Spirituality Books

This compendium is surprisingly readable, and gives a broad view of the Church's glorious social teaching -- something which is not well understood by many. I am confident that in time, my copy will be dilapidated.
I must take issue, however with a reviewer who also gave five starts to the Compendium. He said it was "essential for deacons". But in the book's introduction, it is plainly stated that the book was primarily for Bishops, but also for priests, for men and women religious, for lay people, for Christians in non-Catholic communities, for those of other religions, and for those with no religion at all. In short, the book is for every human on this planet EXCEPT Catholic Deacons.

I'm one quarter the way through: reading slowly with pencil often in hand. This is a MUST READ for all who have grown tired of the way of the world. It offers so much tangible direction and as a result hope. "Hope" in the sense of what we are to be about.

Another reviewer suggested that a family might read it. Indeed! I've all but decided that it shall be the gift I give to those about whom I care come Christmas. Surely, some eyes might roll. But it is too precious of a "gift" not for some attempts to be made to put it on a lamp stand.

This is essentially a book about good citizenship. It can and should be read by any senior adolescent or adult person of good will. It should be on the bookshelf of any family raising children, just like Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, and parents should discuss it with their young as these are nearing adulthood. Likewise, it should be discussed in the junior and senior classes of any high school, and certainly again in college and university level courses of human sciences (e.g. Sociology).
The book is absolutely non-confessional. In fact you need not even be a Christian to appreciate it, just, as I said before, a person of good will. Of course, the reader will have to tolerate that the words God and Church are mentioned here and there, but there is no religious indoctrination per se. The practical concepts are bound to be convincing to most everyone.

. . . which belongs on the shelf of priests, deacons, pastoral associates, and social justice ministers throughout the Catholic Church.

The "Compendium" does not break any new ground. It does not promulgate any new doctrine. It offers no new teaching. What it DOES do, is gather under a single cover, a concise presentation of ALL the Church teaching on social issues from Rerum Novarum through its publication in 2005. In other words, it is one of the most useful single-volume reference works available for anyone in ministry. No more having to keep shelves of reference material -- everything even remotely related to social justice, human rights, economic and political concerns, environmental issues, etc. can be found -- and easily accessed -- in this document. In addition to 250+ pages of text, there is a lengthy list of Church documents which are used as source material, and an extremely thorough index. I have personally taught from this book, and am proud to recommend it both personally and professionally.

Very, very highly recommended

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church was published to serve as a tool to inspire and guide the Catholic community through the moral and pastoral challenges that confront the Church today. The informed and informative text is organized into specific sections dedicated to revealing God's plan of love for humanity; the family as the vital nucleus of society; the relationship between social doctrines and ecclesial actions; and the fundamentals required for developing and maintaining a "civilization of love". Enhanced with extensive "Index of References" and an "Analytical Index", Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church is an appropriate and strongly recommended addition to personal and clerical reference collections, seminary and academic library reference shelves, and supplemental reading for pastors and active laity within the Catholic communities throughout the country.

Chefitz' book is a delicious collection of sweet, subtly moving stories inside an overly pretentious wrapper. As a Jewish inspirational storyteller, I have found his tales to be powerful without being heavy-handed; two of them are now part of my core repertoire.

You don't need to be Jewish to appreciate these kabalistic stories, however. Read them out loud, savor their sweetness, and be prepared to be touched gently and deeply.

This is the kind of book you want to buy and give to everyone. I gave a copy to my mother in her 80s and she said it was the most wonderful gift she had received this year. These stories sink into your soul and resurface to uplift your days. I definitely remember more to count my blessings and to give them too and thus I receive more blessings and am open to more coming as well. Reading this book, life seems full of miracles!

I purchased this book, The Curse of Blessings, based on the reviews here. I have to say that I am very disappointed with this book. I struggled through it and found little to recommend it. For me, it didn't live up to the high ratings given here. The stories are often convoluted, flat, and without inspiration. I feel duped for having purchased a real clunker. Instead, I would recommend Irwin Kula's book, Yearnings, which I have found to be exceptional in its ability to inspire and provide insights into life's challenges.

