Religion Books

My class uses it as the main textbook. Overall, it's a good book. A big chunk in each chapter discusses the contents of each book in the New Testament, which is NOT what we want. But it's worth reading.

Great overview of the New Testament. Gundry looks at many different issues and gives little tidbits that help in understanding the Bible.Survey of the New Testament, A (4th Edition)

I am using this book for a college course and I have found this book very interesting. I am not a big reader by any means. However, I have enjoyed reading this book and learning about the history behind the New Testament writers. It gives me a new perspective when I read my bible and a greater understanding of what's going on in within each of the books of the bible. This is a keeper for future reference and to use in my personal studies.

Very good presentation of various viewpoints. Pictorial and written illustrations are outstanding. Occasionally the author's personal viewpoint is presented as an undisputed fact.

I believe that Robert Gundry has written the best introduction to the New Testament for several reasons:

1. easy to read, but not lacking in content
2. not intimidating, yet still academic
3. wonderful pictures! :)

I read the 3rd edition when I was in college. However, I like the 4th edition much better. Compared to other surveys... this one is an over-all superb treatment of the New Testament. There are plenty of illustrations, maps, timelines, and charts. The fourth edition has updated bibliographies, maps, pictures, and pronuciations of important terms. This introduction will help the reader to enter into the context of the New Testament and will strengthen your knowledge of the situations and circumstances of the original biblical author.

I recommend this book to the common man on the street... as well as the student who is able to give his time and energy to the study of the wonderful world of the New Testament.

I also recommend reading:
Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible
Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Theology for the Community of God
The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?

This Bible is absolutely wonderful. At the start of each book it tells who wrote the book if known and why the book is important. The text is written in plain English much easier for kids to understand (and myself). There are side texts with sugessted activities and additional explanation of significant stories. I LOVE this Bible - this is the one I read personally now myself and I don't know how I would get through Bible School without it!

Adventure Bible, Revised, NIV This book arrived in exellent condition. It was exactly what I was looking for.
The 7 Day Mental Diet This book arrived in excellent condition. It was exactly what I was looking for.

I received book in excellent condition, a lot faster than I expected (within days). My son loves it!

Love the historical/background information. This is a good resource for helping today's kids identify with the Bible's historical figures, cultures, and lessons. Without completely altering the poetic language, it offers activities and ideas to improve comprehension and help children see the relevance of the text to their own lives.

I purchased this as a first bible for my 6 year old son. There are bursts of fast facts and passages paraphrased to make it easier for browsing. My son enjoys reading these and even for adults like myself, the background informations are helpful.
The generous amount of illustrations captures his attention and aids in his comprehension of certain passages of the bible.
I can surely say this is the best thing I've bought for my son.

Sonia's work is amazing. This is the first time I've ever read any of her books or any book like this for that matter. I felt dissatisfied in many area's of my life, scared and closed off spiritually, I felt led to this book as soon as I saw it online and I couldn't be happier that I listened to my higher self and got it. I have already ordered her meditations CD and am waiting for the 'Trust Your Vibes' book in the mail. With so much spiritual mumbo-jumbo out there I am a bit skeptic, not of the spiritual world, but of the people who claim/try to lead you there. I have to say thank you to Sonia for being such a true healer and teacher. Her teachings are all about the positive, about things that every human should know or does know, but has forgotten or been told to forget. If you are like I was, knowing that there was more to the world than what I could see or if you find yourself saying thank you out loud for finding your keys when your running late or for remembering suddenly something important when there's no one there but you-then this book is definitely for you. Read it, learn it, love it, you'll be thankful you did!

I cant explain the experiences of the book, but I def recommend it - great for the curious! A+++

I enjoyed Sonia Choquette on Hayhouseradio.com and wanted to read one of her books. Ask Your Guides captured me right from the start, both in looking at it here on line and once I began reading it. She is an incredible author and teacher. Sonia has a way of communicating that is easy to understand.

