Religion Books

Wright is a model for the Pastor-Theologian. Not only are his words grounded in a most solid foundation, not only do they quickly challenge our theology (in a healthy way) but they are accessible by most intermediate readers.

Thank you Bishop Wright!

I've been a fan of N.T. Wright ever since I read his book The Meaning of Jesus:Two Visions" which he co-authored with Marcus Borg. I came across this book about half a year ago. I still haven't understood all of the implications which can be gleamed from this very clear account of what Jesus and God and the history of Israel are all about.
Wright speaks of Jesus as the unique one off achievement of God in the history of the world. Jesus as the messiah who inaugurated the new creation and forgave the world of sin.
This book is based on a series of lectures Wright gave for an InterVarsity press conference in 1999. They can be listened to on his unofficial page: [...]

The book is persuasive, though I will leave its description to other reviewers who have done a very nice job of summing it up. I highly recommend this book as a way to step into Wright's larger series on Christian Origins and the Question of God. I am about to read the first work in this series, "The New Testament and the People of God." If the Challenge of Jesus is just a taste then I suspect the fuller treatment of the themes found in its pages will be rewarding.

Very compelling scholarship and historically accurate account of Jesus

Wright's look at Jesus comes from the eyes of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. He attempts to answer the questions: Was Jesus the foretold Messiah? How did Jesus accomplish that end? How did he radically move from the expectations of what the Messiah was to do?

seriously, i haven't read any of the other reviews but there is no book that compares to this one. for some reason before i started reading it i decided that i would hi-lite the "wow" moments. that was a big mistake. everything got hi-lited. wright opens up scripture the way i wish i would've discovered when i was in college.

too many christians today read scripture through biased lenses. instead of taking from scripture they end up reading too much into it.

wright adds great insight.

N.T. Wright was a name that was unfamiliar to me as recently as a few years ago, but I have increasingly heard references to him lately, especially since I started seminary last year. He is obviously a very well-respected and popular author. I've read several of his articles in the last year, and I have greatly appreciated what he had to say. With that context, I had great expectations for "The Challenge of Jesus," the first of his books that I have actually read. Those expectations were met in large part, with a few caveats.

The strength of the book is Wright's ability to challenge some preconceived notions of evangelical orthodoxy without being condescending or smug. He is a well-regarded academic who writes for a popular audience, and he manages to wrestle with complex intellectual questions without distancing himself from the reader.

The most challenging point that I read in this book was his suggestion that Jesus did not necessarily know the entirety of his divine nature while he lived on earth as a first-century Jew. Orthodox Christian theology seems to articulate that Jesus was completely aware of his fully-man, fully-God nature, but Wright claims otherwise. Though I did not find his argument for this point to be entirely convincing, it's certainly a question worth further consideration.

Most compellingly, Wright argues that the vigorous historical pursuit of the life and mission of Jesus of Nazareth is essential for the church and for individual Christians to formulate a robust understanding of who He was and is. For any Christians who think that historical research about Jesus is irrelevant, this book eliminates that all-too-common notion.

My biggest complaint about the book relates to its origin. Apparently, Wright gave a series of lectures, which were then reformatted and polished into this book form. The process can obviously work, as C.S. Lewis demonstrated with "Mere Christianity." But the problem is that Wright makes comment after comment about the reality that he does not have time or space to address a particular point. That approach has one effect on the listener during verbal communication, who invariably does not want to sit and listen to a speaker talk for hours and hours. But for a reader who has committed to read a book of this import, it was frustrating to continually get the sense that this work was vastly incomplete. Of course, it is essential for any scholar who is writing to a popular audience to omit tremendous volumes of background information, which would otherwise be overwhelming. But that does not mean that the author needs to reiterate that the really important stuff has actually been extracted from the text for space constraints.

Ultimately, I thought that this book was very good, if not outstanding. I found Wright's style to be sufficiently engaging that I hope to read more of his work. And I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to wrestle with the questions about the historical reality of Jesus of Nazareth.