This marvelous little collection of stories are good on the first reading, and even better on subsequent readings. Some are mysterious stories, some are sweet, and all have the ring of truth.

I liked it so much I bought other copies as gifts. Enjoy!

These ten short stories by Mitch Chefitz are meant to be read aloud. Each time, as a reader or a listener, I find the stories to be enriching, inspiring, and, in a few, delightful and humorous.

... but truly engaging reading. The author is a very sincere and genuine person who lived a spartan life for many years. Through it all, he retains a sense of humor.

All these other reviews pretty much cover the subject matter of the book, but no one has said much about the form. Well, i just want to add that this is obviously a labor of love, done by a man with an extraordinary gift for writing; the result is just immensely enjoyable in terms of the beauty of the writing, all along. The language is rich, superbly wrought, full of delightful wit and pizzaz. This dancer has got style, lots of it!

I love George Fowler's book 'Dance of a Fallen Monk'. His subtitle, 'A Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment', is very apt for in this book he traces the journey his life has taken from 'down on the farm' outcast to monk to priest to marriage.
Fowler begins by describing his somewhat desolate and directionless adolescence, brought to a climax by friendship with Datus, a stranger in town who took an intellectual interest in Fowler (and gave him the sort of attention he craved). This friend died rather suddenly, and through a combination of intellectual and spiritual accidents and decisions, ended up after a stint in the military with interesting experiences, in a rather strict Roman Catholic monastery.

The period of growth juxtaposed with stagnation during these years is interesting to read. Sometimes it seemed nothing was happening, when it fact it was, and sometimes the 'action' wasn't what it was thought to be.

Fowler's trek away from the monastery, and later away from the Roman Catholic church (finally finding a home in another denomination) is an interesting one. It is full of wonder and awe, heartbreak and reconciliation. I was so glad to have the chance to see a glimpse into some of the pitfalls of ministry; I was thankful that I might have a guide for when I fall into error.

Perhaps the greatest message from this book for me, is that no vocation need be the final word; that all may build upon each other; that a change in direction can be natural and rewarding even if it breaks with a life direction; and, most importantly, one never knows where God will call one to be, and responsiveness requires being willing to break with our most sacred idolised beliefs.

Fowler is writing from the standpoint of a minister who has had almost the full array of possible postings and experiences. No matter how hard or fast or far he ran, the calling to the next stage would always find him, usually when he was unsuspecting, and intending on a different direction. Life is very much like that.

'For my last few years in the cloister, I felt so guilty about early intuitions of this awareness of the mystics, which tradition calls higher consciousness, that I often found myself rushing off to confession to ask pardon for 'sins against the faith'. I would later see that those early 'unorthodox' insights, intuitions, intimations--I would almost call them suspicions at that stage--were actually first breakthroughs into higher consciousness.'

This book reflects many lives through Fowler's life. Read and see what of you is in here. Something of all of us is in each other. When we recognise it, we have found a friend. Fowler is, in many ways through this book, my friend.

I read - and re-read - this book many years ago and found it one of the most entertaining and enlightening books I had ever read. If you are a questioning spiritual seeker - somehow not quite fulfilled by any organized, formal religion - this is the book for you - and even if you are satisfied with your religion, it will help you re-examine your beliefs. The writer's philosophy is that organized religion is great - as far as it goes - but that, ideally, it is a "school" from which one eventually graduates; that we evolve and become spiritually mature, beyond accepting any one set of dogmatic beliefs; that we come to see and appreciate the truth in all religions, while not adhering to any one particular set of beliefs. A great, heart-warming read, written from the writer's soul, and a wonderful assist to all spiritual seekers.