I discovered new techniques to utilize in my daily life with the various guides. There have been several occasions where I've requested their services and fully believe they have helped me. This book has helped me on my spiritual journey. A friend of mine and I are studying the book together now that we've both finished reading it.

I have recommended Ask Your Guides to many people and have given the book as a gift. A friend of mine and I are now studying the book together.

What a blessing!

One of my favorite authors. She has done it again. This book is great. Sonia Choquette teaches us all how to be more comfortable with those in spirit.

Sonia Choquette: Ask Your Guides

In this book, Sonia not only discusses the various angelic influences on our lives, but also goes into detail regarding the different roles that spirit guides can play in our lives, from "runners" who help us with practical details (yes, like finding a parking space!) to those who help us in a teaching capacity to transcend our egos and become more consciously aware.

I bought Sonia's book about a year ago after a psychic reading in which I was introduced briefly to one of my guides, and it was extremely useful in helping me meet and interact with the various spirits who form my guide team. I would certainly recommend it as an excellent overview of this subject. However, I'd also recommend that you read a variety of sources in this regard. This is mainly because interacting with spirit guides can be like interacting with people on the physical plane - we all have different ways of communicating with others, and what works for one person may not work for another. I certainly found it helpful to read about the different approaches that others have used, and to integrate these into a system that works for me. Ultimately, what matters is developing a strong and clear connection with your guides, and this can be achieved in multiple ways. Apart from Sonia's work in this regard, I've also benefited from the wisdom of Andrea Hess, Slade Roberson and Erin Pavlina. Currently, only Andrea has a book available, but I would encourage you to also visit her blog, as well as those of Slade and Erin.

When it comes to making the decision to buy a book like Sonia's and invest the time and effort into making a connection with your guides, possibly the most important questions needing answering are: Does it "work"? And is it worth it? The answers are: yes. And yes. It may feel strange at first to attempt to connect to your guides, especially since many people worry when they start whether they are really connecting or just making it all up. It is important to remember here that, because our minds bridge the physical and spiritual worlds, our guides use our thoughts and imaginations to connect with us. We have also been used to our guides presence since they've been communicating with us all along - we've just called it "a feeling", or "intuition". At the start it can then definitely feel like we are making it up because it seems so "normal" to us - there are no big booming voices from above! As you persevere, though, you will be able to tell the difference between communication from your guides and your own thoughts as they do have different energy signatures. As you learn more about guides from books like Sonia's, you'll have personal experience that convinces you that it "works". And in terms of it being worth the effort... well, the proof is in the pudding! Your life will be enriched by having access to a group of spiritual beings who love you, support you and guide you towards your highest path and purpose.

If it can go wrong in a marriage, this workbook brings it out. I have used it a number of times, over 10, in pre-marital counseling and it is the best program I've seen. Everything that needs to be discussed is at some point. Well organized and easy to follow. Strong Christian doctrine.

My husband used this pre-marriage book 22 years ago when we got married so it must work (LOL)!! As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I use this book with my Christian Couples for pre-marriage counseling. This workbook discusses all the potential trouble areas that contribute to most divorces. I highly recommend this workbook.

It"s a great book...but remember...only if you mean what you say and only if you answer in truth, and only if you mean to stick with what you say. EAsy it is to answer the way you suppose you should, then drop it all after the "I do" has become an "I did"

This is an essential resource for anyone assisting couples as they prepare for marriage. Covers topics on expectations, love, communication and conflict resolution. I would also recommend his related resources: After You Say I Do and his book for re-marrieds.

I have liked this overall, but sometimes it feels like there are sooooo many questions!!! I would definitely suggest breaking up the chapters, some of the questions are a little more involved then I expected

Timothy Gallagher did an excellent job of detailing the St. Ignatian rules of discernment. The rules are explained with practical situations outlining how discernment can be used on a day to day basis. Even a beginner, with little to no experience with discernment, can pick up this book and learn quickly how to apply it to daily life. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to recieve and cultivate the Holy Spirit's gift of discernment (seeing with God's eyes). It is a gift that can dramatically change your life and view about the world as it can greatly improve your relationship with God. If you live out the rules outlined in this book, you will find yourself to be much less spiritually blind in your life choices as you learn to recognize what is of God and what is not of God.

