Editorial Review

A charming historical novel set in the late 1800s. Born and raised in the hills of Kentucky, Laura "Copper" Grace loves the wilderness of her home in Troublesome Creek. But when her stepmother threatens to send her away to boarding school to become a lady, Copper faces the possibility of losing everything that is precious to her. Copper must come to terms with her family and discover the true meaning of home. Nothing can drag her off the mountain, until the day she realizes that God has other plans for her life.

Reviews

can't wait for the sequel
I'll just go ahead and use the most over used line in reviews. It was a real page turner. It transplanted me in time and place, to the late 1880's in Appalachia. The scene came alive on the pages. The characters were real and the novel's twists and turns were, for the most part, unpredictable. The reader has no choice but to identify with Copper, the twins and the various other characters. Troublesome Creek did not read like the writer's first novel. I could feel her own real life experiences seep through, in the small, detailed descriptions that made this novel seem so "true to life."

I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel. Does married life fit Copper, especially in the "big" city and not the woods of eastern Kentucky? Keep writing Jan, you've found your niche.

Excellent book!
This wonderful book has it all: tragedy, romance, adventure, history, and a compelling story of a young woman coming of age in the hills of Kentucky.

a great read
I thought this book was a delightful read. I, too, liked the unpredictability and the reality of life experiences found in Troublesome Creek. I was strengthened by the characters' reliance on their faith to carry them through whatever life brought their way. I can't wait for the sequel! I can't wait to see what happens to these folks next and I've got a feeling Jan Watson has more to say.

A Very Pleasurable Read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Watson's style of writing was so refreshing; I loved her descriptions and her dialogues...especially the very amusing comments by Copper's twin brothers! I love how she put everything in this book: sorrow, laughter, mystery, tension, & romance.

This book tells a couple of stories, starting with that of Copper's father and mother. Theirs was a true romance that soon ended in tragedy. However, her father's decision soon after made Copper into the woman she came to be, the woman I so very much enjoyed reading about! The setting happens to be in the hills of Kentucky around 1881. It's not often you find a story depicted in that setting, and that is one of the reasons I loved it so much.

This book was more entertaining than any others I've read in a while. If you have ever read "Christy" by Catherine Marshall, and enjoyed it as much as I did, you'll love this book!

Leisurely book for a break from life's rush
This first-time novelist captures the reader's heart as pages quickly turn to reveal plot twists and a story of real-life family love. This is how Jan Watson, author of Troublesome Creek, debuts her work as a novelist. Main character Copper, a sixteen-year-old girl from the hills of Kentucky, struggles through her teenage years with her loving, but somewhat sewn askew parents. After an introduction to the existing Brown family, Watson takes the reader into the family's turbulent past, bringing more complexity to the story. Troublesome Creek, the nearby waterfront that Will Brown has loved for so many years proves to be loving and unforgiving all at once. A mountain cat herself, young Copper's outdoor-loving instincts come to battle against her mother's desire for her to become a "proper lady." Threats of boarding school and city life lead Copper to make hasty, unwise decisions that guide her into paths she would never have chosen otherwise. A story of true, tested love and the blossoming of youth into adulthood makes this a gentle but poignant story.

Watson gracefully leads the reader into the plot by the powerful use of flashback. Troublesome Creek is revealed to the reader one piece at a time, but leaves no questions about what is to come. Relationships between characters are unforgettable and feel hauntingly realistic. Although Watson's plot twists are unusual in everyday life, a reader cannot help but empathize when the characters find themselves in painful or awkward situations.

Copper is a young and fiery redhead who loves the mountains, her family, and her hound dog Paw-Paw. As the story progresses, Copper finds herself in love with John, a friend from her childhood. Stepmother Grace and father Will serve her with guidance and stability as she makes decisions as an inexperienced adolescent. Rifts between mother and daughter emerge, as can only be expected in a story of a growing family. But, ultimately, love pulls the family through the rough waters of life, as years around Troublesome Creek transpire.

After finishing Troublesome Creek, a reader comes away changed and in love with life. Although some plot holes and weakly-constructed dialogue mechanically hinder the story's impact, Watson's first novel hits home. The book is appropriate for both young audiences and matured readers because of its unobtrusive and family-friendly content. Written in an easy-to-read vernacular, first-time fiction readers and experienced crowds alike will appreciate the Watson's work. Troublesome Creek is a leisurely book for a day in the sun or a break from the rush of life. -- Michelle Faulconer, Christian Book Previews.com

Well written and grabs your attention
This book takes place in the late 1800s and is about a young lady and the challenges of growing up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. The writing is so descriptive; it was like reading in color. I usually only read magazines and technical articles, but this book grabbed me and I kept reading until I finished it. Ed

A must read at any age!
I just finished reading Troublesome Creek and I can't wait to hear what happens next with Copper. This was the type of book that when I fell asleep reading it, I dreamed about it. Jan Watson's descriptions of the characters and setting were so real that I felt like I was there at Troublesome Creek. Her description of the budding romance was also so real that my stomach got butterflies right along with Copper. This is a great story that I would recommend to a 13 year old or an 80 year old.

Bob Anderson - Walton, Kentucky
This story was refreshing because it is a historical novel that expresses the true culture of the Appalachian people at the turn of the 20th century. Their pride, feeling of community, and ability to be self-suffecient in a hard living area was exactly as it was expressed to me by my mother who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. Jan Watson's story made me feel like I was sitting in my momma's kitchen listening to her many stories of her childhood. ... Read more

Editorial Review

From absurd 911 calls to presidential philosophizing and foolish felons, Leland Gregory generates the best laughs by exposing the worst of human nature. Following up his New York Times best-selling Stupid American History, Gregory sets his sights on the holidays as he exposes mind-numbing mistletoe maladies in Stupid Christmas: Idiots under the Mistletoe.

Perhaps it's the spiked eggnog or the multiple family members gathered around crazy-colored, twinkly lights, but the holidays are rife with idiocy by the daft and the dumb. Inside this latest collection, Gregory offers more than 200 accounts of holiday-induced stupidity, including:

* While smoke billowed out of the store, firefighters had to physically restrain enthusiastic shoppers from entering a Great Lakes Mall store during an electrical fire.

* In 1995, officials debated over whom to invite to the city's Christmas tree ceremony: President Bill Clinton or the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

* As a joke, Andrew Jackson sent formal invitations to his Christmas ball to a well-known mother-and-daughter prostitute team in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Reviews

Christmas, As Related By News Of The Weird, December 4, 2010
If your sense of humor is slightly bent, if tidbits from both current events and historical references tickles your fancy, this is the book for you. All of the stories are only a paragraph or two, but point to the regular foibles of people with a holiday feel.

You'll find a mishmash of stories, ranging from stupid criminals to overly officious politicians. I don't want to give too much away, but I personally thought that the Baby Jesus equipped with a GPS tracking device was worth the reading time alone.

Stupid Criminals and other Dunces, December 2, 2010
This book is not the kind of book one would read in church or to small children.

This is an amusing collection of police reports, small-town newspaper articles and little-known factoids about anything related to Christmas. Gregory must have gone through a lot of newspapers, magazines and websites from around the world to find some of these articles. There are anecdotes about criminals getting stuck in chimneys, thieves stealing the wrong gifts, reindeer high on mushrooms, drunken villagers running through town showing off their Christmas jewels, town scrooges, or just plain stupid or quirky people around the world. There are a lot of stories about fake Santas, female Santas, drunk Santas and criminal Santas. Some even are pleasant little stories about Good Samaritans.

My favorites are the little stories about quirky holiday traditions of other countries: Germans, Swedes, Irish, English, Spanish, etc. If these stories had their own book, it would be a better collection of perhaps not "Stupid Christmas" but "Quirky Christmas."

This is not a bad collection if you like dirty humor, though. Gregory has written a few winning quips in this book that is typical of his humor and just like his other book "Stupid History." There is nothing here that is obscene or highly offensive (expletives have been left out) but several topics may be unsuitable for the highly religious.

This would make a nice gift for anyone who enjoys sick or twisted humor, or anyone who collects stories about Darwn Award winners and nominees.

Stupid Christmas, December 5, 2010
This is a collection of snippets of information, all relating to human stupidity and Christmas. You get the politically correct running amok, your dumb thief getting caught, Santa's acting not very christmas like, weird historical facts, funny citations etc.

I would have liked all facts to be new but found that some of them were familiar, having been already published in other Leland's books.

There's no lack of stupid people out there, which will allow this author to publish for a long long time.
It's OK for a light read and a smile.

Don't Bother, December 6, 2010
The old adage "You get what you pay for" really applies here. I had hoped for funny stories and instead got a compilation of holiday related news items that didn't even have me cracking a smile. Went ahead and read all of it as I'm awaiting the arrival of my Kindle.

Boring news articles that just spark no interest., December 14, 2010
I have read Leland Gregory's "Stupid History" book and thought it was fascinating, but couldn't choke down one more story from Stupid Christmas. I got 60% thru the book. I wish I could say it was humorous or fun, but just cannot. I felt it was a waste of my time. He could take the handful of good stories and add them to his Stupid History book on the next addition. Try his other book, "Stupid History"

Here's what I like: There are a few pieces that are historical and interesting twists, showing the crazy things we don't know about Christmas and how it has changed.

Here's what I don't like: Out of the 138 stories I read, nearly all of them are just clippings from a news articles or wired stories and have no twist and are only slightly interesting. The author puts a few words into the article to add his own flare and maybe a little humor to the otherwise uninteresting stories. It seems as if the author just pulled random newspapers off the internet and wrote them into the book only adding a few words. I felt as if he really struggled to fill a book and pulled from a period from November to January from various years. Some of the stories really have nothing to do with Christmas. I would have preferred to read 10 really funny crazy stories rather a chocked full book of dull stories. Even my wife was amazed I could read to the 60% point.

Fun, Light, Interesting, December 10, 2010
Great for a fast read. Each Kindle page has a different crazy story or tidbit about Christmas happenings around the world. I found it fun to open up and read a few pages a day before delving into my other books with deeper subjects. Each page turn would result in me snickering, rolling my eyes, or shaking my head in disbelief at how brainless people's actions can be. In fact, my idea of reading "just a couple of pages for now" would usually result in the reluctance to stop reading it!! The author bases most of his stories on news items found in newspapers from all over the world. While it is on special as a free Kindle download, I would definitely recommend it!! Lighten up, folks, and give it a chance!

Don't judge a book by its cover, December 16, 2010
Don't judge a book by its cover, especially if it's this book and the cover looks good. *Sigh* Not even good enough to finish reading.

Stupid book Stupid Title, December 8, 2010
i am glad that I didn't pay for this book I did not find the stories funny at all. Got about a quarter ways through it and gave up. It was about a bunch of stupid people doing stupid things at Christmas time. A lot of stories were about crimes that did not pan out. I do not recommend it.

Stupid Indeed, December 7, 2010
I had higher hopes but this book is neither interesting nor funny. There's a certain breed of delusional nut jobs running around at this time of year whom the author should have targeted for his stories, which would have made the book entertaining. ... Read more

Editorial Review

WHY IS IT EASIER TO OBEY GOD THAN TO TRUST HIM?

Because obeying God makes sense to us. In most cases, His laws appear reasonable and wise, and even when we don't want to obey them, we usually concede that they are good for us.

But the circumstances we find ourselves in often defy explanation. When unexpected situations arise that appear unjust, irrational, or even dreadful, we feel confused and frustrated. And before long we begin to doubt God's concern for us or His control over our lives.

Adversity is hard to endure, and can even be harder to understand. If God were really in control, why would He allow the tragic auto accident or crucial job loss? How could He permit cancer in a loved one or the death of a child?

Grappling with His concern for us we ask, "Why is God allowing this?" or "What have I done wrong?"

In an effort to strengthen his own trust in God during a time of adversity, Jerry Bridges began a lengthy Bible study on the topic of God's sovereignty. What he learned changed his life, and he now shares the fruit of that study with you in Trusting God.

As you begin to explore the scope of God's power over nations, nature, and the detailed lives of individuals, you'll begin to acknowledge His loving control. And as you come to know Him better, you'll find yourself trusting Him more completely. Even when life hurts. ... Read more

Reviews

Life-Changing
Bridges starts out at the beginning saying that you shouldn't read this book WHILE you are going through hard times, so of course I did. And I was very angry with some things he said at the beginning so I thought I would go through and see what I could "blast" him for. Instead, this book changed my life. He has three main points you MUST learn if you want to know God better: God's Sovereignty, God's Wisdom, and God's Love. One without the other two will leave you right where you are. Learn all three and your life will be changed. As I began to read just how much God does love us, I could accept His wisdom and sovereignty in all things and the "whys" gave way to the acceptance we need in order to not only survive hard times, but be at peace with them. You will learn to Trust God .... even when life hurts.

Truely a great book
This is the most comprehensive and best of the three Bridges books I have read. The authors purpose is two-fold. First, he wants the reader to glorify God by acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness in the midst of tragedy. Second, he wants to encourage God's people by showing that God is in control of our lives. Bridges purpose is limited. It is not a theological exploration into the origin of pain and suffering, but a book to help the reader deal with pain and suffering on a level of faith, of trusting in God that things do not just happen.

Although evangelical Christians often give lip service to the sovereignty of God, many are for all practical purposes are Christian deists. They see God as being too distant our unable to intervene in times of trouble. I appreciate that Bridges does not duck the tough issues. He refuses to wrap up all the theological loose ends when discussing the sovereignty of God. Like Tozer, he recognizes that there are some issues to which there are no neat and tidy answers. Unlike many other authors who write on this subject, he does not slavishly follow C.S. Lewis The Problem of Pain. It is refreshing to read a fresh perspective on the subject rather than merely hearing Lewis arguments parroted again.

Although I was very impressed with the book, there were a few areas that caught my attention. Bridges does not deal comprehensively with the idea of spiritual warfare. I would have also liked to see a fuller discussion on the passive will of God. In fact, it is not mentioned in the first one hundred pages or so. It would have been good to have a fuller discussion of the alternative views of God's sovereignty, but then, that would have doubled or tripled the lengthy of the book.

This is truly a great book. I could hardly put it down, one of the best I have read on the providence and sovereignty of God. I would also recommend Jack Contrell's volume, What the Bible Says About God the Ruler, College Press, 1884. Although not a Calvinist, Contrell writes one of the most persuasive arguments for the sovereignty of God I have read. He also explores alternative views of sovereignty (pagan, existential, deists, etc.) and their weaknesses.

You MUST read this book if you are hurting
If you are currently in the midst of deep emotional pain and turmoil in your life, as I am, this book is absolutely essential. I know firsthand what it means to love God but be sure He has abandoned you in the middle of a terrible time. Be assured, He has not, but when you are suffering, it is unbelievably difficult sometimes to trust Him. Where is He? Why doesn't He answer our prayers, if He loves us so much? This book answers that question. It is written along the same lines as Disappointment With God (another great book) by Philip Yancey, but this one goes much more in depth and explains things in a much clearer way, in my opinion, especially for one who is reading it with a mind that is clouded by hurt and pain. Don't turn away from God-- hold on!! He will not leave you with more than you can bear, if you turn to Him to help you bear it. Jerry Bridges shows you how to do this in Trusting God Even When Life Hurts. A truly great and healing book.

An Encouraging Word...
This is - BY FAR - the best book that I have EVER read on the subject of how to deal with suffering. Mr. Bridges does not simply dwell on the subject of the sovereignty of God, and spend the rest of the book telling people who are suffering that they should just "suck it up" and trust God blindly. The first 7 chapters of the book do deal with the sovereignty of God. But Mr. Bridges goes a step further in the last 7 chapters of the book: he talks about the will of God and the love of God. This book has been such an encouragement to me through some very difficult times. It is a book I highly recommend...and loan out on a very regular basis!

An insightful look into the sovereignty of a loving God!
This treatise on the seen and unseen sovereignty of our Lord has totally rearranged my way of thinking! Jerry Bridges forces us to take a long, hard look at the difficult issues of life, and asks the question: Can we (you) trust God?

Often times, our one, two, three, or four-dimensional outlook limits what we can or can't see of God. However, one thing is for sure: God's will will be done. With us, or inspite of us - it will be done! Jerry Bridges has evidently spent many hours on his knees in prayer and meditation to have been given the revelations found within the covers of his book. We should listen and endevor to do what Mr. Bridges advocates, which is to trust God's motivations and intentions for all our lives. In reality, the scenario won't be "limiting" as our natural mind might suppose. Rather, we will be "all" we can be in a great and eternal way if we follow the teachings of Holy Scripture and the admonishments of the author!

This is a great book, and I truely look forward to reading more of Jerry Bridge's work!

Do you struggle with trusting God?
One of my greatest weaknesses as a Christian is trusting God during challenges, problems, and hard times. There are so many people in our religious culture saying "God is in control" or "just trust that God will work things out", but how does a person trust God during true difficulties. The author really does take the time to explain what trust is all about and how to overcome our fears or barriers of trusting God. The scripture references are excellent and applicable to anyone's life. I strongly recommend this book to everyone, especially to those who find themselves worrying and be anxious about anything in life. This book changed my life forever.

GOD IS IN CONTROL!!
This book teaches (better than any other)that God is in tune and does care and is involved behind the scenes in YOUR life. It is a great book if you doubt God's care or observance during the hard times that life can deal. It provides many scriptures to support that God can be trusted and we can find security in trusting God - regardless of our circumstances.

I walked into this book bound but I walked out free...
I originally got this book because - to be quite frank - because I thought it was apropos after having lost my home, all my possessions and having my health seriously compromised this past July in an environmental accident. A reminder to trust God in the midst of all that seemed ... well ... right. Little did I know how important the message in this book would be for me in this moment of my journey.

Warning: this book is not for the faint-hearted. It will challenge you, remind you, move you, undo you, humble you, lift you, convict you and ultimately, change you.

When I started reading the book, I thought I lived in a way that allowed God to function in my life unhindered - or out of the box, if you will. However, I quickly learned that I had actually forgotten how big He is and how sovereign He is. In addition, I came to the brutal reality that I had not let Him out of the box but had actually put him back in the box! Sigh...

I had climbed back up into the front seat, grabbed the steering wheel from God and had taken over for him, yet again. The sad thing is, I hadn't even realized that I had done that.

This book reminded me of so many things: God is sovereign, God loves me unconditionally, God is ALWAYS there even when I can't feel or sense him, God NEVER lies and on and on. I walked into this book,, bound but walked out of it, free.

There is a quote that Jerry Bridges writes at the end of the book that perfectly sums this book up. He says, "Trust is not a passive state of mind. It is a vigorous act of the soul by which we choose to lay hold on the promises of God and cling to them despite the adversity that at times seeks to overwhelms us."

Bottom line, for me personally, is that this book reminded me that this thing called Christianity is a relationship with a real God and it takes a continuous effort on my part as well. I must vigorously work to constantly stand in the midst of unthinkable challenges and situations and trust that God is working everything out for my good.

Jerry reminds us that if we believe God is sovereign, then we must also understand - while living our lives accordingly - that God brings all the good things that come into our life (and we should always give Him thanks for) and (and this was the part that was so challenging for me) that GOD also ALLOWS THE BAD TO COME IN AS WELL. He does if for several reasons. For His glory, for our good or for both - His glory and our good.

Coming to terms with the concept that God allowed the incident that happened to me persnanally in which I lost my home and all my possessions, as well as, the damage that was caused to my lungs, was challenging to say the least. It challenged me on so many levels. It drove me to read Job over and over. I struggled to understand why?

And then something incredible happened. I realized that if He allowed it, He already had the answer on its way. He was already taking care of me. He would lead me forward and show me the way. This horrible situation that happened to me was not mistake, it wasn't fate, it wasn't the cosmos. He already knew. The whole situation had been in His hands the whole entire time. I was never alone - even when every fiber of my being told me I was. Incredible....

"Why it happened" questions suddenly fell to the wayside and were replaced with "what questions". What do you want me to do God?

Beyond my own crisis, this book also put the times we live in and all the craziness that is going on all around us, into perspective for me, as well. I don't have to fret or worry or wonder, because, God is in control of EVERY detail. He knows exactly what He is doing and all I have to do is CHOOSE to TRUST HIM.

For me, there was this ability in that epiphany to just breathe and let go. I was finally able to surrender what happened to with my home, possessions, and health, as well as, what was happening around me. I knew that someone great than me, than greater than all, was in complete control. I could finally let go of the steering wheel and follow.

*I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogging 4 Books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Behind the Christmas songs we love to sing lie fascinating stories that will enrich your holiday celebration. Taking you inside the nativity of over thirty favorite songs and carols, Ace Collins introduces you to people you've never met, stories you've never heard, and meanings you'd never have imagined. The next time you and your family sing 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,' you'll have a new understanding of its message and popular roots. You'll discover how 'Angels from the Realms of Glory,' with its sublime lyrics and profound theology, helped usher in a quiet revolution in worship. You'll learn the strange history of the haunting and powerful 'O Holy Night,' including the song's surprising place in the history of modern communications. And you'll step inside the life of Mark Lowry and find out how he came to pen the words to the contemporary classic 'Mary, Did You Know?'Still other songs such as 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel' trace back to mysterious origins--to ninth-century monks, nameless clergy, and unknown commoners of ages past. Joining hands with such modern favorites as 'White Christmas' and 'The Christmas Song,' they are part of the legacy of inspiration, faith, tears, love, and spiritual joy that is Christmas. From the rollicking appeal of 'Jingle Bells' to the tranquil beauty of 'Silent Night,' the great songs of Christmas contain messages of peace, hope, and truth. Each in its own way expresses a facet of God's heart and celebrates the birth of his greatest gift to the world--Jesus, the most wonderful Christmas Song of all. ... Read more

Reviews

Sloppy research
For someone with 50 books to his credit--as per the dust jacket--Collins is highly sloppy in the research of this book. As has been previously noted, he just presented a common story about the origins of "Silent Night" without necessarily having done any deep research. And the comments about "The Twelve Days of Christmas" come straight from a silly internet piece, with no basis in fact.

This is common throughout this book. It seems more often than not, Collins has just done some cursory internet research and then slapped it all together and called it good.

Some other screw-ups: Irving Berlin was worried that "White Christmas" wasn't really a good song. Actually Berlin, upon introducing it to his office staff and musical secretary, refered to it as "not only the greatest song I've ever written, but the greatest song ever written." Berlin at one point had plans to make White Christmas the main production number in a major Broadway revue. In performing it for Crosby and studio execs, Berlin got nervous with himself and choked in performing it. You can read about this in Jody Rosen's excellent book on White Christmas, called "White Christmas."

As for his assertions about the meaning and origin of the term Merry in merry Christmas, he gets it wrong again. Ten minutes in the Oxford English Dictionary, available at any decent public library, would have given him the answers.

Better Books on this subject are Rosen's afforementioned book and "The Penguin Book of Christmas Carols" ed. Ian Bradbury.

