Religion Books

If Christian Conservatives are really in control, then why are there so many attacks on Christians and the ommissions of Christianity from all areas of our culture. Things don't add up...I'm not questioning the main premise of the book, however...this dog don't seem to hunt...

There are numerous instances where it sounds like the author isn't objecting to the unaccountable power of these fundamentalists as much as he objects to them favoring lower taxes vs. higher ones, and if the fundamentalists in question were Good Liberals using the same undemocratic (small 'd'), controlling, manipulative methods toward higher taxes and labor union power, he'd be OK with it.

if you hate Christians, you'll love this book....me...i threw my copy in the garbage, which seemed appropriate to me.

And the meek shall inherit the earth, that's right this is the meek they were talking about. As these mortal men rationalize their immortal world, the world as we know it is slowly falling apart, I'm not surprised. What I think is surprising, is how most everyone else has a severe case of tunnel vision (status quo) (conditioning is everything) , that something as important as this fallibility is invisible (Look up the word: "Sustainability"). There is a reason for the saying "Divide and Conquer" and while truth seems to be only relevant for most of us, for what future generations there will be..., I hope we can find a more sincerely honest, common sense, absolute truth. I gave the book three stars because of the awkward writing style and graduate level language. The Author seems to either be trying to impress someone or perhaps himself, also this is a extremely assumptive book: He does not directly say it but, "you know about that", "you get my gist". Look, I was not looking for tabloid style writing, but there is WAY too much of the story missing here. In conclusion, my comments are also gist oriented, so just in case, you don't get it, well lets just say John has Sara on a very short leash (sit doggy, sit!).

... that something's lurking, just beyond your grasp, is there, alive and affecting your life in ways you could only in your darkest fears imagine.

This is theocracy, the true enemy of American democracy. This is not the Bible-thumping shennanigans of the mostly ignorant mass of true believers. This threat is more insidious and powerful and it just might bring this nation to ultimate ruin.

Read the book. Steel yourself. Do something to help stop it.

Yeah... It really is that bad.

If I could force every one of my students to read one book (absurd start to a sentence, I know) it would be this one. While many do not appreciate Kreeft's matter of fact (and at times sarcastic) tone, it is more conversational and so more accessible. It is interesting to me that none of the critiques of the book actually respond to the substance but resort to name-calling (one called it "garbage"...really?). Kreeft is the single best Christian apologist living in the United States today and this is the single best refutation of the atheist-uberskeptical-materialist culture in which we live...a refutation which I have never once heard anyone answer or challenge. Dawkins, Hitchens, et al need to read this before they embarrass themselves and expose their own ignorance by writing more books "refuting" Christianity.

Bottom line, if you want to know why Christians believe what they believe , this book is a great start.

Of all the books out there purporting to be "apologetics" for Christianity this is one of the few that not only is written from an academic standpoint, but starts from the understanding that non-Christians do not believe that the Bible is divinely inspired or even that there is a God. Consequently the approach taken is to argue convincingly from a philosophical as well as theological standpoint for both the existence of a transcendent god and the logic of Christianity. It is a highly-intelligent approach, yet written in a style that is easy for the lay person to understand and appreciate.

Apologetics, at least in current usage, has unpleasant connotations. In contemporary circles, the word can conjure images of manipulative charlatans seeking to obscure the truth by clever legalistic constructs and rhetorical arguments. This is in large part to the similarity to the word "apology," which can mean remorse, justification, or excuse for things good or bad. However, the true meaning, the systematic defense or explanation of Christianity, is based not on deception (at least for those who approach the subject in good faith - pun intended), but rather on a logical understanding of the essential truths of the Gospel message.

Peter Kreeft, accomplished and prolific Christian author, lecturer, and Professor of Philosophy, and Ronald Tacelli, S.J., Associate Professor of Philosophy (both at Boston College), have written an invaluable reference tool that is at once comprehensive, systematic, engaging, and highly readable. The topics flow from the universal to the specific and provide a thought-provoking, truthful exploration of Christian essentials. Ideas are defended, and objections are answered intelligently, spiritually and objectively, without the diatribe and rancor of opponents of the faith.

