Religion Books

I bought this book for someone who I thought could use it. I discovered I, myself, needed this book and I cannot give it away even though I have been praying for years. I have thought of numerous other people to give this book to and am ordering more copies. It is a very comforting book for anyone struggling with a serious challenge, which is just about everyone! I find myself rereading it, praying the prayers and pondering it again and again. I believe it will become a classic and stand the test of time.

The author has delivered a very reassuring message to those in doubt about the care God has for all of us. In times of trial and stress, this message can bring confidence and hope in the midst of suffering and despair. His reasoning is very convincing, and each reader will recognize in his own experience where many of these prayers have been answered in other difficult times. It is a great source of encouragement, especially for the elderly whose life becomes difficult and lonely, but for all of us as well, facing troubles daily.

I couldn't recommend it more highly for those souls in search of meaning in their life. Each of the ten prayers and its answer is illustrated by several examples of experiences we all have in our daily lives. The message is down-to-earth, while at the same time, immensely uplifting.

What an inspiring book. Anthony made scripture come alive in our every day lives. I appreciate the research he put into it. He gave such clear examples of faith, not only in his own life but in the lives of people, such as Theodore Roosevelt.I'm sure this book will deepen the faith of anyone who reads it.

I like the way the prayers and the sure response is validated by experience and proved by the Word of God.

This book will have you crying tears of joy. It is a great meditation for the journey through this frustrating and painful world. God loves us more than we love ourselves and wants us to have eternal happiness above all else. So take heart, do not be afraid; grab this book and refresh you soul.

I have not been able to finish this book yet as I only have time to read it during down times (which are few), but what I have read is great. Not difficult to read at all. I find that I have a hard time putting it down. It really does cover some of the temptations and "struggles" Christian's face and how some are overcome by them. Hopefully, I will get to finish it soon.

This is a very interesting book. It will help you learn things that you don't understand. I would encourage everyone to read this book.

At first this book was extremely hard to get into. The confusing way it was written, the metaphors, etc, didn't initially interest me that much. However, after truly getting in touch with the characters and themeanings behind their names really struck me. I do think this book is good for those who ant to look at the Christian faith as a trail you take. It teaches a good lesson, and after awhile it becomes interesting to read. A little hard to follow, but very good overall.

This is a time honored book, of which I am using as a text book in my adult Sunday School Class. I am using Maureen L. Bradley's "Study Guide" as an outline to the study. I have only one criticism of the book; they left out the scriptural references, which are found in earlier publication and/or by other publisher's. The book itself was received in excellent condition, and in a timely manner.

I decided I wanted to read this book a while ago and found it for a great price here on Amazon (around $3-$4). Originally a little turned off by the language, I soon found it very intriguing and an all around great story. I would recommend it for anyone with an interest in the Christian faith and I would assume it to be a pretty interesting otherwise. I am nearly done with Christian's journey and looking forward to the second part as well.

This is a text book, actually, but it is very well written and easy to understand. It is the perfect book for someone with an interest in the writings of the Hebrew Bible, but who is not a theologian. It puts the scriptures into the context of the time they were written and how the words are relevant today without being preachy.

This text is a thoughtful, informed overview of the Hebrew Scriptures. Useful for layperson or student. Easy reading.

I ordered this book for a Scripture course I will be taking. It is lavish and informative; like a small encyclopedia, actually.Coogan is known for readable work and in-depth scholarship. I heartily recommend this book.

Coogan has assembled in one place an easy read and fact filled guide to Hebrew Scriptures. The resource is well organized in its approach to Hebrew Scripture and contains historical background material not found else where. A must for any serious scholar interested in studying Hebrew Scripture and knowing more about the historical times of the Hebrew Scriptures.

I have used this book for my theological studies at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. The quality and readability of the book is excellent, it is easy to find your way in the book. Besides, it is handy to read, and also to use as a reference for later.
Actually that is why I bought the book: during the study of the particular exam, somebody lend me this book, so I did not need to buy it. Nevertheless, the sheer usability of the book made me decide to buy it after all, since I am sure I can use it later in my further studies!

The Purpose Driven Life journal, along with the book (The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?) and a good study Bible
(New American Standard, New International, or King James) is a great scripture study guide.

This is a really great journal. I like that it has all the questions and thoughts of the day. I kind of wish it had more writing area, but that's just me!! Goes hand in hand with the book, and I really love that!!