What a fascinating book!
I heard about this book by listening to WMBI in Chicago the week before Christmas. They had the author on, telling one Christmas carol song per day. Immediately I purchased the book, and am thoroughly enjoying it!

Ace tells the stories of 31 favorite Christmas songs. They aren't all traditional carols, but include "Mary Did You Know", and a couple of secular-based Christmas songs such as "Silver Bells" and "Rudolph". I would love to know where Mr. Collins got all his information - there is no Bibliography.

The book itself is very attractive - you can see what the cover is like above, but inside, the print is a deep blue, and there are simple drawings and borders using the same blue. This makes it very visually appealing.

The best way to read "Stories Behind the Best-Love Songs of Christmas" would probably be to read one chapter per day for the 31 days before Christmas. But you can also read it straight through, or dip into the chapter that talks about YOUR favorite Christmas song.

As a perfect companion to Ace Collins' book, I recommend "Christ in the Carols" by Christopher and Melodie Lane. In this book, the emphasis is on finding Christ in the carols and how these carols express so beautifully the glorious and mysterious incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Take the time out this Christmas to enjoy the history and meaning of these beloved songs of Christmas! This book would make a wonderful gift!

You might be interested in checking out my other reviews of Christian books adn music. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Who was in the manger that first Christmas morning?Some say he would become a great moral leader. Others, a social critic. Still others view Jesus as a profound philosopher, a rabbi, a feminist, a prophet, and more. Many are convinced he was the divine Son of God. Who was he---really? And how can you know for sure?Consulting experts on the Bible, archaeology, and messianic prophecy, Lee Strobel searches out the true identity of the child in the manger. Join him as he asks the tough, pointed questions you'd expect from an award-winning legal journalist. If Jesus really was God in the flesh, then there ought to be credible evidence, includingEyewitness Evidence---Can the biographies of Jesus be trusted?Scientific Evidence---What does archaeology reveal?Profile Evidence---Did Jesus fulfill the attributes of God?Fingerprint Evidence---Did Jesus uniquely match the identity of the Messiah?The Case for Christmas invites you to consider why Christmas matters in the first place. Somewhere beyond the traditions of the holiday lies the truth. It may be more compelling than you've realized. Weigh the facts . . . and decide for yourself. ... Read more

Reviews

The identity of the Christ child
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/07)

Lee Strobel, award-winning author, journalist and investigative reporter, has written "The Case for Christmas." Stroble presents a logical case to help the reader determine for themselves if the babe in the manger, Jesus, was the person He claimed to be, Son of Man, Son of God, and very God Himself.

From the first paragraph of the introduction to the last paragraph of the conclusion, Strobel's writing is compelling, intellectually challenging, thought-provoking, and convincing. Using eyewitness accounts, archaeological confirmation, and profile evidence Strobel helps the reader to arrive at a conclusion, their own personal verdict.

Stroble's own journey to discover the reality of Christmas led him to seek counsel. He used his experience as an investigative reporter and the tools of his trade in his to find answers. Strobel presents the results of interviews with leading scholars in areas of biographical evidence, and scientific evidence.

In presenting his case Stroble presented fingerprint evidence to answer the hard question, "Did Jesus, Jesus alone, match the identity of the promised Messiah." I personally found this chapter on fingerprint evidence insightful. The fulfilling of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah gave authenticity to Gospel accounts of Jesus as the Messiah.

Strobel also presented profile evidence to see if Jesus fulfilled the attributes of God. The incarnation, omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, eternality, and immutability all fit in the sketch and are found in the Christmas child. Reflecting on these attributes as a devotional reading offers a rich and rewarding experience.

The book is designed especially for the Christmas and Advent Season. Strobel gives a strong presentation of the Christmas message for anyone seeking understanding of the tenets of the Christian faith, and for thought provoking reflection and mediation for the Christian.

The format and design of this compact, attractive, book - "The Case for Christmas" -- make it an excellent gift for those family members, friends, agnostics, or atheists, who are seeking answers to finding answers in their pursuit for finding personal meaning to the reality of the Christian message of Christmas.

reccomendation
if you're going to buy this, you might as well buy the Case for Christ instead. It has ALL the content in this book and Case for Easter and then some. Much more bank for your buck

The Evidential Case-Maker Provides a Christmas Gift
The Case for Christmas is a darling little book that weaves a solid apologetic throughout its charming writing style. Strobel, as a former investigative reporter (was an atheist at the time), examines the material in the Gospel of Luke regarding the birth of Christ.

Employing rigorous probing into the text and history, Strobel discovers that the birth reports of Jesus in the Bible are accurate, startling, and compelling from an evidentialist's standpoint.

This Christmas book makes for a wonder-filled Christmas for the reader and an excellent Christmas gift to the saved and especially the unsaved (be sure to have them open it a few days before the 25th so that they can enjoy the truth is furnishes during the whole season).

By Mike A Robinson author of God Does Exist! and other Christian books.
The Necessary Existence of God: The Proof of Christianity Through Presuppositional Apologetics ... Read more

Editorial Review

Once upon a time, Michelle McKinney Hammond’s lifestyle centered around the finer things in life—designer clothes, five-star restaurants, and bag after bag of high-end nonessentials. Then one day, like many people, Michelle awoke to find herself on the losing end of a most unwelcome and unexpected financial downturn. In response, she quickly went from “spoiled� to “fabulously frugal,� and with courage and a sense of humor, she made the necessary adjustments in her life.
Now, Hammond, a self-proclaimed DIVA (Divine Inspiration for Victorious Attitude), shares what she learned about her own spending, desires, and needs and how she adjusted to life during an unpredictable economy. Divanomics is filled with money-saving tips on fashion, beauty, home decor, entertaining, diet, housing, and more. ... Read more

Reviews

A Diva joins the struggling middle class
The subtitle of this latest book by Michelle McKinney Hammond is "How to Still be Fabulous When You're Broke" and she is pretty fabulous. But girlfriend, I have mixed feelings about this book.

Michelle McKinney Hammond has written an overview of how to live large on a small budget. She gives some sound advice: shop at discount stores, separate your wants from your needs, clip coupons, don't buy more than you can afford. She encourages women to focus on their relationship with God over their relationship with credit cards.

More autobiography than advice, some of her tips are definitely big city, single gal: make dinner out of cocktail hour snacks in hotel lobbies. This won't work for the mom schlepping it out in the suburbs. Never having had the lifestyle Ms. Hammond once enjoyed, I found my self thinking "I already knew that" through most of the book.

However, she has an incredibly warm and engaging style that makes me want to read more of her writing or hear her speak at a conference. I'd recommend this book for Divas whose fortunes have fallen with the stock market. For the rest of us middle class folks, I say "Girlfriend, we're way ahead of you."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Fun to Read
Michelle McKinney Hammond is a best-selling author of more than thirty books. She was also a co-host of the television program, Aspiring Women. In her latest book, Divanomics, she describes her personal financial trials and how she learned to get back on track. She writes from a Christian perspective, using humor, good-natured fun, and has a modern, hip tone. I don't normally like "hip" but she does it so well, I actually smiled often as I read. There is so much to glean from this book. Her own financial difficulties are actually fun to read. I mean, who wouldn't want to read about how much money she spent and how the upper-class have to deal with accountants to handle their money? Frankly, it was entertaining.

The book is extremely well done. At the end of each chapter, you'll find advice, questions, and suggestions to help you get a grip on your own finances. Her focus on God is inspiring and I enjoyed this book very much.

*I received this book from Tyndale House for Review purposes.*

Diva-lite-ful!
"Divanomics: How to Still Be Fabulous When You're Broke" surprised me, in a most rewarding way!

I expected a standard "how to." Instead I found pages of lively narrative, soul-searching questions, and practical, easy-to-implement advice.

I expected a "diva" attitude (you know, the "waah-I-can't-eat-at-$1000-a-plate-functions any more".) What I found in Divanomics is a realistic point-of-view that speaks to all women, and most enjoyably, a lot of frugal living steeped with spirituality.

Overall, this is a great guide for the newly frugal or for those looking to develop a more faith-based resource to help you cope with the stark realities of today's economy.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Who knew being fabulous on a budget could be SO...fabulous!
DIVA's every where shout hallelujah!

Divanomics is just the book you've been praying for.
Relevant, real, transparent and inspiring,
Divanomics will help you shed the shame
you may be carrying along with debt.

Regardless of your financial situation,
Hammond will remind you
that you are not alone while taking you on a soul
journey to freedom, fearlessness
and fabulousness all in the blink
of a MAC mascared eye.

You can be fabulous when you're
broke - Divanomics will show you how.

Grab your copy today!

Marina Woods, GoodGirlBookClubOnline
The #1 Destination for Today's Aspiring Woman
... Read more

Editorial Review

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Reviews

Sweet story for children, but appeals to adults, April 8, 2009
The prose is engaging and entertaining. It is the best kind of children's story -- appealing to adults. There are no pictures in this edition, but the text stands up very well on its own, and if you have not read it, it is well worth the time--such a quick and pleasant read.

Lovely Story, April 9, 2009
I've never read this children's book, but as I have a Kindle, I can download it for free. Now I know why it's such a classic. Such a lovely and well written story.

Best of the childrens classics, June 7, 2009
Very sweet and well written story - makes me wonder why these and other childrens classics are not as widely read in schools or sold in book stores. I looked for one of my favorites, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, (Hans Christian Anderson) but could not find it at Barnes & Noble. It's too bad because these classics are so much better written with more life lessons for kids than today's popular fiction.

Great classic book, February 22, 2010
I can't believe that this book is free for Kindle. It is such a wonderful story for children and it teaches them the art of empathy and kindness. Don't pass up owning this classic for your Kindle.

Kindle Edition is worth reading, October 8, 2010
This is a fun tale about a toy that wants to become real. While kids (and adults) today won't necessarily identify with the specific toys in the story (they were widely known by the contemporary readers however), we can all relate to wanting to believe in the realness of our toys. Of course, this idea has been picked up and taken to the next level with the Toy Story movies, but that shouldn't dissuade any reader from checking out this short book.

The Kindle edition is perfectly serviceable. There are no formatting issues (I checked it out on my iPhone and my Kindle 3) and I didn't see any typos. The lack of pictures/drawings is disappointing, but the storytelling is vivid enough that it won't distract from your enjoyment. This is definitely one of the free kindle offerings worth picking up.

"Once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always.", January 23, 2010
"The Velveteen Rabbit" was one of my most beloved childhood stories and I have since shared it with my own daughter. Since she is still a preschooler, I bought a beautifully-illustrated edition of the book, with the text being complemented by vivid illustrations that captured both her heart and imagination - The Classic Tale of the Velveteen Rabbit: Or, How Toys Became Real(Christmas Edition). As for me, I couldn't resist downloading this Kindle title, especially since it was free. A quick read about a velveteen rabbit that discovers what it means to be truly loved by a child, and in the process becoming 'real' - this is one story that brings back fond memories of my childhood, and just for a while let's me be a child again, and not a cynical adult.

A pleasant surprise., November 28, 2009
I've heard of this book, but never taken the time to read it. Thanks to the free offers for the Kindle, I decided to take a chance on The Velveteen Rabbit and I'm so glad I did. It's a very quick read, but it's also very heart-touching and brought a smile to my face.

Forever Young, September 30, 2010
I have read this story so many times over the years but I never tire of it.
Fortunately, I am old enough to forget various parts so each reading awakens
new elements. But, the story and the beautiful writing will never gets old.
The Velveteen Rabbit should be kept in every reader's toy chest no matter
how many new toys are added to the collection. This one is the keeper.

If you like sentimental stories, this one might work too.
She Came From Heaven

Childhood favorite never loses it's appeal, February 21, 2010
I couldn't sleep last night so I decided to try Kindle for Blackberry and this was the first book I downloaded. This is a classic story I remember reading in my childhood; it's just the right length to get you back to sleep after a restless night. After reading it I slipped back to sleep very easily and found myself thinking of the Velveteen Rabbit and the fairies. Of course, the real book with illustrations is better, but reading the Kindle version is more convenient.

Touching and heartfelt, December 8, 2009
A great story that teaches a great lesson for children and creates feelings of nostalgia for a beloved childhood toy. Even if the story ended happily, I ended up with a good cry. One feels sympathy, sorrow, and joy for the Velveteen Rabbit. Even if this is considered children story, it is beautifully written with a profound message for all. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Christmas should be the most anticipated day of the year. But many people dread the shopping, financial strain, and extra activities they have to sandwich between the layers of their already too-busy lives.Bestselling author Ace Collins is the perfect guide to help them navigate the stress of the holidays. As he shares twenty-six easy ways to revamp Christmas expectations, readers will relax, refuel, and readjust their attitude toward the season. Each upbeat chapter contains easy to apply ideas for taking a fresh look at a holiday tradition or task and making it positive and meaningful. Through a blend of historical stories, scriptural truths, and contemporary anecdotes, Collins creates a recipe for holiday happiness. He adeptly shows how to keep the joy of the season from derailing and helps readers rediscover Christmas as it was meant to be---holy, peaceful, and purposeful.A glorious Christmas is attainable with Collins' timely wisdom and advice. Partly devotional, partly practical, and always thoughtful, Collins' book will help readers make this their best Christmas ever! ... Read more

Reviews

Shallow and scattered
I have a tension with Christmas. I absolutely love it, and yet sometimes feel like we're missing the point. Tradition is not bad, but even well-intentioned and meaningful traditions can also become idols.

So, when I received 25 Days, 26 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Ever to review, I was skeptical but hoping for the best. The book is written in short chapters that are intended to be read one at a time from December 1st through the 25th. This is not a devotional, but rather a light "reflective reading" book from a Christian perspective.

I have to say, as I began reading this little book my hopes were lifting. I really enjoyed reading Ace Collins' accounts of the historical "Good King Wenceslas" [I never knew he was a real person!], the church's historical observance of advent, the way Christian missionaries in years long ago used mistletoe and evergreen trees to share the gospel, the roots of some of our most beloved Christmas carols, and Martin Luther being the first to add candles to the Christmas tree to symbolize Jesus as the Light of the World. Collins' historical tidbits really did add a new layer of understanding and appreciation to Christmas traditions for me. I also appreciated the emphasis he rightly placed on giving and generosity, and that we should be seeking to emulate the love and heart of Christ.

BUT. I found Collins' approach to refocusing on the meaning of the season to be shallow and scattered. His approach to lessening stress during the holidays seems to be "do more and be happy about it." I felt like my hand was being slapped [albeit jovially] for not being a person who typically sends Christmas cards - and in fact, that I should be picking out individual cards that reflect the tastes of each friend and family member I send them to. I should pick out more gifts more thoughtfully. I should put up more lights more carefully. I should bake more cookies and give them away. I should take more pictures. Oh, and if I'm finding myself too rushed I should slow down and ride my bike. If I feel stressed about these things I should hum a Christmas carol and "turn my frown upside down."

No matter how meaningful the roots of our Christmas traditions, I still contend that those very traditions can become idols that can overtake our focus on Christ. They aren't bad - Christmas cards, lights, decorations, music, shopping, baking... all are enjoyable and fun and can create lovely memories. But perhaps instead of doing more and feeling guilty about not embracing a Clever-family Christmas, we should consider doing less. Perhaps we need to free ourselves a bit from the guilt of all of the "must-do" items on our agendas this time of year that really don't matter in the lens of eternity.

In short, if you're looking for a light and mildly interesting read about Christmas traditions, this might be what you're looking for. Just please take it with a grain of salt and banish the guilt of feeling that you must do more.

Consider learning about traditions, carefully choose what you will do, and do less... with more purpose. :)

Yes, my BEST Christmas Ever
I packed this book to take on a business trip with me mid November. As I sat in my hotel room with no distractions I opened the book and instantly became thankful it had been written. The hotel I was staying in was already decked for Christmas as well as the shopping malls I had visited earlier in the day. That bothered me a bit until I read the first few pages and learned that during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevels asked folks to shop and mail their gifts early to ensure loved ones overseas received their packages. I thought of all of our soldiers and sailors serving right now during wartime and became filled with emotions of thankfulness to them.

I am a Christian. I go to church each Sunday. Our church recognizes Advent each Christmas. I never understood the real meaning of Advent until I read this book.

The history of the Christmas Tree, Mistle toe, etc have all been revealed to me now.

Most important of all though is how this book has given me the desire to serve others, share my joy with others, give of myself in ways I never thought of all in the Spirit of Christmas, the True Spirit in Which Christmas was intended. Please read this book. It will change your life.

Pull this book out each year!
Not too long ago I read a few fiction books by Ace Collins {Farraday Road and Swope's Ridge} and got completely hooked on his fiction. Enough that I am anxiously waiting for the conclusion of the trilogy.

For the Christmas season, Ace Collins has released a new book that focuses on ways to put the JOY back in Christmas: 25 Days, 26 Ways To Make This Your Best Christmas Ever. Each of the twenty-six chapters in the book shares ideas for looking at holiday traditions, frustrations, and expectations and making Christmas what it should be ~ a time of peace and focus on Christ.

I've been reading the book daily and love the insights and perspective that Collins offers. It's been a great encouragement and way to refocus my perspective each morning. At the end of each chapter there is a little `shortcut' that provides an idea on how you can apply the topic of the day. Chapters cover topics on the meaning of old Christmas carols, the significance behind the Magi's gifts to Jesus, Advent, and preserving the holidays. The daily readings are quick and a great start to my morning quiet time. This is one book that I will be keeping handy each Christmas season for a reminder on the important things in life.

Enjoy the Christmas Season Again
This book really reiterated to me what I had already decided this year, that this season was not going to be packed with too much to do each day, but instead December would be a lovely time to enjoy with family. So far, on this 9th day of December, the season has been lovely. My entire Christmas shopping is done and Christmas cards have been sent. We have taken time already to go to the huge light display in Lexington, eat peppermint ice cream, read a story for Advent each day, and enjoy a special Christmas movie each night.

Ace Collins, the author, takes each of the 25 days of Christmas and focuses on a seasonal topic. Day 3 was a look at what "Merry" in Merry Christmas and God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen means. I will not give it away here, but you may be surprised at the meaning. At chapter's end, Mr. Collins gives A Shortcut to the Season with an idea on how the reader can make the reading come alive. For example, he suggests figuring up how much it would cost to give to your true love today the 12 gifts of The Twelve Days of Christmas. My oldest boy will love that. My father always said his tree was decorated on Christmas Eve, which I always found strange. Now I know this was typical in the 40s and earlier. Early Christmas shopping did not begin unto World War II. So why do we kill ourselves trying to rush around so now? We need to get back to the joy of the season. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Thirteen-year-old foster kid Skye Nicholson has become an expert at being an angry, cold, and defensive teenager. After breaking more foster home placements than she cares to count, and committing numerous offenses, she's headed to her final resort --- juvenile detention. But after a court compromise, hope finds her through a beautiful sorrel quarter horse named Champ and the tough love of Tom and Eileen Chamber, who offer her another chance at their home at Keystone Stables. There she's introduced to a God who has the power to truly save her, no matter how much she thinks she's not worth saving. ... Read more

Reviews

Youth horse books
great horse book for younger girls. If you haven't read the keystone stables series you will love it. If you have...don't be misled like I was..the first four book are the same book with a different cover..although cute and more modern...we ended up with the same book. after the fourth they are new, that is just a word of wise. IF you haven't read them, you'll love them ... Read more

Editorial Review

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Reviews

Where are the words in a Kindle before its turned on?, April 17, 2010
This is a delightful book on the history of Zen in Japan. The author starts from the beginngs of zen philosophy in China and brings you right to the Kamakura period where zen became the fashion with the warrior class. I say fashion, but it was/is more than that. It is indeed a study of how a particular philosophy ( zen ) can take hold and flurish in a specific culture, in this case Japan. This was my first kindle book and I simply could not put in down ( rather turn it off!) If you are interested in Zen at all, you will enjoy this book! Highly recommended-and it's FREE to boot!!

Easy read, clarifies many things, reads current, August 20, 2010
My introduction to Buddhism came through the Eckhard Tolle books. I looked at this free book to better understand what Tolle talks about and I ended up submerged in an wealth of explanations (understandings) such as, where did the name Zen come from, what are the basic tenets, how is it different from others. The book reads as if written today except for the occasional dated grammar.

The book goes much beyond the roots of Zen. I spent the last hour reading the discussion on the nature of man. Is man fundamentally good, fundamentally bad? The book explores four options and then moves to explore the relationship of man to nature (the universe in my terminology). Wonderful and easy to read. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A Paradigm-Shaking Book, April 28, 2008
There are many voices critiquing the North American church today. The voices come from both within and without; from those who love the church and those who hate it. We all know that there is something wrong. But what? In many cases the prescription is the same while the cure varies widely. In his new book Crazy Love, first-time author Francis Chan, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California, regular speaker at Passion conferences and other events, and the guy who recorded that "Just Stop and Think" evangelistic video where he walks for miles holding a surfboard, takes his opportunity to challenge the church. "This book," he says, "is written for those who want more Jesus. It is for those who are bored with what American Christianity offers. It is for those who don't want to plateau, who would rather die before their convictions do." It is a book that is meant to change the way Christians live their lives.

There are two ways of critiquing the church. We can critique out of love or out of disgust. Chan is committed to critiquing the church as an act of love. In a recent interview, when asked about the emergent church, he said this: "As a pastor I hear a lot of emergent leaders talk about what is wrong with the church. It comes across as someone who doesn't love the church. I'm a pastor first and foremost, and I'm trying to offer a solution or a model of what church should look like. I'm going back to scripture and seeing what the church was in its simplest form and trying to recreate that in my own church. I'm not coming up with anything new. I'm calling people to go back to the way it was. I'm not bashing the church. I'm loving it." And his love for the church is obvious throughout this book.

The format of Crazy Love is straightforward and effective. Chan dedicates three chapters to renewing our understanding of the character of God and seven chapters calling Christians to examine themselves. Within the book are two ongoing themes that are going to get people talking.

The first theme is that we must painstakingly examine ourselves. We cannot assume we are saved, or to use the biblical metaphor, we cannot assume that we are the good soil. Chan calls the reader to a serious self-inventory through a chapter that provides a profile of the lukewarm. He concludes, "a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there's no such thing. To put it plainly, churchgoers who are `lukewarm' are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven." God wants all or nothing.

The second theme is deeply counter-cultural, going against the stream of both Christian and secular culture. It is this: live your best life later. Chan wants to see Christians living differently--living in a way that is markedly different from those around them. He wants to see Christians forgoing much of what we consider necessary, what we consider our due, in order to focus on treasures that are eternal. He wants us to get outside the realm of what is comfortable to us and focus instead on radical obedience. "God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through."

These two themes and a focus on the Scriptures serve to create a powerful and deeply challenging book. There is a very obvious commitment here to teach Scriptural principles from the Scriptures and to invite the reader to verify what he is writing from those same Scriptures. Not surprisingly, the book's weakest chapter is the one that depends least on the Bible. It is a chapter providing examples of men and women who have made radical choices to live radically different. At least a couple of examples are of people who are probably not the best examples overall because as they've jettisoned their old lives, they've also jettisoned too much good theology.