The book can be read cover-to-cover, or can be explored topically, providing significant understanding to readers of varying education and intellectual curiosity. This is an invaluable addition to anyone's library and certainly provides a wealth of knowledge to anyone who seeks to understand his or her Christian faith.

Surrounded by Skeptics, Atheists and deluded Relativists, such a book provides a Christian with solid places upon which to submit a defense (apologetic) for many of life's crucial questions.
Kreeft honestly tackles the question of "Evil", eternal "Heaven or Hell", claims of "Christ's Divinity", 20 Arguments for "God's existence"...

You will find many well defined and logical "arguments" to support the Christian doctrines concerning these and other questions. Some Arguments feel a little too trimmed down while others provide you with very adequate amounts of proof. Overall an easy and fluid read.

My only contention might be his allowing purely Catholic images and ideas to creep in, where they are neither needed nor adding to proof. Kreeft also seems eager (as in his other books) to overuse and overlay sexual images upon Jesus and His relationship with humans. That Jesus loves us is certainly true, but why taint that perfection by applying the word Lover to Him - such a term cannot help but connote improper sexual images to one completely pure...

This book is very clearly written. It starts with an introduction to apologetics. The second topic is the relationship between faith and reason -- they really support each other. After that, it starts to defend Christian faith in several key areas, always using clear definitions, common objections to Christian positions, and reasonable rebuttals to the objections.

I was given this book as a present and I didn't start reading it until things were NOT that exciting in the bed between me and my new husband.

Ladies, all you need to read is the chapter "For Women Only" and your sex life will be changed forever!!! Since reading our sex life has gone from "guess I have to do this" to "can we do it again?!?!"

I give it to every newly married couple as a gift. I've given it to 7 girlfriends and all 7 of them have reported that it was the "best gift ever" and thanked me immensely for it.

I recommend it to newly married couples or for those who would like to find more enjoyment in their sex life. God created sex to be enjoyed by both men & women & this book is a great guide to help you enjoy sex to the fullest!

my fiancee and I are reading this as our weding date comes. some chapters we are waiting tell the wedding is done before reading, but a good book.
LaHaye doesn't know anythign about end times and novel theology should always be "left behind", but this is a good book

Sent this to my daughter as my sisters insist it inspired and dramatically improved their love life.

found this book had some interesting information. It brought my husband and I closer...sort of rekindled the flame after 28 years of marriage. I especially liked that it is written from a Christian view point and answers many questions about sex and marriage by looking directly to the bible to see what God wants for us and from us. Also has a lot of practical info. from years of research and marriage counseling. I think it would be especially helpful to newlyweds. Down side: stereotypes the roles of wives and husbands a bit. We need to work together, taking advantage of our God-given gifts and interests. That may mean the wife handles the finances or the husband does the cooking (just an example).

Me and my wife liked this book a lot. There is very good information about how to approach most of the situations you face when you are a newly wed

This bible was everything I was looking for, in hopes of a different perspective of the bible. As a christian, it is my belief that we should know more about Jewish holidays, & how to pronounce bible words in the Jewish context, something you cant find in other translations of Gods word. I would strongly recommend this bible to people who are looking for a fresh outlook on Gods Word.

This book is deceitfully titled. The only Jewish Bible is the Tanakh. We do not believe or acknowledge the "New Testament" and we would never call the word of G-d old.

The more I see of garbage like this the more my opinion of Christians plummet.

I am a Christian and have done many Bible studies and own many different versions of the Bible. All of them bring something slightly different to the study. This one blows my mind. It is completely new and exciting.

I love that the books are in the order that Jesus (Yeshua) knew them to be...well old testament that is. Names of towns are also in Hebrew. The author gives a wonderful Introduction and history of how this CJB came to be and how the Bible in general can be trusted as true.

I first received this Bible in the smaller size print of the book. Getting older it was too small so I returned and reordered it in this Large print edition. Let me say the large print is the size of say a hardback novel from the library. It's not that HUGE size for the sight impaired. It is what I call comfortable. So If you subscribe to Large print magazines or get library books in the Large print section this is not going to be big enough for you. Just don't want anyone disappointed. To me it is perfect.

