Religion Books

Diana Eck is a wonderful scholar who has written several great books on Hinduism. Darsan (or "darshan," if you're transliterating it simply for an English-speaking audience) is a wonderfully simple introduction to Hindu iconography and the related ritual experience, a subject that is overwhelmingly broad and often unwieldy.

If you are an undergraduate studying Eastern religions, a graduate student new to Hinduism, a Western devotee wanting better cross-cultural knowledge of how to respectfully relate to your chosen god or goddess as Hindus do, or a curious layperson wanting to know more about the Hindu religious experience and what all the images and rituals are about, this is a great book for you to begin with. This slim volume doesn't go into elaborate depth, but covers a lot of ground and introduces many key terms in a very readable way, and is a useful introductory work.

Not only does this book explain the way Hindus view the iconic (formed) and aniconic (abstract) images of the gods, but also the corollary view and conception of temples and holy personages. The title and key idea in all this is "darsan," which means not only viewing the sacred, but simultaneously being viewed by the gods. The way in which the statues (murtis) are treated with continuous attendance in the form one would typically associate with a human guest--bathing, feeding, clothing, putting to rest, etc.--is made comprehensible via this small book's explanation. The statue, image, or the temple itself is the body of the divine, in which the sacred consents to be present to humans...thus, treating the sacred body with reverence and devotion is deemed appropriate and important.

This book is useful not only to Hindus and those interested in better understanding the Hindu religion, but also any thoughtful person who wishes to consider the relationship of sacred to symbol, and the way in which the divine might be present to us.

This is a required text for just about every introductory course on Hinduism. Essential reading for anyone wishing to understand how Hindus worship and see the divine.

Diana Eck has done an excellent job of sifting through the vast amount of material on Hindu imagery in India and presenting an intelligently distilled interpretation. An excellent read on a very difficult subject.

This book was my introduction to Hinduism, given to me by a friend following my first personal experience with darsan and Hindu devotion. It is a stunningly clear and subtle book, offering a careful, complex discussion of the unique nature of the Hindu conception of the divine. I read it then in 3 days and am rereading it now as a student of Hinduism, looking forward to seeing this great book from a new perspective.

This is a readable translation of Hebrew scriptures. It is easily understood in distinction to the KJV, but without the English poetry. It is far more authorative than KJV. The paperback version (mine) is easily held and convenient to read.

As a Religious Studies major, I chose this text to get the "feel" of reading old scripture. I was not disappointed. It is a wonderful, beautifully written form of the Hebrew Bible. It will treasure for all time as part of my Biblical "library."

Let's get one thing out of the way. All Bible translations have a bias. The Bible: Authorized King James Version (Oxford World's Classics) was a protestant document through and through. While many claim to be easier to understand, most of them sacrifice ambiguity and humor in the interest of "clarity". The worst offenders change the Bible stories altogether.

This particular version of the Bible is Jewish. Note the name as Tanakh and not "Old Testament" since in Judaism there is no "New Testament". The stories are arranged by the title - Torah - Nevuvim - Khethovim - or Torah, Prophets and Wisdom literature (Job, Ruth, Song of Songs, etc.) One can quibble with this translation losing some of poetry (unlike The Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (The Schocken Bible, Volume 1) which strives to preserve the poetic verses and repetitive words so that English readers can get a true taste of the Torah as it sounds to a native Hebrew speaker) but this is a fine translation full of passion and storytelling.

Of course, my personal bias in favor of this translation began when I read it for class and fell in love with stories that I once thought of as only prologues to Christianity. Gone are the "proof texts" that litter many a Christian missionary reading. Isaiah is looking at a young woman and not a virgin about to give birth. Psalm 22 is talking about lions not the crucifixion of Jesus. But what makes this more interesting is how fun some of the stories are, particularly Samuel (the story of David) which is ultimately tragic but has some hilarious bits along the way including the Philistines being stricken with hemorrhoids in chapter 5 and making golden rat and hemorrhoid statues to honor the G-d of Israel. Most other translations wimp out and say that they died of "the plague". Sure, it's immature to look through a Bible for scatological humor, but if it's there, it's there. And it makes God Knows seem a lot less blasphemous in comparison.