A wonderfully contemporary commentary on the Rules contained in the Spritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola. Recoomend this to all those who are interested in expanding their spiritual life.

In years past, I had tried my hand at reading the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola without much to show for it. The exercises are very terse and concise. But with Fr. Gallagher's book, I finally got the practical commentary that opens up the mind and intent of St. Ignatius Loyola. After years of Jesuit education, I finally got it.

Wow. I attended an Ignatian school in grade school and again for University, but it wasn't until I read this book that my love for Saint Ignatius came to an informed reverence for the gift that God has given him to be able to prepare and form a movement of missionaries who faced the most adverse of conditions against physical, emotional and spiritual attacks. For a person who is seriously seeking God, the rules of discernment in this book are very helpful if not essential in making decisions that will bring him/her farther along in the journey.

Now if only this humble critic can only get these rules from his mind to his heart, then practice it with love, then he'll be set.

I am a frequent business traveler and often look for books that can be brought along for my trips. This one is a "keeper" and I highly recommend this work as an "owner's manual" as well as a "service manual" for the spiritual journey.

The reason this work is important is that Fr. Gallagher presents fourteen Ignatian Rules, which have been available for hundreds of years, to patiently lead the reader to an uncommon level of understanding about often difficult spiritual issues. You may find that there are a lot of "aha!" moments when reading this book. It's not a "technical" read at all but you begin to see that, like works by other former military leaders, Ignatius provides strategies that are rather like "Sun Tzu for the Spirit:" his rules are very tactical, and Fr Gallagher provides the commentary that allows readers to put these rules into context as well as to better understand why, how, and when they should be applied.

Finally, readers of any faith would find great value in this book. While the content is focused on the work of Ignatius, the context, examples, and application of Fr. Gallagher's work crosses almost any denomination. I highly recommend this work.

Real life wisdom for living life in balance and with heart.
Rachel tells her stories openly, with compassion and great warmth.
I have given this book to friends and family and carry its lessons in my own life. A lovely read, not at all preachy. Each chapter is worth savoring.

The author shares some inspirational stories of the lessons her grandfather, a Rabbi taught her as a child that served as building blocks for the rest of her life, as a Dr. and then a counselor. Whether you read this from cover to cover, because it is delightful and insightful, or take it story at a time over a period of time, it is a wonderful book. There are important life lessons for us all. Some will make you laugh, others cry, and others to say, "Oh wow!"

This is one of the best inspirational books I've read in a long time. I love it so much I'm buying it for friends! It is so full of wisdom...rich, rich, rich.

I happened upon this book by chance, and it is quite possibly the best book I've ever read. If you are looking for a book to inspire you and give you a positive outlook on life, this is it. It is incredibly refreshing and easy to read. Rather than one long story, it is a bunch of short stories, which makes it great for reading a little bit at a time. It has really helped me remember what is important in life. After reading this book, I can't wait to read other books by this author.

What a wonderful thing it would be if we all had a grandfather like Rachel Naomi Remen had. Since we don't, the next best thing might be to learn the lessons and experience the blessings by having her share her stories about him with us. She does so in a beautiful, almost under stated way that is never intrusive and leaves us with a feeling of deep appreciation. These are very human and moving parable like stories that enrich our connection to each other in almost imperceptible ways. Although this is definitely not a how to book, the stories may effect how we live our lives. Thank you to Dr. Remen.