I am interested in my Jewish roots...being grafted into the vine all things Jewish attract me. It is wonderful having the names of people in Hebrew just as Jesus would have said and read them.

It has a great pronunciation and dictionary in the back for quick reference on how to say the hebrew words and for some a definition.

I love that the focus is on Messianic prophesy.

This is going to be my favorite reading Bible. Probably not the one I carry to church as the order of the books is so different I'd be slow getting to the page we are on.

I highly recommend this to anyone seeking to know the God of All. Jews and Gentiles.

I am a Christian and have done many Bible studies and own many different versions of the Bible. All of them bring something slightly different to the study. This one blows my mind. It is completely new and exciting.

I love that the books are in the order that Jesus (Yeshua) knew them to be...well old testament that is. Names of towns are also in Hebrew. The author gives a wonderful Introduction and history of how this CJB came to be and how the Bible in general can be trusted as true.

I first received this size print of the book. Getting older it was too small so I returned and reordered it in the Large print edition. The days it was gone I was missing it.

I am interested in my Jewish roots...being grafted into the vine all things Jewish attract me. It is wonderful having the names of people in Hebrew just as Jesus would have said and read them.

It has a great pronunciation and dictionary in the back for quick reference on how to say the hebrew words and for some a definition.

I love that the focus is on Messianic prophesy.

This is going to be my favorite reading Bible. Probably not the one I carry to church as the order of the books is so different I'd be slow getting to the page we are on.

I highly recommend this to anyone seeking to know the God of All. Jews and Gentiles.

Good quality - paper is a little different and a few pages misssed the cut. Arrived in good time.

For the first time I could understand pretty much every line and verse I come across in Eugene Peterson's Bible in contemporary language.

The paraphrasing really made an huge difference to help clarify things for me!

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!

Susan Bauer's opening essay on the writing process and how to teach it is the most cogent, informed explanation I've ever read:

"Writing is a process that involves two distinct mental steps. First, the writer puts an idea into words; then, she puts the words down on paper.

INARTICULATE IDEA ---> IDEA IN WORDS
IDEA IN WORDS ---> WORDS ON PAPER

. . . The pianist practices first the right hand, and then the left hand, before putting the two together; the young writer practices putting ideas into words, and then putting words down on paper, before trying to do both simultaneously. . . What follows will equip you to train the young student in the language of writing."

And Bauer delivers on this promise perfectly; she shows even the most unprepared parent or teacher how to teach good writing in just a few minutes a day. Her program will be a great relief to students who feel overwhelmed by writing assignments. It's all so manageable: she even tells you exactly what to do if you're starting with a "reluctant older student(grade 6-12)."

To make her case, her own writing is so easy and delightful that it's relaxing to read. I'm ordering the workbooks.

Thank you, Ms Bauer.

my daughter HATES to write. we've been using this program for a week, and already the sentences chosen to copy are so intriguing for her she actually requested we check out the book it's taken from. this is the child that doesn't have patience for chapter books. she's already read through 24 pages of it within the first two days of starting it. but i digress...

this copy work and narrative work is exactly what my daughter needs. mrs. bauer is precisely right when she teaches the parent that writing from thoughts is a two step process and the children need to be taught how to do those steps separately (copy work & narration - parent writes the narration). my child continuously gave me zippy little narratives because she didn't want to copy down big long sentences after she was done thinking it through. with the time to grow her writing ability even five words at a time while simultaneously strengthening her summary and narration skills, she is now on the path for inevitable success.

the best part is these writing exercises take no more than 5-10 minutes per day, four days per week. ahhh, gone are the cries in protest when i announce it's time to do writing! thank you susan bauer yet again!

CAVEAT:
Take this preliminary review with a particular grain of salt, for I am an English teacher who unabashedly embraces "The Well-Trained Mind" philosophy behind the Wise-Bauer/Buffington writing team. While this review is a bit premature, I am hopeful that my children will reap benefits similar to those acquired through their related Peace Hill Press grammar and history series.