George Fowler tells a story that almost every intuitive-feeling or intuitive-thinking Christian or ex-Christian could relate to. The public-institutional church will at its best neglect their needs and, at its worst, drive them out. Probably the same is true of other religions. The overwhelming majority of the population is outer-directed and uninterested in (or threatened by) the perennial mystical tradition that led to their religion's founding and is usually enshrined in their scriptures. Christians who desperately go from one retreat center, workshop, or teacher to another in search of sustenance their church will not provide will relate to George's story. Seekers on the New Age circuit will also relate to the dance of this "fallen monk." Unfortunately, the personalities that thrive on the public face of institutional religion will probably be offended by his critique of their little world, learn nothing, and go on to the next committee meeting or potluck dinner. (And that assumes they would read the book at all, which they probably wouldn't.) My one criticism is that George is a bit too harsh and far-sweeping in his judgment of Protestantism. He simply may not have a very wide experience with the myriad of denominations and movements, and the varieties of inner-directedness some have to offer.

I can say that I have only read about 8 books since high school. Not because I'm ignorant, but simply because I haven't found anything that will keep me entertained for 200+ pages. So if I read this book, then you should too.

This book shares a diffrent way of life with the general public. Not only a marijuana smoking lifestyle, but a lifestyle of peace, tranquility, happiness and enlightenment. A good read, especially for those who do not partake in the consumption of marijuana. It just goes to show that not all potheads are burnouts.

As First Nations' activist and artist, John Trudell has said, "There is a way of earth and a way not of earth." This book about living the way of earth with kindness and compassion for all our relations, all beings that exist in this world. And, this book is about a passionate love affair not only between a man and his wife, but also between a man and our Mother Earth. This gentle, yet frequently passionate, look at a man's simple walk through this world reveals much of what it means to live simply and with attentiveness to all things as a human being, and not just as a beast on two legs. This is a book that the people in our government and those who wield great power and wealth will not read. And that is a shame because they might learn that their mantra of "MORE, MORE, MORE,..." is a lie. They might learn that abundance lies in loving the people around us and in taking care of our beautiful planet. "Deep Spirit and Great Heart" is more than just a book about the sacred herb; it is a manifesto declaring what it really means to live and to feel alive. Now is another moment when we can choose to live from our hearts rather than our heads or our wallets.

This book was recommended to me by some of my college friends who said I had to read it. When I asked, "why," their response was, "you'll understand when you read it." Well, I undestand. I loved it. It is so full of life and opened up new vistas for me as to how marijuana can truly become a "wisdom weed" to help one see that reality is what we make of it.

This is a "hot" book. Passion flowing like a river as Ganja shares with us his commitment and love for his wife, children, the earth and the journey of his spiritual self. I never thought of heaven as being a state of mind and being, and that marijuana, if used as described in this book, can guide one into the realm of the gods and goddesses.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading and seeing (visualizing) Ganja's true life tales on the subject of living a high life. I was both enthralled and moved by his words and the images that they conjured up within me. And I plan to reread it again and again, because there are so many levels of meaning to be found in the pages of this book. Highly recommended.

A good source for devotions & other studies, both personal & group. This copy I purchased for a gift to a family member.

As for me, I have grown up in a seemingly, 98% "spiritual but not religious" town. Of that portion, nearly all feel that Christianity is a bad thing and are weirded out by people who seek God.

I haven't understood that completely. I grew up in a family that brought me to church on Sunday and sent me to Sunday school, so why the later backlash against religion and God? I didn't remember much of church, and even my mother scoffed at me when I was excited to hear about the classic bible stories- that I HONESTLY did not know were common knowledge to the rest of my family. I was too young to remember anything of the biblical stories, or the lessons they contained.

I had a burning curiosity, I wanted to know what was so "wrong" with the bible and Christianity. I started to devour Christian books, and found nothing.

I started this bible study, and truly found nothing that should be scoffed at or weirded out by. It has actually put to rest, a lot of worries and needless troubles in my heart.

There are powerful ideas, in very small packages. Enjoy working through this if you have wandered away from faith, faultered in your belief, or have questioned Christian faith. Hopefully you'll find what I have found, inspiration.