Organic Church answers the heart-cry of a worship-hungry soul. Worship is not just about music. Worship is a life-lived in a loving relationship with Jesus Christ with a desire for others to find that same loving relations with HIM. Organic Church is a must read for those who are serious about finding "non-traditional" avenues of being CHURCH that desires to reach family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers with the Good News of Jesus. Don't read this book if you think that CHURCH must be four-walls, pews, and a pulpit. It will probably make you a little upset.
Cole speaks in simple terms without lofty theological language. His illustrations hit the mark. I liked that what Cole is doing is not just "ivory-tower" ideas, but practical teaching that he is living out daily. We can do this. Thanks Neil Cole for getting out-of-the-box, taking the risk of truly following what the Spirit led you to do, and giving us a grand example of what God can do with a man who not only desires to follow Jesus but steps-out and does it.
Personally, I am recommending this book to some of my close friends that go to church because they love Jesus, but seem to say, "There has got to be more to the Christian life and Church than this . . ." I am so sure this book is what true believers are seeking that I am not only recommending it, but have sent it to one friend as a present. I hope to send more in the near future. I am that convinced that this is the CHURCH that pleases Jesus.
What's so cool about this book is that you can take what Cole shares and start today! You don't have to wait on a MDIV, or a certificate from a Bible Correspondence course to start a church. Just do it! Get this book! Read it! And share your life and the Good News of Jesus with a friend.
Cole's Life Transformation Groups are a must for new believers, old believers, and any believer. Cole wrote that we need to read God's Word in bulk. I agree so that we will get the "big picture" and to have a better understanding of what the Bible says a whole. A 20 minute sermon once a week that is based on 1 to 4 verses is not enough Bible-intake. Also, Cole's accountability questions are painful, but so needed to keep our eyes on Jesus and to keep us clean and healthy in mind and body. Lastly, we are so convinced that we have the power to change things . . . this is so untrue. Cole emphasizes the need for prayer and dependency on God, Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit in the LTG's. Wow! What a refreshing read! I read it twice so far.
When you buy a copy, think about buying two and invest one in someone who is not totally satisfied with the "status quo" of just going to church. Give them this book and let them learn how to be CHURCH!

I have been reading a lot of books about the organic church movement lately, and I have found that Neil Cole's is the most persuasive one. And here is the funny thing about it: he doesn't emphasize organic church being better, or more doctrinally correct than the institutional church although I would say he clearly lays out the points in the case for just that fact. However, he does so not by stating a lot of little known facts, logical statements, and I-told-you-so scripture references. Instead he explains his spiritual journey and that of many others which led him to an organic expression of the church, not because all others are wrong, but because that is what God would have them do. If you want a bunch of facts on the matter, I would recommend Frank Viola's Pagan Christianity? But when it comes to helping an institutional church member understand what the organic church is, this is definitely the first book I'll give them.

I loved the first half of this book, even though my parish is running from a far more traditional model. I felt that the course this book suggested could be integrated into a more traditional church for a more balanced approach.
But the author just kept pushing the Organic idea so far that he stretched the metaphor. It got rather hard to deal with and distracting and I put the book down half way through. I'm glad for what I got out of it, but I just couldn't stomach the rest.

It is a thought provoking book that helps you to re-evaluate what church really is and should be. It makes a great discussion starter.

Be very careful when you read this book. This is not taught in church, nor is it taught in Bible schools. It is not taught in Christian books nor is it taught any where in America. Nope, this is a revolutionary way of doing church, one that is Biblical and organic in nature. (Thus, the title). Niel Cole does an excellent job showing what the purpose of the Church truly is. He also clearly shows how the way we do church here in America is ineffective.

So beware, it will rock your world, if you let it.

John Tesh has written an easy-to-digest little book which covers the basics of a happy life. He's a very down to earth man, adn his stories are both touching and credible. I hope this book is just the first in a "chicken soup" type series.

John Tesh puts together a great book full of heart and inspiration to encourage anyone who reads it to take back the passion and purpose in thier life. This is a great self help book for anyone and just an all-around great read to keep at your nightstand. To be composed of so many segments, it really flows well and is tremedously readable and enjoyable. John shares many lessons from his own life and encourages others to turn up the volume on thier lives. The book is not preachy and is written in a very warm, conversational way. John has this ability to connect with his listeners that really carries through to print. I believe that anyone and everyone will benefit from reading this book.

Lots of short little self-motivating lessons from finding passion in your life to taking care of others, taking care of yourself, taking care of business, etc.

One of my favorite suggestions dealt with the constant urge to check e-mail, a big time-waster - Tesh suggests instead dropping down for 10 pushups. That's a great cure! Digesting a "lesson a day" will help brighten your day, and build better tomorrows.

The book "Intelligence for Your Life" is a must read. John Tesh challenged me to really evaluate my passions for life. He encouraged me to create a plan to fulfill my dreams.

This is a wonderful book, I recommend it highly. I listen to his radio program and his book is the icing on the cake. It gives you something to think about and goals to strive for.

