Religion Books

I have read almost all of her books and I have enjoyed each and every one. This book did not disappoint me. It was much better than the movie.

This is the first Francine Rivers book I have read. From the very beginning I could hardly put the book down. The book so explores so many feelings that I am sure we all have had at one time or another (joy, guilt, sorrow, longing, fear, pain, happiness, friendship, love, a sense of not belonging, acceptance, etc.). In parts of the book my heart would ache for Cady and Fagan. But the thing that touched me most was the true compassion that Cady, a 10 year old, could feel for the pain of others as if she were experiencing that pain herself. I, too, was brought to tears as I read some areas of the book. At times I felt as if my heart would burst as I thought about my own experience with the Lord and the ever abidding love God has for me.
In the end Francine wrapped the entire story up in such a beautiful and warm "bundle".

This book was an assignment in a book review with some lady friends. I found it to be intriguing with twists and uncertainties. The setting in the appallacian mts was quaint with dialect from the late 1800s and the superstitions of the community. Christ's death for the sin of man is the message in this story of a conflicted little girl and her search for the sin eater. I have loaned my copy out to 5 friends and they all enjoyed the book.

I loved this movie; of course, the book is even better. Nevertheless, this is a stirring movie that will leave you crying both tears of relief and joy in the end as misunderstandings are finally made clear. Basically, a daughter is reunited with her estranged mother through a series of events. All I can is that you've got to watch this movie. By the way, the beginning is a little confusing, but it will all make sense at the end. Or, if you read the book you'll understand exactly what's happening at the beginning of the movie.

I consider myself to be a pretty big fan of Francine Rivers, but this novel left me wanting. The plot moves painfully slowly with very little explanation of customs or character. It really was just painful for me to read, though I had to finish just to see if it got better...it didn't. There are a few minor characters who make it more interesting, but generally, I would say don't waste your time on this one.

This work leaves one feeling enraged at officials and corrupt governments no matter where they are located. To know that the United States is a prime market for human slaves is appalling. The author lays the facts out clearly, his examples are extraordinary and the reader is given as complete a picture of the horrors faced by women, girls, and boys.

"Not for Sale" is a book I plan to use in the classroom to emphasize the horrors that await children/people in all walks of life, but most especially the poor and vulnerable.

Interestingly written and bringing the problem of human trafficking and all its related issues to light. Educational reading for sure. I was shocked to read about restaurant labor in this country being trafficked, as one example. It just read too much like a fictional novel at some times. If you look to learn about this problem in an entertaining and easy way I can recommend this book. If you look for more indepth facts and figures leave it alone.

I work with refugees and orphans from around the globe and find this book to be the most realistic and informative of it's kind. Selling people, mostly women and children is a harsh reality around the world. This book is informative and a must read to help wake up our world and start taking action. Very informative, emotional and well written.

Many people think of slavery as a high-school history lesson related to the Civil War, but that's hardly the case. Slavery has been a tragic part of world culture for thousands of years and exists to this day.

Fortunately in recent years, several well-organized groups have been fanning out around the world - providing educational materials to volunteers and taking direct action in many cases to change laws and free slaves.

If you're on the verge of purchasing this book by David Batstone, a leading authority on modern slavery, then you're already interested in this issue and what you really want is a hands-on, heavy-duty book that investigates modern systems of human trafficking.

This is the book you want. It carries an advisory to readers: "This book deals with mature subject matter." That's because this is grim stuff about slave laborers, child soldiers and enslaved sex workers.

Batstone is professor of ethics at the University of San Francisco and, for six years, also was executive editor of Sojourners Magazine. He understands the issue - and the actions needed. In the final section of the book is an extensive overview of groups and Web sites around the world that can help to connect you with this modern-day abolitionist campaign.

I've only read three books on the subject of modern day slavery and human trafficking, but this is by far the best. It covers varying types of bondage, with just enough detail to grasp the horror of it, but combined with hopeful stories of everyday men and women making a difference - small and large.

I highly recommend this as the right mix of statistics and stories. This is one I can suggest to those who are just learning about modern day slavery - it's not overwhelming or cynical.