This is the hard copy to the personl leather one...same stuff in the other bible, like I said in that review! The devotional bible is the best bible....so easy to read and understand and acutally remember what you read!!!

Max Lucado sheds a whole new light on Bible Study for me. Max brings refreshing insights to the Scripture and this Bible is a great companion for more complete understanding.

This Bible is exceptionally easy to read and understand. The indexes and extra study and topical research areas make it wonderful for understanding how God works in and through every aspect of life. Max Lucado's devotions are like his books, touching the heart with new insight and challenging each life to want a closer walk with Christ.

This is a beautiful little book for any age. It was recommended to me by a friend, and I highly recommend it to all.

The title of David Evans' book intrigued me to want to know what such a book could be about. But it was Mr. Evan's storytelling ability and humor that kept me turning the pages once I started to read it. The book is about a lot more than just a man and his cats. David describes the ups and downs of a life that's a lot like mine, and probably a lot like yours: it's a life filled with happiness and heartache, easy times and tough times, and above all, a desire for a greater understanding of God. As a Christian, I took away some profound spiritual insights that I will ponder for some time to come. David Evans is an entertaining writer who has an inspirational message for us all in the pages of his book. I highly recommend it!

This book is a real treat! But what kind of book is it, anyway? A book about hearing the voice of God? A book about God speaking out through the mouths of animals?

Actually, it's a book depicting the gradual spiritual growth of a man. It's a spiritual biography of David Evans, with a particular focus on how God spoke to his heart by means of a stray cat.

As I read the book, I came to really like the author. He seemed like my kind of guy. He's had his ups: he's been a freelance writer for some famous TV shows. And he's had his downs: he's been fired from jobs--more than once, actually.

But one thing kept him going: he recognized that God was at work in his life.

It's a well-written book, easy to read, filled with stories. At a bit under 100 pages, it's just long enough to finish in a couple of reads. It left me smiling, happy, and peaceful.

If you're looking for a book to lift your spirits and encourage you in life, you've got it right here.

The title may give you pause, but don't let it put you off. At the very least, every cat lover should read this book. It is a warm honest tale of the process of growing and stretching of the human spirit, of the fact that possibilities truly are around us that we often never see or know of; that life is definitely bigger than we thought, more fulfilling than we expected, and that God is subtly (or, not so subtly!) at work gently nudging us toward these truths. And yes, He has the sense of humor and understanding to mold us using anything at His disposal which may just include--your CAT! Other names for this book inevitably come to mind: "God's Sense of Humor and My Life" or, "Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Cat!" (just kidding). Whether you are an animal lover or not, this heart-felt account of one man's surprising journey of faith and love will delight and move you. I highly recommend it.

Yes, and through David Evans as well. I was immediately drawn into and captivated by this light hearted yet compelling story about Davids' discovery of his love for cats. Anyone who loves cats as well as those who think they don't should read this. I found it to be wise, warm and wonderful reading.

Alan Arcieri has written a book I would recommend to anyone who had questions about why we are here on Earth, and where we are going next. It is a very easy read. Alan Arcieri has an amazing gift and is sharing it with all of us!
Lee Moorhead
Psychic of The Hamptons

Where do I start?! Alan Arcieri is amazing. When he told me he FINALLY had a book of his own out, I jumped online and ordered my copy ASAP. This book is a great read! If you had any doubts in life, read the book. I've been to many of Alan's readings and workshops, every bit of knowledge you can get from this incredible individual is truly a priceless commodity. Thank you Alan, Diane and all the other people out there who made this happen.

BUY YOUR COPY NOW!!

I highly recommend this book to all of those who are interested in exploring life on the "other side". Alan Arcieri has a terrific way of explaining things in a way that is understandable and he makes learning interesting! He is truly gifted and we all can learn a lot from him! This book gives you the opportunity to look deeper and find the answers to some of the questions we all have about the other side. I absolutely enjoyed this book and again I highly recommend it!