That small critique aside, I found that this is a paradigm-shaking book with a message that Christians desperately need to hear. Too many of us are living too safely and too easily. But for the brief moments we spend at church each week, we are practically indistinguishable from the unbelievers around us. This is not the way it is meant to be. The church could use a loving exhortation and Chan delivers well.

READ THIS BOOK!, June 30, 2008
If you can read just one book this year, let Crazy Love be the one book.

It's that good. It's beautiful, hard-hitting, easy to read, convicting, life-transforming.

Remember a time when you had fallen in love? How everything in your life seemed to change? You did some crazy stuff. THAT'S exactly how our lives should change, if we truly fall in love with God.

Here is a summary of each chapter of the book, to give you a preview. I'll say it again, READ THIS BOOK!

Preface
This book is to convince you that by surrendering yourself totally to God's purposes, He will bring you the most pleasure in this life and the next.

Chapter One
Our problem isn't working harder, but realizing who God is, how "crazy" his love for us is, and falling in love with God. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything in your life.

Chapter Two
On the average day, we live caught up in ourselves. It's crazy that we think today is just a normal day to do whatever we want with. Do you live with the fact that perhaps today you will die? Life is all about God and not about us at all.

Chapter Three
The greatest good on this earth is God. Period. God's one goal for us is Himself. Do you believe that God is the greatest thing you can experience in the whole world?

Chapter Four
Remember the parable of the soils. DO NOT ASSUME YOU ARE GOOD SOIL. Most American churchgoers have thorns that choke any seed that is in them. A relationship with God simply cannot grow when money, sins, activities, favorite sports teams, addictions, or commitments are piled on top of it.

Chapter Five
Jesus clearly states over and over he wants all or nothing. We can not give him leftovers, we cannot give him only what doesn't hurt us or only what doesn't put us at risk.

Chapter Six
To change our hearts, what we value, what we risk, how we act, we don't need more guilt or more rules, we just need to be in love with God. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

Chapter Seven
Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.
God wants us to trust Him with abandon. He wants to show us how He works and cares for us. He doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come true.

Chapter Eight
People who are obsessed with Jesus care more about the Kingdom than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress, live lives that connect them with the poor, will do things that don't make sense in terms of success or wealth, will seek humility, take joy in loving people, will be known as givers, not takers, will orient their lives around eternity, and will be characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God.

Chapter Nine
There are people who really do live with a crazy love for Jesus, and if you look at their lives, it will eliminate every excuse for not living a radical, love-motivated life for Him.

Chapter Ten
How you live your days becomes how you have lived your life.
Love. Risk. Listen to the Spirit. Be committed to live each day as if it is your last before you meet Jesus.

Dangerously close to works-based salvation, June 7, 2009
I think the message of Crazy Love is GREAT. Christians need a wakeup call, jump start, etc. I have no doubts this book was inspired divinely. I just don't feel that the way it was presented is as divinely inspired.

Chan spends the first eighty pages right on target with his message: Christians need to live as Christ called us. We should live sacrificially, we should live completely and totally sold out to Him. But Chan's method is sometimes very disturbing. He makes the assertion that if one believes in Christ, but doesn't follow His commands, then that person isn't going to Heaven. Pages 83-84 he states:

As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there is no such thing. To put it plainly, church goers who are "lukewarm" are not christians. We will not see them in Heaven.

He defines "lukewarm" as someone who does not follow Christ's commands. We're all guilty of that. So I can lose my salvation? So am I even really saved in the first place? Does one sin after accepting Christ negate my accepting of Christ?

We all sin, even as Christians. By sinning, we are disobeying God's commandments. Because we all still sin, we are all a little "lukewarm." Some are "hotter" than others who are "colder." This I understand. But Chan fails to mention what "temperature" at which we all get to spend eternity with Christ in fellowship. He says that lukewarm Christians will not go to heaven. Mr. Chan, I don't believe it's a gray scale, it's whether you accept Christ as your savior or not. If you do believe he loved you enough to die in place of you to save you from original sin, then you go to Heaven to be with Him forever. If not, you don't.

If Chan's implications are true, then WHO exactly HAS salvation? Romans 3:23 says that we all sin. Paul spends half of chapter 7 of Romans outlining his own struggle with sin. So I can't expect to see the Apostle Paul in Heaven, because by Chan's suppositions Paul isn't there? Even if I manage to get there, which by Chan's suppositions, I won't because I disobey God.

It takes him 86 3/4 pages to mention the concept of grace. This seems to be the turning point of the point, where the shovel goes from digging the hole, to refilling it.

Chan's vehicle for change seems to be guilt and fear. Romans 8:1 has one cure for that, while 1 John 4:18 has the other one.

This book is great for Christians who need a kick in the butt. It's also simultaneously not great for young Christians first learning to walk, because it is perilously close to condemning at times, and fails to mention grace until midway through the book. Chan seems to imply (and frequently has to apologize for such implication) that in order to prove that you love God, you have to live "crazy." If "works-based salvation" were a circle on the floor, Chan dances dangerously around the outside from all directions.

He could have simply said that works are a manifestation of your faith and salvation, and not a precursor to it. Faith happens first, salvation immediately follows, then works is evidence of the faith. It is devoid of the discussion of grace until midway through the book.

I understand that his implications that without the works, the faith can't be proven alive. He also fails to mention that some people are called to live incredibly mediocre and mundane lives, in which they go to work, make money, and donate generously to charities and to bankroll the missionaries. Jesus does say to the rich young man to sell all his possessions and "Follow me." This right young man thought so highly of his own possessions, that Jesus wanted to prove a point. But what of Abraham who demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice Isaac? The willingness is key. If we are not willing to sacrifice all we have to God, then we are lukewarm. This is where Chan isn't abundantly clear, and his message can be misinterpreted easily for "works-based salvation."

But the message at its core is good. Just be careful in recommending to young Christians.

Gives with one hand while he takes with the other, August 24, 2009
I am not one to throw the baby out with the bath water so despite my few hesitations I like much of what Pastor Chan has to say. The first three chapters are very good. My concern comes in how he gives with one hand while he takes with the other. For example, in chapter four he says "don't assume you are the good soil" (p. 67) and he asks you to "take a searching, honest look at your life" (p. 68). He then gives multiple examples of what it means to be lukewarm. My guess is a lot of people are going to take his lukewarm test in chapter 4 and decide they might be a little lukewarm only to discover in chapter 5 he considers lukewarm believer to be "an oxymoron, there is no such thing." (p. 83-84). And yet he goes on to say "I don't want true believers to doubt their salvation as they read this book." (p. 87) and "I'm not saying that when you mess up it means you were never really a Christian in the first place (p. 88). After offering those reassurances he's back to taking them away on pages 97-98: "I know that this whole swimming upstream, pursuing Christ, taking up your cross, counting the cost thing isn't easy. It's so hard, in fact, that Jesus said the road is narrow and few will actually find it...and fewer still among those who are rich. Like the parable of the sower, don't assume you are the good soil; don't assume you are one of the few on the narrow way." Then on page 101 back to offering reassurance: "My fear in writing the previous chapter is that it evokes in you only fear and guilt." How do I determine the difference between when I am merely messing up (even he admits he failed often. p. 20) and when I am a lukewarm illegitimate believer? This is confusing at best and harmful to one's assurance of salvation at worst. It seems to me that what many will get out of all this is we must not take our salvation for granted and therefore we must continually scrutinize ourselves to determine if we bear the marks of a child of God. I just think a teaching that emphasizes such introspection to see if we pass certain tests which prove we are Christians cannot help but lead to doubt and insecurity.

saved by wroks??, August 29, 2009
I believe this author has great intentions of giving the north american church a "wake-up" call saying that we are not where we need to be. There were several great statements that will, at the least, get the reader analyzing his or her life. I can appreciate much of the discussion he made on the use of our time and resources.
There were several statements of the "lukewarm christian" that were bold. He further states that these descriptions of lukewarm christians will not enter heaven. Brave and unbiblical statements. Chan is focused on works, what we are doing. If it's not in the "box" of works and strict sacrifice then God is not going to let us into heaven. He is using guilt as a tool of change, even though he repeatedly states that crazy "love" cannot be motivated by guilt.
Not everyone is called to the mission field, called to begin a ministry, sell all they have and move some where, etc. God is interested in our hearts, our motives, in our growth and interested in us understanding Him on a deeper level. As Christians we are all at different places in our walk with him and it's by His grace alone that we are saved, not by works that any man should boast.
This book has the potential to scare the new believer, confuse a baby christian and quite frankly lead a solid believer into despair and unwarranted fear.

Lifechanging, May 21, 2008
Having read reviews of this book, I thought I was prepared. But Chan's application of scriptures regarding caring for the poor, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and being Jesus' hands and feet in this world shook my thinking. He urges his readers to stop and think, worship, apply. I am asking myself, what is God calling me to do with what I've learned? Be prepared to ask yourself the same.

Works based theology, May 18, 2009
When I first started the book I was impressed, even though the first two chapters are pretty basic. However, now that I'm almost finished the book, I really question whether or not Mr. Chan has a graced based theology or a works based theology. He repeatedly says we're saved by grace, but then he also repeatedly says you won't get into heaven if you don't do this or that. The basis for true Christian theology is so simple, (accepted grace leads to salvation leads to change in your life), but Mr. Chan seems to want to make it difficult. In Chapter 4, where he spells out what he believes a lukewarm Christian is like, he may actually step into the judgement seat.
This book does have me taking a good hard look at God's place in my life, thinking about His extravagant love and how I love Him and realizing that I should be serving better, and that's a good thing. However, I think the works based theology is really an overwhelming theme and that's really not something I could promote.

Confusing, January 19, 2009
First off, I would say that I respect the author & what he is trying to do. I also think that I learned some good lessons from studying this book & I am now thinking more carefully about decisions I make.
However. I must say I would not recommend studying this book. Here's why.
Francis Chan does state in the book that he does not believe works are necessary for salvation. I was grateful that he said this, because I felt the rest of the book did not reflect this. I felt that he was saying being responsible and thinking through your decisions wisely is not very important or necessary. That is what bothered me the most about this book. Also, while I agree that most of the American church needs to be "jump-started", it seemed like he was trying to accomplish this through guilt. Overall, I just felt confused by this book.
So, while this book might be good for a read-through, I would recommend rather reading books from Jerry Bridges such as Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God's Unfailing Love or a book on God's sovereignty (something I felt was lacking in Crazy Love) such as Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink. Or, if you are a new Christian, a book like Basic Christianity (IVP Classics) by John Stott. Let these books shape the way you think & therefore live.

Title is NO reflection of the subject of the book, September 29, 2010
I thought this book was going to be about God's love. It is not. I'm honestly not sure why on Earth it was named Crazy Love--the book talks almost nothing about love.

Others have already said it well, but I'll add my 2 cents.

First off, if you struggle at all with believing God's love for you, or His forgiveness, or if you struggle with feeling insignificant, please, PLEASE do not read this book. It will leave you feeling nothing but despair.

In Chan's world, lukewarm people are not saved, and almost everyone is lukewarm. You are doomed. If you live a life of quiet, but wholehearted, dedication to God it doesn't matter. You are only saved if someone else can look at your life and see radical change.

In Chan's view of Christianity--

--If you are a stay at home mom prayerfully and sacrificially giving your all to raise children who will know Jesus while you strive to have a godly marriage, that is not enough. You are lukewarm.

--If you go to work each day and try to honor God in your ho-hum job, and make just enough to feed and care for your family and manage to pay all your bills, but have nothing left over to "radically give", that is not enough. You are lukewarm.

--If you struggle every day to overcome sin, and with God's help you are able to stay out of the gutter, or out of addiction, but you don't experience some huge, radical change, then that is not enough. You are lukewarm.

Remember, Chan says that you are NOT saved if you are lukewarm... (I would like to read some hermeneutical scholarship on Jesus' words that He will spit them out of his mouth-- I don't know if it is a statement of one's eternal salvation or not. ??).

About halfway through the book, Chan tosses a perfunctory nod to grace. I get the idea that in his view of God and salvation, grace plays a very minor role.

Basically, rather than believing that God cares about the direction of the heart--whether or not you have given over yourself to Christ and are trying to lead a life free of sin-- Francis Chan apparently believes that that it's all about what you do THAT OTHERS CAN SEE. It is works-based, "For Show" Christianity, where the transformation of the heart matters little and outward behavior is everything.

Yes, I believe wholeheartedly that our behavior will change as we bear the fruit of the Spirit. I also know (from Scripture) that God cares deeply about how we act and what we do. But Chan has swung the pendulum so far in the direction of actions that he has left no place for the SLOW, SOMETIMES LIFELONG, TRANSFORMATION THAT THE MAJORITY OF US EXPERIENCE.

Francis Chan makes the critical mistake of elevating one part of Scripture (Rev. 3:15) over other parts of Scripture (every verse that talks about grace and mercy). All of Scripture must be taken together and heeded as a cohesive whole.

Finally, since I started my review with what NOT to read, I want to give a couple of recommendation for books that are GOOD to read and that I sincerely believe will help you in being a true follower of Jesus Christ.
#1 --I strongly recommend Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. This is a book everyone should read.
#2--Pursuit of God (also by Tozer). A great, balanced, scriptural presentation of what it means to follow Jesus Christ.
#3--What's So Amazing About Grace (by Philip Yancey)-- Yancey paints a realistic and beautiful portrait of what grace looks like in the real world.
#4--My Utmost for His Highest (by Oswald Chambers) -- an excellent treatise on how to live as a Christian.
#5--The New Testament of the Bible.

God is crazy in love with you - believe it - but don't expect this book to tell you that. Find the truth in the WHOLE of Scripture instead.

Rah...Rah...Now Go Be Radical!, January 16, 2010
Let me start off by saying I agree with much of what Francis Chan had to say about people who call themselves Christians taking their faith much more seriously. Most Americans are far too happy with living their day-to-day lives with no thought of eternal reprecussions and what truly matters most in this life. Calls to action, like Chan's, are constantly needed.

My problem with Chan's book came in its simplicity and cheerleading style. I think this book would have been great for me during high school when a spiritual pep talk made me feel much more motivated to "be a better Christian." But reading it at 23 made it seem hollow and void of any true insight. Yes, we need to be less lukewarm. Yes, we need to get out and have an effect on our world. Yes, our actions do matter eternally. But by Chan's critiques I'm left thinking God wants every Christian in America to sell everything, move overseas to evangelize, and realize the hollow nature of all that was left behind.

It's easy to tell people we need to be radical for Jesus. But times change. We live in a modern world so a critique by Chan showing us a Christian navigating through the maze of our actual day-to-day lives would have been helpful. What does it mean to be radical? Surely Jesus doesn't want every Christian to ditch his or her current life and move. What does living a stable life by Jesus' ideals look like in America? Chan only offered explanations to muddle any helpful modern day critique of the church. If I summed up Chan's book it would be: "God's love is crazy, now let's go live crazy." That's nothing practical in that. ... Read more

Editorial Review

WHAT IS JESUS WORTH TO YOU?

It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...

BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU?

In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus.

Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment --a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring. ... Read more

Reviews

What is GOD up to?, October 27, 2010
My first impression of "Radical," just from skimming the dust jacket, mirrored the critical review which has been deemed most helpful. I came very close to missing the blessing God had for me through this book.

However as I read "Radical," reflected on it's message, saw its impact on myself and my friends, and pondered the significance of this runaway best seller, my perspective changed completely and I was led to a deep conviction that God is working through this book in an unusual way. I subsequently volunteered to analyze and review the significance of "Radical" for "Mission Frontiers," a major mission strategy magazine. [Google "Mission Frontiers Radical" for a more detailed analysis than fits here.]

Before dismissing "Radical" based on nothing more than the plausibility of a negative review, I encourage you to use Amazon's "look inside" feature or read the first chapter, available free on-line [Google "Someone Worth Losing Everything For"]. Instead of an "outsider" criticizing the Church, you'll find a well-credentialed insider inviting you to join his struggle to understand and close the gap between what he reads in Scripture and how we have redefined Jesus to affirm the way we live.

A friend just read "Radical" and emailed me: "This book haunts me: `My biggest fear, even now, is that I will hear Jesus' words and walk away, content to settle for less than radical obedience to Him.' - David Platt"


BOOK SUMMARY

David Platt's book "Radical" reflects a wider move of God through which He is stirring His people to live radically for Him to finish discipling all nations (Mt. 24:14 and Mt 28:18-20).

"Radical" overlaps heavily with Francis Chan's Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God in urging God's people to live "all out" for Jesus, but puts forth a much clearer picture of the global purposes which God is working to accomplish through His people, and a more practical suggestion for how God's people can begin intentionally engaging together in obeying God and impacting His world.

In the first chapter Dr. Platt develops Dietrich Bonhoeffer's quote "[the first call every Christian experiences is] the call to abandon the attachments of this world." Throughout his book, Platt urges us to discover Jesus (not heaven) as our sole treasure, to lay aside everything that keeps us from pursuing Him above all else, and to realize that "It's Not About Me." [Google the free excerpt from "Radical" available on line at "Mission Frontiers Radical not about me".]

The final chapter of "Radical" opens:
"Throughout this book we have explored a variety of bold claims about our purpose in life that are contained in the gospel yet contradicted in the American dream. Claims such as these: Real success is found in radical sacrifice. Ultimate satisfaction is not found in making much of ourselves but in making much of God. The purpose of our lives transcends the country and culture in which we live. Meaning is found in community, not individualism; joy is found in generosity, not materialism; and truth is found in Christ, not universalism. Ultimately Jesus is a reward worth risking everything to know, experience and enjoy."

Having presented such a challenge, Dr. Platt then takes a surprising departure which seems to have thrown several other reviewers. Instead of calling for immediate dramatic change, as most "high commitment" books do, he suggests the starting point of a growth path which any group can embrace together to pursue greater passion for Jesus and obedience to His global purposes.

The "Radical Experiment" is not radical in where it starts, but in the direction it leads. It is much more like Jesus' initial call to Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:19--to follow Jesus and let Him change us into effective disciplers--than it is to the kind of radical Luke 14 challenge I and my missionary colleagues like to present.

Like some negative reviewers, I was initially misled into dismissing "Radical" by the low initial commitment required in the "Radical Experiment." "What," I asked myself, "is radical about reading through the Bible in a year, or giving 2% of your time or to a specific cause?" But such a dismissal misses the whole thrust of Dr. Platt's book.

"Radical" will challenge most readers in the healthiest of ways, not simply to agree with what is wrong with the Western Church, but to take practical steps to join others in living for God's global kingdom. As the Chinese proverb says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

From the one out of eight reviews of "Radical" which are negative, it is apparent that:
- some will read "Radical" as a guilt trip or an appeal for wealth distribution,
- others will question Dr. Platt's motives, lifestyle or position, and
- those who love money will mock the idea of living sacrificially as the Pharisees did.
"The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus" (Lk 16:14 NIV).

But those reactions seem generally to be the result of existing bias or careless misreading of the book.


WEAKNESSES

I find two major weaknesses in the book itself:
1. Extracted from the caring overtones of Platt's audio presentations, some will experience the book as a guilt trip. For those with an oversensitivity toward personal guilt for the state of the church, I recommend the audio version Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, or the free original sermon series which I found much richer than the book itself. [Google "Brook Hills Media Radical"]

2. While Dr. Platt effectively develops God's intention for those He has blessed to join Him in caring for the poor, inexperienced Western Christians far too often translate this simplistically as "giving to the poor." And this creates more problems than it solves. Unfortunately the current edition of "Radical" does nothing to address this problem (a later edit may), but to his credit Dr. Platt asks that all of his small group leaders read Fikkert and Corbett's When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty Without Hurting the Poor. . .and Yourself.


CONCLUSION

"Radical" is most suitable for three audiences:
- Those disillusioned with self-centered "Christianity Lite" will generally find "Radical" both challenging and refreshing.
- Those who have never considered Biblical obedience as an alternative to self-serving religion will find "Radical" a healthy challenge.
- Most real friends of the True King will find value in "Radical" and want to share it with others.
[Toward multiplying the circulation of "Radical," "Mission Frontiers" has arranged a bulk discount for its reader. Google "Mission Frontiers Radical not about me"]

"Radical" is NOT likely to be appreciated by those who
- are prone to feelings of guilt,
- want to justify their attachment to the things of this world, or
- are not prepared to give their lives to drawing close to Jesus and joining Him in His global purpose.

For a mature discussion of the danger of some experiencing "Radical" as a guilt trip, see the concerns of Kevin DeYoung and the response he invited from Dr. Platt, which you can find by googling "DeYoung Platt Root of Radical."


REPRESENTATIVE OF THE IMPACT OF "RADICAL":

The following edited story typifies the impact of Dr. Platt's message. [Find the original by googling "Platt foster care office"]:

Dr. Platt asked a foster care office in Birmingham how many families they would need to care for all the children. They laughed. He asked again. They said 150 families. Platt preached on orphan care from James 1 (v. 27 in particular), and 160 families signed up to serve as foster care families.

---

Today, 11/7/2010, I have moved the following items to a comment under today's date:
- my own transformation of perspective toward "Radical,"
- how God is using "Radical" like He has used "Crazy Love,"
- my unusual involvement in promoting "Radical," and
- related free resources to help you live radically for our King.

To see the kind of practical applications Radical is stirring, google "Waterbrook Multnomah Radical action plan."

DISCLAIMER: I did NOT receive a copy of "Radical" or any other compensation for this review or any other analysis or promotion of "Radical." All of my research and endorsement of this book is a free gift offered in service to my King.

NOTE: If you have found this review helpful, please register that with the button below. Thanks!

Radical...that Should be Normal, May 4, 2010
Radical, David Platt's new book (his first) is a challenge to the American church to take back our faith from the "American Dream." Platt, the pastor of four-thousand member The Church of Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, pulls no punches, and somehow manages to disturb without offending.

In nine short and very readable chapters, he makes the case for a radical Christian faith--which SHOULD be the norm. He shows the shameful poverty of our faith amid the affluence of our lifestyles. He advocates a Great Commission mindset far beyond the tidy routines of our comfortable Christianity. He says, for example,

If Jesus is who he said he is, and if his promises are as rewarding as the Bible claims they are, then we may discover that satisfaction in our lives and success in the church are not found in what our culture deems most important but in radical abandonment to Jesus.

If people are dying and going to hell without ever even knowing there is a gospel, then we clearly have no time to waste our lives on an American dream.

Why would we ever want to settle for Christianity according to our ability or settle for church according to our resources?

After eight compelling chapters filled with writing like the above, Radical concludes with The Radical Experiment, a clarion call to "One year to a life lived upside down," in which the reader is urged to commit to:

Pray for the entire world
Read through the entire Word
Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose
Spend your time in another context
Commit your life to multiplying community

One might expect those challenges to seem like asking too much, particularly in light of some examples he gives. On the contrary, however, it is far more likely that the reader will be champing at the bit to rise to the challenge and respond to the call. In other words, ready to be radical.