I picked this book off my parents' bookshelf because the title intrigued me. Little did I know that the way I looked at anger would change forever. I now understand that I do not have to be a victim of my emotions and that through the practice of mindfulness I can transform. I have recommended this book to friends and they have had the same experience. Thich Nhat Han has changed the way I look at everything!

I picked this up after my anger started careening out of control, especially at work. This book was responsible for putting me back on the dharma path. Thich Naht Hanh's writings on Buddhism are incredibly lucid, and easy to apply to your daily life. Since discovering this book, I've read four others by Thich Naht Hanh, and am currently working on a fifth. My life has been transformed since reading this book, but keep in mind that I've also been meditating daily and meeting regularly with a sangha. Whether you're looking to "walk the path" or simply gain some control over your emotions, this book is an effective resource.

By publishing a poem showing his anger at the USA. Thich Nhat Hanh
is one of the worst liar. He is the most hated personality among the
Vietnamese community who knew him very well as a communist in disguise.

This book is well written, and it is sometimes necessarily repetitive (Yes I wrote necessarily) in order to stress the point that to be able to deal with the habit energy released by anger, the energy of mindfulness has to be generated by the practitioner which will lovingly take care of anger.
I can see why some people have written mixed reviews on this book. However, Zen is not meant to be idealized or understood intellectually, it is direct experience which provides the true understanding of Zen. When a Zen master is asked what it is that Zen practitioners do differently from others he is likely to say "well..when we are hungry we eat, when we are tired we sleep, when we are thirsty we drink water." Mindfulness is doing whatever ordinary task we have at hand with all of our hearts. That's the practice taugth in this book.

This is a book for those who already practice the art of mindful living and wish to strenghthen their mindfulness in a way that will bring home the Pure Land for him/herself and therefore his/her loved ones.

In a society where anger is "normal" this should be required reading. The author is one of the great spiritual teachers of our time and is very naturally a profound and compassionate psychologist. This is not about "getting it out". You learn to let those hot feelings cool so that you become less and less habituated to angry responses and discover more and more about self-control and, with that, essential self-respect. Strongly recommended even for people without obvious "anger problems". We all live in an angry world. We all need to understand these absolutely debilitating issues.

This is a collector's item and a must read for everyone who gives (and want to give) themselves the permission to open, and feel, and bleed "all over the place" (if you have to) - to really live. It invites you to God's place inside you.

I love it.

As a product of a profoundly legalistic upbringing (20 years at a very condemnational fundamentalist Christian university in SC), with tremendous wounds that remained hidden and denied for 45 years, I was given this book by my godly and wise counselors during the most significant crisis of my life. To the legalists who read this review, I just want to offer that there is no other way to freedom in Christ than Truth. It is the Truth that will set you free. And if you find this book offensive, I can assure you, you are not free. Please set aside your preconceived notions about the "acceptable" ways God chooses to heal His children and RUN to get this life-changing, prayer-bathed, wisdom-filled and HEALING book. Although I ADORE The Bible and have experienced firsthand its power to heal, strengthen and bless throughout my lifetime, God personally used THIS book to speak to me at a time when nothing else could speak to my specific pain. (Yes, He does use unexpected people, events and means to get through to His hurting kids ... just read the book of Judges if you don't believe me.)

The five-star rating that I give this book would go on into infinity if it were an option. For all you sufferers out there, if you choose one "secular" book to get you through the valleys and dungeons of life, let it be this one!

I read one or two as meditations in the morning. They are so insightful you can feel the anguish.

A friend of mine has recently "relapsed" into depression and so I have sent this link as a resoure for his reference, which I believe will help. I'm sharing here since I want to arm more people against not the agony, but the decapacitating debilitation, of depression.

While struggling to walk out of my depression, I gained immense strength once I had received Henri Nouwen's The Inner Voice Of Love as my companion.

As a popular spiritual author and Catholic priest, he was supported not only by his spiritual training but also by personal guides who accompanied him every day throughout his months of anguish --- and so I can understand why he had only had 8 months of anguish :)

I am truly grateful that we can now have his book and CD as our companion.

