Religion Books

Stone and Duke have produced an excellent introduction to theological reflection here. This book is very readable and doesn't sacrifice scholarship in order to be so. They have organized the book well, giving it a natural flow and progression from one topic to the next. They truly leave no major stone unturned in this volume. Highly recommended as a great starting point for reading about theological reflection.

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 am on my second reading of this book. I have recommended this book to all my Electrical Flat Rate Service Contractors that I consult for. Regardless if you are in business or not, you must read this book. You too will pass it on, to all those that you care about!

Jim Kavallines
The Absolute Best Marketing Company LLC
jim@abscousa.com

Please make sure to have read Part I before or it would be like watching the Godfather part II before the Godfather.

Mr. Mandino is a very easy read, and the story is simple so you breeze through it in no time. Then the hard part now begins, because your mind can't ignore the priceless lessons shared by the author. You know he has been through the road before and you will find many of the examples apply to you in the now or in the past; the question is what you will do for your future. I like to read his books two or three times and then give it to a person who has not had a chance to read any of Mandino's books. In time, I will buy another copy and do the process again, we all get different messages but so far they have all been positive and enjoyable which is why I highly recommend not just this book but all of Og Mandino's marvelous novels.

I didn't think it was possible to outdo Part I... but it did... Parts I & II together is probably the greatest story ever told!!!

I never cease to be amazed at how simple this author makes it easy to improve a persons life.

Pray it Forward: Daily Meditations

What a special person! This is someone who changed peoples lives by what he wrote! He was a brilliant author and person. I believe Og Mandino will live forever in our hearts, minds and spirits! This book as well as anything he wrote would be very much worth your time to own in your library.

Kris Vallotton opens his book "Purity" with an allegorical story "The Parable of the Ring" which depicts the ring as the symbol of your virginity. The book was written with the purpose of providing a catalyst for a sexual reformation. It is Vallotton's prayer the book will "rock the planet and rewrite the sexual paradigms of our time!"

Kris draws on illustrations and lessons from life to provide practical tips on establishing vision, virtue, values and standards while setting boundaries for maintaining purity. He coaches young people to develop a plan for purity, for guarding the thought life by making a covenant with your eyes not to compromise your heart. He discusses practical matters; the importance of accountability and the danger of deception. He offers guidelines for date and courting and establishes standards for appropriate behavior. Vallotton goes on to describe marriage as a covenant relationship which includes Holy love and Holy affection.

A natural story teller, Kris uses heartwarming and heartbreaking stories to illustrate the reward of victory, the result of defeat, and the promise of restoration, a second chance and forgiveness. The final story called "Grace" is a perfect example of God's grace in the lives of those looking to Him for strength.

This is a book for a new generation on the brink of becoming participants of a sexual paradigm shift for sexual purity and for anyone caught up in guilt seeking forgiveness and victory by accepting God's forgiveness and grace.

"Purity" is a bold statement of a new catalyst for a sexual reformation.

This book is not your typical 'wait until you are married before you have sex' book. It puts the onus on men to value the treasure that a woman possesses. I love that Kris does not mince words. He loves those who will read this book but he tells it like it is. I am married and have a 21 year old son who is now reading it. I highly recommend this to marrieds and unmarrieds!!! Thanks Kris for another well-written book!!!

Wow! A terrific book for today and everyday! We learn that children at the earliers age are open to sex out of marriage. This book is one to help all to open their eyes and hearts to know the true love of Jesus and His Plan for their lives as they are open for...honesty...morality...purity...grace and holiness. This book should be taught in every location (classrooms,clubs,small groups for youth/teenagers, etc.) for Wisdom education. Read and grow in Truth!

I couldn't put this one down! 1st day, I looked up and it was already FOUR HOURS LATER. Definite page-turner!

The first two chapters REALLY pull you in and get you going for the rest of the book. Sex is proven to be God's idea, and this book is very frank about it. Nothing shy about this birds-and-the-bees talk!

Be sure to get another one for someone else. They'll thank you for it!

Great book about how to stay pure for God before you get married. God has given us the strength to overcome any sin in our lives. Recommend to all unmarried people.

Prohet starts off with a compelling argument. she then drifts off into her misguided view of spiritualism and inner power. She should test all her views against scripture and not take them out of context!

Substance and daring visions.
The author dissects angels. Break them. And recreates them again while the Church is watching.
Outstanding book.

I found this book very helpful because in this world there are good angels and there are bad angels. It is only a certain type of person who can see that there are some strange things out there in the world and we should be aware. The watchers can also be in the media while using sexual immorality while we live in the last days. Maybe, it is true with our sex crazed society that's probaly ruled by impure spirits.