In many ways, this is the redheaded step child of Bible translations. Artscroll has been cornering the market on translations and they like to use Rashi commentary in place of translation (which means a thoroughly awful castrated version of Song of Songs) and others prefer King James for poetry, but I still find this one to be my favorite. Maybe because of some of the weaknesses or maybe because in a field ripe with biases and agenda, this one tries to be non-biased as it can be.

I think this is a truly beautiful translation. I was also very happy with the quality of the book itself. Well worth every penny.

This has been a most welcome and very handy source for us whenever we seek English translations of Jewish sacred texts.

We also own the Stone edition of the Tanach: The Torah, Prophets, Writings, including all 24 books of the so-called "Old Testament," in Hebrew and English, with commentary. We also own The Torah: A Modern Commentary, which includes only Torah, better known as the Five Books of Moses, along with the readings' assignments to the Jewish holidays.

But this edition is by far the most used in our household, and we recommend it highly, to Jewish and Christian readers alike.

This is an excellent book about the "real" good news of Christianity. It is easy to read and yet very powerful.

The Bible tells us to be bold, be strong, for the Lord our God is with us.
I watch Joseph Prince everyday on family channel so I get to hear him 5 days a week. His teaching is revalent and he puts no burdens or guilt on anyone.
His message is about God's Grace which is the person of Jesus Christ. God has called this very humble servant to teach His church about Grace. I believe Joseph Prince does an excellent job. He has God's Favor.

PRAISE THE LORD FOR THIS BOLD SERVANT OF GOD WHO DID NOT LET ANYONE TELL HIM HE COULD NOT PREACH GRACE.

Don't listen to the naysayers.
READ THIS BOOK. Buy one for your friends.
God is totally in this book and will set you free.
It is worth it to be Free!

This is a wonderful reminder of what all took place and what all we gained with the death of Christ. It was eye opening to see what this gift of grace is that was given to us by God Almighty. All believers should come to find the meaning and value of grace!

This book has so brought fresh revelation of Jesus Christ and His beauty and work of redemption on the cross!! My husband has been a Pastor for 7 years in a "Word" church and we have bought about 25 copies to give away to friends and family. (and keep buying more!) The only warning this book warrants is "Hazardous to Religious Spirits". Honestly, you will fall in love with Jesus all over again! Its not about Joseph Prince, it is all about exalting the Lord Jesus Christ!! Highly recommend for life transformation.

I am so blessed by this message! I first "happened" upon Joseph Prince preaching on tv. I have been raised in the church, and never heard anything like this message in my life! This message has turned my life around! I no longer fight depression, or fear the future. I now know I am "Highly favored, greatly blessed and deeply loved!" I think you will too. Get it, and find him on tv, and utube as well. You get used to his accent if you keep listening. It is well worth it! It is quickly evident he has a great love for the Lord and Gods people as well. His goofy sense of humor is fun too. :-) Thanks Pastor Prince

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

I am often referred to at my church as the irreverent reverend. I say things that shock people. Things like "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is he who just comes..." Most people laugh. Maybe it's out of nervousness, I don't know, but I really, really, really think that God has just an incredible sense of humor and I really, really, really think that anyone who does "God's Work" must also have a sense of humor. Kinduv like that old joke:

Why do angels have wings?

Because they take themselves lightly.

I've always enjoyed Neale Donald Walsch's books. He's very presumptious about a lot of things. He basically says that all who are reading this book (Happier Than God) caused it to happen.

What?

You caused it to happen. You. You had an impulse and you acted on that impulse. And not only did you cause this book to appear in your life, but you have caused everything that is in your life at this very moment to appear in your life...including me. And guess what? I caused you to appear in my life, as well.

Of course, this is a book by a man who "claimed" to have had more than a few Conversations with God....