He was someone who truly understood the Past (the triggers, grief, guilt, unforegiveness, regrets, disappointments, rejections, exhaustion ), the Present ( the love & agony, shamefulness & authenticity, helplessness & generousity, despair & conviction, fear & courage, worthlessness & worthiness, tears & humor ) and the Future ( Freedom, Clarity, Purity/Nothingness, Power & Serenity, Centredness/Wholeness, Grace & Compassion ) of "Being" in and through the depression.

This is probably one of the best, if not the best book I've read in a long time. Henri Nouwen's journey through anguish and depression--straight from the heart and every single chapter illuminating!! His words helped me to change the way I look at others, myself and God. I highly recommend this profound book!

Ron Nash is first and foremost a Christian philosopher, and he approaches all subjects from that angle, even an introductory text such as Life's Ultimate Questions. This is all well and good, but it means that this text is really only appropriate for use in Christian colleges and seminaries, which is obviously what Nash has in mind.

With that out of the way, I have to give Nash a lot of praise for his work here. Decades of teaching philosophy have honed his writing and communication skills to a degree where he can make complex concepts sound simple. The structure of the book is interesting as well. In the first half, Nash defines and critiques the conceptual systems of six major philosophers: Democritus (naturalism), Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus (Neoplatonism), Augustine, and Aquinas. The second half deals with specific philosophical topics and problems, and here Nash moves into recent philosophy with discussions of analytic philosophy, postmodernism, and the like. This structure is very effective, as it achieves more of a balance between the history of philosophy approach and the topical approach, while leaning more toward the topical when it comes to philosophical movements and questions that are representative of contemporary philosophers.

Nash sprinkles his discussion of these topics with criticisms from the standpoint of a Christian worldview. Again, this is fine, as all philosophers are working from a specific perspective, but a text that claims to be "An Introduction to Philosophy" probably ought to be a little less partisan. Consider something like Millard Erickson's Systematic Theology. Erickson is a premier evangelical theologian, but in his introductory texts he lays out the different viewpoints on different subjects always using the same structure: he defines a certain view, follows with positive aspects of that view and finishes with criticisms. In other words, he presents all sides while making clear what his own position is. Contrast Nash, who is a bit more heavy-handed.

As it is, however, Life's Ultimate Questions is an effective and readable introduction to philosophy. A believer who wants an introduction to specifically Christian philosophy can't go wrong with Nash.

Lots of people are frightened of textbooks; too difficult to understand, they think. Too dry, others suppose. "Life's Ultimate Questions" can help even the most general reader get a handle on the most important philosophers in history. The book can provide a foundation that can help even a beginner move on to dozens of important topics such as do humans have a soul? Is there life after death? How can we know if God exists? What are the most important options in ethics? How can we know that something is the case? This book is a solid and helpful piece of work.

Nash has produced a pretty good intro text to the study of philosophy. The book itself contains two major sections and an introduction. One of the more positive features of the text is the fact that Nash stresses the importance of a worldview and worldview evaluation. This angle is missing in all other intro texts that I have read, and seems to work as a nice addition to this particular text. The first part of the text is aptly titled "Six Conceptual Systems." In this pat Nash covers Naturalism, Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, and Aquinas. This section is simply an introduction into the thinking of these men and Naturalism (and their worldviews). Actually, Nash has a nice way of making all these philosophers easy to grasp. The second part consists of Problems in Philosophy. Here Nash covers logic, epistemology, metaphysics, God's existence, ethics, and human nature. In part two Nash covers Reformed epistemology (which he makes known that he is in favor of this system) and he also covers Open Theism (which he makes known that he is opposed to this type of theology). Nash is a moderate rationalist and this come out in the text. The redeeming qualities of this work are: 1) It's simplicity, 2) It's overall thematic style that is geared around worldviews and, 3) Nash's inclusion of medieval philosophers (especially Aquinas). I mention #3 since many if not most intro text do not include Aquinas which is a real pity since he was the greatest of the medieval philosophers. The one major vice, it seems of this text, is the fact that Nash comes across a little haughty and pugnacious at times. He asserts certain opinions in the text that might have been left out if all he is trying to do is simply give an exposition of the information. However, if Nash is attempting to serve an opinion in this work, then he has done so quite readily with Open Theism as well as postmodernism. That being the case, perhaps Nash meant this book to have some apologetic qualities about it. Nonetheless, if what he was aiming for was simply an intro to philosophy (which is what is declared on the back cover description) then these opinions might have been best saved for other works. However, this text is distinctly Christian, and perhaps Nash wanted to evaluate these systems for the purpose of the Christian reader. Overall, I would recommend this text to beginning students to help them gain a better understanding of the issues of philosophy.

