Religion Books

and I can't be more thankful for the way the Lord used Dave Harvey to pen such bold truth.

Harvey has brilliantly published a book on biblical theology and the Cross-centered Gospel under the guise of marriage. He basically follows the example of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:22-33. The majority of people read that passage and think it's about marriage first and foremost, but when one takes a step back and they read it Theo/Christocentrically, they'll find that the passage is actually more about Christ and the Gospel than it is about marriage! Marriage is simply one manner in which Believers are called to "be imitators of God" (Eph. 5:1) and live by the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

So that when the Ephesians passage is written with Christ front and center, and all together glorious, then our marriages take the humble backseat to the blazing center of God's glory as displayed in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Thereafter, Paul teaches us that honoring our parents, parenting our children, and our lives in the workplace need to be theologically contextualized and lived out practically to the reflection of Christ, by the power of the Spirit, and to the glory and honor of God!

I appreciate Harvey continually placing before the reader that we need to think theologically about our marriages. And when we do, the Most High and transcendent God consumes our man-centered ideas of the "wife needing love" and the "husband needing respect..." Harvey moves us from thinking needs-centered to Gospel-centered.

I'm especially thankful to Tedd Tripp who, while at a conference back in the summer of 2007 in Modesto, CA handed me a free copy of "When Sinners Say I Do."

This book has a lot of practical guidance, it shows how the Gospel should influence our marriages to the Glory of God.

This is one of the best books I've read -- not just on "marriage" but on the Gospel and it's application in any kind of relationship (marriage or otherwise). I'm not married but I think this book would be a great primer for anyone, and a great resource for those who are already married. It isn't simply doctrinal, but Dave Harvey also throws in his own life experiences and anecdotes that made me laugh out loud, or brought me to tears. It's not a difficult read but still contains meaty scripture references and solid theology (which the author Harvey makes sure you understand right off the bat). The foundation of this book is GRACE and how if we see ourselves first as the chief of sinners, then we will be more willing to extend grace to those closest to us.

I have read many books on marriage. Some are good, some not as good. This one is fantastic. It gets to the root issue ,which is we have difficulties in our marriages because there are two sinners involved that many times do not look to the Savior daily.

Too many books out there are directed towards the wife (Let's face it, sadly, many men are not readers) and turn out to be nothing more than warmed over psycho-babble, talking about unmet needs and unfulfilled desires. When we look to our spouse, instead of Christ, to 'meet our needs' we are looking in the wrong place. It is true that the Lord often uses our spouse as a means to bless us and fulfill our needs and desires, but what happens when He doesn't? This is the strength of the book.

I have counseled people who are in marital strife and I will recommend this book to all of them as well as anyone that asks me to officiate at their wedding. This is required material for anyone that wants to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ in their marriage.

If you are looking for step by step guides as to how to make your home run smoothly, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a book that is biblical, readable and one that either husband or wife can read. READ THIS BOOK. You will not be disappointed!

This is a good marriage book but the handful of others I've read have been better- Sacred Marriage, Starting Your Marriage Right, Sheet Music, and Love That Lasts. This one is a little too long for the subject and is pretty repetitive. It is worth your time but I wouldn't put it on top of the list.

Dr. Ogden has given the church, and especailly pastors who see the command to disciple, a great tool. Discipleship Essentials provides a frameword where "life on life" discipleship can take place. It is the catyist that allows men and women to go deeper in their relationship with Christ, and also growing together toward the goal of being reproducing disciples of the Savior. Hats off to Dr. Ogden! Doc, you're the real deal, thanks for serving the Savior with your fine work!
PC - Amery, WI

I'm two months into Discipleship Essentials with two other men, and I'm already seeing amazing results. This is by far the most effective approach to disciple making that I have ever experienced. It has revolutionized my ministry and given me a do-able, long-term strategy for training leaders and growing our local church. I also highly recommend reading Ogden's Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time before launching your own discipleship group.