THEORY:
SWB explains that her motivation for this book was her experience as an ivy league college professor of literature and history. Simply put, her well-educated students could not write well. She argues against the theory that one should "Give the children high-interest assignments and have them write, write, write, and revise, revise, revise." This is not how I was taught to write, but it WAS how I was taught to teach, and I, too, endured the blank and panicked students' stares produced by that philosophy.

SWB compares writing to a foreign language. The conventions must be absorbed before the non-native speaker is fluent. Says Wise-Bauer, "Imagine that you have had a year or so of conversational French...After the first year, your teacher asks you to explain the problem of evil in French...(it would be impossible) to express complicated ideas in a medium that is unfamiliar... The conventions...need to become second nature -- invisible -- so that you can concentrate on the ideas rather than the medium." Speech is natural and necessary. Writing is not. Many can, and do, get by without learning to write well.

PRACTICALS:
In Writing With Ease, the elementary years are less about creative output, and more about intake and foundations. The small book is packed with week-by-week exercises (36 for each year) aimed at building one layer at a time. She covers roughly four years in a succinct 216 pages: Years One and Two: Narration, Copywork and Dictation; Years Three and Four: Putting the Steps Together. The copywork samples come primarily from fables, fairy tales, and childhood classics such as "Little House" and "Charlotte's Web". No dull prose allowed.

SWB then thoroughly describes the writing process taught through the middle and high school years, giving this homeschooling mom courage. Says Bauer, "The goal is to turn the young writer into a thoughtful student who can make use of written language, rather than struggle with it." She adds, "Good writing requires training. It demands one-on-one attention." To that I respond with a heart-felt "Amen, sister!"

I've given it four stars after I've previewed the contents, but I hope to add the fifth after the year is over.

NOTE: Some teacher prepraration is required. SWB models the lessons, and then you will cull material from the student's texts and literature books. It's actually very simple to implement and takes very little time. I like to take passages from literature relating to other subjects they are already studying. My kids, second and fourth grade, respectively, love it because we are done in 5-10 minutes. SWB also gives short grammar cues for you to subtly tie in to the lesson.

MY TWO CENTS:
I am ridiculously grateful to have my hands held when it comes to teaching writing to my own kids! I used to teach grammar and composition on the middle and high school level. I left public school dismayed by the students' response to writing in general (never mind the heinous grammatical butchery -- the slaughter wrought through "texting" still haunts me to this day). They hated and feared writing. I never expected prose worthy of Faulkner, but the ability to write simply, clearly, and meaningfully was beyond most -- even the "honor roll" students were woefully inept and overwhelmed by the simplest assignments. I had 145 students x 100 assignments (there were always many who would never in a years' time complete a single writing assignment) X 36 weeks divided by the few hours I had after the 100 daily "administrative" tasks (I actually had to spend the first precious minutes of each day doing a "clothing check" for violations -- Argh!). There was little time to address the fundamentals so obviously lacking, and even less time for meaningingful (and mostly ignored) editorial, instructive feedback. I'm thankful for the experience, for I might never have known the joys of homeschooling.

This book is what i had hoped to find. My son has a vivid imagination and talks incessantly. But, when it came time for him to write he would write the simplist of sentances, ie. "I like blue." I was unsure of where to start. With this book I have four years of direction and an understanding of what he should be accomplishing. I have been using this book for 2 weeks now. I can already see a difference. I would never have thought it would help so quickly. I am glad that this book was released just in time for me. I look forward to years of using this book.

This is an excellent book. Very theologically sound too. An great reminder to look outside of ourselves, and be focused on giving God glory.

This book is an eye opener for those of us who gotten the order for life completely flip flopped. Not only does it open your eyes, but lovingly guides you to a right perspective on Who should be big in your life. Hint: it is not people. This book will free you from self imposed or other imposed bondage.

"Fear of man is such a part of our human fabric that we should check for a pulse if someone denies it." (pp. 17). Do I have your attention now? At our church's recent seminar on "How to Share Your Faith" the topic of fear came up as a main reason we don't share the Gospel more often. Since the Bible says that our hearts tend to turn all good things into idols, it should come as no surprise that the primary way we do this is with other people. And this idol impacts us in countless ways! From the back cover: "Pride, oversensitivity, defensiveness, avoidance of others, easy embarrassment, people pleasing, needing approval...You'll be surprised to learn how the fear of others controls you--and what you can do about it."