Nash (presently a prof. at RTS) has used his great powers of simplification to make this book easily understandable to even the most casual reader. The questions dealt with (and most importantly the general approach) in the book is that of the old-fashioned logocentric sort.

Nash does have some good explanations of Plato's and Aristotle's philosophy that I found helpful. But, every subject is dealt with only very shortly. Perhaps Nash puts the most effort and time into logic and logically possible worlds. Though that is interesting, I find it somewhat disappointing, too. This book has basically nothing about 20'th century philosophy, except for a tiny bit about decontructionists. One of my main problems with this is that Nash is a Clarkian in his epistemology. Beware of that when you read it. For those of you who are used to reading more open-ended up-to-date stuff, this will definately strike you as ...-retentive.

But, I would recommend this to any Christian who is interested in a general introduction to Christian thought. And, Nash has a good, though brief, introduction to the latest in anti-evolutionary thought. I found this book helpful, though not necessarily "nice".

Ronald Nash has completed a great introductory book on thE subject of philosophy. He begins by discussing world views and then writes about the six conceptual systems: Naturalism, Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus,Augustine, ansd Aquinas. He writes about the Law of Non-contradiction and epistemology. The strength of the book are the chapters on God's existence and nature.

The book is very much highly prone to Christian Theism. However, he writes truthfully about the theories and peoples involoved throughout philosophy. Since he is writing a text book, you will not find any overt evangelism taking place here, which is a good thing, since this book is actually menat as a primer for college students.

The book is easy to read and Nash's strength is his ability to make complicated subjects easy to understand.

I had to return this book as the supplier did not ship it in time and I could not use it. I am disappointed as I thought it would be a good resource. I will not be using this supplier again.

This book changed my whole approach in teaching. If you are serious about your audience actually learning from what you teach, this is the book to read. I will be using this book as my primary resource for teaching a class to Sunday School teachers on "Teaching to Change Lives" at my church this winter. Read and then do!

Dr. Hendricks is a master at taking a rather serious subject and making his book about it irresistible. From beginning to end, his wit and insight to the student made this book an easy read about a very challenging undertaking. I appreciated over and over again his reminiscent writing about when he was a boy and his perspective of teachers and likewise his students and how he interacted with them. This book is now invaluable to me as a teacher. Wish I had known about it sooner. It is worth the effort to discern a person's "learning curve" and engage them accordingly. It's worth the challenge, especially if you're teaching them about the Lord. Thank you, Dr. Hendricks.

I used this book as a training tool for Sunday School teachers in a small church. We found it to be excellent material. It is to the point and doesn't pull any punches about the fact the teaching is a committment. Should be required reading for everyone who wants to teach.

While Hendricks knows what it takes to teach effectively, I was disappointed with this book. If you are looking for a book to learn how to effectively communicate well with students, this book will be helpful. If you already have good communication skills and common sense in how to connect with students, you'll find this book to be mostly review without any exciting new insights. Please don't let this discredit Dr. Hendricks' other books. Make sure to purchase a copy of Living By the Book by Howard and William Hendricks.

Respectable Sins is an excellent book and this study guide is a great companion to force one to think through what was read and apply it to life. I'm currently using this with a small group Bible study and the reading and homework are just the right amount of work for the women and provides topics for deeper conversation and accountability.

This study guide and the book that goes with it is truly a great find.
It got me form the first chapter and couldn't stop reading! It really makes you think and is food for the mind and spirit!Don't forget the book that goes with it..