Blasphemer!
Heretic!
Liar!

Brave is what I would call him.

He is challenging which is exactly why one should read him. Like I said, I've read his books since the very beginning and no matter how many times I read his stuff I get new insights. Not because Neale is giving them to me, but because, once again, I caused it to happen. I was ready for it.

What's that great line from Henry the V?

All things be ready if the mind be so.

Some people aren't ready for this kind of stuff. It doesn't mean that one is stupid or ignorant or foolish, they're just not ready for it. A lot of people weren't ready for what Jesus had to say, either. I'm not comparing Neale Donald Walsch to Jesus by any means, but just like the quote he uses from George Bernard Shaw:

All great truths start as blasphemies.

We'd like to say that if we were in Jesus' time or Buddha's time or Socrates time, we follow them anywhere to learn from them. But would we? We like to cling to our old beliefs, our ideas, our opinions.That's why our lives don't seem to change very much --- because we don't change!

He says "We do not need God for anything." Now before you get your knickers in a bunch, he states in the next page (if you stll have the book in your hands), "Not needing God is not the same as not having any use for God..."

And then he quotes scripture, which I agree with some of the reviewers in that he should've cited the passage, "I am with you always, even until the end of time..." (Matthew 28:20)

Do we believe this? No, we don't...but people, that's a promise straight from Scripture. We aren't alone in this. In Truth we are all-one in this.
Being happy, feeling fulfilled, experiencing joy doesn't come from everyone believing exactly the same thing. That would be so dull. Real Joy...being really happy comes from letting people be who they need to be.

There are a lot of people who walk around as if their underwear were on backwards. Come on, people...lighten up. Like that really old joke,

Why do dogs lick themselves?
Because they can...

You can be happy because God created you that way already.

Peace & Blessings,
john, 'the Light Coach'

I am by no means an Islamic scholar. As the book on which the Muslim Faith is based, it obviously has special meaning to Believers. I myself decided to read the book in order to better understand some of the philosophies that motivated the 9/11 attack and also to further my research on my novels based on the Reconquista and the Spanish Conquest of Mexico.

The Qur'an is the word of God as recited by an angel to the unlettered Prophet Muhammad. Interestingly, in this way it is similar to the beliefs of the Christian Mormons. They also claim that an angel delivered God's word to their young prophet, Joseph Smith.

To my way of thinking one of the fascinating aspects of the Holy Qur'an is the many similarities between this Holy text and 'The Book' i.e. The Holy Bible of the Jews and Christians. The Bible and Qur'an are all clearly based on the same religious traditions. The Qur'an tells of God's creation of the first man and woman as well as their progeny. It tells of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and many other personages and prophets familiar to Jews and Christians in their Book. It refers to Jesus as 'The Messiah' but simultaneously says that it is a sacrilege to claim that God might condescend to procreate with a woman.

As a matter of fact, many of the Bible stories are referred to in the Qur'an but usually with significant twists and differences in significance and interpretation. This suggests to me the very real possibility that there was a common strain of belief running through the Middle East. Despite official and court dictated beliefs in Baal and Marmaduke, there must have been an ancient and verbal tradition--perhaps perpetuated at the peasant level--of one God as evidenced through a common belief in major prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham and Moses. Belief in Jesus as the Messiah would, most logically, have been due to Christian influence.

The Holy Qur'an certainly has many different aspects. Although God is merciful, there are dire warnings of torments meted out to Unbelievers in the Hereafter. There are also, of course, promises to the True Believers--those who follow the Commandments, Laws and God's Pillars of Wisdom--of eternal delights in Paradise. There are also interesting passages giving advice and warning to Muhammad's bickering wives. This can be interpreted as Godly advice to women to follow their fathers' and husbands' lawful guidance.

Ron Braithwaite author of novels--'Skull Rack' and 'Hummingbird God'--on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico

"Christianity hasn't produced any extremists or fanatics who use the name of their God to kill, murder, dictate, terrorize, or otherwise harm other human beings."

Did you at least study High School history?