I don't like this CD because
1. Sonia Choquette's voice is recorded some times too loud , other times too quiet - it is very inconsistent :(
2. her voice is awful! (high-pitched ; it was driving me crazy)
3. the style of the meditation is confusing: "connect with your heavenly father and your heavenly mother" --> I don't know what she is talking about. I am familiar with the concept of Mother Earth and Father Universe , but my imagination doesn't go as far as to be able to imagine them hugging me...

Simply put: Sonia Choquette's meditations are not my style. I like Doreen Virtue and Collette Baron-Reid much better.

This is by far the best meditation CD I have ever listened to. There are three meditations on it. Sonia begins the first with a very short "bio", and then immediately gets to it. There is no other "talk" on it. Other tapes force me to wait until the explanation is complete before "getting down to it". This CD gets right to it and keeps me there. It is very gentle and affirming. I feel so nurtured and relaxed after it. Sonia's voice is a pleasure to listen to, and her inflexions make me think she's in the room with me. I love it and am very grateful for it.

I really love the meditation cd's. They are wonderful in helping you to develop and open yourself up. I highly recommend them.

6 of the best healing meditations I have in the huge collection that I use for my classes.

I have been listening to Sonia for over a month, and her beautiful sweet voice has really cautivated me. Her messages come in such a sweet tone, that I was sure that her meditation CD's would be wonderful, and I was right. Her voice takes you though a wonderful journey, as if she was right beside me. I love to listen to one meditation every morning. Each CD has 3 meditations, and all 6 are amazing. It's a great set to have, I fully recommend them.

The One-Life Solution by Dr. Henry Cloud will help people in business create a domain and range for their personal and business decisions. Published by Collins Business in 2008, the self-help book is timely given the economic and political challenges facing us all. The domain is described in the subtitle, Reclaim Your Personal Life While Achieving Greater Professional Success. The range consists of a heuristic metaphor and good operational definitions.

The metaphor is spatial with a focus on "boundaries" of personal "property." It helps to generate hypotheses, cause and effect statements that can be tested empirically. Following up on his earlier work, Dr. Cloud writes that conscious boundaries provide structure for successful business decisions. A major problem for many people is that they do not know enough about themselves to use their thought processes effectively. They let the external environment (e.g., other people, business situations, workplace setting) determine their emotions, relations, and performance. This is a conceptual problem. The good news is that people can learn to use cognitive methods to re-structure their internal property and create stronger boundaries. This is not easy because our current society seems to be "structureless," but it can be done with practice.

The range of the book would be severely limited and could be criticized as psychobabble without Dr. Cloud's operational definitions of terms. These definitions consist of operations the business person can use to observe and measure the effects of hypotheses derived from the metaphor. One way to gather empirical data is to conduct a "time audit," recording the "time of your life." How many hours of the work week do you spend establishing and reinforcing your personal property? In contrast, how many hours do you experience anxiety, seek approval, and avoid making decisions as holes open in your "fences?" Dr. Cloud demonstrates how to keep a log, recording empirical results of the use of the metaphor that can be used for successful action.

Another operational definition involves the "word audit." A major concept in the spatial metaphor is communication about boundaries. Words and phrases can be tabulated and used to develop effective spatial cognitive strategies. Phrases like "I think..." and "I will..." indicate your independence and resistance to encroachment into your property by other people and business situations even in restricted work environments. Dr. Cloud discusses words and phrases that weaken your boundaries and gives clear examples. Again, a log should be maintained so that frequencies of word usage can be changed and monitored for effectiveness. Rhetoric is an important aspect of the spatial metaphor and is essential for self-determination in the workplace.

Dr. Cloud presents many other operational definitions in his book related to his metaphor. He reviews major themes and gives additional specific business examples in the last chapters and appendix. He concludes by showing the importance of the interaction of metaphor and objective measurement, thought and action, hypotheses and conclusions. Often, authors of self-help books present powerful metaphors but give few operational definitions (a useful explanation of the term psychobabble). Because it quantifies the integration of both ideas and performance, The One-Life Solution is an excellent practical manual for personal success and satisfaction in business.

This is a wonderful book written by Christian couselors. It teaches a person to re-train their thinking to overcome depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, etc. A lot of people, especially when very young, are given wrong messages about being a bad person or a failure, etc, and it carries through adulthood causing shyness, low self-esteem, etc. This book tells you that those wrong messages are lies and are not the truth. In lots of cases, we have more capacity than we think we do, and we deserve more credit than we give ourselves.

This is a really awesome book, using Christian backing.

The book is excellent. Im' reading it for the second time which I rarely ever do with books. The dissatifation I have is the 1st week I had it the book started to come apart. Books are not made as good as they use to.