"The 40 Days PDL-Prayer Journal" is an invaluable tool that parallels and intersects with the Purpose Driven Life. One compliments the other. Strength is drawn buy using the tools together! Rick Warren's piece has given me a paradigm shift of the mind. He reminds me of the unshakable center in Christ Jesus. We are custom made by the hand of God. Discover your roots, throw off the unnecessary baggage through insight, meditation & reflection proded by scriptures, Purpose Driven Life quotes and a simple guided prayer. Free fall writing gives access to unlock blocked channels of the mind. Every chapter begins with "Points of Reflection" and "Questions to Consider". We are pressed to consider "The Five Most Important Questions of Your Life".
-Jennifer Hope Webster, Author...
Mis Charlas con Dios: diario de oracion...
Chat with God: Prayer Journal...
President and Founder ChatwithGod Ministries, Inc.

An amazing book as a companion to the Purpose Driven Life. It's a great tool and room for a lot of writing. I love it.

It is an informative and celebration of life experience. The Bible versus and explanations helped me tremendously to understand the Bible. The author has great insight into life and the Bible.
Emily Stefanus

For too many years I was of the mindset that self-care was selfish. I never understood that in order to continue giving I could not continue to ignore the call of my own spirit to stop, rest and reflect. I'm a thinker by divine wiring - but I had somehow come to believe that action was the only gift that mattered. The first time through this book I was stunned and relieved to acknowledge that this "need" in me to break away at points in the day to simply BE with God was not selfish at all, but the healing needed for my tired and sick spirit. I no longer push myself past my limits in order to reach a place of rest (that is always elusive - because there is always "one more thing" that can be done), but I stop and rest, reflect, refresh and relate with God along the way. I now have more of me in which to give to others. I recommend a second and third reading. I'm nearly done for a second time and have learned this time through that my feelings and emotions are part of Gods design too - to speak to me. While it may be true what some say, that feelings can't be trusted... God can be trusted. And emotions can't be ignored - after all God may be using them to teach me something - or build character. I plan on reading again in another 6 months to see what else God plans to reveal. From now on I want to live my life ever more maturely - emotionally and spiritually... to always respond appropriately to everything that comes my way.

It has been frustrating to pour hours of ministry into people that never change. Now I know why. There's more needed than just an understanding of scripture. The author explains in detail the steps to emotional health and spiritual maturity. Very helpful.

This is a follow up to his Emotionally Healthy Church targeting more the individual Christian more than church leaders. I don't agree with some of his theological positions, but the overall concept of emotional health and contemplation are great. This needs to be tempered and discerned with the readers' personality, gifts, and way of learning. The best part are his applications of Sabbath. Worth the read. I also love the way he encouraged the reader to apply the principles as they see fit and are comfortable with. A highly recommend this book to any church leader, any Christian, parent, teacher, anyone!

This book was an emotionally life-changing read for me. Scazzero does a great job of deconstructing the church's unhealthy understanding of the role emotions play in our spiritual lives and reconstructing a biblical understanding of how vital emotional health is to loving God and others.

In this book Peter Scazzero lays out a variety of thoughts and ideas that at it's best will completely have you reevaluate your emotional health by inviting Christ into the mix. I believe the strength of Peter's work draws from not just his experience but also that of many others (the saints of the past) who have given Christianity a go over the years.

From inherited family sin to humility, Peter draws upon the power of scripture and Christ to release new revelation and strength to the reader. I am not sure what else a person could want to gain from a book.

For me, this is one of those books that the first reading just will not do. Having completed it fairly quickly I will retreat to my prayer closet seek the Lord on some obvious things and attack it again. What a valuable resource for leadership in and out of the church. For so many years I have struggled to figure out why so many committed followers of Christ struggle with the basic concepts of "freedom". This book gave me some much-needed understanding of what it means to be "whole" in Christ.

My recommendation is that you read this with your spouse or at least a really close friend. Better yet, read it on the way to a family reunion. (Seriously, that's what we did!) All the while ask the Lord what He would have you gain from such a wonderful written and well-articulated journey into Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.

Foster would probably quibble with my description, "best book on prayer," but that's ok. The book is a phenomenal introduction to the rich variety of Christian prayer. The chapters are short enough to be read in a single sitting but call us to a profound transformation in the secret place of prayer. This book may well be better than Foster's "Celebration of Discipline."