Jesus commanded us in Matthew 28:18-20 to go and make disciples of all nations. This book helps do just that. It guides a person through the process of becoming a mature disciple of Jesus Christ. More than that, it is helping create strong intimate relationships between people. This is something that disciples need to do but we are often "too busy" to do.

I have used Discipleship Essentials with two different triads over the past two years and found it to be wonderful and effective in deepening spiritual maturity.

Greg has spent a lot of time creating study ideas for sessions with disciples. This is a practical curriculum for disciplemaking involving engagement with scripture, discussion, and issues to pray for. It's a book I would recommend for people looking for study ideas.
-Dennis McCallum, author Organic Disciplemaking: Mentoring Others Into Spiritual Maturity And Leadership

I received the Message Bible in a timely fashion and it was as described. It's a great paraphrase of the bible and very readible and understandable.

I Love this Bible. Anyone that has trouble understanding the King James Version will enjoy reading it. It is plain spoken and easy to understand. I use the New King James version as my main source and read this along side of it.

I got this Bible because I really needed to get jazzed up about reading the Word again. This is exactly what I needed at the time.

This is NOT the Bible, but a paraphrase - understand that. It is not meant to be used as the Bible, but a tool for inspiration and study, kind of like a commentary.

I find it very helpful and useful as such.

Sometimes the language is hit or miss. When it is good it is good, and I can really savor God's love even more in those verses.

At worst, it takes scripture out of context or misinterprets it, and while that is bad, again, understand this is NOT the Bible. It doesnt claim to be.

All the bad reviews of this book are pretty irrelevant, because if this is used properly, then it is a great tool for study and fresh interpretation.

The way I use it is I read primarily from an NIV translation, then if I didnt understand something I will see how the Message interprets it. I also use NASB, Amplified, and KJV if necassary.

Also, like I said, when the paraphrased verses are good, they are good! Beautiful and inspiring, and sometimes even hilarious - when slang is mixed in there.

If you are looking for another tool to help you understand God's Word or even to spice up your time with God, this isn't bad at all. It helped me. Just make sure you use as directed.

Finally, at the age of 64, I am reading the Bible, thanks to this translation. I've started before, and put it aside. This time, and this version, IT'S A KEEPER!

I've been waiting for a bible to be released like this my whole life and FINALLY it is here!

NOW I can't wait to read The Message from cover to cover. From the moment I saw in a bookstore, I could not put it down....I'm getting this large print leather-bound version very soon.

And I'm not even a Christian, yet I've always wanted to understand the Bible........

THANK YOU, Eugene!:)

This book is full of practical, real information to help you love in a very authentic way those you encounter on a daily basis. Plenty of real-life examples provides both ideas and motivation to put real love into your life. Chapman does a fabulous job on this one!

Gary Chapman does a great job of applying practical advice to areas of life that should be simple but, because of sin, aren't. I enjoyed his way of breaking love into 7 aspects that can be applied as we live, act, think about others and about how we treat them.

This book has been a proven point that basic manners and morals are diminshing in the world todady. A lot of what Dr. Chapman talks about are things that parents used to teach their children. Many parents do not have time to put as much emphasis on the basics any more and some children do not take the time to listen enough to understand how valuable some things are. It even reminded of some of the things that I used to do as a second nature that I no longer do but will strive to make a better effort. He is an awesome writer. This is a book that would be beneficial to anyone that is struggling with relationships in general.