After reading this book, I've since given away my copy and bought it twice. It's based on a simple concept: eliminate negative self talk by recognizing it, arguing with it, and replacing it with the truth. Anyone who has ever been discouraged, experienced doubt, or been angry at themselves will learn from this book.

Very beneficial book for both counselers and clientele.
I would recommend this book to anyone searching for a Christian solution
to every day problems that are difficult to identify and overcome. I first read this book in 1984.

After reading this life changing book by Backus I am completely transformed. I used to suffer from depression and anxiety (for 10 years) and had paid lots of money for therapy and medications but NOTHING helped me until I read this book. It opened 100 windows and has changed my life for the better.

Breaking Free is a fantastic book for anyone ready to break free from bondage to sin and generational strongholds. I recommend it to women especially, though I'm sure guys can get a lot out of it as well. Thank you Beth Moore for your insight and for sharing your experience! This book has changed my life!

This was given to me as a gift last month for Mother's Day and I love it! Beth Moore really has been used by God to speak straight to your heart. I love her challenging me in every chapter. It is exactly what I need. She has done it yet again!

I own a hardback copy of this book and have read it through twice now. If you're tired of living in the stronghold of anything...addiction, pride, greed, jealousy, guilt, insecurity, etc., then pick up a copy of this book. Breaking free from those strongholds doesn't happen overnight. But once you realize how chained you are to the things from which Jesus/God can set you free, you're on your way. I am so very grateful God put this book in my path for I wouldn't take anything for the gift of BREAKING FREE! The word says, "I've come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." I believe it and I'm experiencing that even in the midst of trials. That's what happens when you have a Savior and believe He is who He says He is and believe He can do what He says He can do. So, feeling in bondage? Get this book and let God change your life through it.

When I purchased this book, I was feeling good about my spirituality and the direction I was heading in my life, but I still felt that I was missing a piece of the puzzle. While reading this book I was struck by the realization that some elements of my behavior and thought process were not "just my personality" but areas that God could bless and change for me. I learned while studying this book to let go of some deep past hurts. Hurts that I thought were already gone, but were really bubbling under the surface. This is a great book if you are willing to dig deep into your spirituality with an honest and open heart. I thank Beth for writing such liberating words based in scripture and for caring about people's hearts.

Studying this book moved me to new levels. My life mission is to foster continuous learning, growth and to inspire people to truly tap their God given talents. Beth's book is one very useful tool in this process for people.

I have always wanted to read the "Purpose Driven Life" but just never had the time to sit down and read it. Listening in the car is totally awesome. The quality and the content are wonderful. I would recommend this to everyone who travels.

He really seems like a very sincere, very energetic young man, but basicly there's nothing new here. Nothing that the Catholics, Lutherans, Prysbiterians, Nazarines, et. al. (who beleve that Jesus is God) aren't doing today (and make DO the main word). I recieved the same message from the Holy Spirit, and the Bible, before I even purchased this. He is 100% correct on one thing. There absolutely needs to be a point of commitment. But this isn't the first person to mention this. Andrew Murray, Oswald Chambers, John Bunyon, and C. S. Lewis at one point or another have said the same thing. If unbelievers are coming to Jesus through this book, great. I hope it sells 100 Million if it brings people to God's saving grace in Jesus Christ. This audiotape was good confirmation that I'm pointed in the right direction (and when I do get to Heaven, I'd love to jam with him. I bet we do great on "Good Shepherd").

I guess Solomon was right. There is nothing new under the sun.

I am happy that this book has inspired some folks to be better people. I just can't agree with some of what the author is suggesting in his book.

A few things...

It sounds like to me he believes in predestination. I don't...I believe that man has the free will to make his or her own good and bad decisions in his life. God gave that to us. If everything is predestinend why bother reading or listening to this book anyway??? Making my own decisions have PREDESTINED my life. I don't think that God made those decisions for me.

The author suggests that God causes thing to happen in our lives...that he uses pain and problems to serve as wake up calls. I can't blame this on God...it's a human condition for Pete's sake! Are the destitute people in Africa really bad people? NO...the circumstances are really bad. And still born babies...abortions...child abuse...wife beating...murder...are those things that God causes? Nope...we're just human.

And how about what you do with the things that God gives us? Do we give it all up to live like Jesus? That's pretty much what he suggests is part of God's plan for us. He may be right! There are places in the Bible that suggest just that. My main concern is that he mentions that saving for retirement is not in God's plan. I may be going to that bad place for it but I'm saving for my retiremnent. My circumstances allow it. I figure what I do with it after I have to stop working is the real question...I hope!