This book was provided for review by the publisher, Multnomah Books.

Bold and To the Point!, May 4, 2010
In Radical, David Platt looks at how Christianity in America has become far too comfortable. He suggests that Americans have become more interested in pursuing the "American dream" than in fulfilling their obligations to Christ. Platt mentions that many Christians will go so far as to twist the Word of God to mean what they desire it to mean. With this in mind, Platt challenges the reader to a year-long journey to make radical changes for the cause of Christ.

Radical is the no-excuse, no-holds-barred work of a pastor who is fed up with what Christianity has become in America. In his passionate way, David Platt shares his burden about a Christian religion that has strayed far from what it is supposed to be. His book teaches and convicts readers. His goal is to help Christians see what they're missing out on by holding back in their faith.

The book contains stories that will make you weep, as well as those that will shock you. It gives the readers a bold look at where Christians are failing in today's society and how to bring about a positive change. Platt speaks with no apologies, and his message will undoubtedly raise some eyebrows, especially among the "religious" crowd. However, I found his radical statements to be true and straight down the line of what the Bible teaches.

Say "goodbye" to watered-down theology and "feel good" messages. While Platt's message may not be popular, I believe it is God-sent.



This book was reviewed as part of the "Blogging for Books" program by Random House. All opinions expressed were my own.

Not So Radical, June 26, 2010
David Platt laments the condition of today's American Christianity explaining how American Christians are caught up in seeking the same American dream and living the same luxurious lives as are the rest of the inhabitants of Babylon. He comes close to sounding like a Christian Tyler Durden as he criticizes the American Dream.

He describes how the Jesus Fish, once a symbol of Christian martyrs is now displayed on air conditioned SUV's where little Chauncey is safely strapped in his car seat. He describes how we worship God in multi-million dollar buildings and then leave driving millions of dollars worth of automobiles meanwhile giving "scraps" to those in the poverty stricken third world. He laments that we have access to Bibles and Christian teaching while much of the world has never heard of Jesus meanwhile most of us do little to bring the gospel to the rest of the world.

I agree with his assessment, but his recommended remedy is rather pathetic.

The author provides readers with a suggested response, but calling it "radical" is quite a stretch. The first of is five point plan is to read through the Bible in one year. Most Bible read through plans involve reading no more than three chapters a day, about 15 minutes. Step 2 is to pray for the world. He refers to a website which directs the participant to pray for different parts of the world organized so that you can pray for a different part of the world every day. Step 3 is to give some money away to poor people. Step 4 is to go on a one week short-term mission trip. Step 5 is to be involved in a local church congregation. This is hardly radical.

The author is a pastor at a suburban American mega church so I think he's probably used to watering down his message for American consumers.

The goal of all this is for the participant to obtain "ultimate satisfaction". It's really the same motivation as the American Dream. The goal of our Bible reading is not for training in righteousness. The goal of praying for the world is not for the furtherance of the gospel in parts of the world or for the benefit of persecuted Christians in China or Indonesia. The goal of giving money to the poor is not to be a blessing for the poor or support Christian orphan homes in Cambodia. The goal of going on a one-week short-term mission trip is not to bring the gospel to unreached people or comfort orphans and widows in their distress. No. The author sells all this as a means for American Christians to obtain "ultimate satisfaction".

It's the same goal: self satisfaction. Bend a little bit. Make a small sacrifice here or there. Then relish in the self satisfaction that you're not as materialistic as the Joneses.

Radical would be to take one's eyes off oneself. Read and study the Bible because you love God with all your heart, soul and mind. Pick a country or a few countries or a people group or a few people groups, and pray fervently for them because you love them with a love so intense. Pick an orphanage or a chain of orphanages or a ministry, and scrape and save and cut corners and give everything you possibly can because you love those orphans, and when you're thinking about buying that $3 cafe latte know that those $3 is $3 that those orphans aren't going to see. Rather than a one-week short term mission trip, devote your life to reaching a people group or area, and give your money and prayer time to helping those people, and if need be, go visit them to share your and God's love with them. It's NOT about you!

A Little Too Radical, December 2, 2010
I finished reading David Platt's book Radical, while waiting for a flight from New Delhi to Hyderabad, India. The book had been recommended to me by several friends, so I decided to throw it in my bag for my recent tour (training pastors in the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Kenya and South Africa). The book calls us to a much deeper commitment to following Christ, and reaching others - two themes that get my blood going. So thanks to David Platt for stoking the fire. For the most part the book accomplished its mission well.

On the other hand, there were places where Platt got my blood boiling in a not-so-helpful way - a little too radical. In an effort to make his points, I felt that Platt pressed too hard, and stretched the supporting evidence. I would chalk it up to "too much of a good thing." Here are my (hopefully) gentle critiques:

1. I feel like a radical life for Christ needs to be motivated by radical love for Christ. We need to be givers, but cheerful ones, not from compulsion. I felt there was a little too much compulsion in Platt's book. I didn't find much sense of cheer. While I can tell that Platt is on the move from his legalistic upbringin, I get the feeling that he has a way to go. At several points in the book I got the distinct feeling that Platt was preaching at me, instead of to me (maybe before the book went to print he had already received that feedback....he seems to apologize on p. 214). In my opinion there wasn't nearly enough of "the love Christ compels me" and a little too much of "come on, you guys, you should be ashamed of yourselves!" Granted, we all need a kick in the pants now and then, but there's a line we can cross where we can "exasperate our children," particularly if you are a child who wants to do what is right. Count me among the exasperated.

2. Platt tends to overstate things a bit in order to make a point, particularly in his chapter How Much is Enough, critiquing the American dream:

a. "Caring for the poor is one natural overflow and a necessary evidence of the presence of Christ in our hearts. If there is no sign of caring for the poor in our lives, then there is reason to at least question whether Christ is in our hearts." (p.110)

b. "If our lives do not reflect radical compassion for the poor, there is reason to wonder if Christ is really in us at all." (p.111)

c. (on the story of Lazarus) "This story illustrates God's response to the needs of the poor." (p. 114)

d. "Isn't the hidden assumption among many Christians in our culture that if we follow God, things will go well for us materially? Such thinking is explicit in "health and wealth" teaching, and it is implicit in the lives of Christians whose use of possessions looks virtually the same as that of our non-Christian neighbors." (p.117)

For me, these overgeneralizations tended to lessen, not increase, the impact of his argument.


3. Platt has problems with the American church and I share his pain. But while He diagnoses the disease as largely spiritual, I think it is largely sociological. The church turning in on itself is quite natural - it is what organizations naturally do. By virtue of being organized together, over time, we get to know each other. As we get to know each other we become aware of each others' concerns. As we become aware of each others' concerns, we create programs to meet those concerns. In the end, our own concerns end up being plenty to keep us busy, and the mission is largely forgotten. It is purely natural. Of course, God does not call us to natural, but to supernatural. What I see happening in the American church is not unspiritual as related to spiritual, but natural as related to supernatural. I think the hearts of most Christians are well-meaning. I think they are just trapped in a self-reinforcing system where they can't see beyond our own needs. If nothing else, I can see Platt's book as a huge favor to get us to look up and see there is far much more beyond ourselves.


4. There is a lot of classic either/or (black/white) thinking in this book. For example, "We can stand with the starving or with the overfed. We can identify with poor Lazarus on his way to heaven or with the rich man on his way to hell. We can embrace Jesus while we give away our wealth, or we can walk away from Jesus while we hoard our wealth." I'm not sure that those are the only choices. There may be some other combinations or shades of gray, but Platt doesn't allow for the possibility of being interested in the plight of the rich man, only Lazarus. In response I would cite Jesus' second great commandment, "love your neighbor as yourself" and his great commission, "go into all the world." He could has said, "love your poor neighbor as yourself" but Jesus is interested in everyone, rich and poor, Lazarus and rich man. He could have said, "go into all the poor world" but Jesus is broad, not narrow, in his instructions. Jesus told us to go into all the socially and economically diverse world.


5. It would be possible, not popular, to make the argument that the church has spent more of its efforts reaching the poor, than the rich. Perhaps not in America, where the cost of the mega-model draws our attention to the rich suburbs (nearly all of the top churches in America being precisely located). But in other parts of the world, where poverty reigns, the church has done little to target political and business leaders, instead going to the people with the least power, and least ability, to change the system.


6. In some cases possessing great status and wealth may be precisely what God wants for a person's calling (see Joseph); at other times such wealth and status should be forsaken (see Moses). One size does not fit all. Platt carefully "cherry picks" the passages that fit his argument.


7. Platt tries to make me feel guilty for the price I pay for food, relative to "half the world struggling today to find food, water, and shelter with the same amount of money I spend on french fries for lunch." This is a superficial argument, and contrasts like this abound in our world. Having just come from the Philippines I could say that they are enjoying much better pineapple than I am where I live, and a fraction of the cost. In India, their transportation costs (per person/per mile) are pennies on the dollar. So? The cost of something on one culture, relative to another, is sexy not substantive.


8. Culture is water to fish. If you live in it, it's hard to describe; if you live outside of it, it's hard to understand. I wonder if the two-thirds world misunderstands America about as much as America misunderstands the two-thirds world, in their actual experience. If so, Platt seems to reinforce these misunderstandings. Many in the two-thirds world live very simple lives, with a daily diet of inexpensive rice and chicken. They do not have electric bills, insurance, health care, automobile repairs, college bills, a mortgage or debt. (Remind me again, who am I supposed to be feeling sorry for?) I guess what I am saying is that Americans are not nearly as "wealthy" as people think. At times, I have to say, when I travel in the two-thirds world, I don't feel as guilty, as I do jealous. I think they may be rich in ways that matter.


9. I think it is important to make a distinction between struggling and suffering. Platt makes no such distinction, putting the cost of daily living on par with how many children die of malnutrition every year. It seems to me that a believer's primary concern should be those who are suffering, a smaller subset of those who are struggling, and certainly a much smaller number than "half the world." Ironically, it is a particularly western point of view to blur the two. As Americans, we don't like to struggle (I think we think it is suffering), but sometimes we are spiritually richer for it. After all, it is in the Lord's prayer where we read, "Give us this day our daily bread." For most people in the world, this prayer actually makes sense, and the people praying it are blessed for doing so.


10. I think Platt's interpretation of the rich young ruler negatively colors his perspective on wealth throughout the book. I like that story a lot, but I don't come at it from a money-centric angle. Simply put I don't think Jesus talked with the man because he was interested in the topic of money. I think he talked with the young man about the topic of money because he was interested in the young man. This was a personal challenge that came out of personal concern: "what do I still lack?" (what is in the way?). The answer? Whatever is in the way of him, and it could be (maybe often is) money. But Jesus made it clear in other contexts that is it could be relationships (mothers, brothers, sons or daughters) or something else valuable to us, like our time, our job, or our ideas. It would be a mistake to say that money is everyone's issue, or every American's.


11. One question that naturally arises for Platt and his church, which is of the "rubber meets the road" variety: What are they doing with the greatest accumulated asset of their ministry - their multi-million dollar church facility? He is obviously aware of the question, but there is not even so much as an oblique answer ("Every Sunday we gather in a multimillion-dollar building with millions of dollars in vehicles parked outside" (p.115). Platt comments negatively on how much money has been spent by others on such edifices (I pastor a multi-national church where we spend 13% on facilities in the US and less overseas, so I appreciate frugality here). Platt even suggests downsizing our homes (something else I am all for). But Platt doesn't take his reasoning to its natural, radical conclusion: Shouldn't the church sell its "home" and give the proceeds to the poor? I raise the question, not because I think they should sell their building, because I'm not sure they should. I raise the question to point out that there are times where it is more strategic for the overall mission to keep an asset than to give it away. The old fable, "Don't kill the goose that lays the golden egg" comes to mind. At a certain point I don't become more effective for Christ without a car (or phone, or laptop, or roof over my head), but less effective. For example, I work closely with an apostolic leader in India, and I think he needs to have more in the way of resources, not less, even though his standard of living already exceeds that of most Indians. This makes me think that the real challenge - largely missed in Platt's book - is stewardship more than sacrifice. Shouldn't our objective be to steward the resources of the world, particularly our own, in such a way that we "seek first His kingdom and his righteousness"?


12. I wish that Platt would have spent more time on Christian strategies to relieve suffering, beyond "give more." What is a Christian strategy for alleviating suffering altogether, beyond writing a check? For those who "have something" to "sacrifice it" only addresses matters short-term. Shouldn't we consider Jim Collins' advice to "strengthen the core" while we "expand the frontier"? Doesn't justice need to be paired with mercy? While it in no way alleviates my moral responsibility to respond generously, even sacrificially, I believe that thoughtful people want to understand how their gifts are really making a difference. The situation in Haiti comes to mind, for example. If there is a gigantic hole in the bottom of the bucket, no matter how many resources we pour in the top, we are going to end up with an empty bucket.

Read At Your Own Risk, May 7, 2010
Right up front, let me say this: I was rocked by David Platt's new book "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream" more than any other book I've read in recent years. There's very little that most believers don't already know, but Platt refuses to allow you to ignore that gnawing feeling in your stomach that tells you you're missing what God's called you to. It made me uncomfortable, challenged my thoughts and beliefs about how I'm living my life, and inspired me to more. He's biblical, straightforward, brutally honest, and writes powerful narrative when describing stories as he sets out to discover what Jesus really taught to first century followers.

What exactly does it mean to be a "follower of Jesus?" A lot of people seem to prefer that term these days over "Christian," a word they feel is filled with negative connotations. But what does it even mean to "follow Jesus?" What part of his teaching are we referring to when we say that? As well-intentioned as some might be, I can't help but feel like there's a disconnect between the teachings of Jesus in the Bible and what we see lived out today by those who claim his name (myself very much included).

Have you ever felt that way? Like when you read Jesus tell people to sell everything they have and give it to the poor. Obviously he's not asking us to actually do that...right? And that business about taking up a cross to follow him. He didn't really mean that following him would be the same as carrying the instrument of your own torture to your death, did he? These are the kinds of questions Platt delves into in "Radical."

I've already seen some comparison to books like John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life or Francis Chan's Crazy Love, but this felt different to me. Maybe it says more about where I am and what I feel God's doing in my life, but I was staggered by the juxtaposition of Platt's vision of the Christian life versus my own life. His narrative just feels closer to the narrative I hear when I read the Bible than just about anything I've ever read. Platt uses examples from scripture, from the church he pastors, and from Church history to show the great lengths God calls people to go to in following Him. His passion for evangelizing the lost, both locally and abroad, is contagious and inspiring. His biblical exegesis is fantastic, and his no-punches-pulled style really connected with me.

My favorite chapter was entitled "The Great Why of God," where Platt paints the vision of God's global purpose of bringing people from all nations to Himself for His glory. Platt states that every believer owes the gospel to every non-believer this side of Hell. I was also very inspired by stories of new believers so hungry for God's word that they studied literally for days on end in an attempt to know God. When contrasted with my meager attempts at a "quiet time" of reading the Bible for 15 minutes, it's ridiculous.

At the end of the book, Platt issues a year-long "Radical Challenge" that includes these 5 steps:

1. To pray for the entire world.
2. To read through the entire Word.
3. To sacrifice your money for a specific purpose.
4. To give your time in another context.
5. To commit your life to a multiplying community.

They sound very simple, but in the context of the book, they become powerful and look like the life Jesus seems to call us to in the Bible.

In America, we've settled for taking the gospel and the teachings of Jesus and spinning them into a formula for a good, middle-class life and a ticket to heaven. Jesus is worth so much more than that. When he says we should sell everything we own, we should hear that and examine if we really value him that much. Is he really better? Is he really worth your life? "Radical" has ignited a passion in me to want to answer those questions whole-heartedly in the affirmative.

Kernals of truth surrounded by a shell of guilt, June 8, 2010
It's hard to review this book. There is much to recommend about this book, especially for mature believers in Christ. However, I would have to say that I didn't really like this book and can't recommend it to read.

The authors beginning premise that American Christians have become too materialistic is correct. I cringe to see these multi-million dollar churches go up when I see homeless people sleeping on the street. I was so glad when our church decided not to go that route, but instead renovate an older building instead. I also appreciate the work of those that are called to go overseas or work in all kinds of full-time Christian ministry.

What I'm concerned about with this book is the attitude of "this is what God's call me to do, so everyone must do it." I found the same attitude in Shane Claiborne's books. The bulk of this book is about the author's journeys to dangerous places and how his own church occasionally puts off creature comforts to do church. Wonderful! Glad to see God doing these wonderful things. But why must the author make the rest of us feel guilty for not doing these things? The author pastors a large metropolitan church and has the resources to write and have a book publish. He can afford to take months away from his American home and minister overseas. However, this is not true of everyone. Some of us cannot leave our homes because we need to work everyday to support our families and (yes) those in full time Christian ministry.

On a personal note, I've long struggled with working in my little grey cube. I don't know why God hasn't made me rich enough to travel the world, having adventures while I evangelize to the far corners. Actually I do know one reason why, because I'd probably be puffed up with my pride. Maybe the greatest sacrifice I can make is not going overseas, but in learning to share Christ here at home. And one thing that encourages me (though I still get bored with my 9-5 job) is that the (admittedly too small) amount of money I can give to those in full time ministry is spreading the Word around the world.

Not so radical, December 16, 2010
This book probably never would have been published if David Platt were not a pastor of a megachurch. Even considering that fact, publication is iffy. He says nothing new, and even what he says is not said in a new or creative way. It seems that it's almost part of the job description for megachurch pastors to write a book like this. So why did it get published? David explains why in the first line of his book: he was the youngest megachurch pastor in history.

What a way to start a book! Sure, David goes on to say that he was uneasy with such a claim and wasn't even sure that it was true, but still...how do you write a book which is supposed to be about taking back your faith from the American Dream and start the book by stating that you are the youngest megachurch pastor in American history? Really?

The rest of the book follows the same tenor. He frequently speaks of all the places in the world he has visited, the rich people in his church, and the letters he gets from people all over the world. What is this but riches, popularity, power, and fame? At the conclusion of his book, he challenges his readers to a one-year experiment of radical living where they pray more, read the Bible more, give more, serve more, and attend church (or small groups) more. This is about as "radical" as a megachurch pastor is allowed to get. Anything more gets you fired.

I'm not trying to criticize David Platt. I'm sure he's a great pastor and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. And I know this really isn't a review of his book. I just find it ironic that when Multnomah publishes a book about giving up what is bigger, better, younger, and richer in order to follow Jesus, the author is someone who is bigger, better, younger, and richer.

Sure, the book contains examples of how David has moved to a smaller house, and how rich people in his church sold everything to give the money to the church, and the struggle David faces in reconciling the teachings of Jesus with pastoring a megachurch. But he's still there and so is the multimillion dollar campus. The people are still rich. The church is still powerful. David is still famous.

Is it possible to have a book written by someone who is not all these things? What about the person who gives the widow's mite? What about the pastor who has served in the same church for 50 years in a dying community? What about the parents who never had children, and didn't have the money to adopt, and didn't qualify for foster care, but still took care of needy children in their neighborhood?

What about the family who could never downsize their home because they never owned a home? What about the pastor who grew his church from 10 to 100, and then, rather than give himself a raise, took a pay cut and a second job so he could send 50 of those people to another part of the city to plant a new church? This is radical. This is following Jesus. This is living your faith outside the American dream. I personally know people who have done all these things. To me, they are the true radicals.

Easily the most convicting book I've read in a long time, May 9, 2010
Just finished David Platt's book Radical.

Wow.

With a subtitle like "Taking back your faith from the American dream" you know you are in for some convicting stuff and this does not disappoint.

While I read a lot of books, this one challenged me spiritually and convicted me in ways a book has not done in a long time. I found myself at several points wanting to put it down, not because it wasn't good, but because I didn't like how it pointed out blind spots in my life and thinking when it came to my spiritual journey. I'll be honest. I like the consumeristic way of following Jesus. It is easier. It is easier to think that all the hard things Jesus said to his disciples in the gospels are for other people. Yet, and I love this line from Platt, "If you read something in the gospel and believe it was for someone else, it was intended for you."

The premise of Platt's book is that we have taken faith, following Jesus, and the gospel and fit them into our American way of seeing life. By doing this, we have sucked the life and faith out of what Jesus intended. He points this out in his last chapter when he expounds on Matthew 10 and the book of Philippians. He shows how Jesus is talking to his disciples tells them to expect exactly what Jesus got. To expect suffering, hatred, betrayal, persecution. Platt concludes, "To everyone wanting a safe, untroubled, comfortable life free from danger, stay away from Jesus. The danger in our lives will always increase in proportion to the depth of our relationship with Jesus." But that isn't the end. Jesus ends by saying and Paul follows suit in Philippians, that death is the worst anyone can do to you. And that, by following Jesus, if that is what it leads to, that is a gain. That is better than living.

Now it is easy to see why Jesus was killed and people walked away from him. I've always heard people say, "If I met Jesus, I would follow him." Really? Just about everyone who met him in the gospels walked away from him.

For me, chapter 6 "How much is enough?" is worth the price of the book. I found myself feeling the Holy Spirit say over and over, "Pay attention here, this is for you." One thing I am thinking about and threw out to Katie today is what Platt said he and his wife did. They tithed from the beginning of the marriage, but then they decided how much was enough. They picked a dollar amount and when they made that much as a family, they would tithe the extra. So, if you make $50,000 your ceiling and you get to make $60,000 a year. This would mean that you tithe $5,000, but then you would also tithe the extra $10,000. Still mulling this over, but it really convicted me to spend some time thinking on that and seeing what God has to say.

Here is the end blurb on the book. If you like a safe view of Jesus, faith and the gospel. Don't read this book. It will mess that up. Although, if that is you, you should probably read this book because what you might find is that you have the wrong idea of Jesus and may need to examine where you really stand with God. If you want to take your faith to a new level (where Jesus intended it to be) buy this book now.

You will be glad you did, because on the other side of that is a life of adventure, passion, risk. "The life," Jesus said, "we've always wanted."

For more, check out [...].

A Call from Left-Overs to First Fruits, May 10, 2010
The underlying question raised - and one that I have been struggling with since the moment I opened this book - is if I am giving my first fruits or my left-overs to God. This book is not a call to missions, as some reviewers have incorrectly said, it is a call to God first in everything. It is a call to wake up and recognize that we American Christians have blended our faith with our culture and in a real and possibly dangerous way, watered down the gospel. David Platt wants to strain the culture out of our faith and put our faith directly back in to God, and God alone.

When I started reading this book I also happened to be reading the amazing (and convicting) The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World by World Vision President Richard Stearns. This double-whammy of truth is something that no one should be able to walk away from unchanged. American Christians, as a whole, are not living like we believe in God or that we believe God is more than a cosmic good-doer who can't wait for us to deign to look His way. As Platt put it, "Yes, God is a loving Father, but he is also a wrathful Judge. In His wrath He hates sin... The gospel reveals eternal realities about God that we would rather not face. We prefer to sit back, enjoy our clich�s, and picture God as a Father who might help us, all the while ignoring God as a Judge who might damn us" (29).