I found Alan Arcieri's book extraordinary--filled with unique and thought-provoking insights about the journey called life. Alan's spiritual teachings help us to make sense out of the worst adversities, let go of negativity, heal emotional wounds and move forward toward our greatest good. This book empowers the reader to live in the present moment and attract what we most want. We learn how we all can tap into the spirit realm where pure love is abundant and spirit guides, angels and departed loved ones are ready and eager to assist us. I found this book to be a rare treasure - a must read for anyone who wants to live their happiest and most abundant life. Ruth Kuttler, Author, Poet, Inspirational Speaker

Alan is a down to earth (no pun intended) Medium. He has written this book in Plain and Simple language so all can follow and understand.
His analogies are creative and unique. Each chapter unveils a stepping stone to your own spiritual journey. I started to use a Hi-Lighter and realized that the whole book would be filled in.
A must have book for your Spiritual Journey!!
Thank you Mr. Arcieri

Shirley Cheng is a queen of optimism and inspiration. Her faith in God and love of life are unwavering no matter what challenges she had to face in her short life of twenty four. Her enthusiasm and wisdom about life are contagious.

"Embrace Ultra-Ability" should be read by every human being. If you are facing challenges in life you will learn how to overcome them. And if you don't face any challenges be grateful for every moment you live on this earth, because life is a gift.

Lea Yekutiel - author, Los Angeles, CA

With a pure heart and boundless enthusiasm, Shirley Cheng's new book unveils the foundation of faith, gratitude, love and hope that has brought her through the challenges of life. Just as steel is tempered through fire, this soulful author has been transformed through the many difficulties of her young life. Adopting Shirley's positive views on living and using some of her suggested techniques can bring the same resolute strength into your life with wonderful results. A timeless and ageless fountain of hope that can be read over and over.

We all face days of hope and nights of despair. Seasons bring scarce times, hard work, and bounty, No one is immune from the challenges and difficulties of life. Author/speaker Shirley Cheng is no stranger to those challenges, having suffered severe rheumatoid arthritis since infancy.

Nurtured by a supportive mother, Juliet Cheng, Shirley learned to appreciate beauty and focus on her blessings. Medical professionals demanded unproven, elective surgery to treat Shirley's condition, but her mother Juliet wanted to get a second opinion to know if alternative treatments were available. The case led to a medical custody dispute that ended up in courts. In the aftermath, Shirley caught up to her peers and excelled in school. As an artist and poet, she captured the beauties of life and delivered her platform speech as a student body vice president candidate, only to lose her eyesight soon afterward at the age of 17.


Embrace Ultra-Ability! is written in straightforward prose, encouraging a look at the spiritual side of life. We have ultra-ability in the strength of our Creator and in every individual's capability to draw on the powers of heaven--not as a wish-granting mechanism to make everything better and alleviate suffering or disability, but as a source of strength to surmount the inevitable difficulties and make the best of infinite possibilities. Embrace Ultra-Ability! is a treatment on spiritual success. Cheng's words come as healing balm from a close friend who has a good idea what you might be going through. She shares insights on overcoming adversity and rising above your circumstances.

Embrace Ultra-Ability!
Wisdom, Insight & Motivation from the Blind Who Sees Far and Wide
By Shirley Cheng
[...]

"Shirley Cheng is new to my awareness and very unique, to say the least! This young lady has not only accepted, but embraced her physical handicaps in a way that gives hope and inspiration to all of us human beings. Her book, Embrace Ultra-Ability, is filled with wise, practical, and eminently usable advice and guidance that can be utilized as a whole, or in discrete segments, depending
upon the reader's needs and situation. Everything Shirley talks about has a backdrop of deep spirituality and strong ethics, which convinces anyone who reads her carefully, that here is a person who works every hour of every day to practice her faith, to celebrate her blessings,and to constantly resist falling into self-pity or bitterness. This is an inspiring book and can be used daily by most readers to keep their spirits uplifted and their love of life, reinforced!"