Please don't allow my critique to affect your decision to read the book or listen to this audio version. There are plenty of good things in there that can help you live a good life. There is also more content in there that I don't necessarily agree with but it's not really worth mentioning here.

Buy it and you decide...

I FIND THIS CD SERIES EXTREMELY USEFUL. I'M TEACHING A BIBLE STUDY ON THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE & FIND THIS VERSION A WONDERFUL TOOL TO RECAP EACH CHAPTER. WISH I HAD THESE CD'S THE FIRST TIME I TAUGHT ON THE SUBJECT!
GOD HAS USED RICK WARREN TO SOW WONDERFUL SEEDS IN COUNTLESS LIVES--INCLUDING MINE. I'LL BE ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR THE NEW DIRECTION I'VE FOUND BECAUSE OF HIS WORK! THE CD'S ARE A CONSTANT ROAD COMPANION TO ME.

explore what drives your life as you drive your car.
interesting meditation, as you pass through.

This is a great book and reference guide covering the basic teachings of the Christian faith. There are 34 chapters addressing just about all of the basic doctrines of Christianity.

This would be a great book for someone who has been a Christian for a short time to read. By reading a chapter a week, someone could get up to speed on the doctrines of Christianity within nine months. It is a great reference book, too--I read this book years ago but still dip into it from time to time when I want to research a specific topic.

Grudem is a great theologian. He has such an incisive mind--there are many places where he uses "this Scripture doesn't mean A, it doesn't mean B, therefore it must mean C" type reasoning. Everything is so logical and well-thought-out. This material is also very solid, doctrinally.

I especially enjoyed reading his refutation of evolution and his in-depth coverage of the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Our churches would be in much better shape if everyone in them read this volume.

This book is a concise handbook of theology, condensed from a larger volume, though still broad in scope at 528 pages. As the title suggests, it is about Biblical doctrines, which adhere to, and emerge from the Scriptures, rather than speculative doctrines derived more from man's philosophical suppositions. The author's view is Reformed Theology, upholding and explaining the doctrinal claims of Martin Luther, and John Calvin, etc.; such as TULIP, among others.

This orthodoxy of Biblical interpretation is so refreshing today in light of the rampant liberal doctrines so popularly preached in the modern church. You WON'T find the partial depravity of man, decisional salvation, cheap grace, easy believism, or ineffectual atonement in this text.

Instead, you'll find a concise Biblical exposition on the most important doctrines of Scripture. One of my favorite explanations in this book is the order of salvation: Election, Call, Regeneration, Conversion, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Perseverence, Death, Glorification. How satisfying to understand the transformational experience of the new birth. When you understand such things you can become a much more effective witness and give a correct Biblical answer for why you believe what you believe.

This author rightly divides the word. He begins in the right place. The assumptions, or foundational view from which we begin interpretation determines to a large extent the conclusions we draw. So that's why it's so important to get it right, hopefully sooner rather than later. And that's why I recommend the book.

This is definitely not a quick read, but a very in depth study. Enjoyed author's commentary and insite.

Wayne Grudem does an excellent job categorizing and explaining biblical doctrine. This book is a great study tool for the seminary student, pastors and church leaders, and for the layperson. 'Bible Doctrine' is an excellent compliment to Dr. Grudem's 'Systematic Theology.' This book should be in every Christian's library.

This book is extremely well researched and written. If you want to know about the Christian faith, the hows, whys, etc. this is the book for you.

Good book and got me on the path to knowing we have an Adversary that wants to darken our hearts so we can't shine for God.

Companion to the book, Captivating, by John and Staci Eldridge. Using the journal as you read the companion book leads to a much more personal and in depth discovery of the reason you were created and greatly enhances the application of the realities presented in the book. It is a journal of self discovery; self in the real sense of the word, as it relates to our purpose, and why we were created, by a loving God.

I have started a women's ministry and we are doing a book study on "Captivating" We have also implemented "Captivating: A Guided Journal" This companion book allows us to discuss in great depth and answer probing questions about who we are as women in our own lives, but more importantly, to our Father. We are still in the first few chapters, but already have been greatly blessed.
I highly recommend both the "Captivating" book and the "Guided Journal."

I loved this book. It made me realize I was worth more than what my husband thought of me. I am made by God and am as is every woman made with care and created for this earth as an asset not to be abused! Buy this for every woman you know and tell her how wonderful she is! She should be loved and not abused in any way. Women are precious. Remind them!

Great book! Just read the first page... Very motivational looking at how God can effect your life as a woman.