This book is reveals nothing more than basic commonsense and good principles in any relationship. Chapman uses recent news stories as examples, no research a first hit Google could not accomplish and insight is rudimentary at best. For example, devil incarnate, Charles Roberts, who blew the brains out of five Amish girls (ages 6-13)was used as an example of Amish principles of forgiveness and love that shocked more than the killings. Further, Chapman cites Roberts suicide note saying he had been regretful for the last 20 years after molesting 2 girls (girls who 20 years later say it never happened) as if Roberts had received the expression of love the Amish gave, maybe somehow he would have been a better person - give me a break. Interestingly, Richard Nixon is used as an example of someone who could not grow close and love and had lack of integrity, ultimately ended his presidency. Had Chapman actually researched Richard Nixon, and ignored simplistic revisionist historians, he could have used Nixon as an example of someone who had extraordinary love of family and of country. For examples: Nixon received scholarships to Yale and Harvard, but chose to take on a father role to help out his mom and ailing brothers during financial hard times rather than running off to the east where he could have easily earned room and board for himself; Nixon also drove around prospective wife Pat on dates with other guys when he was trying to gain her attention, a special love I could never imagine and exceeds much of Chapman's weak rhetoric; Nixon also publicly forbade the Republican party from pursuing recounts and investigations into voter fraud that more than likely would have given him 1960 election against Kennedy as to avert a constitutional crisis; moreover, Nixon resigned, not as lack of integrity, but because of it to avert disruption of impeachment as love of country more than love of self. Said to be shifty and heartless why would Nixon step down or resign rather than stand and fight - much better an example of lack of integrity would to have used Bill Clinton when he lied to our country, courts, and wife and put our country in turmoil over cheap sex in the Oval Office.

I cannot imagine people in relationships so dysfunctional that paying for this advice in office or book form would be so valued or life changing, but more power to him if he can help.

If you use some of the ideas Gary Chapman shares in his "Love as a Way of Life", you will improve the quality of life for yourself and everyone around you. This is self-improvement with the focus on treating other people better, a refreshing switch from many self-help programs.
Mr. Chapman uses short insightful stories about people he has helped as a marriage and family life counselor, to suggest to readers how they can easily apply techniques to improve themselves, and affect family, friends and strangers in an upbeat way.
He discusses seven virtues: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty and I imagine all of us can improve in some of these areas.
He gives fun little questionaires including "How patient am I?".
I turned to the chapter "Making love a way of life in the workplace", since I spend so many hours at work Monday through Friday, and I aim to make those hours pleasant, and even joyful at times. He has a lot of focus on marriages and family and tells some sweet stories about long successful marriages, which are great inspirations.
In the chapter on courtesy he offers advice like "Make requests, not demands" and "Once a failure has been confessed and forgiven, never bring it up again." These are good suggestions to keep in mind and to follow.
Everyone I know admits that they are impatient, for example. Forgiveness is another area that many of us can use help in achieving. Every reader will find helpful tips here, for some aspects of their life that can use rejuvenation.
Terra Hangen, author of Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts: Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your HolidayA Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts: Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holidays

The Power is in the Understanding

The "meaning" of this book is summarized by Black Elk himself when he says, and repeats, toward the end of the book "The power is in the Understanding". He is explaining how it was decided that he should share with the rest of his tribe a vision he has been entrusted with. They develop a ritual dance, which acts out his vision. In this manner, the entire tribe participates in the communication of this vision, and hopefully results in understanding of its message. I believe Black Elk's motivation in participating in the interviews, which this book captures, is his desire to share with all people the truth of what happened to him and his people, and the truth of what his spiritual lessons offer.

He wants to empower everyone through understanding. The Power is in the Understanding.

Most review's I've read on this book fall primarily into two camps: "Scholastic" (this is a great work of history / theology) or "Unappreciative" (I don't understand why anyone would want to read this).

This book is a verbatim (edited for presentation I assume) dictation of interviews with Black Elk. So, this is not a book read for "entertainment". However, as a historical documentation it cannot be replaced.

This is a must-read for anyone interested in Theology and/or Native American studies.

I purchased this new, and expected it to be sealed. Not only was it not sealed, but a couple of pages were folded. I would have returned this item. However, I bought this as a gift and was on a timeline. I also purchased a new CD which came in a busted case. I have always trusted Amazon, and been very satisfied in the past.
Very disappointed.