C of D was very good. Prayer out does C of D by a long shot. Layers of good stuff are on every page. Buy and Read.

One of the best books on prayer I've ever read. He's very rooted in Scripture and yet very thorough in His observations on how we, as humans, interact with God. It continues to challenge me as I read through each new chapter. Highly recommended!

God used this wonderful book to pierce my heart with His truth. He has opened my eyes to what prayer really is and deepend my desire to be in converation with Him. This book has taught me new ways to approach The Throne and a new understanding about what it means to intercede for those I love.

I am in a study/prayer group which is using this book as a guide. I find it helpful to discover new depth in prayer.

Stuart Kauffman gave two lectures to our medical school class (U. of Pennsylvania) twenty or so years ago and I have been following his journey every since. I was struck, at the time, at his willingness to wonder at the complexity of ontogeny and admit how much was not understood. An excellent book by all standards, but as one reviewer said, to be fully critical one would need to be an expert in physics, biology, computers and philosophy.

One question, however. Practicing medicine, it seems that hypotheses must be falsifiable. On page 147, chapter Breaking the Galilean Spell, Kauffman says, "It is an amusing fact that scientists who eschew philosophy invariably espouse a philosophy of science that is long outdated. Most scientists today will somberly argue that hypotheses must be falsifiable. But science and real life are more complex." He goes on to describe the philosophy of W. V. O. Quine "the holism in science thesis." "I am not a Popperian," says Kauffman. OK, but didn't Popper support coming up with a hypothesis, and then trying to prove it wrong?(the scientific method?) Any clarification on this point would be helpful.

Also, this would be a great book for a science book club. Not only do we confront how much we don't know, as in the medical school lectures, but how much we ultimately can we know. "We must live our lives forward, into that which is only partially knowable." (P. 282)

I heard this author interviewed on the radio and ordered the book from the library. Three pages in I knew I had to own the book so I could underline and write in the margins. It's a book to dialog with.

This is one of the most difficult 'popular science' books I've ever read. But as much as my brain meat hurts while my neurons are busy trying to cram everything into their speculated quantum semi-coherent computational system, I'm really enjoying the lasting effects of digesting Dr. Kauffman's perspective.

I haven't quite finished yet; I'm on the philosophical payload at the end of the book right now, and as a humanities guy who works with scientists I couldn't agree more with Kauffman's assessment of the relationship between the two fields. We've gained a lot over the past few centuries by parsing and segregating our fields of study & endeavor. Books like this demonstrate that we've reached a point in the evolution of intellect that re-integrating, on some level, will well serve to push our understanding of the world even further.

In a conversation I had with Stuart Kauffman on Star Island, NH in 2006 I told him that I had found his latest book--At Home in the Universe at that time--a difficult read. He responded that that made him sad because he had tried his best to keep it simple. I assured him that that was my problem and not his.

He obviously has done a better job in his latest book, Reinventing the Sacred, in writing for the non-expert audience. While portions of the book were difficult for me, eg, the chapter on the "Quantum Brain", the book overall is much more comprehensible to me personally. I'm sure that others with a deeper background in complexity theory and science will find the book very understandable.

The author shows courage in presenting a new (to me) scientific paradigm--emergence--and in offering what are, in his own words, highly controversial suggestions and potential methods of investigating these suggestions. Graduate students and post-docs should find a wealth of ideas for future research in this book.

As a religious naturalist I appreciate the author's writing of "naturalizing the sacred" and suggesting that he is only the latest of many thinkers who would like to hold on to the god symbol because of its power accumulated over the centuries and across cultures. Kauffman's erudition and graciousness come through in his writing, especially in the latter parts of the book as he pleads for a better understanding of our "evolving ethics" that hopefully will lead to a desperately needed "global ethic". Because we cannot foresee the future--a key feature of emergence--we must nevertheless "live our lives forward, with courage and faith." I think I will.

I will start by saying that this is one of the most inspiring reads I have had in a while on the borderlands between 'faith' and science. A difficult read; at times a perplexing read--yet Kauffman always returns to the point he is trying to make, and each time adds something to the offer. I will qualify this accolade by saying that Kauffman only ever gets to the trailhead in this book; he doesn't define "the sacred" very articulately at any point in the book, and he doesn't delve very deeply into his idea of "God." Yet the journey he takes you on is well-worth the effort it takes to follow his erudite analyses of cosmological, evolutionary, cultural and even economic case studies in "emergence."

