Organizations and Institutions Books

Well written, historically accurate, and a "fun" read. This book correctly depicts the Knights Templar and their role in history, removing the popular myths of conspiracy and hidden treasures. Well done, and certainly worth the price.

Stephen Dafoe, publisher of Templar History magazine, has managed to do something fresh in the Templar universe, and both beginners and those thoroughly versed in Templar lore alike will find much to like about this book. Dreamers and "speculators" take note: this is no "Templars found treasure, sailed to Scotland, saved Robert the Bruce, started Freemasonry and hid their loot at Oak Island" waste of time. What it IS is a concise (deceptively thin-looking), historical examination of what is truly known about the Knights Templar, going back to medieval sources. Their formation, rise, organization, battles, failures and fall -- all here, deftly presented with Dafoe's skill as a reporter, combined with his flair for making complex concepts easy to understand, and frankly, fun to read.

A glance through Nobly Born rewards you with an abundance of illustrations, many of them newly created by Stephen, showing battles, preceptories, troop movements, uniforms, hierarchy and more. It is informative, concise and entertaining -- all packaged in a truly beautiful edition by Lewis Masonic.

The book also features original artwork from Templar author and artist Gordon Napier and Indiana Masonic artist Brother Stephen McKim, along with a forward by "Rosslyn Hoax" author Robert L. D. Cooper, curator of the Grand Lodge of Scotland's Museum and Library.

This is truly unlike any other Templar book on the market, and well worth its £19.99 ($33) cover price.

This is a FAVORITE book of mine that I buy for others who are going through really hard times in their lives. It is easy to pick this book up and read it and see how God has worked through the lives of others walking through difficulties with the background stories on many wonderful old hymns. The hymns themselves are such words of encouragement and comfort. I'd recommend it for anyone regardless of where he/she happens to be in his/her spiritual walk with the Lord Jesus.

As a devotional, the book is inspiring. How can it not be? The old hymns my parents knew, and taught me to appreciate, hold an appeal unmatched by many of today's choruses. Reading the words of each hymn brings back warm memories of sing-a-longs in my parents church. To read the stories behind the hymns is a profoundly inspiring experience. For the one who is searching for a deeper relationship with God, the book is a wonderful devotional. For the music enthusiast, the book is a treasure of history.

Too often, books on 'christian worship music' are filled with un-substantiated (often romantic) rhetoric which fails to give any answers in the nexus of traditional and contemporary music tradition . It is so refreshing to see that Evans has approached the elephant in the corner of the room from an objective musicological and theological perspective. Clearly grounded in significant amounts of research, Evans takes a critical look at congregational songs used in the church from a neutral perspective. A MUST have for pastors and musicians.

Open Up The Doors is a detailed and well researched documentation of what is happening to the contemporary church worship scene. So much of the stuff you will read about this subject is pushing a particular view - ie Hymns=Good: Hillsong=Bad or vice versa. Evans has adopted a much more considered position and what he has to say needs to be read by every side in the worship wars. It is well written, intelligent, considered and offers hope for a kind of cease fire in the traditional versus contemporary music debate. For those of you who are students of music, students of worship, or students of the arts in the church this book is a must have item on your bookshelf.

Blessed Padre Pio, humble peasant and world-famous stigmatist, spoke simple words of Christian encouragement and inspiration to all who approached him seeking counsel. This biographical sketch and collection of memorable sayings is a compact and accessible introduction to the life and mesage of one of the great religious figures of the 20th century. Born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, at Pietrelcina in southern Italy, Padre Pio joined the Capuchin Order in 1903 and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1910. On September 20, 1918, he received the sacred wounds of Christ, which medical science could not explain and which he bore until just before his death. Although he did not leave his monastery and was for much of his life under obedience not to write or preach, this humble monk was renowned for his piety, his wise counsel, and his miracles. Padre Pio died in 1968 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1999.

The spirituality and wisdom of Pio's thoughts and advice were astounding.Very easy to read, I was left with an overwhelming sense of Peace and serenity.With the world in the state that it is in ,this is a must read for those of us who want know the state of your soul within the state of this world.Pio seems like a person very much in Love with the service of Jesus Christ.
Anthony Chiffolo did a superb job of picking just the right writings of Pio's to put into "In My Own Words"

Dennis J. Hester has made another valuable contribution to the body of Christ through his pen. This well-written volume offers an ounce of prevention for pastors and a pound of cure for congregations. His conclusions are presented concisely and convincingly in concert with other consultants in the field of church conflict management and resolution.
Hester's deep concern for pastor and people is evident in the pages of Pastor, We Need to TALK! You will greatly benefit from reading and heeding this book. I highly recommend it.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, pastor, teacher, mentor, writer, author of Sound Biblical Preaching: Giving the Bible a Voice

This book is an easy read, but it has some profound insight in its pages. Hester worked hard to condense his extensive research into a form that would not bog down readers experiencing the stress and pain of conflict.