I have to disagree with some people's assessment of this title. I found this book to be very insightful and very intimate in nature. I suppose for non-fiction I do tend to a have preference for books that have an approachable, if not conversational style. And that is really what this feels like. Black Elk recounts his life and spiritual experience with beautiful imagery that proves to be quite profound in its simplicity. While the Native American culture is highly romanticized through many works by people not of that ethnicity, I think this book gives readers something that the others don't. A look into the lives of Native Americans through their eyes. Real, flawed, but genuine. While many might think that Black Elk may despise the white man for his ways and the treatment of his people, there is a great understanding that underlies his words that displays a great respect for his fellow man regardless of skin color. Neihardt and Black Elk were kindred spirits and this comes through. In the end, like Chief Seattle said before him, Black Elk serves to remind readers of man's connection to the earth and to one another.

This book is very different from many others that I have read about Native Americans. It feels as though Black Elk is there having a conversation with you. A very personal book. Provides valuable insights to life no matter what your ethnic background.

It's nice to read a book these days that's actually well written.
Easy to read. Love Black Elk's sense of humor!

I love this book of Puritan praises and prayers. If you appreciate poetry, you will love Valley of Vision. It is so deeply written and humble and very refreshing to find what you feel put exactly into words.

The prayers of the Puritans are incredibly inspiring and beautiful. The combination of a close relationship with God and their command of the English language make these prayers powerful and enlightening. They show a depth of spirituality rarely experienced today and are an example and learning experience to all Christians. They touched my heart and life.

Valley of Vision is an incredible collection of Puritan Prayers that can serve as a great devotional for the true Christian. The humility, praise, and love for the Lord expressed by these Christians is awe inspiring and truly uncommon in this day and age. I whole-heartedly recommend this collection of mediations for the Christian following hard after Christ.

Are there times when you have difficulty going to the Lord in prayer? Begin reading this collection, pick any page and begin. These prayers will inspire your own prayer life and help you articulate your humility and your desire to honor, glorify and please God. There are prayers for repentance, conviction, awareness of the Holy Spirit and many others as well as morning and evening prayers. You'll be awestruck by the language of the authors as they go to the Lord in prayer.

These prayers and devotions are wonderfully written. Passionate and thought provoking. Many phrases will remind you of scripture. I read them over and over and discover new morsels to digest. I have given copies to my friends. I carry it right next to my Bible.

Great book! Provides a solid alternative to the world's system, and a far better one at that, since it puts Christ first.

This book is more for those in their early 20's, whereas Harris' first book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" is more for teenagers.

My thoughts where changed after reading IKDG and am wholy convinced that it was God who used this book to do what the bible teaches in Romans 12:2. Needless to say I have had alot of bad relationships that have left alot of scars. I can now say my focus is on Gods plan for my life, a message clearly stated in this book on dating. There are things God wants to do first. He wants you to see His plan first. He may have a Million dollar plan for your life!
Although I have not read this book, yet, I commend Joshua for the efforts he is making to turn the hearts of those God has chosen through Josh's ministry.
My message to anyone who reads these books is to ask God to reveal those things you need to see and teach you based on Josh's courageous ground breaking attempts to turn this big ship around.
Read Josh's books with a open mind in lieu of one that is set upon a tradition.
I challange this same mindset to search what your heart will say so that you to can reach out and touch the hearts of the hurting.

Didn't Mister Harris ask his future wife out on date the first time he met her?

I recommend this book to all my friends who are in relationships or are single but are wanting to look at how inter-gender relations ought to be carried out, biblically. My boyfriend and I read it and it has been a great "yellow line" (reference to an analogy Harris gives) for us.

If anyone has read the title "I kiss dating goodbye," then you are aware of Joshua Harris' ungodly and unbiblical stance against Christian relationships, and may know of the damage it has done to members of the church in modern times. Young Christians have been leaving the church in droves after discovering it is "sick and ungodly" to have coffee with friends, go on dates, or pine after someone unless God "magically" steps in.