Platt challenges us to put God first and respond to Him as He deserves - with our all. I challenge you to read this book and to do the same. Highly recommended.

This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Where's The Needle On *Your* Love Tank?, October 7, 2003
How's your relationship with your mate? Your children? Your parents? Your siblings? It may be a matter of the state of the "love tank".

Author Gary Chapman in his book The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate believes everyone has a love tank, and that tank is filled by different love languages. These five languages are Gifts, Words of Affirmation, Quality of Time, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.

Often, we tend to give love in the languages we are most fluent in, which usually ends up being the languages that fill up our love tank. This would be why a husband who does yard work, dishes, car maintenance, etc. (Acts of Service) is floored when his wife says "You never show me you love me. You never cuddle with me, or caress my hair, or make the first move for sex." (Physical Touch). Or, "Why don't you spend time with me? Why do you work so much?" (Quality Time). And, "Why don't you buy me flowers? Why don't you ever get me cards or balloons...just because?" (Gifts) Or "You never tell me what I mean to you. Why don't you ever share with me what I mean to you, or what my good qualities are?" (Words of Affirmation) But, if her language is primarily Acts of Service, she'll feel so loved and honored because her husband does so many things for her, and thus feels "full" in her love tank.

This may not sound like a big deal, but considering the divorce rate is 50% (as one relationship instance), and so many seem to be unhappy with their primary relationships, the concept of love languages may very well be a signficant factor in understanding self and others, and in relationship growth. Perhaps relationships get rocky or arrive at an impasse because individuals are speaking a different love language than what fills up the "love tank" of the object of their affection...and a result, the recipient doesn't feel loved. It's not that they feel empty and unfufilled because love isn't being given, but because the language "spoken" is not something that registers to the recipient as a form of love.

Chapman further theorizes that we usually have 2 main love languages that fill up our tank. He also says that if a person has a hard time identifying their main love languages, they've either been on empty for so long and are out of touch with their needs, or they have been so filled up by their spouse, that all 5 languages tend to speak to them equally.

A story in the book that illustrates the love tank theory is the "burnt toast syndrome". A woman was sick in bed. Her husband would always bring her burnt toast to her when she was ailing. She was so hurt and offended by this repeated insensitivity and ignorance, that she finally burst into tears one day, and asked him why he did that...and didn't he care? She was floored to hear him say "I'm sorry honey. I had no idea. Burnt toast is my favorite, and I gave you what I would consider my favorite breakfast...burnt toast."

Chapman writes: "When your spouse's emotional love tank is full and he feels secure in your love, the whole world looks right and your spouse will move out to reach his highest potential in life. But when the love tank is empty and he feels used but not loved, the whole world looks dark and he will likely never reach his potential for good in the world."

I recommend this book highly. It could very well be a relationship saver!

Learning to Speak, December 23, 2010
The main idea behind this book is that just as people have unique personality preferences, we all have unique preferences for what we find satisfying and motivating when it comes to love. Your love language is the way that you most feel loved and cared for. The relationship expert behind the book arranges the book into the five love languages, and provides quizzes to help you determine which language you are:

- Words of Affirmation:
If this is your love language, you feel most cared for when your partner is open and expressive in telling you how wonderful they think you are, how much they appreciate you, etc. Basically, they find ways to remind you that their world is a better place because you are in it.

- Acts of Service:
If your partner offering to watch the kids so you can go to the gym (or relieving you of some other task) gets your heart going, then this is your love language.

- Affection:
This love language is just as it sounds. A warm hug, a kiss, snuggling, and sexual intimacy make you feel most loved when this is your love language. Touch is very important to you.

- Quality Time:
This love language is about being together with your partner, fully present and engaged in the activity at hand, no matter how trivial.

- Gifts:
The final love language is centered on the idea that your partner taking the time to think of you and give you a gift, no matter how small, is what makes you feel loved and appreciated.

The problem is most people love how they want to be loved, and that doesn't tend to align with how their partner wants to be loved. So, you have to learn to speak your partner's love language. The author also believes that focusing intently on speaking the love languages will rekindle relationships where people don't even seem to like each other anymore.

I find it challenging each day to put my own needs aside and focus on speaking my partner's love language, especially when competing priorities (work, kids, etc.) get in the way. This takes A LOT of emotional intelligence, and a girlfriend suggested a GREAT book that has helped me with it Emotional Intelligence 2.0

The Five Love Languages - by Gary Chapman, December 13, 1999
The author reveals, through 25 years of counseling, that he has determined people communicate love in five basic ways.They are Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Physical Touch and Giving Gifts. For example, if my primary love language is Quality Time, then I will show my love to others by spending quality time with them. If I don't receive that in return, my love tank will be empty. The author stresses the importance of knowing your loved one's love language so that you can communicate love to that person in a way in which he/she feels love, so that their love tank can be continually replenished. If my spous's love language is acts of service and he is always doing things for me to communicate his love, but I receive love through the language of quality time, I will not receive his acts of service as communicating love and therefore my love tank will be dry. I in return, must communicate my love to him through acts of service in order to fill his love tank. An empty love tank causes relationships to deteriorate.This book was excellent for teaching us to recognize the way in which our loved ones receive and feel loved.

BEST GIFT I HAVE EVER RECEIVED, CHANGED MY ENTIRE LIFE, October 4, 1999
It is so simple and easy to understand. After I read it, I couldn't understand why I hadn't realized these concepts before. I wish I could give a copy of this book to every man, woman, and child. What a wonderful world we would have if we all understood the "Five Love Languages" and spoke them to all we meet everyday!! The family is a great place to start. My family and I regularly ask eachother "How full is the 'love tank?'". When things are tough at school, work or life in general, we now ask eachother freely "What can I do to make your love tank full?" Sometimes only the passing of time will cure a family problem (example: problems at work), but our family's committment to express to eachother the variety of dialects between quality time, words of affirmation, and physical touch (which seem to be the most needed of the 5 languages in our particular household when outside problems occur) can make the hardest of times go by so much easier and faster. How I wish everyone would read this book!!!

Saved my marriage, January 12, 2004
This book is absolutely incredible. Having serious marital problems, I was desperate for any kind of help. I was about to turn to counseling when I heard about this book. I decided to buy it so that my husband and I could read it together.

Not expecting too much, one lazy morning I suggested to my husband that we lay in bed and begin reading this book out loud to eachother. We read 120 pages that morning! We could not put it down! Both of us shed a lot of tears that morning, this book really hit home.

That morning when we woke up, everything seemed hopeless for us. After reading this book, we had hope that our problems can be resolved. Our attitude toward eachother has greatly changed since we read this book.

Basically this book explains that people feel loved in different ways. For example, my love language is "quality time" and my husband's love language is "personal touch." Without quality time with my husband, I feel unloved... my husband feels unloved when we have a lack of physical contact. Our love languages are so different... before reading this book, I just thought that my husband wanted more sex for selfish reasons. When in reality, personal contact is what he needs to feel loved. Before reading this book, my husband hated when I nagged about spending time together.. but now he realizes that spending time with me is the best way to tell me that he loves me.

Dr. Chapman says in this book that LOVE IS A CHOICE. Find your partner's love language style, then choose to show love to your partner in that way (it's not about what YOU need to feel loved, it's about what YOUR PARTNER needs). I thought that spending quality time with my spouse was the way I can show him I love him. In reality, that's MY love language, not HIS.

Even if your partner does not want to read this book with you, there are ways you can begin to repair your marriage on your own, and before you know it, your partner will begin to reciprocate.

This book is INCREDIBLE. I plan to pass it around my friends and family. Please invest the $12 and read this book, your marriage will never be the same again!

Five Languages Not Just for Couples, February 13, 2000
What I love about this book is that it is a resource that helps me with people in my life. The title mentions "mate," yet the book gives insight to how all of us speak different love "languages." It doesn't necessarily mean within a romantic relationship. Some people are more inclined to give little gifts when showing someone they care. These are people who usually "expect" little gifts to show them how much they are cared about. The same goes for physically affectionate people, people who believe words said are most important, and so on. This is a great gift book for those going into relationships, those suffering from a recent relationship ending, as well as those who are in a present relationship. It's for women and men equally. Read it and find out what language you speak and therefore desire. You'll probably realize why roses aren't always the answer!

Learn to Speak Your Partner's Love Language, February 9, 2004
Requests give direction to love, but demands stop the flow of love. ~Gary Chapman

It is amazing how you will just have learned a lesson and then read it in a book, however, there are many lessons you don't want to learn five years from now. This book is filled with ideas on how you can immediately transform your relationship from a cold grave to a peaceful island resort. Perhaps you want to change your life into an amazing adventure or you want to calm the storms.

Gary Chapman presents five love languages. One of these languages may be your primary love language, but he takes it further and explores the dialects of love. I think that many of us want all five languages, but there are various ways each can be expressed.

Gary explains the five languages in detail and finally you will understand why some people don't respond to your gifts and others go wild with happy kitten joy. When you meet someone who shares your primary language it can feel like you have entered a magical country where everyone is speaking your language.

For some individuals, "words of encouragement" will be much higher on their list than "the show of love through gifts" or "acts of service."

I had trouble deciding which language was my favorite, but I know I get a bit happy when I receive gifts. However, I noticed that I never complain about not receiving gifts. Gary actually made it easier to figure out when he started to talk about what you complain about most. I normally say: "You are not listening to me."

While I enjoy gifts, I'm never demanding in this area. So then I considered "Quality Time." Bingo, I was very concerned about "Quality Conversation." There is definitely "bliss" in "sympathetic dialogue." This is actually a rare thing indeed. When you talk to people, most of the time they are more worried about what they are going to say next and when you find someone who actually listens to what you are saying and responds in a way that makes you feel understood, that is bliss.

So, I was very happy to have discovered my primary love language and I also figured out why people in my life don't always respond to gifts in the way I think they would. Some do and they will be getting more boxes of homemade cookies, for sure. ;)

Gary does bring out various aspects of love that make you realize that love is not just a happy feeling of infatuation. It was interesting to read about how long the initial bliss stage lasts in most relationships and then to read about the decline and divorce rates for first, second and third marriages.

There are examples in this book that present great hope for marriages that have grown cold or are on the rocks. Even one partner can read this book and change their relationship.

There is a study guide at the end of the book and the questions can be used at home or in a class setting.

"The Five Love Languages" is an essential book for marriage counselors, couples and anyone who wants to figure out how their partner responds to various forms of love.

~The Rebecca Review

Can You Say "I Love You" So Your Partner Really Hears You?, January 3, 1999
Dr. Gary Chapman has provided engaged and married couples with a wonderfully useful and clear way of discovering and communicating with each other about their most important needs. In fact, Dr. Chapman is helping us realize the ways in which we experience love differently from person to person. You may feel great love towards your partner but be expressing it in a way he or she can't readily experience because their "Love Language" is not the same. For example, I may buy wonderful gifts for my wife to show how much I cherish her--the Love Language of Gift Giving-- and expect her to be deeply grateful. But it may be that it would mean far more to her if I would simply take out the garbage since her love language is "Acts of service". If you want to experience quick improvement in your ability to understand and fulfill needs in your relationship, read The Five Love Languages. In this book, Dr. Chapman, who has effectively counseled couples for many years, offers thorough descriptions of each love language and how to successfully share them for a love-rich partnership. I use this book as a must-read in counseling couples and at my Love in Action marriage retreats, always with positive response. Enjoy!

A good theory gone bad, April 14, 2006
I was drawn to this book because the foundation of Dr. Chapman's Five Languages is very simple yet profoundly important. But that being said, this foundation is also little more than common sense. It doesn't take a psychology degree to know that we each have our own values and priorities, and different personal triggers for happiness. My hope for this book was that it would build on my and my husband's Average Jane/Joe common sense and help us understand and practice it more deeply after 10 years of marriage. Unfortunately, what starts off as a great vehicle never quite surpasses 20 miles an hour. This book did a good job of reminding me to recognize and honor differences, but it didn't teach me anything new.

The paragraph above would have prompted me to give this book 3 stars ("It was OK"). But the two paragraphs below tempted me to give it 1 star ("Hated it"). In the end I'm compromising at 2 stars. There are two things about this book that really bothered me.

One: Dr. Chapman seems to live in Disneyland. The contrived Hallmark card image on the book's cover is a good indication that its contents are idealistic rather than realistic. He believes that we can get over years of troubles and pain through exercises that include watching ducks on a lake together, or saying, "Thanks in advance for mowing the lawn," instead of "I want you to mow the lawn." Is there wisdom to his suggestions? Most certainly. Do they fall short in the real world? Most certainly. One after another, he introduces us to couples who have come to him after decades of misery and threats of divorce, and within just a few months they're walking off into the sunset (presumably the one on the cover) to live Happily Ever After without cracking a sweat. The more of these couples I read about, the more I felt like I was watching "The Cosby Show" where life's problems are easily solved and everyone plays their part effortlessly because the writer scripted it that way. Dr. Chapman consistently sidesteps the real world where humans are complex and life is inevitably complicated.

Two: At nearly the end of the book I became outright enraged, prompting me to write this, my first ever Amazon review. A woman comes to Dr. Chapman and tells him that her husband dismisses her, belittles and insults her, and tells her outright that he hates her. Dr. Chapman asks what her husband's primary language is, and she says it's Physical Touch. He then advises her to have sex with her husband. She protests, saying that sex makes her feel degraded and used as an object because she knows she isn't respected or cared for as a human being. Dr. Chapman persists, telling her (quotes shortened but not taken out of context), "Your response is normal. That's why loving someone who doesn't love you is unnatural and difficult. You need to rely on your faith in God to do this. Read Jesus' sermon on loving your enemies and then ask God to help you practice the teachings of Jesus." The woman again protests, saying it would be hypocritical of her to sleep with a man who hates her and whom she may well hate in return. Dr. Chapman persists again, saying, "If you claim to have feelings you don't have, that's hypocritical. But if you express an act that is designed for the other person's pleasure, it's simply a choice. Your action isn't born of emotional bonding, it's born of doing something for his benefit. That's what Jesus meant." WHAT?! Jesus wants women to pleasure men for their benefit without regard to emotional bonding?! I'm sorry, I thought that Jesus taught us the opposite. From there, Dr. Chapman tells her that if she gives her husband sex six times in the next month, chances are he'll give her the Thursday evening Scrabble game she wants. I could hardly absorb this justification as I was reading. Dr. Chapman's end conclusion is that his plan is a "miracle" anyone of us can practice in our own marriage.

For many little reasons, and for the one huge reason of the paragraph above, I am dumbfounded that this book has averaged a 5 star rating from more than 300 readers. I find myself deeply dismayed that people are incorporating into their belief systems advice which is so unrealistic, oversimplified, and even outright degrading at times.

Again, the foundation of this book is a good one, and it's good to be reminded that we need to see and care about others instead of only ourselves. If only Dr. Chapman would build on this positive in a realistic and respectful way.

For a love that lasts a lifetime!, March 22, 2002
I brought this book because my boyfriend and I were going through some major troubles. It wasn't that we didn't love each other; we just weren't communicating the love we had for one another.

I sat down and read this book and by the time I got to page 51, I had already cried and had realized that my view of love was one sided at best. The funny thing is I would shower my boyfriend with flowers and gifts and sentimental trinkets and it never seemed to faze him. I couldn't understand why until I read this book, and then I realized that I wasn't loving him, but instead trying to show him how to love me.

Women and men are different and so it only stands to reason that their concept of love would be different. And what I found out was not that he didn't love me...but that wasn't doing a good job at loving him. Thinking back on all the pain we went through. It makes me wonder how many relationships break up not because they don't love one another, but because they can't communicate that love effectively to their mate.

How many times have we tried to get our needs and wants met and the only words that come out are how they haven't done this or they aren't doing that instead of just saying I really miss when you used to do this because it made me feel such & such. When frustrated we often speak out of anger instead of love. This book teaches you how to effectively communicate the love you have for a person in a manner in which they can not only understand it, but also reap the rewards from being completely loved.

I recommend this book for anyone who believes that love is worth making sacrifices and to anyone who believes that love is worth the effort. If you haven't figured out by now that things worth having are things worth working and fighting for then you will never have a prosperous relationship.

This book gives you the opportunity to take a bad situation and turn it into a situation in which your relationship can flourish and nurture not only the two of you as a couple but also you as an individual. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A young boy emerges from life-saving surgery with remarkable stories of his visit to heaven.

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

Reviews

Is "Heaven is for Real" for real?, November 30, 2010
I found out about a pretty neat program not too long ago. I could get free books if I'd agree to write a review. As a lover of books, with over 1,000 of them in my library, I jumped at the chance.

The first book I received was titled "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. Needless to say, as a pastor I was skeptical! I thought, Oh no, not another I've been to heaven book! Beginning with 90 minutes in Heaven, the market has been flooded by books of peoples accounts of their journey to Heaven, Hell, and the Laundromat! I assumed this book would be little different and I thought I'd wind up relegating this book to the "not worth my time" pile. I was wrong.

"Heaven is for Real" is a a heartwarming, simple, and surprisingly biblical glimpse into a little four year old boy's journey into Heaven. Colton Burpo was four year's old when he found himself at death's door. His family didn't realize he had made his amazing journey until small but shocking revelations that amazed and bewildered his parents began to leak out. Colton didn't just have one sit down conversation, he let his journey be known one startling revelation at a time.

How could this little boy know these things? How could he know about relatives who had died long before he was born? How could someone so young offer such amazing insights into Heaven, Christ, and the glories that await Christians? How could he know things he'd never been taught and couldn't know?

As I mentioned before, I'm a skeptic at heart. A book like this one wouldn't likely catch my attention and certainly wouldn't win any praise from me. So many books like these are fanciful, unbiblical, and simply outright inconsistent with what I know to be true from the Bible. Colton Burpo's story was a refreshing and surprisingly accurate portrait of what awaits each of us whose destiny is Heaven. I read the book with a critical eye, looking for those little details that would prove this story to be at best inaccurate or at worst a fraud. I couldn't find them. His tale seemed honest. His descriptions fit the way a child would describe things, not one whose words had been fed him by an adult. Some of his revelations were simply amazing!

Who would be blessed by this book? I'd honestly say almost anyone. If you've recently lost a loved one or maybe you are a mother who has lost a child to miscarriage. You can find something here that will warm your heart and quite possibly help ease your pain. This book is a sweet, touching, and amazing story. I think you'll be blessed by it.

That said, you might wonder if I found anything in the book I didn't agree with. That's a tough question. I found nothing I'd say was blatantly wrong or in direct contradiction with the scriptures. There were a couple of things that made me raise my eyebrow but I can't quote a verse that says Heaven couldn't be like that, just a couple of things that didn't fit my expectation or interpretation of what Heaven would be like. Those things might make you wonder but I think you'll find they don't detract from what this book is meant to do, strengthen your faith, encourage you in your walk with Christ, and maybe just maybe long for Heaven just a little bit more.

Hope this review helps you make your choice of whether or not to pick up a copy of this book. I'd recommend you do.

Micah

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review from a stay at home Mom who loves to read, December 1, 2010
This book was incredible! This was a fast and easy read, but packed with amazing content. Colton's account of heaven, Jesus, and his journey there, makes me think. This book should give anyone who needs encouragement, encouragement. If you question heaven's reality this should answer some questions. Whether you believe in God or not this book will make you think!

JESUS WITH BLUE EYES AND ANGELS WITH WINGS, WHY NOT?, November 28, 2010
I don't want to ruffle anyone's feathers but I think the sarcastic mockery of a few reviewers is actually out of place and uncalled-for. I may not be a believer in the traditional sense either but I've become 99% convinced of the literal truth of Colton's experience and its supernatural aspect, even if one or two minor details like the blue eyes and angel wings might maybe (but not necessarily) be the product of "false memory." There are Jews and indeed Arabs who are pale-skinned and have blue eyes, not all have brown skin and brown eyes. For example, some northern Iranians. A non-trivial minority of Middle Eastern Jews also have blue eyes (or more often, green & hazel). So Jesus could have had too. And as one reviewer pointed out, apparently there are angels with wings mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel (Old Testament). As far as I can tell from people who know their bible, there is nothing inconsistent in this story with Scripture or indeed with medical reality since near-death experiences or NDE's are well-documented and are believed by many to be real both in the religious and scientific communities.

There are skeptics who argue that even if NDE is for real, then it's only a cerebral or psychological phenomenon and that the patient's consciousness may drift from the body, explaining how Colton saw his dad in the waiting room praying, for example, but that it's not a supernatural phenomenon (no heaven). This explanation may explain how Colton saw his father in the waiting room during his surgery, but it doesn't explain the unknowable facts he came back with from Heaven about his long-deceased grandfather and miscarried sister whose existence he had never known about before and many other such verifiable examples of things which only the grown-ups around him knew. So clearly, this precludes a natural or purely mental explanation and suggests the supernatural.

If Colton and his parents are telling the truth about this experience, and I'm convinced of their integrity, then Colton actually saw things and learned things from this "out of body" ordeal which he could not have seen and learned in any normal natural way but through genuinely supernatural and spiritual revelation. I believe this amazing miraculous story.

Don Piper, author of the tremendous bestseller "90 Minutes in Heaven" says about this book that it's "Compelling and convincing. It's a book you should read."

Really real., December 2, 2010
Thank you to the Burpos for sharing their experience! This book falls in the easy-to-read, can't-put-it-down category and can be finished in less than three hours.....leaving you wanting to know more. The scripture references add insight and credibility. I purchased several books to give as gifts and, a couple weeks ago, loaned my personal copy to someone who, after they had read it, asked if they could pass it along to someone else who, in turn, asked if they could pass it along to someone else who, in turn....... To me, that's one of the signs of a book worth reading. Also recommended reading, '90 Minutes in Heaven' (Piper) and 'Heaven' (Alcorn).

Wonderful read!!, December 6, 2010
Can't put it down type of book. Very gripping and real. So inspiring and a real testimony to God's faithfulness to this family...even generations back. Great gift book, too!

WOW, WOW, WOW!, December 7, 2010
I wanna go to heaven! The great thing is I am confident that I will. This book just made me long for my future home. Follow the scriptures that are referred to by Todd Burpo and you can check it out for yourself. Short, easy read full of tears and joy. I honestly think Colton went to heaven and God is allowing us a glimpse. Buy it for everyone on your Christmas list.

If you've lost a loved one, this will encourage you!!, December 6, 2010
I loved this book! Saw the boy and dad on TV, it is totally believable. His account verifies Biblical accounts of heaven and he tells about many things he would not have known if he didn't actually go to heaven. I lost a daughter when she was 29, had a miscarriage earlier in life. My mom had stillborn twins and a miscarriage and I know they're all in heaven together now, perhaps the sister my daughter always wanted. This book will bless and encourage you.