The Angel Hunter
I gave this a 5-star for one main reason. It was thought provoking and sparked my imagination. It was the catalyst for my own novel, The Angel Hunter. The Watchers, the offspring, the Book of Enoch... all fascinating subject matter. If you consume what this author writes with an open mind and common sense, I'm sure you will find it at least intriguing. Is it information on which to base your religious faith or belief systems? No. But neither is any other literary work.

Good resource for solid believers, but novices and beginners beware. Always do your homework on authors. If you do your homework, on this one you'll know for the conservative believer she was a bit out there to say the least. However, I found the book not only a good resource, but a good intro to the Book of Enoch. I found that if you recognize that God gave us everything in the Bible, and that anything written outside the 66 books should just be supportive, and confirmation that what the Bible says is true. There are just somethings that won't be revealed until later so we should just be satisfied with what we are able to ascertain with what we are given by the Holy Spirit. I use 1Cr 13:12 as a base: "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

This is a good story of a family struggle. Could be any of us, but for the same reasons, personal growth. The growth of the individual players in this drama are compelled to come to grips with their foundational beliefs and to then use that growth in their daily lives. Well written, but was read poorly on the CD. It needs work to muster through, but it was good.

I had expected more from this author. For me, the analogy got lost in the revelation of her personal struggle. I still highly recommend this book as it addresses such an important topic. We can let nothing deter our commitment to trust and follow, especially in our darkest hours. Our Isaacs come in many forms as do the rams in the brush, but God is constant.

Carol's book is heart wrenching. We have only one child also, and we have had to "lay our Isaac down" and trust that God will take care of our son. Reading Carol's book made me realize that I am powerless over some circumstances, but God is still in control. I have a feeling though, that this book would not be understood by those who are not Christian. The idea of trusting a God who would allow so much pain is hard for people to understand. I'm a Christian, and believing in a God who allows horrible circumstances in our lives is hard for even me to understand. Carol's book helped explain how we can still have faith while experiencing difficult times.

While Carol's experience is somewhat unique, her story and the application of the principles of faith to our own difficulties and disappointments in life, as well as others around us, is uplifting, encouraging and filled with hope. This book helps us to look outside of the dark and isolating closet we find ourselves in when an Issac experience enters our lives, or those around us, and see that we can carry on.

This story is filled with the love of God and the expectations of God. WHen God doesn't answer the prayers the way you expect him to. thats when your faith shows up and becomes the strength you live by. Amazing Grace!

Bought it last week. I must say I am very impressed with this DVD. I am one who has great difficulty in taking time for myself and relaxing. I have a lot of stress which has caused much heartache. My counselor has suggested I try meditation so I got this DVD. That night I used it and was very impressed with the instuctors smooth clear voice. It is a very guided meditation that concentrates on body and breathing. When ever my mind started to wander, it helped a great deal in helping me to concentrate on me and breath. I was able be concious but be in a deep relaxed state. It helped me to release thoughts and stressers in a concious manner yet I was able to remain in deep relaxed state. I felt it also brought clairty to things that were causing the stress.

On the recommendation of a friend I ordered and began immediately using this CD. There are a number of reasons why I have recommended this CD to all my friends. The primary reason is that though I am still a fairly new practitioner of this particular kriya I'm already seeing numerous positive effects including a pervasive calmness post-listening which continues on into the next day (I listen to the CD every evening all the way through and then go to sleep). In addition, while I used to have occasional unpleasant vivid dreams...so far, those have stopped completely. The voice that guides you through to the yoga nidra state is one I find soothing and pleasant to listen to. The practice of bringing attention to various points of the body also appears to be assisting me in my daily meditative practice as well as helping me during the day keep bringing attention back to any changes of mood or mental states.

I highly recommend others try this CD for themselves and see how the practice and entering into Yoga Nidra assists the practitioner.

As in everyone this is something that either touches you deeply or helps in other ways.

I'm saddened by the "1 star" review on this item. As someone who does a lot of meditation, and a variety of meditations, I enjoy this CD very much. Could I have done it myself? Yes, but that's true of almost every spoken meditation CD. But I didn't.

As someone who meditates frequently, I enjoy this audio CD because it has a variety of meditations, which I can mix up into various length "programs" of different lengths. It's not just the short version, the medium version, and the long version.

As some other reviewers have complained, the voice rather drones, but that isn't the worst thing in the world: who needs an excited guide when looking to relax? Anyway, the guided, point by point relaxation is just what I was looking for, so I'm pretty happy with it. I can fathom better though (e.g. maybe have binaural beats going in the background or some such), so 4 is the best I give this.

Recommended by a friend of mine who heard the author's NPR interview, I purchased the book right away since I was really confused between being religious and spiritual. This book presented very satisfactory answers that you could be spiritually mature and full of positive emotions without submitting yourself to one particular religious community. Based on decades of adult study and research, the author has a lot to tell you about how positive emotions has been playing an important role in human evolution and an individual's life. However, the book seems somewhat slow and throws in many brain related terms that are kind of distracting. But, if this is the topic that's been bothering you deep inside, I strongly recommend it.