"Boy meets Girl" is a hypocrits' attempt to defend the relationship that he entered into soon after penning his original blasphemous piece of filth. For those who don't follow modern theology or have no notion of biblical applications, this would be as if Al Gore wrote "Why I trash the world, a polluter's attempt to foul the atmosphere." after "Inconvenient Truth." It really is that much of a turn-around. Unfortunately for him, this brazen attempt by Harris to cover his tracks merely points to how scandalous, misguided and damaging his first attempt at perverting the Bible was.

America's established congregations face a dilemma - how do they reach younger adults without alienating those over 60? The future may lie with this younger cohort, but the financial support and leadership of many congregations is to be found in the older group. Eddie Hammett and James Pierce have attempted to address this dilemma, making it a must read book for anyone involved in leadership in these congregations.

Hammett is Senior Leadership Consultant for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, a coach and trainer for Valwood Christian Leadership Coaching, and founding partner for the Columbia Partnership. His partner is a certified life coach who focuses on helping organizations transition effectively. It is important to note that while the publisher, -- Chalice Press, is a Mainline Protestant publisher the book has definite Baptist roots and tenor. That being said, the message it holds will be of value to congregations from across the theological spectrum - even if the illustrations at points seem rather Baptist.

While the book has a "church growth" feel to it, the authors recognize that we have entered a postmodern era where the church must embrace a missional understanding of itself. The focus is not just adding members, it's ministering to the world in which the church exists. For pastors of traditional congregations it's important to hear that younger people aren't all that interested in what Hammett calls "nickels and noses." They want to make a difference and don't have time or energy to spend on committees or details. Mission not business is the focus.

Part of the purpose of the book is to explain to the two constituencies the concerns and issues of the other. Here he leans on generational theory. He also challenges the two groups - which are in no way homogeneous - to listen to the other. In a brief chapter near the end of the book he talks to those between the ages of 40 and 60. This group - largely composed of Baby Boomers - is called to lead and to interpret. They are (I can say we are) the glue that can bind these two groups together. They are the thought leaders and innovators, the ones who are called to introduce and manage the changes the church faces. In this capacity this cohort is changed with bridging the younger and older groups. Hammett and Pierce suggest that the older set see themselves in missional mode. That is, just as missionaries must learn and understand the language and culture of the group they will minister to and with, so must those who are long established in the congregation. They must, he suggests, if this is to be successful learn to appreciate - if not enjoy - the music and concerns of those much younger than themselves. At the same time, they are called to empower and mentor those who are younger. And here is a primary issue - Baby Boomers have not shown themselves adept at either mentoring younger people or show willingness to pass on leadership to those younger than themselves. That "me first" identity that has dogged the generation effects this part of the church experience.

The point in this effort is to move the church from an "us vs. them" mentality where everyone loses, to one that allows for a "win-win" situation. It is, to use a metaphor that I've grown fond of lately; we must learn to tend one vineyard while planting another. To do this effectively, changes must happen first to values and then to structures.

Our habit is to focus on structures rather than on values, but changing staff assignments or adding programs will have little meaning if we don't first address the core values of the congregation. Among those values is missional focus. If we are focused inward on taking care of those already in the fold, then it will be difficult to minister to those outside the walls. In other words, we must be first committed to the cause and be clear about what that cause is. It is clarity as to cause that will help guide the congregation as it loosens the hold of rules and regulations.

For churches to effectively connect with younger people, they must change. Change will happen, though the authors offer a caveat. While form changes, function doesn't (Great Commission and Great Commandment). It will require reallocating staff and volunteer time and energy. It means changing the way we worship, study the Bible, and minister in the community. Many of these changes will prove unsettling to older adults, whose culture is very different. They will tend to focus on nickels and noses, which is why values must be changed first. All of this will take considerable energy to teach, interpret, and encourage. Perhaps it's no surprise, considering his own vocation, but Hammett places emphasis on the idea of coaching. He encourages congregations embarking on this journey to engage a professional coach, one who can guide them through the difficult times and offer resources. At the same time, he encourages leadership - especially pastors - to see themselves as coaches. Throughout the book he presses this case by what he calls "coaching questions."