Amazing Trip, December 5, 2010
I really enjoy this book! A child's perspective certainly simplifies things; giving the reader a better understanding of what we can expect in Heaven. Of particular interest are the Bible verses that supports what he saw. Great read!

Don't forget the sub-title, December 26, 2010
First of all, can we do something to eliminate or at least drastically reduce the number of reviews by people who got a free book in return for writing a review? There are so many now. I must admit, that I now first look to the end of the review for the "disclaimer" and if I find one, I do not even read the review. I do not care about this kind of review. Sorry.

This book is a great read and I just want to remind readers that this story is about a 4 year old boy who experiences heaven. We should expect that the things he sees and describes are filtered through his young eyes. That is not saying I do not believe it--I do--but rather that we should not press some of the details too far.

I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the possibility that there is more to life that what we see around us.

A child's view of heaven, December 24, 2010
What I loved most about this book is the natural way they let Colton talk about his experience and didn't force it out or add their own thoughts that could have clouded his. I've read other books with more details of heaven, but seeing it from a child's perspective was refreshing. I think it will give hope, encouragement and will increase your faith. If you have ever lost a child after conception, I would think this book would bring comfort in a way other words expressed to you have not reached. It's an easy, quick read, so invest a couple hours of your life and take a peek at what eternity could be like for you. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The theological system known as Calvinism is often caricatured or simply dismissed as a relic of the past. But as Dr. Joel R. Beeke shows us in this comprehensive treatment, Calvinism, also known as Reformed theology, is biblical, God-centered, heartfelt, winsome, and practical. As such, it is uniquely suited to help Christians fulfill the purpose for which they were created-to live to the glory of God.

With the gifted help of eight contributors, Dr. Beeke traces the roots of Calvinism and sets forth its doctrinal distinctives, then explores how Calvinists live out their beliefs in every sphere of life, from their private devotions to their service in the church, from their marriages to their careers, from politics to ethics. Through the examples of John Calvin himself, the Puritans, and other Calvinists of the past, this God-exalting belief system emerges as a timeless guide for Christian living. ... Read more

Reviews

Solid Book on Calvinism and Its History, March 10, 2009
Joel Beeke says, "The target audience for this book is laypeople and ministers who are interested in learning the basics of Calvinism. I hope it also will serve as a stimulating summary and refresher course for those who are already avid Calvinists, much as Steven J. Lawson's The Expository Genius of John Calvin from Reformation Trust excites those of us who are already familiar with much of its content. I have worked hard to keep this book simple, clear, and non-technical, in the hope that you might hand it to others to help them understand how you think as a Calvinist."

I felt this was the case except the chapter on philosophy can be a more difficult read for those of us not well versed on the subject.

While the book John Calvin - A Heart for Devotion Doctrine & Doxology, also from Reformation Trust is about John Calvin himself and a brief introduction to his theology, this book is less about Calvin himself and more about Calvinism from the beginnings of the Reformation through the time of the Puritans both in Europe and after they arrived in the U.S. It's a bit longer and more thorough than the previous mentioned book but is still introductory.

Included in this history are the Reformed canons, confessions, catechisms. There is a lengthy treatment of these documents which may be of interest to some who are unfamiliar with their content and origins.

Other notable figures from Martin Luther (including an explanation of the differences between Lutheranism and Calvinism) to Jonathan Edwards are mentioned in the book.

Although the acronym TULIP wasn't developed until the 1900's, the Canons of Dort contain a response to the Remonstrance of 1610, a response to Calvinism by forty-three of Arminius' followers. This is covered quite a bit in the book. Therefore, this book isn't an objective look at Calvinism as compared to other areas of theology and Arminianism is talked about negatively and even called "heretical" (or at least what Arminius' followers had to say) which I think is going too far. Just when I thought there may have been too much time spent refuting Arminian theology, the book moved on from there.

The book doesn't dwell too much on TULIP though, as Calvinism is much more than that:

"It is important to note that the five points do not summarize all of Calvinism; that would be a truncated view of the Reformed faith. One of the aims of this book is to show the panoramic grandeur of the Reformed faith's worldview."

The book also covers the popular 5 Solas-Scripture alone (sola Scriptura), grace alone (sola gratia), faith alone (sola fide), Christ alone (solus Christus), and the glory of God alone (soli Deo gloria).

A couple of ancillary benefits to this book are the extensive citations and bibliographies at the end of each chapter and an introduction to the history and theology of the Puritans who carried on the Reformed tradition.

Other than listing some of the current denominations that are Reformed, I would like to have seen the history go even farther-past the Puritan era-but that may have been beyond the size and scope of the book.

This book is very readable, enjoyable and educational. I highly recommend it.

Competent but tedious, July 24, 2009
I'm ambivalent about this book. I'll put what I like first, then what I didn't like.

WHAT I LIKE

Joel Beeke's intention with this book is to present a full scale overview of the Reformed faith: her history, her theology, her philosophy, and her practice (worship, family life, work ethic). This is a great idea, and much of the peripheral material was well done, such as the first two chapters on history and the confessions. Beeke enlists a few other writers for some excellent (though very brief) chapters, such as Ray Lanning on worship, Robert Oliver on preaching, and Ray Pennings on practical theology. Pennings' three chapters were especially well-done. So, the thing I like most about the book is the breadth of material covered. Also, as a minor point, I highly appreciate the craftsmanship of the book: the binding, the typeface, the font size, the paper, the design of the cover -- all excellent!

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

The bulk of the book is written by Beeke, and I have to say that I'm not a fan of his style. He is competent in his knowledge of the material covered, but it is less than cohesive or flowing. The reading is "jumpy," largely because it reads like a series of quotations. There is no doubt that Beeke is well-read, but unfortunately he is too anxious to quote EVERY quote that he likes on any given matter. The quotes are often good, but they rarely serve to illumine the issues with any greater depth. It come across like a string of platitudes -- nice sounding but largely ornamental. As a result, the sections on soteriology and piety are quite tedious, and this is the bulk of the book and the most important parts. There are better places to go for an introduction to this material. Off hand, I would sooner recommend Boice's The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel or Hoekema's Saved by Grace for soteriology or anything by John Piper for piety.

I was also highly disappointed by the chapter on philosophy by James Grier. I don't think Dr. Grier had a clear idea of what he wanted to accomplish with the chapter. It was very, very basic -- far too basic, even for an introduction (yet, curiously, a lot of philosophical terms are undefined). Grier's entire thesis is that Calvinist philosophy is governed by Scripture, thus metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics all require attention to the God of Scripture and His will. This is all well and good, but Grier completely avoids any of the issues that have made Calvinist philosophy unique from, for example, Roman Catholic Thomism. There is nothing about natural theology or the use of evidences. I didn't expect a full scale treatment of Van Til, Brunner, or Barth, but I did expect at least some cursory acknowledgment of the issues. You won't find it here. Reformed theology's relationship to classical philosophy is an important issue, and it has shaped most of the important debates in Reformed theology for the last century (and it continues unabated). Unfortunately, the reader of Grier's essay would not know this.

So, I have to say that I probably won't be recommending this book to anyone as an introduction to Calvinism. There's better stuff out there, just not in one book. I would only recommend it to someone who is already fairly well-read and wants to cover their bases (and perhaps be introduced to some areas that he may not be familiar with). Like I said, some of the essays are good -- good enough for me to rate the book at three stars instead of two.

Good but too much emphasis on Confessions & other theologians, February 9, 2009
Overview:

The book is quite a lenghty one, coming in at 416 pages. It is divided up into six sections: The history of Calvinism (1), Calvinism in the Mind (2), the heart (3), the church (4), in practice (5), and Calvinism's Goals (6). Joel Beeke is a prolific author who has written or coauthored fifty books, and contributed to 1500 journal, dictionary and book articles. While he is the books main author there are contributions from 8 other theologians.

What I liked:

Quite often we divorce the reformers from their historical setting. Without knowing the history we are prone to think that the reformers were intolerant and narrow minded. Beeke does a great job here. He highlights some of the key abuses the reformers were reacting against. When viewed in this light many of their I had no idea that the five solas of the protestant reformation were formed in opposition to five key teachings of the Roman Catholic church. For example, Sola Scriptura as opposed to Scripture and Tradtion. The short discussion on the differences between Lutheranism and Calvinism was quite helpful. Beeke offers an excellent exposition of the five points of Calvinism and offers some great quotes: "Original sin is in us like our beard. We are shaved today and look clean; tomorrow our beard has grown again, nor does it cease growing while we remain on earth." (page 54) and "...we are active "sin-aholics" by nature." (page 55).

Grier's chapter on Phiosophical Calvinism was interesting. He highlighted some important points in the area of metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. Scripture is the key to understanding the nature of reality (page 152). God is the source of all knowledge and thus we only things when God makes them known to us (page 153). Divine command is the essence of mans moral obligation (page 156).

Too often reformed theology books stop at the five points. While they are not be depricated they do not represent the sum total of Gospel truth. Sections three through six demonstrate that quite clearly. Calvinism results in God honouring piety by means of the believers union with Christ by the Holy Spirit. What Calvin meant by piety was quite different to what it means today. He said that true piety "consists in a sincere feeling which loves God as Father as much as it fears and reverences Him as Lord, embraces His righteousness, and dreads offending Him worse than death" (page 174). Calvinism is often thought of as a hinderance to evangelism, but ironically it gave Calvin and the Puritans some hope of success. They were to preach the Gospel to every person, in every town because God has his elect everywhere.

But what I liked most about this book was that it showed that Calvinism is a God honouring, biblically faithfull system of theology that affects all areas of life. It is practical and It satisfies the mind. It aids the church, while it truly relies on God's power for its strength. It is Christ centred. We can't ask for much more in a theological system.

What I didn't like:

The chapter on the confessions was quite boring. This section would be helpful to someone interested in the history of their confessional church, but seeing as I go to an independent church, it bears little relevance. The book suffers from an over reliance on confessions and creeds. While they should not be depricated, a greater focus on scripture is what the book needed. In fact if you cut out the references and expositions of the confessions the book could have been shortened quite a bit. I didn't enjoy the chapter on Church government. To someone interested the history of their denomination the Chapter would have been helpful. But living in a post denominational era one has to wonder why we bother flogging a dead horse?

But something that troubled me was the consistent view that Arminians were the enemy. They were the "heretical" sect leading people astray. Fortunately Arminians, however misguided they may be theologically, are not the enemy. I'm willing to bet that most Arminian's would affirm and agree with Calvinists on the essentials of the Christian faith. There was also too much of an emphasis on the Limited atonement. My feelings on this doctrine is that it lacks practical value, and would cause more confusion than anything else.

Conclusion and Reccomendation:

Whenever someone says "I'm a Calvinist", "I'm an Arminian" or "I'm a this or that Christian" I'm reminded of Paul's opening remarks in his letter to the Corinthians. "I am of Appollos ! I am on Paul...Is Christ divided?" Spurgeon wrote, in his defence of Calvinism, that everyone is born an Arminian and that God opens our eyes to the truth of his word. While we can reason the truths of reformed theology from scripture, our acceptance of them comes by divine revelation of the Holy Spirit within us. Something the reformed camp would do well to remember.

The diversity of material presented in the book makes it difficult to sum it up without writing a book length review. The ideas of both camps were presented in a largely irenic fashion (I say that with some reservations above). People need to be taught good doctrine. It gives them a solid grounding in the Christian faith. I know from personal experience. Too many introductions to reformed theology stop at the five points, as if they convey the entire Gospel truth. Beeke does a great job at taking this further than most introductions would.

A God honoring read, November 24, 2009
A few years ago if you were to ask me what Calvinism was I would have been able to connect it to TULIP but it would be unlikely for me to be able to identify each point for you. Not only that but my upbringing educated me concerning Calvinism to believe that God doesn't love the world and there is no need to evangelize. These were the faulty beliefs tacked on to the word Calvinism.
However, I began to see things differently as I entered college and started to read things on my own. I soon learned what the five points are and how they really aren't such a bad thing. Eventually, I became so enamored with the heart behind Calvinism and the logical ideals that I took on the Reformed faith.
What broke me was the God exalting view of the Reformers. I didn't love God like the people I was writing did, and there wasn't any other system that was dedicated to seeking the face of God like the Reformed faith did.
I found this to be very true:
"As Calvinists, we are enamored with God. We are overwhelmed by His majesty, His beauty, His holiness, and His grace. We seek His glory, desire His presence, and model our lives after Him." (pg. 42)
But until recently Calvinism and the Reformed faith to me was still the "five points."
I began to see that my beliefs changed everything about my life. Calvinism impacted all of my decisions. It changed my view of why I work, it changed my view of worship, my relationship with my wife, or even how I will raise and instruct by baby daughter.
Calvinism suddenly became so much more than the five points of Calvinism. It became a dramatic shift in how I lived my life.
Living for God's Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism by Joel Beeke seeks to give instruction to men like me who have seen the radical theocentric vision of Calvinism and are not sure yet of just how this is supposed to look like in a life.
Beeke begins the book by providing some very interesting information on church history concerning different creeds. His point in doing this is to squash the mistaken ideal that all Calvinism is, is five points. I found the creedal section of the book very informative. Creeds discussed were the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Second Helvetic Confession, the Canons of Dort, the Westminster Standards, and the Calvinistic Baptist confessions. I found the information provided to be very helpful and informative.
Beeke then moves on to discuss the singular focus of Calvinism- God. He argues that this separates Calvinism from every other religious system. I would cite that as the reason for my own deep affections for the Reformed faith.
Beeke states the thesis of Calvinism and then moves on to overview and defend each of the points of TULIP.
Concerning total depravity:

"My dear unsaved friend, you are a "sin-aholic." You are a slave this very hour, a slave in your bed tonight--even when you pray. And you will be a slave until God's almighty power raises you from spiritual death, opens your blind eyes, unstops your deaf ears, and breaks the chains of depravity that enwrap you. And even then, until your last breath, you will battle against your addiction to sin, for we remain recovering sin-aholics to the end (Rom. 7:24)." (pg. 56)

I agree with Beeke's insightful examination of total depravity and found the above paragraph to be especially piercing (although I am not sure if "enwrap" is a word.)

Beeke does an excellent job of examining and defending each point of TULIP. These few chapters would be an excellent source while in a Systematic Theology class concerning soteriology. The chapters are full of examples and illustrations.

The next step for Beeke after outlining and defending TULIP was to move on to the foundational points of Calvinism which are Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria. He presents these points then defends them against their rival systems.

The next movement in Living for God's glory was the most interesting part of the whole book for me. Beeke began to examine the practical outworking of Calvinism in the life of a believer. The second part of the book was titled "Cultivating the Heart." This part sought to provide the actions that must be associated with Calvinistic thought. Many practical helps were contained in these few chapters.

The final movement for Living for God's glory concerned Calvinism and the Church. Topics presented were ecclesiastical concerns, missions, preaching, and evangelism.

Weaknesses of the Text:

Joel Beeke proves himself to be a very well researched writer. However, a weakness with having such a good grasp concerning other references is an overabundance of quotations. The quotations were pertinent and insightful, but a well placed quotation can draw me deeper into the text, whereas an over abundance of quotations can cause me to lose focus of what the writer himself is trying to get across.

Conclusion:

This was an excellent read. If I can define how it reads it is like a systematic theology on Calvinism. Very academic, well written, and inspiring.
Excellent addition for a believer's library.

More than five points, September 8, 2009
Dr. Beeke does an excellent job showing the historical- and more still the biblical- roots of Calvinistic theology, worship, and community. The chapters written by his contributors blend well into the general book, and the whole work presents a glorious picture of the Christian's life as lived for God's glory. I would use this book to teach basic Christian spirituality, as well as distinctive Calvinist dogma.

more than an introduction, November 21, 2008
In this book Living for Gods glory you are given a lot more than in some of the other books on calvinism. i personally feel that the title and introduction to calvinism is a misleading but only do to my previousl experience. This book unlike others i have read gave more history. While it gave me an understanding of the doctrine it also gave me some insight into the reformation and the development of various views throughout history, namely luther and calvin. This book is a very good read but not one to just read through. It contains both the doctrine but the heart of the reformers and those that have come through this theology. It challenged many assumptions and causes you to think about where those assumptions lead. Often we are unaware of the implications. I highly recommend this book bu warn you. It is a book to read slow otherwords you will miss much.

Sound No Trumpet Before You, January 9, 2010
'His sovereignty declared Him to be God, the incomprehensible Trinity who is nevertheless knowable insofar as He chooses to reveal Himself to us.' p 39

With the commemoration of Calvin's 500th birthday, a number of goodly volumes have seen the light, but none has sought to move heaven and earth, for God's glory, as this particular volume. To increase the harvest, the workers need be pulled in, in a biblical manner of speaking. The yield of Calvinism has indeed proved itself a hundredfold, and the contributors share in the awesome responsibility to recall afresh the wisdom of the man through his writings, the piety through his passion for Christ, the proofs through his simplicity of life, the love for his assembly through unceasing prayer. The plainness of Calvin's devotion to Christ marks the road less travelled on, though frequent markers placed by Calvin assures the reader that with Spurgeon we can quietly rejoice, 'God's choice makes chosen men choice men.' And for that we all are in Calvin's debt.

Beeke identifies the need of the hour: 'We must first ask, who are the saints? Many would say they are people who have been baptized or have made decisions for Christ at evangelistic camp meetings. However, Scripture and Reformed confessions define saints as those 'whom God calls, according to His purpose, to the communion of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and regenerates by the Holy Spirit' (Canons of the Synod of Dort, Head v, Art. 1) and as 'they whom God hath accepted in His Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit' (WCF, 17.1).' p 116 As the barren fig tree that would not bear fruit, the reprobate cannot show the growth visibly attendant in the lives of the elect. In shaping their evangelism, the Reformed have always shown their dependence on the apostolic model, in both its teaching and its practice: 'Along with other Reformers, Calvin taught evangelism in a general way by earnestly proclaiming the gospel and by reforming the church according to biblical requirements.' p 276 The Puritans excelled in their rousing appeals to the common people through a thorough use of the means of grace, as 'evangelism was a Word-centered task of the church, particularly of her ministers. They were truly 'fishers of men', seeking to awaken the unconverted to their need of Christ, to lead them to faith and repentance, and to establish them in a lifestyle of sanctification.' p 290

Consumed by a need to live coram Deo, or biblically-experientially, much of the work in 'Living For God's Glory' hinges on the experience of faith that all believers must look for in dependence upon Christ, for only then can we be in one accord with John Calvin: 'All our progress and perseverance are from God.' In a chapter devoted entirely to experiential preaching, Joel Beeke states the need for such a style of comprehensive preaching in our age: 'It aims to apply divine truth to the whole range of the believer's personal experience, including his relationships with his family, the church, and the world around him. In other words, it addresses the entire range of Christian living, focusing heavily on a believer's spiritual well-being and maturity. With the Spirit's blessing, the mission of such preaching is to transform the believer in all that he is and does to become more and more like the Savior.' p 256

Reflecting on the multitude of challenges and the ferocity of changes forced upon the church militant, re-enforcing the message of old and its delivery remains as the only ordained means in bringing the sheep into Christ's fold: 'In 1 Cor 2:10-16 Paul says that good exegesis is spiritual. Experiential preaching does not minimize these aspects of interpretation, but neither is it content with them. The Word must be applied spiritually. Specifically, such preaching teaches that Christ, the Living Word and the very embodiment of the truth, must be experientially known and embraced. It proclaims the need for sinners to experience who God is in His Son.' pp. 257-258

'By far the most culpable contortion of passages of Scripture out of their natural meaning and connection is found in the history of those theological schools whose pulpits have rejected the doctrines of sin and grace, and were forced to find substitutes for these in semi-religious or wholly secular themes.' WGT Shedd, Homiletics & Pastoral Theology p 150

Professor Beeke reveals the connection in the 'call' to extraordinary obedience, and God simultaneously acting upon the minister's heart by His Spirit: 'Scripture says that there should be no disparity between the heart, character, and life of a man who is called to proclaim God's Word, and the content of his message. There must be no disjunction between their calling and living, their confession and practice. Their preaching must shape their lives, and their lives must adorn their preaching. Ministers must be what they preach, not only applying themselves to their texts but applying their texts to themselves. Their hearts must be transcripts of their sermons.' p 270 It was said of William Perkins, the father of Puritanism, that 'As his preaching was a comment on his text, so his practice was a comment on his preaching.'

Beeke justifiably commends the spiritual empowerment needed by the humble shepherd of God's flock who applies the Word faithfully and well to his hearers' hearts, not to his own gain or glory: 'Therefore, a true Calvinistic preacher must be 'determined not to know any thing...save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified' (1 Cor 2:2).' p 258 One wonders why preferential treatment is ever-abounding in the ever-increasing lap of luxury of the preacher of 'good livin', a symbol of the parody that has ever-afflicted the consistently needy church - even in Calvin's day.

Best Overall Introduction To Calvinism!, December 1, 2010
I recently got the opportunity to read Living for God's Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism edited by Dr. Joel Beeke who is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. The Contributors are an all-star caste in this book consisting Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, Dr. James M Grier, Dr. Michael A. G. Haykin, Dr. Nelson D. Kloosterman, Rev. Ray b. Lanning, Dr. Robert W. Oliver, Ray Pennings, and Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas.

The target audience for this book is lay people & ministers who are interested in learning the basics of Calvinism. It is refreshing to read a book that expounds on the many impacts of Calvinism on history, philosophy, worldview and theology. The influence of Calvinism goes far beyond the five points of Calvinism. It does an excellent job showing the biblical roots of not just its theology but also its community.

The content of the book is divided into six sections in which each deals with a different aspect of Reformed theology. The History of Calvinism (1), Calvinism in the Mind (2), the heart (3), the church (4), in practice (5), and Calvinism's Goals (6). The section I found most interesting that makes the whole book worth the journey was the second part "Cultivating The Heart." I found here many practical helps to assist in examining the spiritual life of the believer. With the heart that is not just Calvinistic in theology but there worldview is reformed. Since the heart is reformed it will show in more than just thought but also in practice.

In the end, the book gives its desired goal for reformed theology which is to glory of God. The book is full of supporting texts and a variety of extensive quotations from past theological giants of the faith. I sincerely believe that Beeke's work provides the best overall introduction to Calvinism that I have ever read. The book is over 400 pages but don't let this hinder you from picking it up. It is a must read to any library.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Trust Publishing for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. ... Read more

Editorial Review

After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to "listen" to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her. It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue. She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but they were helping her grow closer to God. Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages. They are written from Jesus’ point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling. It is Sarah’s fervent prayer that our Savior may bless you with His presence and His peace in ever deeper measure. ... Read more

Reviews

AWESOME BOOK!, January 28, 2005
This book has an excerpt to read for every day of the year. So far I have read Jan. 1 through Jan. 28. In addition to those 28 days I have jumped around reading random pages and I have been so encouraged by what I have read. Each reading is a half a page to one page long. The book is small so the reading time is very short. Each page is written as if Jesus is talking directly to you. There are scripture references listed at the bottom of each page as well. So if you are looking for a great devotional book that will help you get closer to the Lord that won't take up a large amount of time this is the book for you.