Whenever it comes to reading books on Theology or books written by Theologians I simply reach out and take 2 aspirins as a pre-emptive move. It just simply hurts to both understand these scholars and to realize how little I know.
This book on the other hand is written in a non-threatening way as a sensitive scholar may speak to his eager to learn but scared students. After reading this book I actually felt confident enough to begin sorting out my faith on my own and not simply rely on commentaries. In the process Theology became real, vibrant and even up lifting as I applied the results of this book.
Now don't get me wrong. I had to re-read some chapters to get it all but that was because I wanted to get it all and not because it was written in "high english". The authors actually made me feel that I wanted to get it and that I could get it.
I especially liked the explanation of sequential thinking vs. parallel synthetic thinking on page 60. This helped me understand how and why I think the way I do.
Another great aspect of this book is that it only 125 pages long which put me at ease when I sat down to read a book on theology that wasn't 500 pages long. The authors get to the point and have to be clear about it if they want to make a small book a success. And they did!!!

Stone, Howard W. and James O. Duke. How to Think Theologically. Minneapolis, MN:Fortress Press, 1996.

About the Authors:

Both Howard W. Stone, and James O. Duke are prolific authors. Here is a list of some books authored, edited or translated by Stone: How to Think Theologically, 2nd Edition; Depression and Hope; Crisis counseling (Creative pastoral care and counseling series); Defeating Depression: Real Help for You and Those Who Love You; The Caring Church: A Guide for Lay Pastoral Care; Crisis Counseling; Handbook for Basic Types of Pastoral Care and Counseling; Suicide and grief; Using behavioral methods in pastoral counseling (Creative pastoral care and counseling series); Entry dynamics of space. shuttle orbiter with longitudinal stability and control uncertainties at supersonic and hypersonic speeds (NASA technical paper).
Stone is Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Counseling at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University. Among his many influential books is Brief Pastoral Counseling, Crisis Counseling. He is also the editor of the Fortress Press series Creative Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Here is a list of some books authored edited or translated by Duke, How to Think Theologically; Christian Caring: Selections from Practical Theology; Makers of Christian Theology in America; On the Vitality of Biblical Language; The Lord's Supper (The Nature of the church); Protestant Theology and the Making of the Modern German University.(Book review): An article from: Church History; Sources of Christian Theology in America; What sort of church are we? (The Nature of the church); The Bible, with Bacon: A nineteenth-century Disciples recipe for responsible Bible-reading.
Duke is the Professor of History of Christianity and History of Christian Thought, at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.
Abstract:

"How to Think Theologically" by Stone and Duke offers a simple guide for people in the very important process of having a God worldview. Stone and Duke offer simple suggestions in a clear thought out manner which will gently usher the reader into a process of thinking theologically.
The subject Stone and Duke are teaching in this important book is vital to everyone. First to the Christian, for every Christian must continue to sharpen his/her thinking skills expressly when it comes to the theological thinking opportunities which merge all around us throughout our everyday lives. Second to the sinner, the sinner needs to develop a desire to want to think theologically. As he/she does, this thinking will lead them to God. This book is not one which will soon be forgotten. No! This teaches such vital and inspirational lessons that it will be like good wine and enhance with age.
Stone and Duke have handled this material beautifully. Only men of such noble talent could tackle such a broad subject as thinking theologically and handle such a major task with effectiveness as we see here. There are a few places which tend to become a bit shallow but for the average person reading this it may not be shallow at all.

Review:

Stone and Duke are straight shooters. Not trying to hide their bias or limitation, yet they communicate well to reach the goal of communicating their intentions. Stone and Duke have made themselves clear. The introduction stated clearly the purpose of the Study. Stone and Duke have accurately presented their agenda in a concise and logical format. The writing skills are really put on display as the sequence flows naturally. Every section from cover to cover has been clear and self-sufficient. Of course there are a lot of points left unsaid due to keeping the sequence flows natural and unforced, but one cannot be expect to cover every point of every subject.
Stone and Duke have found some very reliable sources where upon they have researched. Due to the diligence of Stone and Duke and their commitment of quality, information in this book can be trusted as a good learning tool; however, not as an academic tool possibly because it stands mostly as two men's opinions. However correct theses opinions are at best a theological guiding tool must be sound and founded on solidified scholarship. Granted the authors did not actually show where they have researched rather they simply offered the reader a list at the end of the chapters, "For Further Reading." These list are very helpful, however Stone and Duke should have been able to dig deep looking in journals or use some of these suggested books for the research but overall they have created a decent reliable means of information. It is impossible to communicate anything completely void of personal bias, but Stone and Duke have not let their preconceived ideas prevent them from getting the correct points across.
In a clear and consistent form these men have used good sense when communicating from their own well of wisdom. Yet placing the footnotes through out the book based on quality research would have offered strength to their argument. A total of seven Endnotes hardly seams sufficient to qualify a complete research. Regardless of the fact that they are correct in most of the beliefs expressed, research shows their willingness to learn. Some would say that they find any footnote to be too many, these will appreciate that here in lies no footnoting rather Endnotes and only a few. Once more, with this quality information the appropriate noting is expected. Here in is also found a good collection of resources, not too old that they have become out dated; only two aged references, the first note in chapter three (1968) also first the note found in chapter three (1926). The others are young, yet not so young that they themselves have not proven to stand the blows of harsh criticism. Due to the lack of revealed research except for the sections labeled, "For Further Reading" (we have only a small bibliography to view for this book. The bibliography is at the end of this critique), the student is forced to accept the sections labeled, "For Further Reading" instead of the bibliography. These suggested readings seem to mainly be addressing the laypersons. The sources are for the most part not accepted as scholarly or academically reliable. None of the information leads to a primary source other than the authors' own personal sources of wisdom. Some of the suggested readings shown are considered to be General sources but most are authorities in there field such as found on Page 25 with suggestions such as these: Campbell, Ted A. Christian Confessions: A Historical Introduction. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1966. Campbell provides a lucid, one-volume comparison of the teachings of Christianity's major church traditions; Jones, Linda, and Sophie Stanes. In a Dark Wood: Journeys of Faith and Doubt. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003. This book tells of experiences in the region of doubt and recovery of faith among Jews, Catholics, and Protestants, women and men; Kinast, Robert L. What Are They Saying about Theological Reflection? New York: Paulist Press, 2000. This is a brief but fine introduction to classical and contemporary discussions of theology. Kinast focuses especially on the experiential components of theological reflection; McKim , Donald K, ed. Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms. Louisville : Westminster John Knox Press, 1996. This is a reliable account of the familiar terms used by Christian theologians. It can be used to look up unfamiliar theological terms as well as to advance the reader toward better- informed, more deliberative theological thinking; Musser, Donald W, and Joseph L. Price, eds. New and Enlarged Handbook of Christian Theology. Revised edition. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003. This resource presents informative articles on theology's standard and current topics, written by more than one hundred well-known contemporary theologians.
Within this book one will find clear communication concise and to the point. In a few places things seem to be getting a bit wordy and unnecessarily difficult but they balance it out with choosing their words of communication carefully which helps to highlight the message being thought that would otherwise be lost.
Stone and Duke have explained very well that all who profess Christ as Lord is a theologian. With which they offer a strong possible explanation of thinking theological. To think theologically one must diligently search for understanding, which is a positive lifestyle to develop. Christians haves a certain calling from God to search deeply for knowledge of him.
This book stands as it shows a sincere desire to search out and led others to the truth as viewed through the eyes of the authors' preconceived vantage point. Yes this book is understood to have a sincere desire to search out truth as it stands tall in defense of a solidified position. Stone and Duke know what they believe and they obviously unashamedly stand by their convictions and beliefs that one should continue to develop their thinking skills to become a better, shaper theological thinker, while searching for the truth which Holy Spirit will lead us in.

BIBLIOGRPHY

Dulles, Avery. The Craft of Theology: From Symbols to System, New Expanded Edition New York: Herder & Herder, 1995.

Ebeling, Gerhard. "Church History Is the History of the Exposition of Scripture." in The Word of God and Tradition. trans. S. H. Hooke. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1968.

Kelsey, David. Proving Doctrine: Uses of Scripture in Recent Theology. Harrisburg, Pa Trinity Press International, 1999.