If you are planting a new congregation that is focused on younger adults, perhaps communities such as those proposed by Emergent leaders, this book may hold little value. But, for those who are charged with leading established congregations and wish to help their congregations become missional communities that include both the young and the old, this book is essential reading. And, if you're not Baptist or don't speak the evangelical language that pops up throughout the book, don't worry about it - look for the many words of wisdom that will help you move forward in ministry.

I have been wondering since I entered the ministry how we can honor the faithful elders while attracting those under 40. Here is a book that is up-to-date and takes a church step by step through the transformation needed to reach younger people while honoring the elders.

One caveat, the authors come from an evangelical theological standpoint, so if you are more liberal theologically, you will need to filter some of their statements. This does not detract from the usefulness of the book.

Every mainline minister and church who would like to get out there and engage people needs this book.

Keeping and Reaching is an insightful glimpse at what today's churches will need to embrace to survive and accomplish the great commission--reaching a new generation. If you're a leader who is ready to roll up your sleeves and dig in, this is the book for you.
This book does a thorough job describing where we are today and gives practical steps for birthing the future. I recommend this book to all church leaders who want to survive the 21st century.

Can you think of a question about the future vitality of existing congregations that is asked more often than "how can we reach people under 40 while keeping people over 60?" I can't! And neither could primary author Eddie Hammett when an over 60 woman first posed this question to him.

As a constant observer and encourage of congregations, Eddie determined he ought to write a book on this subject. He teamed up with a friend--Randy Pierce--who had been a spiritual traveler for many years, and represented the under 40 crowd. Randy, now a practicing Christian, is able in this book to recount the perspective of under 40 persons who are searching for a church experiences that speaks to their needs.

The approach taken by this book is not a big bang approach where congregations get whiplash in the middle of making changes needed to attract people under 40. It is a coaching and learning approach where congregations develop the capacity to do and/both--reach the under 40 crowd while simultaneously affirming the the 60 plus stakeholders. It is a win-win approach that seeks to carry everyone forward into God's future.

Along the way various approaches are suggested in dealing with the existing tension in congregations before they start this journey, and the additional tension likely to arise as congregation focus on the under 40 and over 60 folks.

This is also a very personal story for Eddie, as he recounts in his book. He talks about how the "ah hah's!" needed by the over 60 stakeholders was experienced in his home church that led them to embrace changes that would attract the under 40 crowd.

Throughout the book are helpful coaching questions that can be used for dialogue sessions in congregations. Also, do not miss the coaching interview between Eddie and Randy at the end of the book.

Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60 is one of several resources that speak to the transformation journey of congregations. Others to consult are:

Pursuing the Full Kingdom Potential of Your Congregation (TCP Leadership Series) Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Postmodern Age (TCP Leadership Series) Renew Your Congregation: Healing the Sick, Raising the Dead (TCP Leadership Series)

The book is a great read. It provides insights into how things came to be in the context of history, especially art history. I do graphic designs so it's particularly interesting to learn, for instance, the origins of liturgical colors or how some colors evolved into their present form. (Important in explaining identity designs.) The book is written in very casual, and understandable style. The book provides ways to answer or explain certain matters of faith and Tradition in a very conversational tone. Johnson doesn't tackle anything new really nor does he delve deeply into any subject matter. Better to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the footnotes in the Bible, which essentially explain the same things. While the CCC would only mention that some rituals and practieces were shaped by culture and time, Johnson expounds on exactly what these influences are. He covers only a few however. Still, they provide a deep inside into Sacered Tradition and makes one have clearer images of what exactly he is meditating on in Scriptures or Liturgy.

However, what he does accomplish is to explain many things in casual, conversational language that one can use in friendly, coffee-shop talk, perhaps even in explaining to young people or those who want some answer to trivia whys and hows of the Faith.

I coordinate a program for adults who want to become Catholic and this book has become an invaluable teaching tool. I have used it for years.

