Religion Books

This is a truly scary book. One of the cover credits titled "praise for the author on RevivingIslam.com" reads as follows: "May Allah rip out his spine from his back and split his brains in two, and then put them both back, and then do it over and over again. Amen." The biography on the back cover tells a little about the author, Robert Spencer, and when it gets to the part where it usually tells you about his family it reads "He (Spencer) lives in a Secure, Undisclosed Location." This book has truly pissed off a bunch of Muslims. The reason? Spencer tells it like it is and lays bare their unadulterated desire for world domination and the subjugation or elimination of all unbelievers. Unless you faithfully practice the Islam faith, you are an infidel and according to Mohamed as written in the Qur'an you have three choices: (1) Convert, (2) Subjugate yourself to Islamic rule by paying a tax to the Muslims and withstanding their demaning treatment of you (called dhimmi) or (3) you must be killed. These instructions are repeated over and over again in the Qur'an and in other writing by and about Muhammad. Spencer easily demonstrates that this is not extremist Islam but mainstream Islam. In most Islamic countries nearly one half of all the population, or more, believe in these precepts. And yes, Spencer cites the studies and polls that this information is gleaned from. Throughout the book there are separate panels where the words of Jesus are contrasted with those of Muhammad. The contrast between the man of peace and the warrior who slaughtered his own townspeople when they refused to accept him as a prophet is shocking. Spencer also gives the politically incorrect version of why the crusades happend (they were a delayed reaction to centuries of cruel Muslim wars that killed and enslaved much of the Near East, Asia, and eastern Europe) and what they actually accomplished. They held off the advancing Islamic invaders just long enough for them to finally pull back as a result of their own internal politics. The problem is that they are advancing again. They are infiltrating European and Asian and North American countries with the intention of eventually imposing their religion and religious law (Sharia Law) on everyone they allow to live. Spencer does not claim that this is the goal of all Muslims, but he does show that an alarming number of them support these precepts and the terrorist groups that promote them. Many Muslims are not even aware of the violence preached by the Qur'an (Koran) since they are not familar with the book. Others ignore it or embrace it. This book speaks up and tells us that we have been warned and that it is time for the tolerant and democratic governments of this world to protect themselves. Read this book and any of the numerous references it cites in asides as "A Book You're Not Supposed to Read" and you will have your eyes opened.

P.I.G. "Guides"?

I agree, they are guides....
....to smearing yourself with the product of the toilet of Hate Speech and calling yourself wise.


Just biased, right wing trash to help simpletons justify their bigotry. I don't mind it being on the internet, we can order the "Tubgirl" video and other stuff of the same value to literature. What I don't like is how they are stocked in RL book stores. They tend to not carry anything I really like, too much I have to order from the net. BUT, these books, more right wing trash, "Christian" literature and other toilet paper are on the shelves. And you know what..? Even though I'm in a so-called "Red" state, the "Right Wing" literature tends to gather dust on the bookstore shelves. They don't sell it, but keep it on the shelves. Their target audience gets all their "Bigotry Re-enforcement" from talk radio and US$20 is 1/8th their truck's weekly gas bill or a lot of cheap beer.

Let this trash stay here, but it's time to tell the bookstores, by letter, by e-mail, by talks to the manager that we'll vote with our WALLETS if they don't take them out. Oh, and yes, I did read through them till I was about ready to puke.

Let me add my voice in support of all of the others who have given this book 5 stars. The message of this book is very much non-PC and one we would rather not hear but for those of us who espouse Western values such as democracy and equality of rights for every human being this book is a necessary read. The strength of the book is its documentation. All of the books assertions about Islam are well supported with references to the Koran and other Islamic sources. It should be required reading for every American, especially our elected leaders and members of the press. There is a lot of information packed in this book and I could only take in a chapter or two at a time in order to assimilate the main concepts. Some may find the section on the Crusades slow going. My advice is to persevere. It is well worth it. Many will not like the message but rather than attack Mr. Spencer, please point out where exactly he has gotten it wrong. It doesnt appear that he has. He has made a compelling case.