Excellant book on theories of spirituality. I puts light on the differances of religion, faith and spirituality.

This book is one of the most interesting explaination of what makes us grow spirituality. I have been a student of positive thinking and I know from 60 years of experience, that when our intention is focused on the positive, we can face the ups and downs of life much easier and this creates a strong faith to overcome the next issue that pops up!
Jesus Christ knew how to do this. He only saw the good but he did recognize the need for healing.
Haveing over come years of depression through the power of positive thought this book explaines how our brain works and how positive thinking can help us to become whole again.
I would like to know about more books written by Vailant for it has helped me much even though I am mostly a right brain person.
Great help to me and I know it will be to others. Reverend Ruthann LeBlanc

The notion that the AA canon or chapters 2-11 of the book "Alcoholics Anonymous" represents a universal spirituality is not correct. This text refers to a "Higher Power" as an "all powerful" "Supreme Being" that "has all knowledge" and that "loves" you. This limits its philosophy to one based upon an Abrahamic God. Moreover, the phrase "He is the Father and We are his children" (page 62) and its notion of 12 steps implies an obeisance that is not consistent with the teachings of Buddha Siddhattha Gotama. The concept of turning one's will over to God originated with Saint Augustine. The Buddhist Theravada concept of Anatta implies that the self that one props up with a "Big Book" consistent Higher Power is an illusion.

Harvard Psychiatrist George Vaillant has made a major contribution to the research into mental and emotional health with his findings published in this new book. I am quoting him in several papers I have just written on this new genre of expanding spirituality. Finally, we are taking the experience of spirituality out of the neocortex of the brain where we "talk" about it and into the limbic brain where we "feel" it. And, as Vaillant explains -- we do it with positive emotion -- compassion, love, forgiveness, awe, hope, faith/trust and gratitude. This is an intelligent read and great contribution!
Barbara Harris Whitfield, author of The Power of Humility, and The Natural Soul (Sterlinghouse, 2009)

This book has changed my life. For anyone that has experienced depression and anxiety, this book explains the evolutionary reason for these emotions. Ultimately the books criticizes man for misusing his anxiety. We have become too anxious over stimuli that is all too trivial. The human animal has developed anxiety for his survival, but he now experiences anxiety that detrimentally affects his survival.

this book although published in in 1951 gets right to the point of the human problem in todays society. it is not a very long read and it would be a great treat to go along with anyones belief system. for twelve steppers it is a must.

whether or not one agrees with some of what is in this book, or none of it, this material will make one think. let your contemplative horizons break new ground. an excellent work for those who like to learn new ways of looking at the same old reality we are all stuck with.

Worse "self-help" books exist. Problem is, this is just a primer for what you already know. Psychology East and West is Watt's most substantial book--head west young man.

This book was one of my "bibles" when I was 15 years old. I remember turning the pages in awe, wonder, inspiration and the joy of clarity found. It told me what I already knew but needed BADLY to be told and it told me things in ways I had never thought.

One of my most lingering and favorite images from the book is his talking about the pain you feel when you stub your toe. How the knee-jerk reaction is to grab the toe, hold it tight, squeeze it to ward off the pain. He pointed out that doing just the opposite would actually be the least painful -- to will the body, the foot and toe to RELAX into the moment, and allow the pain in and to flow through.

Like the title of the book, his writing takes you to a place to be able to see that grabbing for security is the least secure way to go about things. I love it. Five thumbs up.

Great study in the life and leadership of Nehemiah on discovering your passion, pursuing it, and staying wtih it. I strongly recommend this one if you are seeking personal or ministry vision.

If you are a one of those very devoted Cristians, then I think you will enjoy this book.
I thought it there was too much Cristian's Content for someone who is a soft Cristian.
Way too many stories from the bible.

This book is a "how to" on dreaming big. Sometimes knowing where to start is the biggest hurdle in making progress and articulating the vision for your life. I appreciate Andy Stanley's efforts in this writing.
Elaine Littau
Author of "Nan's Journey"

This book is amazing! I read it 5 years ago, lost my copy and reordered it to re-read as I was starting a new ministry. It's brilliant. I recommend it all the time to people who want relevent and applicable steps to following through on their visions. Fantastic! One of my all-time favorite books!

As a Pastor I have read so many books on leadership and vision I stay away ordinarily but I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a 101 course on visionary leadership based on Nehemiah (which makes this book an inspiring Bible study for anyone). It is written in a way that makes you feel the authors sincerity and warmth. Very encouraging and inspiring. I thought the stuff on naysayers was very insightful. Couldn't put it down until I was finished with it.