I was impressed with the scope of this material. Cheng manages to do
a more than credible job of addressing nearly every roadblock to
personal success, in fact, she clearly defines core issues and gives steps to surround them and successfully incorporate them into our beingness. My favorites were near the end of the book where she has several chapters
dealing with setting goals and attaining them--or not. Her candor and
honesty allow us to see ourselves in all our humanity and majesty,
accepting, pushing forward two steps, one step back, enjoying, rejoicing
for the chance and the chances, always more chances. I recommend this
book to conscious people in the act of living the best life possible.

Relevent, thoughtful, thought-provoking. The space beside each day's reading is a great way to keep notes, prayer concerns etc.

I was looking for a devotional book that would give me a simple outline but informative spiritual messages, which I could develope my knowledge into experiences... that would be beneficial for me spiritually. I was very happy to view the subject of chapters that where interesting, and realistic in growth opportunities of learning simple knowledge, that could be applied during my christian walk on this earth.

I am looking forward to reading my daily devotionals and making notes in my fantastic journal, that will assist me in experiencing God day by day!

EXTREMELY good insights and teaching w/ room to write your thoughts, Great for a couple to use for their daily devotions or for just yourself. Not the usual thoughts/teachings/yada yada that you find in most devotiobals. Far above the pack!!

my fault i should have looked at the inserts. i have gone through other studies by the same author and am looking forward to beging this one, right after i finish the one to which i have already commited myself.

A real thought provoking devotional with the last paragraph has a real "can you hear me"? which I have to say "Amen".

"The goal of this wonderful book is to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ,by drawing us closer to Him. Bryant and Cindy take us on a spiritual journey through the lives of family and friends,to experience God's grace, healing, love and His ever constant presence with us. With our eyes fixed on God we can experience joy in spite of sorrow and trials we may face. The stories gently remind us to turn to God to fill our every need. A truly inspirational writing for any age group or stage of life!

I plan to use this book as an encouragement to our students at the College Student Health Service where I work as a nurse. It will be great for our waiting room when students come in and are waiting to be seen"

An important truth of following Christ is we do not look for adversity. Adversity will find us! In the pages of this book, Cindy and Bryant have compiled story after story of adversity's role in deepening His saints and God getting the ultimate glory. The ancients said `God is an ever-present help in time of trouble'. Thank you Bryant and Cindy for reminding me of the constant relevance of that promise.

I eagerly read each and every story with a sense of awe at what God can do. This book helps me to realise that God is there in the mist of our need and we can truly count on Him.

I don't usually read in the summer, but this book was an exception. I thought it was truly heart warming.

James C.
college student

Faith, hope, encouragement are essential to every human being; without these we at times could never face tomorrow or live today. Jesus did not promise us a perfect world, but He did promise us His strength to endure whatever life may bring our way.You know, in life there is an old saying about things it goes something like this, " You don't need it until you need it." I have often thought that about those who ignore God, just don't have time to know Him or just don't care to know Him. Troubles touch every humans life and for us who know Him we have an edge on those who don't. Remember, "You don't need HIM, until you need HIM," and in this life you will need HIM. Think about it. This book will help you do just that.
In this work, Experiencing the Great I Am, we are given 40- Faith-building stories from Christians who have tasted the pain of life in various forms and have encountered the Great I Am. Each story takes you along their personal experience that at times will not only show you that indeed God is ever present; but will put you on your knees in thankfulness that you have not lived their journey.
This book is a strong reminder of how fragile life can be; but it is also a stronger reminder of how faithful our God IS! The authors share their hearts with you, sometimes with raw emotion, but always at the end of the journey is the Great I Am!
If you need encouragement to know that God never leaves you, if you want a reminder of His love for you or if you just want to share stories of His ever present help in times of trouble, please read this book. A heart-warming work that will leave you smiling, looking up and whispering, "thank you," to a God who never leaves us and always loves us.