This book is a great first step in understanding the forces that seek to destroy the US and subvert western ideals. I look forward to reading other books by Mr. Spencer and authors such as Andrew Bostom, Wallid Pharis, Bat Ye'or, and Ibn Warriq to name a few. Mr. Spencer is a true patriot in writing this book. His website Jihadwatch.org is one of several that is an excellent site for rational analysis of the current threat to the west.

This is pure propaganda and misinformation to create hate. Robert Spencer is openly Islamophobic racist and don't know basic facts about Islam and Muslims. The reason why this book was written was to make money.

After spending four tours in Iraq and just getting home from the last one, I can say that what is said in this book is correct.

There is no more the rising threat, but the threat that has already risen and is here in the US.

I suggest you, the reader, understand that Islam is more a tribal/political system than it is a religion. It's about control and who can gain it. I know there will be critics saying we have done the same. But the US has evolved and surrounds itself with life - or rebirth. Islam is engulfed in death and chaos.

Buy this book and read it to your children - educate them - Islam is worst than communism could ever dream of being. I also suggest the book, Because They Hate, Islamic Invasion, and Hostage to the Devil to see - or at least read - what US military personnel are experiencing in defending your rights here in the US.

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?

The order of the chapters makes no sense...Sura 1 is burried in the middle...everything is upside-down and backwards. I wish I had bought a different version.

The Penguin Classic translation of the Koran by Daewood differs considerably from other versions. In general, I would have to say that Daewood's version is (for American audiences, at least) somewhat harsher than most translations. Most notably, Daewood translates Sura 6 ("The Women") as recommending that a husband beat an "uppity" wife. Elsewhere, Mohammed seems to recommend extermination of Islam's enemies, including Jews. To be sure, there are other passages which ameliorate such injunctions, but for a non-Muslim, non-Arabic speaker, the issue is not so much whether Mohammed is right or wrong, but whether the Arabic original actually says what Daewood puts into English.

When I first looked into this book, I thought that Daewood was an English name, but apparently it is transliterated Arabic and Daewood is a Muslim. Hence, to the extent that the translation says thing which would make a modern non-Muslim cringe, one suspects that the translation is accurate. But of course "statement against interest" is a very weak reed upon which to base a conclusion about the accuracy of the translation. At least it is worth noting that Daewood's translation seems both more readable and more idiomatic than other versions of the Koran which I have browsed.

OK, I have an Arabic speaking friend who criticizes all English translations of the Koran. Because Dawood wasn't available online, as are Pickthal, Shakir, and others, I bought a copy, and as far as translations go, it's probably as good as you're going to get in English. Yusuf Ali is *soft* in his rendering, and you're going to need supporting books like the Tafsirs, Hadiths, and Sira to get as much understanding of Mohammad as possible. Make no mistake, Islam is Mohammad and his belief system. Know the man behind the cloak of this religion, and you'll have a far better understanding of the images coming out of Islam on a daily basis. A Koran might be a gateway, but it will not bring you to understand Mohammad's character; that will be more clearly revealed by his Sunnah.

Good luck, and fasten your seatbelts; it's a very bumpy ride.