Killen, Patricia O' Connell. and John de Beer. The Art of Theological Reflection. New York: Crossroad, 1994.

Stone, Karen. "Underneath Are the Everlasting Arms." in Reflections on Grief and Spiritual Growth. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005.

"The Twelve Articles of the Upper Swabian Peasants." in The Radical Reformation, ed .and trans. Michael G. Baylor Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991.

Wallas, Graham. The Art of Thought. London: Butler & Tanner, 1926.

Whitehead, Evelyn Eaton. and James Whitehead. Method in Ministry, Revised Edition Chicago: Sheed and Ward, 1995.

Wood, Charles. Vision and Discernment: An Orientation in Theological Study. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1985.

Stone and Duke have an excellent style of writing. They make you feel as if you are sitting with them around a comfortable table having a late evening discussion over a hot cup of coffee. Their real world examples bring their theological concepts into crystal clear focus and assists the reader in transforming external theological principles into interalized spiritual practices

'How to Think Theologically' by Howard Stone and James Duke is a wonderfully accessible text, not about any particular school of theology, but rather, how to think theologically within almost any framework. While there are certainly some theological settings that prefer to go unquestioned and resist critical reflection, many are open to the kinds of reflection and critical analysis Stone and Duke describe here.

Perhaps the most important concept in the entire text come early in the text, and that is the concept of embedded versus deliberative theology. Embedded theology is that kind of theological content that is in us without our necessarily being aware of it. Embedded theology can come from early childhood ideas of God, Jesus, etc. Embedded theology can come from hymn texts, prayers, and sermons that reinforce ideas. Embedded theology can come from family, friends and neighbours. These are influences, subtle and explicit, that form a theological mindset in a person about just who and what God is, what God wants, what the church and community expects, etc.

Those churches and theological communities that resist critical analysis and reflection stand on shaky ground. They discourage questioning, often appealing to the ultimate source ('Who are you to question God?') when such arise. What is sometimes missed is that it is not God who is being questioned (not that there is necessarily anything wrong with that, given the number of times in the Bible examples of God being questioned and bargained with are presented), but rather an individual's or community's preconceptions of God that are being questioned.

This gets into deliberative theology. Deliberative theology is a second-order process, of asking important questions about who, what, when, where, how and why. Not all questions can be answered. Not all will be relevant. Sometimes, deliberative theology will serve to strengthen the embedded theological ideas; sometimes, deliberative processes will cause a reconstruction and reconception.

Stone and Duke look at the different types of questions to be asked, and what to do with answers, as well as how to deal with ambiguities and inconsistencies. This book is not one that brings theological thinking to a conclusion, but rather is a starting point. It is often used in seminaries as a beginning to theological reflection, either in introductory classes or systematic theology classes (as is being done in my seminary this year). It is also worthwhile reading for anyone who wishes to have a stronger foundation upon which to build the faith of a community, so that honest questions can be dealt with in an honest fashion, rather than ignored or discouraged.

I received this as a birthday gift. It is an amazing production! I listen to this set while I am getting dressed in the morning and it is so inspirational. I appreciate all of the artistry that went into creating this product. I highly recommend this to everyone.

This is the first time I have listened to the bible on cd and it is wonderful. I would definately suggest this to anyone. I often read along with the cd or sometimes listen alone. This has really helped me in my quest of reading the bible in a year. The voices and the added background sounds makes it seems alive. As you listen, you can almost picture the scenes.

The Word of Promise is very well done - worth every penny! I would recommend it to anyone interested in hearing the Word of God!

I was very disappointed. The characterizations at least in the Gospels are stiff religious sounding caricatures of real human beings. For example, Jesus sounds like he's anemic and depressed, unappealing and too wimpy to wield a hammer.

This is a well produced series that makes listening to the New Testament a lot like an old time radio program. Great 'theater of the mind' and very good for long drives, plane flights, etc.

Having read some of Nouwen's work before, I have come to appreciate him. And because I had heard so much about "The Wounded Healer," I was expecting a classic. I was sorely disappointed.