Jesus Speaks in This Book - But in a Very Narrow Way, August 8, 2010
"Jesus Calling" is a relatively unique devotional book in that Sarah Young has written her devotions from the point of view of Jesus Christ. Using this technique gives the book a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the Lord, and this is the great strength of the book.

Many of these short sayings that Young puts in the mouth of Jesus are things the Lord would say and has said to me during a life of listening to Him, reading the Scriptures, and keeping a journal. How often have I heard Him remind me to worship Him alone, to trust in Him at all times, and that He is always with me. To hear these words as if they are Jesus' own can be beneficial to the soul.

However, there are 4 reasons I can give "Jesus Calling" only 3 stars and not 4 or 5 stars, (even though I'm vastly outnumbered in the reviews on Amazon).

1. Young has Jesus say only a limited range of things compared to what God actually teaches in the entirety of the Bible. I love to hear Jesus say things like, "Relax; Trust Me; Listen to Me; I am with you; I am calling you; and Wait for Me." But this seems to be all that Young's Jesus ever says. Where are the specific commandments of Jesus, and not just "affirmations"? Where does this Jesus ever talk about the practical ways we should love our neighbor, and not just love God? And why is it always a solitary call to be alone with Him, when we're called to be the Church?

2. "Jesus Calling" shows Young's bias and doesn't have Jesus say the hard things He must often say. Where are His reminders and commandments to seek forgiveness and to forgive, to love regardless of the cost, etc? This Jesus doesn't seem ask us to do anything difficult or to sacrifice very much. It's all "You are on the right path." Where are the times when Jesus has to chastise, correct, and discipline us? Where are the times when He says things like, "Repent!" or "You're being too selfish and must take up your cross for Me today."?

3. "Jesus Calling" doesn't give any hint that sometimes God may withdraw His sweet fruit from our lives so we will depend only on Him, and not on His gifts. The saints have often experienced the "dark night of the soul" when we can't always feel God's blessed Presence? What then? Young's devotional doesn't account for this.

4. The devotionals are not directly scriptural. Thankfully, these devotionals aren't heretical or unsound: they're just incomplete. It's true that there are some Scripture references tacked on at the end of each devotional, but I don't sense that the whole counsel of God comes through in these devotionals. I like what God has told Young, but sometimes it's all too easy to interpret your own voice as being that of the Lord's. Occasionally, the words presented as Jesus' are jarring and don't sound like Jesus, such as: "This is a paradigm shift that will revolutionize your life" (devotional for March 22).

"Jesus Calling" has undoubtedly blessed many lives and will continue to do so. However, it gives a narrow view of the entirety of what Jesus Christ has to say to us.

THE devotional book that you absolutely must have!, April 4, 2005
I absolutely love this devotion book. Sarah Young speaks from the heart and puts into words what I can not form but what I do feel.
It is like "listening in a mirror." Listening, not reading. I can read the book, but listen to God's voice in my soul - where the Holy Spirit reflects (hence, mirror) that from those in whom He lives.I highly recomend this as a must have devotion.

Don't judge this book by its cover, July 27, 2009
A few months ago I joined the Thomas Nelson Publishers blog book review team. What a novel idea. I signed up, agreed to write a review and publish it on my blog as well as one other commercial site. In exchange, I received the book I chose to review in the mail.

I chose "Jesus Calling," a devotional by Sarah Young.

I was drawn to the content based on a few tweets from others reading the devotional. I grew up in my faith with the Oswald Chambers classic "My Utmost for His Highest." I love my online devotional time on the Jesuit site [..]--one of my favourite experiences on the web. I also love Henri Nouwen's "Bread for the Journey."

Now "Jesus Calling" is fast becoming another classic in my life. Sarah Young writes what she hears Jesus speaking to her in her spirit. She has honed her listening through years and years of writing in her journal and being attentive to what the Spirit wants to say to her.

As I have spent time in "Jesus Calling, "I have heard Jesus speaking to me many times in beautiful, fresh ways. Sometimes I hear Sarah's personal filter--she is the pen, the messenger, after all--but I also recognize this as the voice of my Shepherd.

Here are a few of my favourite calls:

* "Rest in My Presence, allowing Me to take charge of this day. Do not bolt into the day like a racehorse suddenly released. Instead, walk purposefully with Me, letting Me direct your course one step at a time."

* "You are on the right path. Listen more to Me, and less to your doubts. I am leading you along the way designed just for you."

* "You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present."

I definitely recommend "Jesus Calling." My only caveat comes with the actual design. Here's what I suggest: Please don't judge this book by its cover. I was surprised when I opened the parcel I received in the mail. I was actually somewhat taken aback. My heart sank somewhat, because this book came dressed as a very dated, and forgive me for this, missionary. You get the picture. I had to force myself to pass through the visual barrier. The size and design also visually placed it in the gift book category, which surprised me. I am in my thirties and I have never bought a Christian gift book. That's just me.

As I dove into the content, however, wanting to keep up my end of the agreement, I was drawn in by the fresh writing. This book has taken me new places with Jesus. There's a lot of wisdom here, so much Beauty and great Depth.

"Jesus Calling" is worth laying down all your preconceived ideas about where you might receive and delving deeply into this revelation of Jesus.

So, while the design placed this book for me in a different audience; the content of this book crosses generations for those who want to experience Jesus in a fresh way.

If you can pierce through the visual barrier of the book jacket, the content will grab your heart, because it is Jesus speaking though one of his beloved daughters.

At Peace for Everyday Living, March 12, 2007
This is a great book, a friend gave it to me when my father was dying with lung cancer. It kept me focused on what was really important in life and how to keep in touch with God through this trying time. A simple reading everyday that was just what I needed to hear.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young - A perfect source for daily encouragement!, June 10, 2009
As a busy Christian woman, I sometimes find it difficult to sit and enjoy being in the presence of the Lord. I have several devotional books on my shelf, but none seemed to give me the spiritual boost I was looking for. That is, until I started reading "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.

"Jesus Calling" is a devotional gift book containing 365 devotions written from Jesus' point of view. Though each daily message is short, they are consistently relevant and personal for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Each page contains the very promises and blessings found Jesus.

From the day I opened Jesus Calling, I was hooked. Every day, I look forward to reading about the blessings God has for me. Sarah Young did an amazing job in writing each devotional; it truly feels as if God is speaking to me through each page. I honestly can't think of anyone this devotional wouldn't be perfect for! The devotions are short enough to be read in just a few spare minutes, but are powerful enough that they stay on your mind throughout the day.

I can't say enough about how much it has blessed me in the short time I have been reading it. If you are looking for a way to make the scriptural promises of the Bible more personal, this book is perfect for you.

Christina
[...]

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, May 31, 2009
What if Jesus could pick up the phone and call you? What would He say? Jesus Calling is a daily devotional like nothing I've read before. Each message feels like a personal phone call from our Lord.
Their content reached into a place that was desert thirsty for encouragement, a healing touch, a kind word, a renewed promise. Each one showed up just when I needed it most, meeting whatever pressed me that day. The messages got me thinking about what the Lord wanted to show me in each situation He took me through.
It felt like my best friend had put His arm around my shoulder.My life became a journey alongside Him and no matter what I went through, He was there. And He would be there again tomorrow. As I read Jesus Calling, I began falling in love with Jesus all over again.
Each page contains a daily message and references to inspire daily bible reading. If you enjoy devotionals or have never tried them, I wholeheartedly recommend Jesus Calling. You'll be glad you took His call.

A member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program. [...]

Jesus Calling, September 30, 2008
This devotional especially touched me because it really did seem that Jesus was talking to me. Also, bible verses are listed for reference. Because of my love for this book I purchased several to give to others who need to hear a word from God.

What An Awesome Devotional, March 8, 2007
What a wonderful devotional. God has had me buy so many of these books to give to others as a gift. What a blessing this book has been to so many people. I probably have purchaased about 15 of them. Everyone that I have given it to has thanked me so much, and it has really changed their lifes. God has used me to give it to them when they really needed to hear from Him. It is so amazing to know that God can use this small book to bless so many people. Thank you , Lord. Thank You for this wonderful Author ( Sarah Young ). May God continue to Bless Her.

Deborah

Simply Great. Please get this book. There aren't any words to describe how great this book is., May 6, 2006
I had to stop reading ahead because the first time i started reading it I was so touched. It really feels like God is talking to you in modern times. Sarah Young is truly gifted and this book has literally saved my life. Keep it goin. We need more devotional books like this. ... Read more

Editorial Review

As human beings, we long to know that our lives will unfold in ways that we will find pleasant and rewarding. As Christians, we have a different focus-we want our lives to be pleasing to God. Thus, we ponder His will and worry that we are not doing what He wants us to do.

In this Crucial Questions booklet, Dr. R. C. Sproul outlines timeless principles for discovering and applying the will of God in day-to-day decisions. He then illustrates how these principles should inform two of the most significant decisions we face in life--the choice of a career and the choice of a spouse. Here is valuable guidance for those who are passionate to follow God. ... Read more

Reviews

If you've ever found the subject of God's will confusing, this is a starter-kit on the subject not to miss., November 1, 2010
A Christian asks, "What are my marching orders? What should my role be in contributing to the establishment of the kingdom of God? What does God want me to do with my life?" (29)

It is this question that Sproul seeks to answer in this installment of his crucial questions series about knowing and applying God's will to our lives. As with all things, Sproul takes a very systematic approach, examining God's different types of "wills," man's ability to will (original sin), and how we apply God's will(s) to our lives in the aspects of vocation & marriage.

It's my favorite of the Crucial Questions series so far, probably because it shines light on a subject that isn't preached on well nearly enough. If you've ever found the subject of God's will confusing, this is a starter-kit on the subject not to miss.

If you're wanting to know what kind of bang you're getting for your buck, here's some details on the chapters:

***The first section Sproul expounds is on God's different types of will

1. God's Decretive (& Secret) Will - what must happen. What God decrees that will absolutely, no chance of it, not coming true. This is the will that people pine after, "What job do you want me to get? What school should I go to?, etc ..." the will of God of the exact future.
Yet as Sproul says, "One of the great tragedies of contemporary Christendom is the preoccuptation of so many Christians with the secret decretive will of God to the exclusion and neglect of the preceptive [revealed] will. We want to peek behind the veil, to catch a glimpse of our personal future. We seem more concerned with our horoscope than with our obedience" (11).

2. God's Preceptive Will - His law/statutes/commands. What He has revealed through the Bible.
Interesting quote: Sproul talks about how important our seeking after God's preceptive (i.e. revealed) will is. After all, "the goal of our redemption is not piety or spirituality but righteousness" (14), that is, aligning our lives with God's precepts and righteous ways.

3. God's Dispositional Will - This is what God prefers. What is pleasing and agreeable to Him.
Talking about God's will, I suppose we had to talk about the theological controversy of "predestination" sometime. In this section, Sproul briefly portrays his interpretation of 2 Peter 3:9 saying things such as, "[God] may decree what He does not enjoy; that is, He may distribute justice [i.e., condemn/predestine people to Hell] ... even though He takes no personal pleasure in the application of such punishment ... [God is] not willing that sin should go unpunished" (22). It's definitely thoughts worth reading. Even if you may disagree with Sproul's Calvinistic ideology

***Next, Sproul takes us into the theological realm of what it means that "man has a will." He dives into the works of Augustine & Edwards, explaining Original Sin's effect on our "freedom." For example, Sproul explains, "Stated simply, man still has the ability to choose what he wants, but lacks the desire for true righteousness [a very Calvinist notion]. He is naturally free, but he is morally enslaved to his own corrupt and wicked desires" (36).
Sproul has a great illustration on the conflict of desires we humans have, begging us to ask the question, which are you desiring more today, God or sin? (41)
Sproul also talks about renewing our minds (46) as being integral to being spiritually transformed. Not much of a surprise, since he has a radio broadcast named, "Renewing Your Mind"!

***God's Will and Your Job - This chapter was more interesting than I thought it would be. Sproul shows how originally, the term "vocation" meant "calling," a divine call, a holy summons to fulfill a task or a responsibility that God has laid on us (61). And besides showing the different ways God calls His people, Sproul has us understand that "any vocation that meets the need of God's world can be considered a divine calling" (75). May we remember we are called by God not just as ministers, but as janitors, artists, statisticians, and carpenters.
Sproul tells a parable using "Lot's choice of land" to talk about short-range vs. long-range decisions for looking for a job. Very illuminating.

***Sproul's last chapter is on God's will for your marriage (or singleness) by expounding 1 Corinthians 7. It's very uplifting and and would be useful for single people to read particularly.

Great read, very in-depth, yet with lots of personal application and illustrations.

5/5 stars
* * * **

The book is available for purchase here:
http://www.amazon.com/Know-Gods-Will-Crucial-Questions/dp/156769179X

Helped me to feel peace ..., April 23, 2010
The whole Crucial Questions series by RC Sproul is a must for all Christian libraries - personal or church. The covers and shortness is deceiving. I bought them for my 14 year old niece as she is new to Bible study. I previewed them and was surprised to find that I wanted copies for myself. This set would be great for family or group study. RC Sproul is an intelligent, Bible-based pastor and theologian of the highest order.

Personally, I am going through a re-evaluation phase of my life and seeking God's will for my next steps is vital. This little book was a comfort and aid.

Highly reocmmended for all Christians on any and all levels of their spiritual growth. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Foreword by George Weigel

Never has a Pope, in a book-length interview, dealt so directly with such wide-ranging and controversial issues as Pope Benedict XVI does in Light of the World. Taken from a recent week-long series of interviews with veteran journalist Peter Seewald, this book tackles head-on some of the greatest issues facing the world of our time. Seewald poses such forthright questions to Pope Benedict as:

What caused the clergy sexual abuse in the Catholic Church?

Was there a "cover up"?

Have you considered resigning?

Does affirming the goodness of the human body mean a plea for "better sex"?

Can there be a genuine dialogue with Islam?

Should the Church rethink Catholic teaching on priestly celibacy, women priests, contraception, and same-sex relationships?

Holy Communion for divorced-and-remarried Catholics?

Is there a schism in the Catholic Church?

Should there be a Third Vatican Council?

Is there any hope for Christian unity?

Is Christianity the only truth?

Can the Pope really speak for Jesus Christ?

How can the Pope claim to be "infallible"?

Is there a "dictatorship of relativism" today?

Twice before these two men held wide-ranging discussions, which became the best-selling books Salt of the Earth and God and the World. Then, Seewald's discussion partner was Joseph Ratzinger, head of the Vatican's chief doctrinal office. Now, Joseph Ratzinger is Pope Benedict XVI, the spiritual leader of the world's over one billion Catholics. Though Seewald now interviews the Pope himself, the journalist "pulls no punches", posing some of the thorniest questions any Pope has had to address. Believers and unbelievers will be fascinated to hear Benedict's thoughtful, straightforward and thought-provoking replies. This is no stern preachment or ponderous theological tract, but a lively, fast-paced, challenging, even entertaining exchange. ... Read more

Reviews

A must read
I have sometimes wondered as a convert what it would be like to have been a cradle Catholic and to have studied and lived the faith throughout my life. To have fully interiorized the faith. Oh and If I were a lot more intelligent I would get a idea of this what this would be like by the Pope's latest book Light of the World: The Pope, The Church and The Signs Of The Times by the answers he gives.

This is the third interview book he has done with Journalist Peter Seevald who talked with the pope for an hour each time over six weeks and the book is made up by his questions, follow up questions and the answers the Pope spoke to him. There has been much controversy over one of the Pope's answer to one question and they focused on a word. Catholic convert Marshall McLuhan said "The Media is the Message" and I would add often that the "Media misses the message."

Having read the previous to Seevald books along with the large majority of Cardinal Ratzinger's writings you defiantly get a sense of the man and a man who has in no important ways changed as pope. His honesty and humility is shown throughout the book and he does not allow the interviewer to maker larger claims on what he has achieved than is warranted. Seevald would make factual claims about the size of the Church numerically and the Pope in terms of Power and Pope Benedict wold remind him that while the number of members is numerically large that the number of people living the Catholic faith is much smaller and of course would also dismiss things in term of power. While Pope Benedict XVI has great gifts, he realizes who those gifts are from. Throughout the book the Pope's replies are very direct and at the same time fully eloquent in reply to the questions. While reading this book I often wished that others would imitate the pope in his honesty in replying to question without the slightest hint of spin or building themselves up.

There are also very human and funny moments in the book. His reply to why he wore the Camauro was hilarious and a warning to those who would give too much meaning to what the Pope wears at times. His talking about his small community in the papal household and their watching of DVDs together was nice look into his life that is so busy. Some of his feelings of becoming Pope have been released before, but this book goes more into those questions and his feelings at the time. He really was surprised to be elected Pope and like so much of his life once again turned himself over fully to Christ and not his predilection of living a quiet intellectual life with his brother for the rest of his days. Also very interesting was his talking about his relationship with Pope John Paul II and that it was his book "Introduction to Christianity" that was a factor in him seeking Josef Ratzinger as head of the CDF. His answers like much of Catholicism are of the both/and type. When it comes to the Church and secularism his answer was about where we could learn from secularism and what we must oppose.

Peter Seewald as interviewer though is also a major part of what makes the book enjoyable. He asks a range of often astute questions that enables us to hear what the Pope thinks about something. Seewald as always has done his homework and has been a close watcher of the Pope and what he has written and said. This brings out a range of topics and important questions that a less skilled interviewer could not even approach. Though the only negative would be that Seewald has a view of Global Warming almost apocalyptic which almost ruins some questions. Though the Pope in answering them does not reply in the same tones and his answers are well-worth reading. Though it certainly seems to be true as evidenced by what the Pope has previously said that he has some belief in human caused global warming.

While the interview considers several controversies this is a book mostly about Jesus and his Church. Of following Christ closely and seeing Jesus as the one who comes. These sections of the book won't generate any headlines, but they are meant to generate saints. The Pope is first off a disciple of Jesus and one who sees his very life as bringing Jesus to others and in his role as Pope to the world.

When he does address various controversies again you see his discipleship. The sexual abuse crisis is certainly not lost on him and he sees directly this evil and what has been done by those in the church and most of all to the victims. There is an empathy in his tone in no way faked. On women's ordination and the idea that Jesus couldn't ordain women because of cultural concerns he directly labeled "nonsense" and that the cultures of the time were filled with priestesses. The issue of lifting the excommunication on the four SSXP bishops and the reason why was a fuller answer than I have seen before and he also addressed that somebody should have checked the internet to have determined the type of man Williamson was since it would have been treated much differently then. Oh and the Pope said something about condoms.

This book was a wonderful read which I admit to binge reading the moment it came in the mail. I though I could hardly love the Pope more, but now there is even more I love about him.

It is almost silly to review a book from our Pope. Really the review should be just go out and get it.

POPE BENEDICT XVI IN A MARVELOUS, REVEALING, FAR-RANGING INTERVIEW
Five REVEALING Stars! Pope Benedict XVI in his own words in a startlingly frank and honest discussion on matters of our time, within and outside of the Catholic Church. Normally the Catholic faithful and the world is accustomed to the Pope speaking through such means as encyclicals, homilies during Masses, and through books such as Jesus of Nazareth, among other means whether ex cathedra (infallibly, "from the chair") or otherwise. This Ignatius Press book is another very direct conversation between the Pope and author Peter Seewald, as translated by Michael J. Miller and Adrian J. Walker. It will probably be widely read and evaluated by those from all walks of life in order to receive the pope's views on the Catholic Church, his personal life as Prelate, the 'state of the world' and the 'signs of the times". With respect to today's 'hot button' Catholic topics, the Pope gives frank, straight-forward answers, tackling issues of theology, philosophy, science, secularism, and other things dealing with 'modernity and eternity'. The book is broken down into 18 chapters divided into three parts: "The Signs of The Times", "The Pontificate" itself, and "Where Do We Go From Here?". The knowledgeable interviewer, Peter Seewald, asks astute questions that reveal his knowledge of both Joseph Ratzinger the man and of the matters of the 264th occupant of the office of the Papacy.

As the foreword says the Pope, the leader of over 1.2 Billion Catholics, sees the world differently from world leaders in politics, business, education, and intellectuals of all types, and he leads with faith, hope, and charity aiming for the ultimate salvation of mankind. He is disappointed by some activities and people within his own Church and the secular direction of the world outside the church. He takes the attitude that "the Church must not hide" and "Faith must be explained". He talks extensively about the sexual abuse scandal from different aspects: calling it "filth" that was inside the Church that should have been found and acted upon sooner. He outlines his plans to continue meeting with victims, to correct the injustices, to root out those not suited to be priests, especially at seminary level, and to not lose sight of the problem and the pain it has caused. Along the way we also get essentials: such as how 78 year old Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was set for retirement when the Lord, through the College of Cardinals, chose him as Pontiff; what the Pope does in his free time with his "family" of close associates; his commentary on infallibility; the true story of reinstating 'Bishop' Williamson; climate change and the environment; "turbo-capitalism" and how it hurts the poor; the "third secret of Fatima"; revisiting Pius XII; the Church's leadership in treating AIDS patients around the world; 'rapprochement' with Orthodoxy and Islam; the Pope's controversial "Regensburg Lecture"; the issue of condom use; eschatology ("the last things") and the Second Coming of Jesus; the need to return to the faith, joy, and enthusiasm of the early Christians; and if a "Vatican III" is possible; among many other topics. And do read the Appendix, part I, "Serious Sins Against Defenseless Children", which is the strongest accusatory Papal statement against child abuse I have seen and the one that Catholics have longed for from the Church. This interview is an essential book for Catholics, and should be of interest to other Christians and, indeed, all believers and perhaps some non-believers. My Highest Recommendation! Five HUGE Stars!! (This review is based on a digital download across Kindle text-to-speech, Mac, and iPhone platforms.)

Rare look into the thoughts of a Pope
By now, whether through secular or religious outlets, you've likely heard about a recent book-length interview with Pope Benedict XVI titled Light of the World (Ignatius Press, 256 pages, hardback). This book presents the third extensive interview between the Pope and journalist Peter Seewald, the first two coming before Benedict was Pope.

Light of the World has generated some serious controversy over a few obscure paragraphs in the middle of its 256 pages. In these paragraphs, the Pope is asked about the Church's position on condoms. He answers by re-articulating the Church's traditional position that contraception is inherently counter to true sexuality, but in some cases condoms may be a step toward a deeper morality.

The travesty is that this book will now be known only for these couple of paragraphs when the book provides so many other fascinating insights. Light of the World really is a monumental effort, and anyone who reads it cover-to-cover will appreciate how much of a gift it really is. Never before has a Pope granted such an in-depth interview, nor directly answered so many challenging questions in rapid succession.

Seewald--whom The Irish Times nicknamed the "pope whisperer"--is great at formulating these inquiries, pulling no punches along the way. He poses questions that are straight-forward, even borderline accusatory at times, such as:

* What caused the sexual-abuse scandal in the Church?
* Have you considered resigning?
* What do you think about the global climate crisis?
* Can there be dialogue with Islam?
* Is Christianity the only truth?
* Should there be a Third Vatican Council?