He uses these case studies to urge that we need a new concept of God, and a new concept of the sacred. Kauffman is trying, here, to build a bridge between religious and scientific worldviews, and attempts to do this by embracing important concepts from the religious traditions of our species. He makes the very resonant point that "new religions" have always built new temples upon the sacred sites of older religions and reinterpreted them. He urges that a scientific understanding of "the sacred" should be built upon earlier religious concepts, and not reject the traditions of the past out of hand. He is for re-interpreting the ideas of "God" and "the sacred," not rejecting them as anathema to the scientific worldview. This is a courageous step; one that may do some good toward healing the rift between science and religions in our culture.

Kauffman has taken some very important steps, here, I think, and has given other thinkers new platforms from which to launch out into deeper explorations of the "sacred" dimension of reality from a naturalistic, scientific point of view.

This book helped me understand that I needed to make new room for play in creative life. Some writers seem to be born with playfulness built in, and it helps them hugely. My most successful writing has always come out of short playful moments, which is what got me going as a writer of children's books early in my working life, and what draws me back to it in the last few years. In the meanwhile it's taken me embarrassingly long to grok that the best "serious," "adult" fiction often comes from deep playfulness, improvising wildly, and frankly, just making stuff up! That's not all there is to creative writing, but there's nothing without it, seems to me. The chapter in Free Play about Limits is especially useful. It's about how boundaries generate and enrich creative work. Every great game draws its power and excitement from that basic paradox. Nachmanovitch discusses these kinds of things mainly from an improvisational musician's point of view, but it turns out to be the most useful book I've found on the real creative stages of writing--and given me more of them than I used to have! Nutty to Meet You! Dr. Peanut Book #1

I am a musician,and improvisation used to be a mystery. I wanted to do it and was amazed with what other musicians could do but didn't know where to start. It is no longer a mystery to me, and I know of many musicians who would like to discover the joy of "Free Play". This book explains exactly how we are already improvising in our everyday life,and if we examine how we do it, then we will be able to apply the principle to music. Great explanations !!

I found myself saying YESYES!!!! many times in reading this book. I would highly recommend anyone involved in the act of creating, where it be music, acting, painting,cooking, writing,etc to buy this gem of a book. The writer obviously has walked in the shoes he speaks of. It is a great support for those times you are feeling blocked or like you want to forget even trying to create anymore.

THis publication is a descriptive diatribe on the "cosmic" nature of improvisation. It is not a manual that "teaches", but rather a collection of bits & pieces of information that are collaged together. There are good points in the book and it is extremely well written by a PHD holder who obviously is an expert in the field.

I was hoping the book would be more of a manual of "how to" but it was still very useful as a "mind opener"

Nachmanovitch writes from the perspective of a professional musician, yet makes it easily possible to transfer his ideas to any realm. Nachmanovitch's ideas are consistent with the thinkers today who believe we are in the Creativity Age, and that all people are creative.

The story of the flute player is skillfully woven throughout the book, and its meaning is clear and timeless.

In both the book and DVD version, Nicholi presents himself as neutral on the question of the existence or nonexistence of God. In fact, Nicholi is a founding board member of powerful conservative Christian lobbyist group the Family Research Council, which actively attempts to outlaw homosexual and abortion rights while advocating abstinence-only sex education and the theory of Intelligent Design. While I assume Nicholi has the best intentions, his strong bias comes through in every aspect of the work, and in the end this feels like an unfairly hidden conflict of interest.

By pitting unhappy and mean-spirited Freud against joyous Lewis, Nicholi seems to imply that all Christians are happy and all atheists are grumpy. Obviously, it would be just as easy to focus on a happy atheist and grumpy Christian, so this argument is groundless. However, because the argument is forwarded consistently yet implicitly, it is difficult to easily identify and refute. Just listen to the typically disjointed and melancholic music used in the Freud scenes compared to the happy or profound music selected for Lewis.

Nicholi frames the God question as: "We make one of two basic assumptions: we view the universe as an accident, or we assume an intelligence beyond the universe who gives the universe order, and for some of us, meaning to life." This framing of the question is unambiguously borrowed from the Intelligent Design movement Nicholi is part of, and rests on an implicit assumption not 1 atheist in 1,000 would agree with: that the only alternative to God is Accident. In fact, as soon as Nicholi finishes framing the question, skeptic Louis Massiah gently corrects him: "To me there is an order to the way things are, and the central question is whether you want to say that the 'orderer' is God."