On one level, I was frustrated because the four chapters seemed to function in isolation from one another, rather than forming the parts of a cohesive whole. Having read his assessment of "nuclear man" in Chapter 1, that idea never really reappeared, and the rest of the book seemed to go in several completely different directions.

I was also disappointed by Nouwen's flowery and poetic language. Though this writing style no doubt connects with some folks, I was often left thinking something like, "That sounded nice, but I have no idea what he was saying!!" It's not a matter of the complexity of his ideas, but I just find his writing to be undecipherable.

Ultimately, Nouwen has some good stuff to say. The story of a young minister meeting with a sick man just before he died is poignant and provides us with a helpful and practical situation upon which to reflect. But I found his conclusions to be confusing or even evasive and do not feel particularly more informed to help others who are hurting.

This is a magnificent addition to my library. His description of each "wounded" healer suggests nuances that I'd never thought about. The volume helps me to understand a bit better the responsibilities we have to support one another. A great book.

Henri Nouwen's book is an incredibly inspiring and motivating tool. Characteristic of much of his writing, the book is honest, bold and clear. Nouwen tells it like it is, and shares authentically from his own life. Personally, I find authors who are unafraid to include their own joys and struggles with their spiritual lives to provide me with so much more hope, and challenge. I recommend this book to anyone thinking about what it means to be a leader, thinker, or seeking to deal with their own wounds.

Henri Nouwen is very insightful and adds a wonderful dimension in my quest for a deeper faith.

The ability to heal even though a person has been wounded is an extraordinary message. Hence the appropriate title for this book. The author proposes that the spiritual counselor relate to their directee from their own personal experiences. He suggests that it is through reaching within oneself that those in this kind of service can truly be of help. Nouwen validates the experiences of many in this or allied professions; that we uncover our own pain and weaknesses as we attempt to guide others.This affirmation is valuable. In healing others, the counselor is healed. In being able to recognize and share our own pain, we can better serve.

Nouwen offers a cultural backdrop to explain why this approach works. The time is the late 60's. Forty years later, some of his conclusions have not been borne out. A notable one in my opinion, is the story of Peter. Nouwen builds the case for "nuclear man" as a premise for his theories. I suggest that perhaps Peter was an enlightened man. Read the book and see if you come to the same or other conclusions. In any case, it will make you think.

I have used Holladay for several years. This lexicon is definitely easier for quick reference than the old standard, Brown-Driver-Briggs. It is convenient to take to class or to use at home when reading the Hebrew Scriptures. A particularly handy feature are the lists of the forms of each verb that occur in the Hebrew text, which appear at the beginning of each verb entry.

The only feature that I dislike is that Holladay chose to use transliteration for the Hebrew words within the entries. I realize that he was trying to save space, but I would have preferred Hebrew rather than romanization for the purpose. As it is, one's mind has to continually switch back and forth between the familiar Hebrew alphabet and the alien romanized forms.

This review is for 4 Hebrew lexicons in common use: Brown-Driver-Briggs, Koehler-Baumgartner, Holladay, and Langenscheidt.

The sizeable Brown-Driver-Briggs lexicon is a development of Gesenius' historic work, and a long-time standard in English speaking countries. However, it has become dated, and now is used mostly because Hendrickson put out a cheaply constructed version keyed to Strong's concordance. Oxford's Clarendon Press edition is superior if you are required to get BDB. In addition, organizing entries by verbal root rather than alphabetically makes it difficult to use "BDB" for those without intimate knowledge of Hebrew. Fortunately, there is an alternative.

The Koehler-Baumgartner lexicon is superb and thorough, and based on the latest Hebrew and Aramaic scholarship. The authors also took into account cognates from Ugaritic and Akkadian, so users of this massive work have a goldmine of information to draw from. By massive, I mean it is over 2000 pages in 2 large volumes. This plus its $190 asking price means it might be better to let the university or seminary library bear the brunt of purchasing and housing it unless you are an Old Testament specialist.