Maybe one should read the "Holy Bible" and the "Torah" to pick up the context and cohesion that you are missing in the story lines.

One can use the holy texts of all religions to condone violence but that is irresponsible abuse of the text. One must remember that violence is committed by human beings and the responsibility lies on their shoulders and can't be blamed on the Koran or any other text.

If one reads a text for the purpose of literary examination, they must be objective rather than subject the work to their own experience alone.

I am a Muslim and a patriotic American. I have no heart for violence of any kind.

I really haven't got to read this book yet but am influenced by the comment that it is considered to be the "Best" Translation of all.
This book isn't like a Novel which you can sit down and read but one which you read a small bit at a time as it is very detail so theres is a limit as to how much you can digest at one time.

I finally got around to reading this translation of the Qur'an. I gave it five stars to counter act some of the one star reviews. Im a Christian and still am. But I will admit I no longer view Islam as evil, or the Qur'an as a bad book. Quite the contrary I was pleasently surprised with beauty of the poetry, and the core message is very similar to Christianity. I would have a lot more in common with a Muslim than I would with an atheist for example. Taking the time to read through the book, I realize that living for God, regardless if you call Him Jehovah, or Allah, will lead you to live a more righteous life and to a better path on which to travel the hard road of life. The core morals taught by Muhammad line up with those taught by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Of course I disagree with Muslims over the Deity of Christ, I still find their religion agrees with my morals, and is more peaceful than the media frenzy would have someone believe. I believe these terrorists are the exception, and most Muslims are good religious people if they are following the teachings in this book. God bless you.

Don't let the pretty cover design fool you, this book is violent, terrifying, and teaches hate and bigotry. Good thing none of it is true, or I would have nightmares. If someone or some country were to take this book seriously, man oh man there would be trouble a brewin!!

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.

This is a MUST READ for adolescent, pre-teen, teen girls and their parents! Not only does it validate the concerns of young women, it gives options for better ways to handle some of the peer and self-inflicted pressures girls feel as "true". I purchased this for my teen age cousin; hopefully it planted some seeds of real truth for her. It was even helpful for me, a woman in my early 40's! A great tool to connect with daughters, nieces, students, any young woman you love and want to see succeed!

I loved this book, and am actually using it as a teen girls Bible study this fall. Everything discussed in the book is pertains to young women today. I also liked how every truth for a lie was backed up by multiple scriptures from both the Old and New Testament. Highly recommended!

This book gives a lot of insight for young women seeking to do what's right and following what the Bible says about how to combat the lies this generation faces in so many different facets. I highly recommend this book for Bible studies, for personal reading, etc. GREAT BOOK!!!!

This is one of the best books I've read!! It's amazing! This book chapter by chapter shows us teens how to stand against all those lies satan throws at us.. what to do with them! Nancy and Dannah write well, with their own stories and others included, which makes it more interesting. Some of the lies they talk about are lies about God, guys, technology and how we use it, and friends. Many more included! An amazing book focused on teens.

We have used this book for an inter-generational, inter-denominational study and it has been awesome. The Biblical truths providing the foundation of this study have the power to transform lives. Highly recommend this [...].

This book is full of the dangerous rantings of a perverted person. He actually recommends whipping children as young as 15 months of age and tells parents not to pick up their infants when they cry. The book is full of statements like these that are in direct opposition to any scientific research.
As a parent who used a very different approach, I hope that people will keep away from this book and these methods. Yes, it is necessary to discipline children, but not by beating them. Children must learn to be self-disciplined, meaning it is important for children to understand the reasons behind rules, not just to behave out of fear.
Stay away from this book if you love your children. Use these methods if you want your children to hate and fear you.

This is a great book with very practial advice/examples. It is based on the Holy Bible and specific scriptures found on raising children. Based on some of the negative reviews, I'd guess those people don't believe the Bible and may not have even read this book! Otherwise, you wouldn't doubt his intentions or love for children. It has been a huge blessing in our household. Just to be clear, the discipline he advocates is not beating!! We do not, nor ever would beat our children.