As a researcher, I use this book often, even when I am discussing non-religious topics. Wilson offers insightful wisdom in many areas of social life. He offers not only historical perspectives on Christianity and its Jewish roots, but also on areas such as education, family life, language, and culture.

This book is a must-have for any personal library. It remains academically enriching as well as personally challenging to me ten years after I first read it.

Excellent book - Dr. Wilson is a marvelous author who takes you through the history of the Church thru Hebraic eyes. I have never learned so much from one author. Churches need to get this book in the hands of their pastors who could use it for sermons and/or bible studies. Haven't you ever wondered how the church came to be what it is today??? Why so many different religions?? Why the anti semetic atmosphere even today?? Read this book!!

Dr. Wilson's book is the best single volume work on the Jewish roots of Christianity I've ever read. It may be a tough read for some and not academic enough for others, but I prefer to think it splits the middle! The review questions at the end of each chapter help nail down the most important points in the book. Necessary reading for all Christians.

I found the book to be good until I got the part that mentions that gentiles are NOT obligated to follow the commandments of YHVH. In essence it is saying that He has two standards. Not true. Multiple times in the Torah YHVH mentions that there is one law for the homeborn and the stranger that sojourns with them. He has only one standard for all mankind who choses to follow Him. The "noachide laws" are a way that man has come up with to try and get around the fact that we are to follow YHVH's commandments. Of course a good study is in order to decide if what I say is true or not. Nazerene Israel is the faith of the apostles throughout the book of Acts. Shouldn't it be ours too?

Another false point that I found in this book is that they believe Yahshua died on a Friday instead of Wednesday. This is an interesting study for those who are serious about being seekers of the truth. The only sign Yahshua said He would give was 3 days and 3 nights. A Friday death and Sunday resurrection is 3 days by reckoning but only 2 nights, not 3. In this study you will find that He was killed on a Wednesday and rose right at the end of Sabbath (Saturday), see Mt 28:1, the seventh day not the first as is typically taught.

I figure that if this book can't get Yahshua's name, death and resurrection, and the importance of one law and one standard for all correctly then there really is no point in anyone reading this book. It was written and caters to mainstream christianity and its dogma. The truth is out there. Seekers of the truth will find it. Yahshua meant this in Mt 7:14. Few will "FIND" it.

Be blessed seekers.

Although this book is a bit difficult to read (due to all the information contained within) it is a must read for those of the Jewish faith or those looking to understand the basis for Christianity! Wonderful book full of heavy reference material. Provides a detailed path from early Judaism to the Christian church (and all that transpired in between).

Cheryl's book "The Unmistakable Touch of Grace" was an excellent book. I think she has a lot to offer and I like her writing style. Excellent ideas to use to accomplish one's own "touch of grace". An excellent book.

It was truly a touch of grace for me to find myself watching Oprah (which I don't usually do)the day she had Cheryl Richardson, Martha Beck, and Louise Hay on her show. This book is wonderful, as is Martha's, and I have owned Louise Hay's book and given it to many friends over the past 25 or more years.

"...Touch of Grace" is a very personal, easy to follow book. Common sense is not usually a phrase one applies to a book that is probably categorized as "spiritual" or "metaphysical" but this book just makes a lot of sense, and if one is truly open to looking at how grace has touched their lives and willing to be aware, this book will be a great help along the way...to...peace and serenity, joy, etc., etc.

Cheryl Richardson has put into words what many of us have experienced in our lives but didn't know how to explain or articulate. This is not just another "how to" book on creating the perfect life. It is a book that will help you become more mindful of what is already present in your life. You won't miss another "signpost" after reading this book and you'll become more aware of how grace has been a presence in your life from the beginning. Bravo, Cheryl! Pamela D. Blair, Author, The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond, co-author I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye (Updated Edition): Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One

This book is really amazing. I still use Cheryl's earlier book, Take Time for Your Life, as a great reference for my coaching practice. Her latest book takes you in another direction by showing you how to recognize and follow the signs of grace - "the recognition that everything is connected and sacred". I enjoyed hearing her personal story as well as that of others in their search for grace. It is a great example of how setting your intentions creates your reality. If that wasn't enough reason to read this book - she provides some great book, website and magazine recommendations. I would highly recommend this book. It could change your life... if you are ready for a change.