Most readers will be best served by the work of William Holladay, a reasonably sized 426 pp lexicon based on the latest scholarship. Holladay abridged K-B by removing bibliographic references and other information most needed by specialists. It is well organized (alphabetically), and the font is clear. Entries also have references (not exhaustive) to use within the Old Testament, meaning it can be used as a poor man's OT concordance. While Holladay is manageably sized enough (9.75" x 6.875" x 1.25") to be pleasant to read and easily portable in a bookbag, it is not the smallest resource available.

Some may be tempted to go a step further for the ultimate in compactness with the Langenscheidt pocket dictionary. This item is 6" x 4" x 1" and quite lightweight - in its 1959 iteration anyway. Its definitions are limited in scope and scholarly foundation, but still, what else fits in your coat pocket?

My overall recommendation: Holladay for everyone, supplemented by Koehler-Baumgartner for those who need and can afford it.

BDB: 3 stars
K-B: 5 stars
Holladay: 5 stars
Langenscheidt: 4 stars

This book delivers what it promises; "an up-to-date working tool of modest price and compass for the student of biblical Hebrew and Aramaic."

The book quality is superb and two years on is still in excellent condition considered the amount of use. The print quality is excellent and very usable. The Hebrew words are bolded, including their various forms. The basic meaning of each word is also bolded. This makes looking up words and their meanings especially efficient. I've found this excellent for translating biblical texts.

One of the most useful features is that each Hebrew word includes its various forms. As a beginner I've found this useful when parsing Hebrew text.

Proper names do not have their English rendering included. This has caused me to have to refer back to my BDB occasionally. This has been the one major flaw I've found in this work. There are transliterations included for specific usages of the Hebrew words. I found this feature a bit annoying sometimes. I would have found the actual Hebrew text to be much more useful.

This is an ideal book for use in translating biblical texts and its size and format make it extremely usable. However, I would not recommend it for in depth word studies or for those who do not read Hebrew.

This is a "lexicon" due to its references, but it's organized like a dictionary. If you're translating the Hebrew Bible, this is an awesome resource as a Biblical dictionary, but I thought I'd let y'all know that it's very different from the Armstrong Lexicon which organizes by chapter, in order. Thus, if you're working through a few chapters of Bible, in a class or on one's own, then the Armstrong will list the infrequently-used words (i.e. "the hard words!") in order by chapter, so you don't have to look up the words in a dictionary like this one.

In other words, I use both this and the Armstrong. The Holladay I use as a dictionary for a few words here and there, but when working through chapters of Hebrew Bible, the Armstrong Lexicon is more of a time-saving cheat sheet.

I had high hopes that A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (CHALOT) would be a helpful Bible study tool. However, for me, this book is practically useless.

The words are in order according to the Hebrew alphabet. The words are written in Hebrew ONLY. It's so hard to find a word because I don't recognize the Hebrew alphabet. I search and search just trying to find the word that I'm looking for. Once I find a word, the definition isn't any clearer or more detailed than the definition in Abingdon's Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (ASECB) -- usually, it's less detailed. Also, CHALOT (this book being reviewed) only gives a few examples of scriptures; I had hoped for all listings of where the word may be scripturally found. I find myself referring back to the ASECB to find all the word's listings (for comparison of meaning).

If you don't already read and write Hebrew, I propose that you will find this book as frustrating as I do. It is not handy for people who don't read and write Hebrew. To me, the definitions are not worth the effort and time spent searching for them.

For English-speaking Bible students, I still haven't found any better study tools than the ASECB (mentioned above) and The Interlinear Bible-Hebrew, Greek, English (IB). If you're interested in researching the earliest-known languages of the Bible, the use of these two books, together, is very thorough (exhaustive) and well organized for EASY reference. I don't know what the price differences are between the CHALOT and the ASECB (to be used with the IB), but if you're serious about Bible study and appreciate excellent referencing, the ASECB and IB are worth the money.

As for the CHALOT, I regret the money that I spent for it. I feel the on-line customer reviews that I read before buying this book were misleading.