This is more than a self-help book - it is a theology book that reminds us of who God is, who we are, and how that relationship is supposed to look and impact all of our other relationships. Ed Welch is a counselor, but he is also a theologian, and he combines the two to really examine our hearts and our Lord. And his goal is not to dismiss your fears, but to place them in context. "If you have ever walked among giant redwoods, you will never be overwhelmed by the size of a dogwood tree. Or if you have been through a hurricane, a spring rain is nothing to fear. If you have been in the presence of the almighty God, everything that once controlled you suddenly has less power." (pp. 119). Knowing and fearing our God, exposes and cuts away the roots of our fears. Understanding our idols (people), show us how they don't deliver what we ask of them:

"People are our cherished idols. We worship them, hoping they will take care of us, hoping they will give us what we feel we need. What we really need are biblical shapes and identities for other people. Then instead of needing other people to fill our desires, we can love people for the sake of God's glory and fulfill the purpose for which we were created." (pp. 182).

The book is broken down into two parts. Part I is titled "How and Why We Fear Others" and Part II is "Overcoming the Fear of Others". His analysis of our hearts, our fears and the solutions to these issues are Biblical and Christ-centered through and through. It is readable and practical. It is helpful and hopeful! This is one of the most important books I have read in my walk with the Savior, and I urge you to read it as well! What have you got to lose - except the fears that bind you and rob you of your joy?

Anyone who is honest will find this topic relevant in their life. Welch exposes our tendency to be trapped into pleasing people instead of pleasing God. I have purchased 6 copies of this book to give away in the last 5 months and I will give away more in the next year.

This book presents the regretful truth of fallen man.

'Therefore we cannot rightly say, 'My God is not a God of judgment and anger; my God is a God of love.' Such thinking makes it almost impossible to grow in the fear of the Lord. It suggests that sin only saddens God rather than offends Him.' pg 103

'There was a time in my own life when I would practice the presence of God; then, when I felt His presence, I would pray. All went well, until the day I didn't feel His presence.' pg 83

'The emphasis on self-esteem also contributes to the fear of man. For example, even tho most self-esteem books indicate that it is something you can develop by yourself, almost all the books also say that one of the best ways to raise your self-esteem is to achieve some successes (which are then compared to what others do) or to surround yourself with people who affirm you (which leaves you dependent on their opinion).' pg 75

This would be my first choice book to work thru in a small Bible study group. Not only does Edward T Welch succeed in challenging our faulty 'Dr Phil' views, but he re-addresses our low view of God, in a practical and pastoral way. The subject matter is interrelated with our steadfastness and faithfulness, all of whom could benefit by reading this wonderful book.

A worthwhile excursion and bible-based exhortation which contradicts many Christian resources - especially the popular sort.

This book is based on a true story. A true testimony to the power of God. The kind of transforming power still available today. The impact of this true story has continued to touch and change lives forever. The movie is also very powerful if you get the chance to view it. Thank God for men and women who continue to listen to God's voice in a time that many naysayers say the sitution is hopeless.

Just saw that there is an old movie, with Pat Boone, made from this book.
Don't know how the movie will be yet. However, I like to give good reviews for books that deserve them and many years after having read this one - which I had virtually forgotten til today - I still see it as one of the most profound witnesses to what a life in Messiah should reflect. Amazing story. It will bless you and humble you.

The story of what God can do with a chosen vessel, and a heart of obedience.

This book was very interesting reading. I was familiar with Teen Challenge, but not familiar with how it started, only with the way I've seen it change people's lives. Also, I was born in 77' so to read about gangs and drugs in society during a previous generation and Wilerson's attempt to reach out was a world I hadn't been exposed too. My picuture of the 60s is of Mayberry, not the streets of New York, so it shattered some of my misconceptions.

Motivating story and an easy read worth your time.