The topic is deceptively simple, and talk is cheap. The reader might well ask, "Who is Dennis Hester to be adding to the list of books on church conflict between pastor and congregation?"

Hester asked the same question of himself. He sought wisdom by consulting a trusted friend. The reader would do well to take time to read this brief acknowledgment section. It gives the sense that the author is not just passing along a list of platitudes he picked up somewhere along the way

Each chapter title is in the form of the question. Examples: At what level or stage of conflict is your congregation? Are you trying to solve a problem or get rid of a person? Are you talking to each other in a way that can be understood?

Each chapter includes a mix of material. There is basic research about such things as different styles of leadership, different stages of conflict, the needs of different size churches, etc. Each chapter also contains at least one anecdote of a church situation. Where these are based on actual events the names are changed-but the situations are so universal that any church veteran will find them all familiar.

A major concern of the book is finding alternatives to forced termination of ministerial staff.

Wisdom, courage, and love are the underlying themes of this book, as they are in Paul's second letter to Timothy. (2 Tim 1:7) The book is effective and convincing because the reader can sense that the author has submitted to the process of struggling with these themes and internalizing the related truths. The concepts are not rocket science, but they are oh so hard to remember and apply when you're on the hot seat. The book is well researched and seasoned with experience and wisdom that comes from the trenches.

It would be worth your time to read Hester's book for yourself, whether or not you are currently experiencing church conflict.

. . . if occasionally a bit dry at times, look at the history and growth of the 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus.

In this book, the author provides a history of the 4th Degree, demonstrating along the way the incredible anti-Catholic nativism which was rife in American politics and society during the late 19th through mid 20th centuries.

During this time, the Knights demonstrated their patriotism (which, as Catholics, was constantly being called into question) by publishing, by arranging speaking tours, and by the "KC Huts" which provided hospitality and respite in the battlefields of Europe during the 1st World War. (Everyone welcome, everything free)! Space is also devoted to the 1928 presidential campaign, in which the Catholicism of Al Smith became a major campaign issue.

I did tend to get lost in one or two places, as the history moved into more recent times, getting bogged down with various names, roles, and offices with which I was unfamiliar. I also felt that the book ended rather abruptly.

Overall, though, I highly recommend this book for all 4th Degree Knights -- and for brother Knights considering the 4th Degree.

David Zampino
Proud 4th Degree Knight of Columbus

As a Knight, I have read many works on the subject, but this is the most succinct and complete. Though these two compliments may seem to be at odds with each other, I find that none of the salient points from other books have been omitted, making this the book of choice when time is at a premium.

This book was originally lent to me by a brother Knight as I contemplated joining the 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus. It is so well written and annotated, that I had to purchase one for myself. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Knights of Columbus or interested in knowing more about the history of this fine organization.

Now available in a newly updated second edition, Paying Teachers For What They Know And Do: New And Smarter Compensation Strategies To Improve Schools by Allan Odden and Carolyn Kelley is an innovative, ground breaking look at brand new, competitive motivation plans for teachers. It describes a vast variety of different compensation initiatives in use around America today, as well as the plans used in private vs. public sector schools. Knowledge-based and skill-based pay are extensively discussed, as is how to effectively begin a payment plan that rewards the best teachers who produce the highest results. Extensive indexing and a list of sources make looking up information on this hotly debated topic a snap. A remarkable, eye-opening reference, and very highly recommended reading for educators, school board members, and administrators.

Allan Odden and Caroly Kelley foreshadow teacher compensation alternatives that would elevate the art of teaching to a level of professional teaching. Governor Gray Davis (California) would be advised to add this book to his reading list.

This book really captures the spirit and essence of what is the Penn State Blue Band. I've marched in the band for 3 seasons and have, at times, tried to describe the exhiliration of the pregame show, or the dedication and pride I felt when I donned the uniform. This book does that perfectly. As years pass, and my memories fade of my experiences in The Blue Band, I will have this book to call upon, and help relive some of thos moments.

A fascinating and easy to read history of the Penn State Blue Band. There are some truly amazing photographs. I highly recommend this book!

A fascinating exploration of this previously neglected aspect of American history. Useful for either the classroom or the curious mind.

This groundbreaking study is a must-read for anyone interested in Catholic, women's, American, or African-American history. It's extremely well-written, and I believe that both scholars and casual readers will appreciate and enjoy this significant work.

This book is one of Brother Hagin's best. It gets to the heart of motivation in ministry. Aptly titled, "Plans, Purposes, and Pursuits", this classic explores why many times God's will isn't being carried out on the earth. This a great book, but know ahead of time that some of the information in its pages is not without controversy. What you read may shock you.

This book is a must for any serious beliver's library. If you are seeking advise on where your church is spritually going or where you are going spiritually as a beliver, this book will head you in the right direction.