I am not an expert in Arabic, but I have read two different translations of the Koran, one by A. J. Arberry and the Penguin classic edition translated by N. J. Dawood. The Penguin edition is far superior in readability, although the basic teachings of the Koran can be recognized from either translation.
Most striking to me is how disjointed and random the teachings seem to be in comparison to the Bible (with which I am far more familiar). "Love your enemies" and "Turn the other cheek" from the Bible stand in contrast to the more militaristic tone of the Koran which encourages adherents to "Make war on them [the unbelievers] until idolatry shall cease and God's religion shall reign supreme" (The Spoils, 8:40; see also Prohibition, 66:9). Heaven is pictured as a place of sensuous delights designed especially for men, who "shall sit with bashful, dark-eyed virgins, as chaste as the sheltered eggs of ostriches" (The Ranks, 37:48). Although women have some protection and rights in the Koran, God has made men superior to women and given men permission to "beat them" (Women, 4:34 or 4:38 in other translations).
There are numerous allusions to people whose names appear also in the Bible, but always with a different slant. Abraham's significant son becomes Ishmael instead of Isaac, and Jesus is mentioned, but his relationship to God as the Son of God is denied (The Believers, 23:91). In stark contrast to the biblical emphasis on salvation by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9), the Koran teaches that salvation comes to those whose good deeds weigh heavy on the scales. Those whose deeds are light forfeit their souls and abide in Hell forever (The Believers, 23:104). In the Koran, the earth is created in two days instead of six. Revenge is acceptable. In divorce, he gets the children! Most disturbing, perhaps, are instructions on what to do with those who abandon Islam and have become disbelievers. "Do not befriend them," "Seize them and put them to death wherever you find them" (Women, 4:90). The Koran does, indeed, make for significant reading.

I bought this for my Kindle, and the digital version (Marked with a blue and white cover that says "[...]") has no working table of contents (the TOC is present, but it's not hyperlinked), so there is no internal navigation at all. Very difficult to use on a eReader of any sort.

To Kindle owners: At this time, there are three digital versions of the Koran available from Amazon that allow you to download a sample chapter (there are versions that have no samples at all - can't speak for those), and one of the three has a working Table of Contents. I suggest you download the sample chapters, check for a working table of contents and buy that version.

This is a concise book about the current genetic data about various sub groups of Jews. It covers several of the small groups who may have identifiable DNA 'finger prints'. The concentration is on using DNA for identification and not for illnesses. This is written by a genetic analyst, who provides the background information about the limits of DNA tracking. Overall the book is interesting and useful.

This book, a summary of research on genetics of Jewish people, is by a person in the best position to tell the story: a geneticist and a Jew. Goldstein's research deals with tracing heredity as far back as possible, and it is his project that is probing connections between Jews all over the world. He shows it is possible that Jews who think they are descendents of high priests from the days of the First Temple really are, and that Africans who believe they originated with the early Hebrews actually did. He also contrasts genetic descent through males and females and offers an explanation of why hereditary diseases found mostly in Jews may confer an advantage. The technical portions are easy to understand and the book is no longer than it needs to be. It's a fast, jargon-free read and is highly recommended.

Dr. Goldstein does an excellent job of educating the reader about genetic tracing without overwhelming us with scientific jargon. He re-examines and expands on the story about modern-day Jewish priests, traces the probable Jewish heritage of an African tribe, explains why Jewish women in certain Jewish populations have a vastly different genetic history from their men, and looks into genetic disease specific to Jews. Along the way he drops many little tidbits of knowledge that enhance the story and entrance the reader. (Hint: Commander Spock makes an appearance). I look forward to futher reports from Dr. Goldstein and his team.

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.

Kay Arthur has a marvalous peice of work in the "How To Study The Bible". This book is designed for people that want to study on their own rather then a group, but make no mistake about it it can be used in group as well.

Great step by step instructions on how to break down each book of the bible and utilize the 5 W's and the H. I found it helpful because I needed something that could simplify the bible on my own so that I may seek the word of God by myself and geat a great appreciation for it.

I recommend this study guide to anyone that wants to get deeper into God's word and what he is speaking to your heart.

Awesome study tool! It helped me as soon as I began reading it. This book helps you to organize information you already know and put it into perspective. Easy to apply to studying material!

They sent the book right away and I got sooner than was expected. They did a great job packaging it, nothing was bent or anything.