Hitting and spanking are two totally different things. The bible says that using the rod should be grievous for both the parent and the child. A parent should never enjoy it. Switching a child at 15 months is training, conditioning. It is only (done right) enough to make the child stop and pay attention, never more than a light sting. It is not punishment. It is telling the child his/her behavior is not acceptable. After tantrums become a habit, it is extremely hard to break and becomes a part of them. Reading more thoroughly with a prayerful heart is recommended and take what you want, leave the rest as my husband and I have.

As a Christian I felt compelled to get this book now that I have a challenging toddler. Dr. Dobson is practically a hero in the
Christian parenting community. I knew that he advocated spanking, which I don't, but thought I could get some other "pearls of wisdom" from the book. This book boils down to, hit your kid if you don't know what else to do. I finally stopped reading it all together when he wrote about hitting his 15 month old daughter with a switch. Yikes, I feel bad for those kids...pick another book.

I read this book and then needed to take a shower. He hates kids. He says he loves them but then advocates beating them again and again and again, all in 'love' of course.

He should read 13 corinthians a few times and stop pandering to those too damaged to know any better.

These are very beautiful prayers, but it wasn't quite what I expected. I'm sorry that I was not able to access the Table of Contents or at least some pertinet information that would have told me about the contents.
Celine

This book is a gem for those who seek to develop their spirituality. Seven pauses during the day is not always possible, but, when the pause is taken and the prayers, etc. are used, it has a very beneficial effect. The poetry written by Macrina is breathtaking.

I have long been a fan of Macrina which is why I purchased this book. What I got was more than I could have imagined. Her book brings us back and shows us the wisdom , many of us have forgotten , of taking the time to stop. To take a few minutes seven times a day so that we can really live our lives to the fullest. In this crazy busy world what could be important than to get in tune with the natural pauses of day and clear our minds of the clutter that keeps us from realizing the life we were meant to live.

This is a gem of a prayer, and contmplative book. Like the monks' practice of the Daily, this gives all of us a guide and text to use in dividing and divining our day into 7 parts set aside to rememeber God and who and what we are -- or ought to be as Christians. If you ever envied the Moslems' daily call to prayer, here is your Chrisitan alternitive.

Seven Sacred Pauses is a wonderful spiritual tool to help us remember the sacredness in each hour of the day. Macrina Wiederkehr has lived the monastic rhythm of the days and is able to give lay people the opportunity to recognize and honor the Divine all around us. I really find her meditations very helpful and can easily adapt them to the seasons of my life. I have given it as gifts and use it various groups from my prayer shawl ministry to EFM class. Velma Frye's accompanying CD is a terrific addition and the songs/chants serve as a shorthand to remembering the meditations.

The Bible is well-made, and well bound. The study helps are comprehensive, and the best I've used. Background and historical information is helpful, and notes on translation variations are illuminating.Recommended for anyone wanting to study the Bible without a lot of extra books out at the same time. It doesn't completely eliminate the usefulness of a Bible dictionary or encyclopedia, but for the average reader who wants to get a full sense of the meanings of the texts without getting bogged down in other resources and commentaries, it's a great choice.

great study Bible, has information on each book at the beginning. lots of help on each page, loaded with maps.

This is the 3rd of these that I have purchased. I got one for myself, 2 for 2 of my daughters, and we are all very happy with them. The type is very easy to read, the intros and footnotes are informative and I find it to be very sturdy, as well, as it gets carried around quite a bit. The price is excellent for a Bible of this quality.

I've found the NIV to be the easiest translation to read, and at times quite poetic. But more importantly (for poetry I'll hit up the King James) it helps bring the Word to me. ANd the study Bible is a valuable tool.

I bought this edition of the NIV shortly after I was saved as it was the most recommended for new Christians. I absolutely agree to this day that it's the best for new believers or those who have never read the Bible but are interested. It's been 7 years since then and it's still a favorite to read which is why I highly recommend it for long time Christians as well. I don't think it right to relegate it as just a "beginners" Bible.