I have purchased this book over and over because when someone expresses interest in Catholicism I usually give them my copy. It is beautifully written and although it is not a new book, the information is still correct. One reason for that is that the author explains how practices evolved and as it is history, it does not become outdated.

Really great information for Catholics and Non-Catholics alike. Rich in history and easy to read. Pick this one up!

This is a handy and easy read organized into brief chapters dedicated to a particular distinctive of the Catholic faith. The organization of material is perfect for ready reference to a specific interest or to be read through in any order. Dr. Johnson organized the material into 4 parts under the headings, faith, worship, culture, and customs.

Each part is organized into brief chapters on focused topics. Part one on faith covers such topics as the formation of the canon of scripture, how the church makes laws, and how the church views other documents of the early church not included in the canon. Part two on worship provides material on topics such as the meaning of common symbols and order of the mass as well as background on the stations of the cross and the rosary prayer. Part three concerning culture delves into the pope and vocations in the church and provides background on apparitions and signs (Fatima, weeping images, etc). Part four on customs provides a wealth of information on the meaning of materials and symbols in worship including music, medals, sacramentals, incense, water, and even numbers.

Whether you are a Catholic who has wondered the significance of a given practice or a non-Catholic seeking to understand, you will find a treasure of information here. It is a fantastic introduction to many of the practices that have been wrongfully dismissed as mere superstition. The history and culture of the Catholic faith is rich with meaning and significance. It is an heritage Catholics too often neglect. This is not just a how-to of these practices but a well developed study in why we do them. All within a text that is easy and enjoyable to read. A great resource and part of that Catholic heritage to be cherished.

The Bible For Dummies...Finally! A book that is written with the mentality of its intended audience firmly in mind!
There are many books with the sub-text"for dummies" ...most of these concentrate on useful topics.."Computers for dummies"or "French cuisine for dummies"..Some delve into more esoteric topics,explaining how certain famous authors created thier alternate fictional worlds,or decribing old traditions or belief-systems to modern readers...
Writing a book like this one,for "dummies"and about the bible one must tread carefully..Those who blindly have"faith" in what the bible claims will not be satisfied with any "explainations" that do not conform with thier own notions,and,on the other hand,those who have a scientific,"secular" approach to things will find "explainations" of such unlikely events as walking on water or raising the dead to be,in a word,absurd...
Not that this author does not try..Much of what he lists here is based on the more prevailing religious traditions,which in itself is an underlining of the the irony to be found in the books title..For far too many the bible is not a religious tradition but a book of"facts",based on "belief" and not on reality..And since this points to a subjective rather than an objective point of view,any tidbit of data to be found in this volume will be compared to whatever form of belief the reader subscribes to and either accepted or rejected on that basis alone...
One cannot write a book "for dummies" about the bible,since one must,for all practical purposes,be a"dummy" in the first place to believe in much of what the bible contains.

Book gives a generalized summary of the Bible. Very little interpretation. Good for basic reading/introduction.

Well written and holds my attention. Good overview. Using it for a Sunday School class.

I have always tried to read the Bible front to back, and I have always gotten lost somewhere in the middle of Genesis. This book has helped turn the confusion into common, understandable words. I am still early in the book, BUT I now understand WAY more than I ever have. There are also tidbits throughout that explain contreversal and interesting parts of the Bible, and the authors present them without bias. The first chapter made me understand differences between the Literature used by Jews, Christians, and the Koran; I had no idea we believe in the same beginnings. This is a great book for the person, like me, who has tried to understand the Bible but can never get past the wording and sequencing. If you are looking for direction in spirituality, this may not be the inpirational jolt you need. Forget about what serious Bible-beaters tell you, the light-hearted speech of the authors does NOT deface nor belittle the wonderful message the Bible has for us.

I teach theology and this book is invaluable for Scripture study. It is written in a light-hearted style that is easy to read and thoroughly immersed in the heart of the Bible. A must-have for anyone interested in truly understanding the Word.