I love this book and ordered 3 copies which I promptly gave away to my friends. I'm getting ready to order 4 more.

This dictionary is an excellent tool for those who want to learn or are learning about the various thoughts of theology. It does not just represent a conservative theological frame work but looks at and give the facts about those teological thoughts that most would agree with and even those that most would disagree with. The information is very well written but unless someone is into religion and theology it may be a bit overwelming for the causual reader. It is an excellent reference too for the Bible and Seminary student as well as for the busy Pastor or Professor.

The articles in this volume have been written by some of the most thoughtful evangelicals. They are scholarly and to the point. Buy this volume and savor it.

I agree with the other reviews above describing EDT as a terrific resource. I am dismayed, however, that this 1300+ page book with multiple hundreds of articles doesn't have an index. It is therefore difficult to guess in advance what topics it addresses, and under what title.

Some of the articles in this dictionary (and I have almost finished it: just about 15 pages left to go) are very good. Packer, Noll, Motyer, Morris, Blaising and Carson are always competent.

However, in my mind the good articles do stand out as exceptional. There are many that are simply bland, and some that are downright alarming. McGavran's article on the Church Growth Movement is alarming for its self-promotion; Nicole's article "Woman, Biblical Concept of" is a classic example of standard PC waffling on what is clear in Scripture. H.W. Perkin's article on "Marriage, Marriage Customs in Bible Times" was irritating in its incompetence and stultifying style --an editing mistake which obviously chopped out at least part of a sentence or so in my edition was no cause for regret, except that it made you look back at the previous column to make sure you'd read it all. On the whole there's a decent quantity of entries, although there could be more, and the best parts tend to be the historical/philosophical articles. If you want a reference tool that covers a broad range of topics you might be better off with the Internet.

Other than Scripture, this is the book most often pulled off my shelf and referred to in my studies. This is not to be confused with the Baker Theological Dictionary, which is a slightly condensed version of EDT.

Dr Elwell is a respectable conservative evangelical scholar who has produced many scholarly and lay writings centering on dictionary/encyclopedic collections of theological/Scriptural information. He is a professor of biblical studies and theology at Wheaton College Graduate School.

The book covers a plethora of topics from orthodox Scriptural ideas set forth by theologians, synopses of Scripture's teachings on topics, heresies and author/theologian biographies. The writings span from 1/2 page to 4 pages with most articles dealing very well with topics from a conservative Scriptural standpoint. A leader of that field's specialist writes each article, with well over 300 different authors providing insights on topics. Each article gives a brief bibliography, and cross-reference to related topics. Most of the longer topics spanning multiple pages offer a summary at the end, for those not interested in in-depth study of all aspects of a topic.

Some topics of interest mentioned under "A" (2 columns per page):
Abortion (7 columns of writing)
Altar (3 1/2 columns)
Anabaptism (5 columns)
Angel of the Lord (1 column)
Annihilationism (1 3/4 columns)
Antichrist (3 1/2 columns)
Antinomianism (2 1/2 columns)
Apocalyptic (7 columns)
Apocrypha (OT and NT) (3 1/2 columns)
Apologetics (6 columns)
Apostasy (1 column)
Aristotle (6 columns)
Arius/Arianism (3 columns)
Arminianism (4 columns)
Ash Wednesday (1/2 column)
Atonement, Theories of (6 columns)
Augustine of Hippo (5 columns)

As you can see from the above, there are practical theologies discussed as well as scholarly topics. Overall, the book does a superb job of providing easily accessible information, but a negative of the book is that it lacks consistency in quality since there are so many contributors. Some topics are weaker in writing. For instance, biblical theology is never defined, but talked around in the discussion by G. Hasel, which takes up 6 columns of writing.

Overall, as I said, this is the most often used source in my ever-growing theological library. Regardless of the topic I am studying or writing about, I can find significant and helpful information in this text. It was a superb addition, and required text for my systematic theology course in graduate seminary.