Like others, I do believe it best to have at least a couple different translations though. I use this one and New King James to cross refrence each other. I find that when you read a couple translations of the same passage, You get a deeper and fuller understanding of the intended message.

The NIV is a wonderful translation though as it's easy to read but not remedial. Nothing here is dumbed down for simplicity sake. There are wonderful explanations at the bottom of each page for most of the verses to further explain the intended meaning. There are also many historical facts regarding the people and places that are included. Each book has a thorough explanation of it's history, origin, author and intended purpose. Also included are detailed maps, definitions and index to subjects, offering further aid and understanding. Overall, a wonderful translation and companion of God's Word.

The Bible is the most unique book ever created as it's like no other book on the planet. It's not a book you can read and say, "I read the the Bible" and be done with it. You can read it 1000 times and get something different each time. It's not like a story where you know what's going to happen next and there are no suprises. To put it simply, it's DEEP. Like a gold mine that never stops yielding nuggets. You can never dig deep enough to empty it or reach the bottom.

For the believer, these words are truth and life. Without flaw or blemish. They are spiritual food and nourishment. They empower and sustain us. They promote growth, maturity and wisdom. God reveals Himself through these words. He gave them to us so that we may know Him, ourselves and the world we live in. It's a marvel as it's as relevant and applicable today as it was when it was written. Funny enough, when I was a teenager, I used to say, "why isn't there an instruction manual for life"? Well here it is.

I recommend this Bible for everyone as everyone is invited to taste and see that the Lord is good. The Bible doesn't condemn or persecute anyone. All people of all nations are invited to the Lord's table. He will turn away no one. There is no bias or malice within these pages. For those who don't know the Lord and those who have just recently been saved, I recommend reading the book of John first. It details just who Jesus really is. Unfortunately, not until your eyes are opened and you've come to belief and faith in Christ and have been born again, will these words truly come alive and speak to you.

This is the ultimate history book which reveals the beginnings of the man, the world, and everything in it. The answers to all of lifes questions are here. You will learn why things are the way they are in this world and what is to become of it. It has stood the test of time. The test of science and of all those who have set out to disprove it. Many who have done that have become believers because they only found evidence to support what's been written here.

Before I believed, I used to say," it's written by men, so how can it be trusted? Men are flawed so therfore it must be flawed too". That was my excuse to not read and not believe. I claimed to believe in God and aknowleged that He created everything but it wasn't enough for me to just believe that there was a God, a creator. So God used a Christian to counter my arguement. I was asked,"you believe that God created the universe and everything in it but don't believe God can create a book"? I could argue no longer. I opened up to God's Word and it spoke truth to my heart and spirit. It shined a light of hope inside me that made me hunger for more. It was the first pure hope I had ever felt. Not long after, I began to believe and saw that this was what I was looking for my whole life. I prayed and asked Jesus Christ into my heart and life. I confessed myself a sinner and asked forgiveness and then thanked Him for His sacrifice for me on the cross. That day I was saved and changed from dead to alive. I was given eyes to see and ears to hear all that I never did before. I was broken of all my chains of addiction and have enjoyed the true peace, hope, joy and love of Jesus Christ and God the Father. I know I will be in Heaven when I die and have no fear of getting older or dying anymore. I have a relationship with The Lord God who is always there for me and never fails. My life has changed forever. I need nothing but my Lord now.

You may ask, "what does this have to do with reviewing a Bible"? God used the Bible to draw me near to Him. To speak to my heart which was so cold and dark. To draw me out of the emptiness that was my life. I had never heard the truth before and I grew up going to Catholic church. I never learned or knew any of this. Many in life seek for these answers and comfort in many other ways, but none of them satisfy. God and His Word satisfies. It stays. We are all born with a God shaped hole in our hearts in which only God can fill it through Jesus Christ. People try to fill it with all the things of the world but they all fall short. They all fail. But the Lord never fails and the answers are here.