Pope Benedict's answers are characteristically charitable, intelligent, and well-articulated, even including a little humor here and there. He speaks here as a wise sage whose wisdom has been built and refined over many years.

But even with the clarity shared between both men, Light of the World has its difficulties. The book was compiled, translated, and published in such a short amount of time--the interview took place in July 2010--that it does lack some finish. At times, clunky punctuation choices, like periods instead of commas and sentences lacking subjects, make the reading slightly awkward.

Also, while the material is organized into eighteen distinct chapters, the questions within each chapter are fairly haphazard. For instance, a question about `communion on the tongue' is followed by a question on `women's liberation', then a discussion on `church attendance' statistics. However, this disordered structure does create lively, fast-paced reading as the topics jump quickly from one to another.

One of the most helpful parts of the book is the Appendix, which features snippets from some of Benedict's most contentious statements: his letter to Irish Catholics regarding the abuse scandal, his Regensburg address which riled many Muslims, and his earlier statements regarding the Church's position towards condoms and AIDs (which Light of the World embellishes, not contradicts).

Following these excerpts, there is also a lengthy chronicle of important events from Benedict's life and pontificate. Both the excerpts and the timeline provide good background to the statements and events referenced during the interview.

Overall, Light of the World is truly a special book, and deserves a better fate than to be known as "the condom book". Seewald draws some intriguing answers from Pope Benedict on many of the most controversial topics of our time. This book should be welcomed as a rare look into the typically secluded halls of the Vatican. For a birds-eye view of the Church and a peek into Pope Benedict's thought, pick up a copy of Light of the World.

So Much More Than Condoms - Insights Into The Pope's Life and Thought
What a shame. Pope Benedict XVI has given us his thoughts on modern Western culture, Islam, Orthodoxy, Judaism, relativism, the priesthood, the burden of being Pope, the sex abuse crisis, infallibility, marriage, and much more and the average person will only think about one word that gets a brief mention - condoms.

Light of the World is the new book-length interview between German journalist, Peter Seewald and Pope Benedict XVI, who did two previous book-length interviews previous to Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger being named to the papacy. This book is unprecedented, because never before has a Pope given such exclusive access with a no-holds-barred approach to a journalist. The book is just what you would expect it to be - an intelligent give-and-take between two men who respect one another. It certainly gives us an inside peek into the world of how the Pope lives and thinks.

I have been blessed to read most of Benedict's major works and his other interviews and Light of the World may be the best way to introduce a novice to Benedict's way of thinking. He clearly illuminates his understanding of the problems that face the Church, modernity, and culture. He is neither naive about the situation nor is he pessimistic. Rather, he has a good feel for what is ailing modern man and what will help turn us around - faith in Jesus Christ.

He understands that the proposal that the Church makes to the modern world is quite daunting - Jesus is the Lord of all of creation and died for our salvation. But, he also understands the urgent need our world has for this message, because if it is true, then there is nothing more important for the world to know.

Benedict is honest and direct in his answers. You won't find any dodging of the tough question as a politician might. Rather, Benedict is quite honest the the human side of the Catholic Church is full of sinners who mess up all the time and that he himself has made errors. He is critical of the Church's communication efforts, among other issues, and his compassion for the victims of the sex abuse crisis is quite clear.

Seewald is also to be commended. He asked questions that cut through the clutter and get to the heart of the matter. He isn't shy about asking tough questions, nor does he lack a sense of wit, which is evidenced by telling Benedict that he clearly lacks the personality of John Paul II. Benedict shrugs it off by saying he doesn't try to be anybody but himself.

If there is anything lacking in the book, it might be the translation. There are several times that phrases seem to be awkward and punctuation seems out of place. The book was originally done in German and translated to English, which is probably where the problems arise.

Light of the World helped me gain further insight into the Pope's thought process and understanding his opinions on a wide-range of topics. I highly recommend it for those interested in learning the same.

A Great Book
Pope Benedict is a great scholar who has written books and articles that would be studied by theologians many years from now. Since being elected Pope, he has also written great pastoral letters that reveal his spiritual and pastoral depth. This book brings together the thinking of Benedict the Scholar and Benedict the Pastor. It gives us a window into the thinking and ministry of a man who does not only have pastoral responsibility over 1 billion Catholics but also someone who has spent most of his years in the academia. His position on condoms in cases of HIV/AIDS reveals a sensible and pastoral approach the church must take to deal with this disease that has killed millions in the Global South, most especially in Africa. He said, "There may be a basis in the case of some individuals, as perhaps when a male prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first step in the direction of a moralization,a first assumption of responsibility, on the way toward discovering an awareness that not everything is allowed and that one cannot do whatever one wants." It is important to mention that the Pope does not approve the use of condoms as a contraceptive. Some may disagree with his position on women ordination in the book and the argument he uses to support that position. He argues that the church has "no authority" to ordain women. The restriction of the priesthood was not something that was created by men in the church but was given that way by Christ. Jesus called only men to be his apostles. His argument echoes that already made by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. The book is very readable and I strongly recommend it to all, most especially Catholics.

Frank, Open, Thoughtful
Pope Benedict XVI became Pope in 2005, shortly after the death of one of the most charismatic and influential Popes in history - John Paul II. In some sense it was inevitable that the comparisons with the late John Paul II would be there from the very outset of his pontificate, but Pope Benedict made it perfectly clear that he had no intention to compete with his predecessor, and would stay faithful to his own personal and theological charismas. Even so, by any objective standard Pope Benedict is quite a remarkable Pope - in terms of his previous scholarly and ecclesial accomplishments, as well as in terms of his pastoral work. After little over five years of the pontificate, it is possible to get a good sense of what the main themes and accomplishments of Benedict XVI papacy are. "Light of the World," a book-length interview, seems like a very timely and appropriate venue for the current Pope to reflect on the first five years of his papacy and to put forward his frank and direct views on almost every single issue that is relevant for the Catholic Church today.

This is the very first time in history that a Pope has agreed to give a book-length interview. Such interviews are extremely rare even for secular leaders, and it is even rarer for any such leader to be as frank, forthright and open as this Pope has been. In the age when the public is increasingly jaded and cynical about the pronouncements made by politicians and other secular authority figures, it comes as a breath of fresh air to have a World leader of the Pope Benedict's rank be honest and straightforward about some of the issues that have affected him the most over the past few years, both as a person and as a the head of the Catholic Church. Even though he is fully aware of the way that millions of people rely on his every pronouncement for moral and spiritual guidance, Pope Benedict is more than willing to go on a limb and offer his own views on a variety of topics.

Almost from the very beginning this book deals with all of the most controversial and difficult issues that have been at the news about the Catholic church in recent years - sexual abuse crisis, dialogue with Islam, secularism, priestly celibacy, contraception, same-sex relationships, the ecumenism, etc. The Pope does not shy away from any one of these topics, nor does he attempt to spin any of the answers. This book gives as definitive and up-to-date answer to most of the hard questions on these issues and the way they pertain to the Catholic Church. Anyone who is interested in going beyond the headlines and reading what Pope Benedict actually thinks and what the Catholic Church actually teaches will greatly benefit from reading this book.

Peter Seewald comes across as a very knowledgeable and largely sympathetic interviewer. Nonetheless, he doesn't shy away from asking very tough questions, and there are hardly any so called "softball" questions in this entire interview. On a few occasions Seewald comes across as very eager to outdo the Pope in terms of condemning those forces that he perceives as antagonistic towards the traditional Christianity, but the Pope is quick to stir the conversation back to a more balanced and measured tone of voice. For instance, even though Pope Benedict completely rejects attempts to strip the accounts of Jesus' life of the deeper religious meaning, he is one of the staunchest advocates of the scholarly freedom to pursue various theological ideas no matter where they may lead. In particular he appreciates some of the profound insights that the historical-critical approach to the biblical exegesis has endowed us with.

One of my favorite moments in this whole book comes when Peter Seewald asks the Pope to reflect on what particular characteristics Joseph Ratzinger as a German has brought to the office of papacy. Seewald notes that German history has been known for the highest scientific, technological and artistic achievements, as well as for some of the worst brutality in the history of the World. Pope Benedict acknowledges this profound and painful dichotomy, which has left a profound impression on him. However, Pope Benedict also brings forth one other virtue that has historically been associated with Germans and Germany, but has in recent times been somewhat neglected: thoughtfulness. Anyone who has had any encounter with Pope Benedict's writings or anyone who has read this interview will readily admit that if there is one word that describes this remarkable man, than that word would be thoughtfulness.

The book concludes with several appendices that include excerpts from Pope Benedict's more significant or controversial speeches and letters - Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland, the "Regensburg Address," an answer to an interview on Aids and the Humanization of Sexuality given during the flight to Cameroon in 2009. At the very end there are also an extensive Curriculum Vitae and a brief chronicle of the pontificate. These appendices provide the reader with a comprehensive and well rounded view of Pope Benedict's personal and pastoral accomplishments at this point in his papacy. All of us can hope and pray that some future recapitulation of his papacy will be even more extensive than this one. It is truly a blessing to have a man of such character and vision at the head of the Catholic Church.

Why 2 to 3 weeks delivery time
Hi. I just want to point out that at Amazon.com the Pope's book, Light of the World, is listed as taking 2 to 3 weeks to deliver. I find this very odd and even complained to Amazon about this. When I checked other sources such as Barnes and Noble or the publisher, Ignatius Press, it says the book is in stock. When I called Amazon they said the book had to be special ordered because there was very little demand for it. I can't imagine how this can be true. Maybe because people see that it has a 2-3 week delivery time and they decide to purchase it somewhere else. But Amazon is probably the biggest bookseller in the US, so what gives? ... Read more

Editorial Review

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Reviews

The Fire and Hammer of the Word of God (Jeremiah 23:29), February 7, 2005
Martin Luther's treatise "Christian Liberty" (or "The Freedom of a Christian") is perhaps the most powerful and concise presentation of the Christian life ever written. I cannot recommend this work highly enough. I rank this among the very best of Luther's works (and that is really saying something). If an inexpensive copy were still in publication I would buy every copy to give as gifts to friends and family. The power, discernment, brevity and readability of this work make a true gem among Reformation writings (and Christian writings in general). Here you will find the essence of the spirit of the Reformation distilled into a guide for practical, biblical living.

With the clarity and bold authority of a true prophet, Luther sets forth the whole of the Christian life in two theses: "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all." We are free from sin and the law (subject to none) but slaves to Christ in love (subject to all). As Paul writes in Romans 6:22, "But now...you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God."

Luther writes as a shepherd of the common people and the tone and content differ greatly from his better-known debate-oriented works (ie. Bondage of the Will, 95 Theses). The doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone is the heart and soul of Luther's message, founded upon a firm conviction in the authority of scripture alone.

He writes, "One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness, and freedom. That one thing is the most holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ."

And again, "It ought to be the first concern of every Christian to lay aside all confidence in works and increasingly to strengthen faith alone and through faith to grow in the knowledge, not of works, but of Christ Jesus, who suffered and rose for him.... No other work makes a Christian.... 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent' (John 6:29)."

And regarding our service to God, "...In this way the stronger member may serve the weaker, and we may be sons of God, each caring for and working for the other, bearing one another's burdens and so fulfilling the law of Christ. This is a truly Christian life. Here faith is truly active through love. That is, it finds expression in works of the freest service, cheerfully and lovingly done, with which a man willingly serves another without hope of reward; and for himself he is satisfied with the fullness and wealth of his faith."

I cannot personally vouch for the quality of this Adobe version, but if you prefer the feel of paper and ink, this treatise has been published in a number of other individual volumes and in at least one very worthy compilation entitled "Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings" (ed. Timothy F. Lull, 1989) which also contains a number of other infinitely worthy works such as Luther's "Small Catechism," the stirring "Meditation of Christ's Passion," and the thesis chapters of the foundational "Bondage of the Will." Any volume of this monumental treatise is bound to bless you and this is an easily-accessible, inexpensive version for the technologically inclined. It is the fire and the hammer of the Word of God to consume the adversaries and break apart the stone hearts of impenitant men.

My first Luther, December 11, 2010
I have reservations about Luther, but mostly because I've seen so many quotes from him that all seem to contradict each other and reason. I knew I was going to have to eventually read some Luther, and I needed a break from my other reading, so I grabbed this one from the Kindle Store.

It was surprisingly refreshing. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This collection includes all seven novels in the series. ... Read more

Reviews

Some orderly observations about ordering Narnia.
The order in which the Narnia Chronicles should be read and published is a matter of great controversy. In my view, the answer to this question lies in a proper understanding of the deeper level of Narnia. When read on an adult level, the Narnia Chronicles function as a powerful medium used by Lewis to impart powerful spiritual truths about Christianity and theology. But these spiritual truths are conveyed more by Biblical allusions than by rigid allegory. This also has implications for the order of the volumes in this series.

The publishers of this edition have elected to follow the chronological order of the series: 1. The Magician's Nephew; 2. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe; 3. The Horse and His Boy; 4. Prince Caspian; 5. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; 6. The Silver Chair; 7. The Last Battle. The chronological order makes the books more strictly allegorical than they really were intended to be, and gives the impression that they are an extended allegory rather than incidental allusions, an incorrect impression in my view. Despite all the talk about allegory, it seems to me that Lewis is more fond of incorporating Biblical allusions where and when he pleases, rather than working with a strict and rigid allegory that tightly binds the plot. Certainly the central Biblical themes of creation, fall, redemption and consummation are present, and form the broad chronological coat-hanger on which the series rests. But ultimately Lewis does not want us to become obsessed with chronology, but with content.

Thus there is something to the vehemence with which so many readers argue that the books must be read in the order in which they were first published, namely: 1. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe; 2. Prince Caspian; 3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; 4. The Silver Chair; 5. The Horse and His Boy; 6. The Magician's Nephew; 7. The Last Battle. While it is true that this originally published order is not chronological, it does enhance the process of discovery about the magical world of Narnia, and slowly uncovers various aspects of its history.

It must be conceded that in a letter written in 1957 (published in "Letters to Children"), Lewis did appear to state a mild preference for the chronological order. But in that same letter Lewis concluded: "So perhaps it does not matter very much in which order anyone read them." Surely Lewis' own conclusion is correct. Although my personal thoughts are that the originally published order is perhaps to be marginally preferred, in the end each book is a separate story and an independent glimpse into the exciting world of Narnia. It is the understanding of the allusions that deserves our attention, not an artificial reconstruction of a complicated allegory. These allusions do not need to be artificially joined together in a strict chronological sequence to be enjoyed - they are equally profound and enjoyable as they were read by the first readers, namely, in the originally published order.

Still amazing, after decades... but read LWW first!
What can I add to the discussion of the Narnia books themselves? They're fantastic, and, as a long-time reader of Lewis's work, all I can say is that it's heartening to see that new generations are continuing to discover how wonderful the Chronicles of Narnia are, just as I did about 20 years ago. It's also great to see how many adults continue to treasure them, just as I do today.

The only thing I would say to first-time readers is the same thing that a lot of other reviewers are saying: DON'T READ THE BOOKS IN THE ORDER THAT U.S. PUBLISHERS ARE PUTTING THEM OUT THESE DAYS! Lewis always intended the Narnia books to be published and read in the order in which he wrote them: LWW, PC, VDT, SC, HHB, MN, and LB. It's true that, near the end of his life, Lewis pondered the notion of having the books published and read in chronological order -- but only after an extensive set of internal revisions.

As it turned out, Lewis never had the chance to complete those revisions. So, as they stand now, the books really should be read in the original sequence. For one thing, that's the only way for new readers to discover Narnia in the way that Lewis himself discovered it. Since Lewis never got around to his intended rewriting, the overall story unfolds much more meaningfully -- and much more dramatically -- when it's read OUT of order. For instance, part of the enjoyment of reading The Magician's Nephew is realizing just how a land that the reader has already fallen in love with actually came into being; there's an almost archaeological ("oh, NOW I understand") feel to it. If you read MN first, you miss completely that very important -- and very rich -- subtext.

I could go on: about why The Horse and His Boy should be Book #5, why The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is THE only real gateway into Narnia, and so forth. But the point is clear. I have a strong suspicion that publishers have changed the order of the books not to adhere to any wishes that Lewis himself may or may not have had, but because some corporate executive decided that less complexity would result in more sales. Publishers should have more faith in the ability of readers to appreciate complicated textual issues, even if (or especially if!) those readers are children. To read the Narnia Chronicles in the order they're in now is to deprive oneself of the most meaningful reading of the story as a whole. So read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe first -- and, while you're at it, maybe let the publishers know that you'd like to see future editions appear in the original order. But whatever sequence you follow, enjoy the books themselves!

A Question of Order: On the Reading of Naria
With two publication orders of Narnia, many people question which to read. For several reasons, I recommend the first publication order to be read first, the internal chronology second..

If one reads the history of Narnia as strictly that, one is much more likely to lose the truths Lewis was trying to impart. When one reads The Lion, if they had not read Magician's Nephew, they will be unaware of where the Lamp-Post came. Lion is essential a story about Edmond coming into the salvation of God. It creates a real sense of wonder, a wonder that would be diluted with knowledge of its creation. It's a mystery, an account. You become less concerned with the book in context of the whole series, and more concerned with the book in context of the book. Some things you might miss or not pay much attention to because you have already taken into account in context of the story's chronology, and not examined what Lewis was trying to say through this. Also, you get to follow the characters throughout the books, which is lost in the new order. The four Pevensies are in Books I and II, then only the two younger are in III, along with a new character, a cousin named Eustace. Then They can no longer go on, and Eustace and Jill Pole is in Book IV. This is lost in the new order. Also, you can see Lewis's growth as a writer, getting more and more realistic in characterization as each book was written. Of course, when he was writing these he was already a phenomenal writer: but this provided room for more growth, and he developed his already great gift even more so.

Also, as Paul Ford points out in his excellent Companion to Narnia, the old order is reflective of Biblical history. God's people are in bondage to the Egyptians, and he frees them. But the wine and groan, and in the end many die in the wilderness. Then they go into Babylon, and hear all these creation stories. After this, they go and record their own history. Lewis, after trying to write a creation story, found he could not, and went on telling other stories of Narnia. Only after coming more and more into the spirit of the series, after a good deal of history had been written, could he go back and finish Magician. To quote the preface, Ford says the original order allows "the reader to experience something experience something truer than even Lewis intended: the primordial necessity of passing first thru redemption, then into a reinterpretation of one's own story, and finally allowing the future to take its providence course". And how true that is. How many times can one understand what God is doing in your life until you come to know him? When you come to the salvation and knowledge of Christ, after some time elapses you can go back and examine your life, and can see where God's hand was on you, guiding you to that place where you met Christ. And in so doing, you come to trust God in a deeper sense, and as he took care of your past, he will also take care of your future. Of course, this was not intentional on Lewis's part, but it shows when God gives someone a gift, that person can reach people in such a way as to be totally beyond the person, and directly pointing to God. This aspect truly points to Jesus Christ and the "great Emperor Beyond the Sea,".

Of course, there is a balance. They are stories, and should be enjoyed as such. Through these stories, Lewis gives children and adults alike truth. However, if you overanalyze them, you are losing the spirit of the series. One must first enjoy them as stories, and not go dissecting them without reading them simply for stories. That is why the chronological order also has its merits. Ironically, however, it is better balanced to read it in original order for reasons cited above, also because you can take each story on its own, appreciating both the story and the symbolism. Without the interconnecting theme of history behind it, you are forced to look more at what the story is and what it is saying as to what the Chronicles is saying as a whole. That is one side. That is not balanced. Then, go back and read the stories in chronological order. That makes you appreciate the series as a whole.

In conclusion, each has its merits, and without each it they are not balanced. But for first time readers, read it in the original order. You will get more out of it. That is the most balanced way to read and appreciate the stories. Afterward, go back and read in chronological order. Then you will have a balanced and complete view of Lewis's fabulous and God-given Chronicles of Narnia.

Fantastic!
This is a FANTASTIC Audio production. The actors reading the books do a superb job: to the point that at times I don't believe it is the same person reading the different parts. They put such enthusiasm and character in to the voices and the readings that it makes the book come alive.

If I have to mention a criticism it would be this: I tried listening to this on a stereo system but the volume variations in the readers intonation is too much. At times I had to turn the volume on the stereo way up to hear the softer parts of the recital and then it would be too loud. Listening to this on headphones is the way to go!

Truly Exceptional Stories for ALL ages!
The Narnian Chronicles have been my favorite series since I first read (and devoured) them in third grade (I'm now 30). I have since reread them many times, enjoying them even more each time as I see new things previously undiscovered or not understood. They are entertaining, imaginative, and thought-provoking from many perspectives, and will appeal even to the mature 5 or 6-year-old child as a read-aloud adventure. These books are truly worthy of discussion with your elementary, middle school, or high school student. College students have even written theses about these books and their many intriguing themes. I recently gave the entire set to my eighty-year-old grandmother as a gift, and she read them all within a couple of weeks! She said they were so good, she couldn't put them down, and she has loved talking to me about them ever since! My husband's 90-year-old grandmother is also an avid reader, finishing a book every few days. I am planning on giving the Narnia books to her as well! You simply can't go wrong purchasing these books. This is a wonderfully appealing fantasy series for all ages- it will surely be an enduring classic for generations to come.

Finally, A set I can put in the right order!
I have waited for years to replace my well worn set of Narnia books. Even though Lewis may have mentioned in passing that he'd prefer the books to be read chronologically, I still preferred to read them in the order they were written. Every boxed set I have found in the last 15 years has the books numbered, with Magician's nephew as the first (he wrote The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe first).

Apparently I'm not alone in wishing to be able to have these wonderful boks on my shelf in the order the author wrote them. This set has NO numbering on the spines of the books!

Ok, not a big deal to many, and this isn't a review of the books themselves (there are plenty of those around!), but I'm just excited about being able to purchase a new set finally!

Delightful Reading, But Sadly Altered
There is a modern misconception concerning C.S. Lewis's great children's series, 'The Chronicles of Narnia.' Due to changes during reprinting, the orginal order of his seven-part series was disrupted to conform to the overall story-line. When the books were written, Mr. Lewis began his series with the classic Christian allegory, 'The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.' He then went on to write the remaining novels in a non-traditional, non-chronological order: part two of the 'Chronicles' was 'Prince Caspian'. Next came, 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader', 'The Silver Chair', 'The Horse and His Boy', 'The Magician's Nephew', and finally, 'The Last Battle.' Lewis released his novels in this order for a reason and I urge every reader to follow the original, proper sequence. It transforms a mere fantasy series into some of the single best children's novels in print. The symbolism of Christian allegory and the honest and noble morals that rest among the pages will stay with you and your children for years to come. May Aslan be with you and your family as you take the delightful trip into the fantastic and amasing land of Narnia! ... Read more