Grace" whose husband had been my late father's closest childhood friend. A week earlier, Grace had asked: "Have you ever read Thomas Merton's SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN? I read it in 1953; and found it very moving. I'd love to find a copy and read it again."

When I presented her with a new copy of this edition, I asked if I could read aloud my favorite passage (early in the book) concerning Thomas Merton's `little brother' John Paul (five years younger) who, like his older brother was a French-born, American citizen.

Late in the book Thomas Merton tells us how John Paul was compelled early in WWII to join the Royal Canadian Air Force (and trained right here in Manitoba! John Paul Merton had been flying bombing runs over a real sandy desert on the prairie just outside nearby Camp Shilo, where today's Canadian Artillery Officers still train. My late father was flown at Canadian Army expense each year, late in life, to address the graduating officers at that camp: Small world!)

Just before leaving for overseas, John Paul flew to see his older brother Thomas and, not incidentally, be Baptized, and welcomed into the Catholic faith. Then he left for England (and was killed in action the next year, when his RAF bomber went down over the English Channel).

His death provides the moving culmination to this book - bringing the reader `full circle' from the moment (back on page 25) when Thomas Merton introduces us to John Paul. (What follows is the passage that moves me to tears when I read it aloud to a friend.)

------

"One thing I would say about my brother, John Paul: My most vivid memories of him, in our childhood, all fill me with poignant compunction at the thought of my own hard-heartedness, and his natural humility and love.

"I suppose it's usual for elder brothers, when they are still children, to feel themselves demeaned by the company of a brother, four or five years younger, whom they regard as a baby, and tend to patronize and look down upon.

"So when Russ and Bill and I (older brothers all) made huts in the woods out of boards and tar paper . . . we severely prohibited John Paul, and Russ' younger brother Tommy and their friends from coming anywhere near us. If they did try to come and get into our hut, or even to look at it, we would chase them away with stones.

"When I think now about that part of my childhood, the picture I get of my brother John Paul is this: standing in a field a hundred yards away from our hut, is this little perplexed five-year-old kid in short pants and a kind of leather jacket, standing quite still; his arms hanging down at his sides.

"He is gazing in our direction, afraid to come any nearer on account of the stones, as insulted as he is saddened, and his eyes full of indignation and sorrow. And yet he does not go away. We shout at him to go away, beat it, go home, and wing a couple more rocks in that direction. We tell him to play some other place. He does not move.

"And there he stands, not sobbing, not crying, but angry and unhappy and offended and tremendously sad. And yet he is fascinated by what we are doing, nailing shingles all over our new hut. And his tremendous desire to be with us and to do what we are doing will not permit him to go away.

"The law written in his nature tells him he must be with his elder brother and do what he is doing, and he cannot understand why this law of love is being so wildly and unjustly violated in his case.

"Many times are like that, and in a sense, this terrible situation is the pattern and prototype of all sin: the deliberate and formal will to reject disinterested love for us, for the purely arbitrary reason that we simply do not want it. We `will' to separate ourselves from that love; we reject it entirely and absolutely, and will not acknowledge it, because it does not please us to be loved . . . "

[Thomas Merton immediately recalls an astounding event] "when our `gang' tried to antagonize the extremely tough Polish kids who had formed a gang in nearby Little Neck (approaching their headquarters) and "from a very safe distance we would challenge them to come out and fight" (but) "nobody came out - perhaps (that day) there was nobody home."

But then came the day, Merton recalls, "one cold and rainy afternoon, when we observed that numbers of large and small figures, varying in age from 10 to 16, most of them very brawny" gathered outside the Merton home, "20 or 25 of them. There were four of us."[hiding inside].

"The climax of the situation came when Frieda, our German maid, told us that she was very busy with housecleaning and we must all get out of the house immediately. Without listening to our extremely nervous protests, she chased us out the back way . . . we made our way through back yards to the safety of Bill's house" [a block away, with a clear view across a field, of the Merton home].

"And then an extraordinary thing happened. The front door of our house opened. My little brother John Paul came walking down the steps with a certain amount of dignity and calm. He crossed the street (and) walked toward the Little Neck gang. They all turned towards him. He kept on walking and walked right into the middle of them.

"One or two of them took their hands out of their pockets. John Paul just looked at them, turning his head to one side and then the other. And he walked through the middle of them and no one ever touched him.

"And so he came to the house where we were. We did not chase him away."

-------

The book closes with a poem written by Thomas Merton upon learning of his brother's death in the North Sea: "I learned that John Paul was severely injured in the crash but managed to keep himself afloat, even tried to support the pilot who was already dead.

"He was very badly hurt; maybe his neck was broken. He lay in the bottom of the dinghy in delirium. He was terribly thirsty. He kept asking for water. But they didn't have any. It didn't last too long. He had three hours of it and then he died. His companions had more to suffer, and were finally picked up and taken to safety five days later. On the fourth day they had buried John Paul at sea."

The chapter concludes with Thomas Merton's poetic requiem for his "dear brother" asking their Maker to,

"Take my breath . . .
and buy yourself a better death . . .
And buy you back to your own land
The silence of Whose tears shall fall
Like bells upon your alien tomb.
Hear them and come,
They call you home."

Thomas Merton died 40 years ago (on the 20th anniversary of his book's first publishing) while attending a conference of Eastern and Western monks in Thailand (electrocuted by a faulty table lamp in his Bangkok hotel room).

This "Fiftieth Anniversary Edition" includes a delightful "Note to the Reader" from William H. Shannon, founding president of the International Thomas Merton Society, who recalls that, from the very first day in print (October 4, 1948) the book was "an instant success: Hailed as a modern day version of the `CONFESSIONS' of St. Augustine, it has continued to sell and sell and sell."

As Evelyn Waugh, no easy critic, wrote prophetically: It "might well prove to be of permanent interest in the history of religious experience."

Buy a copy and see for yourself (I highly recommend this edition).

Mark Blackburn
Winnipeg Canada

"The Seven Storey Mountain" is that rarest of gems: an articulate book about a lifelong spiritual quest.

Its author, Thomas Merton, tells the story of his life, how his vague unease about spiritual questions eventually led him not only to Catholicism but to the narrow walls of a Trappist monastery in Kentucky.

The writing is rich and thoughtful. Whatever your opinion of Merton's conclusions, you find yourself admiring his bravery and honesty.

Surprisingly, the book is actually quite the multi-textured rumination on life in America in mid-century as much as it is the story of Merton's life. His gallery of characters and evocative prose never disappoint. Here's a sample:

"It was a bright, icy-cold afternoon when, having passed Nantucket Light, we first saw the long, low, yellow shoreline of Long Island shining palely in the December sun. But when we entered New York harbor the lights were already coming on, glittering like jewels in the hard, clear buildings. The great, debonair city that was both young and old, and wise and innocent, shouted in the winter night as we passed the Battery and started up the North River. And I was glad, very glad to be an immigrant once again." (p. 151)

I would recommend "The Seven Storey Mountain" to anybody who finds himself restless about spiritual matters, even if he has no particular interest in Catholicism or even Christianity. The book's reach is much deeper than that.