This is a very good book to aid new Christians, and older Christians who have never been at a seminary or have never had a Biblical interpretation class. If Christians are to rightly divide the Word of Truth, they must be more than just willing to learn; they must have some help along the way that is effective, efficient, and simple. This book is like a mini introduction to hermeneutics and exegesis though the exegesis is very light. Kay Arthur's emphasis on Observation, Interpretation, and Application components of the Inductive Bible study are essential tools for those who are willing to learn and have a teachable spirit. Asking the 5Ws and the H through Bible studying are also mentioned here and these questions greatly help the Bible student in avoiding bringing into the text what the text is not stating or saying. I very much recommend this book and it should be one of the first books, after the Bible, of course, Bible students should buy to guide them in the challenging, arduous, and time consuming yet rewarding task of discovering the everlasting reaches found in the written Word of God.

The most basic of biblical interpretation rules is that the Bible is best interpreted with the Bible itself. This book is a primer in the most effective way to study the Bible using the Bible. The inductive method of bible study is one of many ways to study the Bible, but it is one of the most effective.

Many have read the Bible devotionally and have never actually studied its words. This book will provide a growing Christian with what they need to put their growth into high gear. The book and its methods in use are a joy to experience, and the methods are far from the idea that many might have from the book's title. This is not dry bible study.

Well, most people are. THis book is great for those of us who have forgotten that EVERYBODY in high school thinks they are wiered.

I have read many of Ortberg's books but overlooked this one until now. Wow, what a great book. I have been quoting this book on a daily basis. The advice, which seems aimed at Men due to the fact that we have trouble with "fellowship" and opening up, is very helpful. Once again Mr Ortberg has made me search my soul, strengthen my faith, and laugh out loud. Very insightful and highly recommended for anyone.

My cousin thought it would be a book I liked. I am planning on reading it soon.

But I am reminded immediately why I have every John Ortberg book on my wish list.

He is an amazing writer. Funny, intelligent, insightful. I hightly recommend his "If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat"

It was truly life changing.

Inciteful discussion of barriers to community building and fellowship. Helpful consideration of practical elements such as conflict management. Unique and entertaining perspective including extensive applicable Scriptural references and illustrations. Well written. An entertaining read and valuable reference work. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and discussion. Effective for group study and discussion.

To bad that someone from as rich a spiritual culture as China would succumb to the westernized version of the christian mythology.
Hope he discovers the truth before he spends his life in vain.

I have absolutely loved this book. I know this is a completely overused statement, but I really felt like this book was written just for me, to me. I could feel the Lord speaking through the author, and snapping me out of my complacency. I can't wait to go back and read the first book. This book put a mirror to my face and showed me how much I take for granted my faith and my Savior.

This book should contain a warning! Warning: If you are a lukewarm Christian be prepared to commit or recommit your life to Christ. This book will challenge your faith. I have read and studied the Bible for many years and I learned many things from Brother Yun's teachings.

Living water is full of personal stories of self sacrificing faith. It has really been an encouragement to me reading this book and if you want a closer more intimate relationship with the Father I recommend this book.

Sometimes it takes someone who has lived through real persecution to shake Christians out of their stained-glass stupor. Brother Yun, who has spent time in Chinese prisons, does just that in this collection of messages that span the decade since he left that Communist nation.

Having brought together these messages at the insistence of fellow believers, Yun divides them into three sections for the purposes of the book. In the first section, he speaks of freedom in Christ and the spiritual life of the believer. In part two, he talks of equipping believers. He addresses obstacles that believers encounter in the third and final part.

Yun alternates between a prophetic, no-holds-barred call to action and true belief in what he clearly sees as a slumbering Western church and the persuasive, pleading voice of a pastor to the individual Christian who needs to repent of those things that have caused him to stumble in his walk with Christ. In either case, Yun expresses a clear love of Christ and of his church which includes a desire to see the church become as bold as it was in its infancy.

This is certainly not a book for the thin-skinned Christian. It is, however, one that will make a thinking Christian stop and examine her life. Don't try to plow through it in one setting. Rather, tackle it as a devotional tool, reading the message and examining the Scripture references and meditating on its application to your own life.