This Book changed my life when I read it in jail in summer of 1970,after the hippie years of many many drugs and all that went along with it.I would surely be dead now if not for this book and the Lord Jesus who caused David Wilkerson to write it.Jail was the only place I would have stopped to read it at the time.So I am sure the Lord wanted me there then.I have been reformed since that day.I am presently giving it to my son who also has the bad addiction gene which seems to run in my family .He is currently serving 6 Months in mandatory County Rehab.So he too will have time to read it . I just pray that anyone who has a friend or family member who has an addiction of any kind will send this book to them to read it. They won't read the Bible but they will read this book- The Story of Rev. David Wilkerson,His life saving Teen Challenge Outreach and Nicky Cruz,whose life was also forever changed in this book.Praise God for this Book!!!

How I am enjoying this book! Elizabeth Lesser can communicate, so thoroughly, to the heart and soul of our humanity. I can only hope she will grace us with more of her written word. Thank you, Elizabeth. P.S. I love the Wavy Gravy quote!

This is one of the best books I have read. Highly recommended for those who what to find ways to get through difficult times without wallying in the mud to get there!!!

"Broken Open" is the first book I read after losing my husband. Indeed, I felt broken open, so it seemed an apt buy for me. I really appreciated the honest, open tone of Elizabeth Lesser's style of writing. "A heart made crooked through loss and change is a heart that can love the world and its less than perfect people." So true. After you lose someone, you appreciate so much more what you have. You're less willing to waste time on the petty and look for the more enriching experiences in life. Change, as difficult as it is many times, brings those experiences. Life is so much more if we're open to receiving it. Elaine Williams

one of the few books on self improvement and growth that is readable. it is fast, insightful and useful. I read it at a time when things we going great for me and I had no idea how bad they were going to get. Some of the stuff in it came back during hard times and gave me strength and hope. I would definitly give this book a chance. personally i think books such as these, come to you. u shoud read them if u can relate to them, or else u will get bored or feel they r useless.

I'm not at all into self help books....but this is one i'm glad i tried out.
So i do highly recommend this book to others skeptical of the self help genre.
It's one I didn't even feel i needed to hide... :)

This book is awesome! McManus really inspires you to look at every second that goes by in life, and seize those divine moments because they can really impact someone's life, as well as your own. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!

Chasing Daylight is the kick in the rear a lot of us need. Go after your passions with confidence and don't look back.

McManus is an inspiration and by telling the story of Jonathan he gives us an example of someone living boldly because they can not live any other way. That is the life I want to lead.

I loved this book. I would read it in the mornings while eating breakfast and it was a great start to the day. Erwin McManus is very passionate about his faith and he is very effective in trying to convey that passion. So many of his personal stories that he tells made just say "Wow." And then I realized how so many small things we do, the little leaps of faith that we take, can have such huge rewards and make so many differences in people's lives that do not know Christ. This book is definitely a call to action for the individual and also for the church as a whole. Let's be a generation that seeks to help the lost, the poor, the broken. Let's be a generation that puts other needs before our own. Great message!

I would agree with another reviewer that things get repeated a lot throughout, probably because the whole book was based around the story of Jonathan and the Philistines. Could have been shorter, but still, an excellent read and highly recommended.

A good read, motivational. It is a little rambling for my preference, the author seems to say the same thing many different ways ie take action, just do something for the kingdom of God etc. It gives overall good advice for believers in Jesus Christ but I wouldn't treat the book as a book on theology. The personal stories the author gives are excellent and are the most motivating part of the book.

McManus has an easy to read style that draws you in. Though carpe diem (seize the day) is the main theme this does not reflect a frantic pace but rather developing a discipline of making deliberate choices that give life to your dreams and what God has called you to do. Using a moment in Johnathan's life when he did seize the day by taking the initiative in the face of uncertainty. I will warn you that this is a battle story and was difficult for some church members to find value in studying. Jonathan used his influence inspite of the risks, to advance and leave a mark that served God's will. McMannus writes that all of Jonathan's choices required action and a willingness to awaken those who are in many ways just sleep walking through life. Our church bought the book for our small group leaders as well as the companion DVD and study guide. They were generally well received.