The above is not an isolated example; throughout the work, Nicholi's method, particularly in his framing of questions and frequent use of specious but masked assumptions, is heavily weighted in favor of his hidden bias. Nicholi's course addresses one of the most fascinating of all questions, and was engaging to read and watch. However, I feel he has some moral obligation to be forthcoming about having co-founded a group actively pushing Intelligent Design in Washington, and to resist his frequent reliance on rhetorical sleight-of-hand.

a really interesting book - a lot of insight into why people have the beliefs that they have.

I like this book.This book is a comparison between thoughts of C.S lewis and Sigmund freud.If we view how psychology of two was different and have completely opposite views on subject of love, sex, life. It is interesting how people can fall into categories of haveing optimistic ,positive view of life and on the other hand developing dark,pessimistic view of life emerging from belief and unbelief.

I feel compelled to try to briefly describe how much I enjoyed Armand Nicholi's comparison of the lives and philosophies of Freud & Lewis. Perhaps my personal point of view made C.S. Lewis' philosophy seem a lot more appealing than Freud's. Nicholi claims an objective review at the outset of the book, but it seems to me that Freud is presented in a much more negative light than Lewis.

I found Lewis' more postive portrayal to be a positive, however, I can see where other (less theistic) readers could find this a negative.

A friend recommended this book to me. Glad I read it. Thought provoking and interesting, although I'm not thoroughly convinced that the author is entirely neutral in presenting the information and which man he prefers. In two years as a psyc major had never heard this much detail on Freud's life, and to be honest, if the facts are correct (and I have no reason to doubt them) it leaves some serious questions as to the stability of Freud's own emotional life, despite whether he was an aetheist or not. I'd recommend it not only for those with spiritual questions regarding the existence of a Creator, but also for anyone interested in knowing what made these two men "tick."

this wasn't the best book ever.. but it was very much worth while. WARNING TO ALL: this is NOT a book about peer pressure or friends.. this is about guys, girls, and sex. Although it would be soooo helpful to teenage girls if they seemed to boy crazy, looking for the wrong type of boys, or were the target of some particular guy already, this book is not the best! *sigh* It was a very good read though. And it did teach me more! I actually couldn't put it down! Although could've been better, it is a very good book to read.

After having some struggles of my own, I picked up this book at the library and tore through it on a 10-hour drive to PA. I found it well-written and honest. I loved how nearly every possible sexual temptation had a chapter of its own, and was pretty relieved when only one or two of the chapters really applied to me.
The big negative of this book was the silly definitions at the bottom of the pages. I'm 21 years old, just one year older than the suggested range of 20-14, and I knew every single definition, from compartmentalization to clitoris. I suppose these must be very helpful for the younger readers though, and offer some honest definitions of a bunch of body parts.
Anyway, I still really enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it to anyone going through any kind of battle with purity. Although the definitions get a bit annoying, it's still a very relevant book for anyone.

My mom bought this book for me, and its one of the best books I have ever read! This is a truely awesome book full of information. This is a must read for every teenage girl!!

I found myself checking the copywrite date on the book because it seemed to have been written long, long ago. The pop culture references are from days past. I noticed this book got a lot of positive reviews from older women and that makes a lot of sense to me.

I will say that this book is NOT inappropriate for any young lady over the age of 12. there is nothing described in the book that a girl over the age of 12 hasn't already been exposed to. Believe me Moms, as much as you might not want to believe it, your daughter does know.

The authors speak bluntly (specific sexual behaviors and STDs are discussed) yet lovingly and biblically about how to maintain sexual integrity. My favorite chapters were the ones on how to spot Mr. Right and falling in love with Jesus. Both these chapters really got to the heart of the matter on what to do once you learn and acknowledge sex belongs within the boundaries of marriage. Also, I really enjoyed the inclusion of personal lessons each author had learned from their lives. I have already loaned my book to my cousin; and, let my mother read it too. Also, I recommended it to my whole family and my co-workers. I was only disappointed in the fact that I believed this book would be geared toward 20-somethings. But I think it was more focused on teens. Still, I was able to glean solid, practical, biblical guidelines from its pages. For readers who are looking for this same kind of book directed to 20-somethings or older, please see "Every Woman's Battle" written by the same authors.